[I]. If you’ve done any traveling at all, you’re likely quite aware that customs and etiquette differ from one culture to another: what may be perfectly innocuous in one place may be hideously offensive in another, and vice-versa. [II]. Granted, even if you haven’t traveled at all, you’re probably aware of the fact that certain types of behavior aren’t exactly acceptable in other countries: belching at the table may be a sign of gratitude in some places, but in most areas of North America and Europe, such a display will earn you a fair bit of ire. [III]. Whether you plan on traveling to any of the places listed below or just doing business with a foreign client, it’s important to educate yourself on the standards of politesse and etiquette beforehand-the last thing you want to do is offend someone with any ignorant, boorish behavior. [IV]. Here’s how to be polite in different countries.

When dealing with Japanese clients, be sure to dress fairly conservatively, and make sure that you bow lower than they do upon meeting them. Accept gifts with both hands and open them later, not in front of the giver, and never blow your nose at the dining table. Avoid asking and answering direct questions: it’s better to imply rather than ask, and to answer with vagueness during conversations.

In Kenya, when greeting someone older or of a higher status than yourself, grip their right wrist with your left hand while shaking it; it’s a sign of respect and deference. Do ask questions about their health, family, business etc. before getting to major topics, as skipping these niceties is seen as impolite. If sharing meals, do not begin eating until the eldest male has been served and starts to eat.

Turning down an alcoholic drink is considered terribly offensive in Russia, so it’s a good idea to fortify yourself with some greasy food before heading out for a meal with Russian or Ukrainian clients. Don’t smile at strangers or they’ll think you’re deranged, and when paying for items, place your money on the counter rather than trying to hand it directly to the cashier.

(Adapted from https://www.lifehack.org/)

Question 31. Where in paragraph I does the following sentence best fit?
"Cultural differences in behavior can lead to unintended offense in certain regions."
A. [I]                         B. [II]                                 C. [III]                         D. [IV]

Question 32: The word "offensive" in paragraph 1 is CLOSEST in meaning to:

A. Insulting                B. Respectful                        C. Encouraging                D. Acceptable

Question 33. The word "they" in paragraph II refers to ____.
A. people in North America                                B. most areas of North America
C. the people who belch at the table                        D. the people in some places

Question 34. According to paragraph II, which of the following is NOT acceptable behavior in North America and Europe?
A. Belching at the table                                B. Being vague in conversation
C. Eating before others                                D. Turning down an alcoholic drink

Question 35. Which of the following best summarizes paragraph III?
A. Understanding cultural norms is essential to avoid causing offense when interacting with people from other countries.
B. Cultural education should only be done when planning to travel abroad for business or leisure.
C. It is not necessary to learn about cultural differences as long as you are not traveling.
D. Learning cultural etiquette is optional when doing business internationally.

Question 36: The phrase "fortify yourself with" in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by:

A. Protect yourself from                                        B. Prepare yourself with
C. Reward yourself with                                        D. Improve yourself with

Question 37. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. It is equally acceptable to smile at strangers in all countries.
B. In Japan, it is important to bow lower than the person you are greeting.
C. In Russia, it’s considered polite to refuse alcoholic drinks at meals.
D. In Kenya, it’s okay to start eating before the eldest male is served.

Question 38: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in the 1^st paragraph?

A. Understanding cultural norms of politeness and manners in advance is crucial to making a good impression.
B. It is unnecessary to learn about politeness and etiquette before interacting with people from different backgrounds.
C. Learning etiquette rules is only important when dealing with people from high-status backgrounds.
D. Knowing how to behave politely is less important than mastering a foreign language.

Question 39. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. Every culture has similar expectations of behavior.
B. It is important to adapt to the cultural norms of the country you are in.
C. People from different cultures always appreciate the same kinds of behavior.
D. The cultural differences in etiquette are insignificant when doing international business.

Question 40. Which of the following best summarizes the passage?
A. Cultural norms vary widely around the world, and it is essential to understand them in order to avoid offending people when traveling or doing business internationally.
B. Cultural differences are irrelevant to building successful business relationships abroad.
C. Most countries share similar etiquette, so it is not necessary to learn about them before traveling.
D. The passage suggests that cultural norms should be ignored when interacting with foreign clients.

The Koromi trend has taken social media by storm, influencing fashion, lifestyle, and online communities worldwide. Originating in Japan, Koromi is characterized by a unique blend of gothic aesthetics, cute elements, and bold self-expression. Unlike mainstream kawaii culture, which emphasizes bright colors and cheerful themes, Koromi embraces darker shades, punk influences, and a rebellious attitude. This fusion of edginess and playfulness has resonated with many young people looking for an alternative form of self-representation.

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a crucial role in popularizing the trend, as influencers and fashion enthusiasts share their interpretations of the Koromi style. The trend's rise is also linked to a growing appreciation for individuality and alternative fashion in contemporary youth culture.

Beyond fashion, the Koromi trend has influenced makeup styles, accessories, and even music preferences. Many followers of this aesthetic incorporate dark eyeliner, edgy clothing, and playful accessories to create a distinctive look. As more people adopt the Koromi lifestyle, brands have started releasing special collections inspired by the trend. However, some critics argue that the commercial adoption of Koromi dilutes its original meaning and turns it into a passing fad rather than a genuine subculture.

While Koromi's popularity continues to grow, it remains a niche trend compared to mainstream fashion movements. Its impact, however, is undeniable, as it encourages self-expression and challenges conventional beauty standards. Whether it will evolve into a long-lasting cultural phenomenon or fade away as another internet-driven craze remains to be seen.

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man (18) ______. Bich was surprised by the poor quality and high price of the ballpoint pens available at the time. However, he realised that the ballpoint pen was a well-established invention, (19) ______ that would succeed in the market.

"Bich approached the Biro brothers and asked for permission to use their original invention in one of his pens. In return, he offered to pay them for each pen he sold. (20) ______, he used a microscope to examine them closely."

By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new design: a plastic pen with a transparent barrel that wrote smoothly, didn’t leak, and cost only a few cents. The new ballpoint pen (21) ______. The public liked it immediately, and today it is as common as the pencil.

Bich's success allowed him to establish Société Bic, which expanded worldwide. (22) ______, producing not only pens but also lighters, razors, and even mobile phones.

Question 18:
A. turning the ballpoint pen into an affordable item used worldwide
B. to turn the ballpoint pen into something everyone can afford today
C. which turned the ballpoint pen into a common tool
D. that had turned the ballpoint pen into a impractical writing instrument

Question 19:
A. so he aimed to create a cheap and ineffective version
B. therefore, his goal was to make a complicated and costly version.
C. as result, he tried to design a version that was neither affordable nor practical.
D. so he attempted to produce a low-cost and efficient version. 

Question 20:
A. Spending two years studying the structure of every ballpoint pen available 

B. Spending two years designing a brand-new ballpoint pen
C. To spend two years studying the structure of every ballpoint pen available

D. He has used various techniques, including microscopes, to study them

Question 21:
A. became a practical and popular writing instrument
B. has become the most used writing tool since the 1950s
C. was becoming more and more useful as a writing instrument
D. had become a must-have tool in many households

Question 22:
A. His company continued to expand with various products
B. His company had expanded worldwide with multiple factories by new investors
C. His company expanded its production line beyond writing instruments
D. was growing into a multi-product company when the market demand increased

Question 13:

a. Mom: Don’t spend too much time playing video games. You should focus on your studies.

b. Mom: That’s good. Remember, education comes first.

c. Son: I understand, Mom. I will only play after finishing my homework.

A. a-b-c                        B. b-c-a                        C. a-c-b                D. b-a-c

     Question 14:

     a. Sam: What do you value most in a friend?
    b. Sam: Why is loyalty so important?

     c. Lisa: I believe loyalty is the most important quality in a friend.
    d. Lisa: Because a loyal friend will always stand by you, no matter what.
    e. Sam: I agree. It’s hard to find friends who are truly loyal these days.

A. c-b-a-d-e                        B. c-a-d-b-e                        C. a-c-b-d-e                D. a-b-c-d-e

     Question 15:

Dear Sir,

a. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen challenges, I was unable to meet the original deadline.
b. I truly appreciate your patience and understanding regarding this matter.
c. I sincerely apologize for not finishing the plan on time as expected.
d. I am currently making the final adjustments and will submit the completed plan by the end of the week.
e. Please let me know if you have any urgent concerns or if there is anything I can do to minimize the inconvenience.

Yours faithfully,

A. a - b - c - d – e                B. c - a - b - d - e                C. c - b - a - d – e        D. a - d - b - e - c

Question 16:

a. These centers provide structured courses with experienced teachers, interactive activities, and access to diverse learning resources.
b. As a result, students can improve their English skills more effectively compared to self-study.
c. Studying at an English center offers numerous advantages for learners seeking to enhance their language proficiency.
d. Furthermore, English centers create an immersive environment where students can practice speaking and listening in real-life situations.
e. In conclusion, enrolling in an English center is a great way to develop language skills in a systematic and engaging manner.

A. c - a - d - b – e                B. a - d - b - c – e                C. c - d - a - b – e                D. d - c - a - b – e

Question 17:

a. Robocon is an international robotics competition where university teams design and build robots to complete specific tasks.
b. Teams from around the world participate, showcasing creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise.
c. Robots must follow strict rules and complete assigned tasks within a set time limit, testing their efficiency and adaptability.
d. Over the years, the competition has expanded, providing students with a platform to improve their engineering knowledge and teamwork.
e. Robocon promotes STEM education and inspires future engineers to explore robotics and innovation.

A. a-b-d-c-e                B. a-d-c-b-e                C. a-e-d-c-b                D. a-c-b-e-d

Join Our Student Exchange Program!

Are you eager to explore a new culture, improve your language skills, and make lifelong friends? Our Student Exchange Program is the perfect opportunity for you!

Students from our school will have the chance to study abroad while welcoming (7) ______ students into their homes. This is a great way to experience different educational systems and lifestyles.

During the program, you will (8) ______ new challenges, such as adapting to a new environment and communicating in a foreign language. (9) ______, these experiences will help you grow both academically and personally.

Participants will receive full (10) ______, including accommodation, meals, and tuition fees.

Instead of traveling as a tourist, why not become a local for a semester? This exchange allows you to fully immerse yourself in a new culture.

This program helps students develop essential skills such as independence, adaptability, and (11) ______.

Apply now and take the first step towards an unforgettable experience in international (12) ______!

Question 7: A. other                        B. another                        C. others                D. the others

Question 8: A. look up to                B. face up to                        C. break down on        D. keep in with

Question 9: A. Therefore                 B. Because                        C. However                D. Moreover

Question 10: A. loan                        B. scholarship                C. maintenance        D. bursary

Question 11: A. knowledge                B. resilience                        C. vulnerability        D. irresponsibility

Question 12: A. education                B. employment                C. consultation        D. construction

Glow Up with Radiance – Your Beauty, Your Power!

Looking for the secret to flawless skin? Introducing GlowUp, the ultimate cosmetic brand that enhances your natural beauty with the finest ingredients. Our products are designed to keep your skin (1) ______ all day long, giving you a fresh and radiant look.

Each item in our collection is crafted with (2) ______, ensuring the best results. Our innovative serums, known to bring out your inner glow, work deep (3) ______ your skin for a lasting effect.

With GlowUp, you never have to worry about harsh chemicals. Our products are made by organic extracts, (4) ______ your skin healthy and nourished. Say goodbye to dull skin and hello to a glowing complexion!

Join thousands of happy customers who trust GlowUp to (5) ______ their beauty routine effortlessly. Don’t wait – it’s time (6) ______ yourself with the best skincare on the market!

Question 1: A. radiancy                 B. radiant                C. radiance                D. radiantly

Question 2: A. innovative technology formula                B. innovative formula technology
         C. formula technology innovative                D. technology formula innovative

Question 3: A. with                        B. from                C. into                        D. to

Question 4: A. kept                        B. keeping                 C. keep                D. to keep

Question 5: A. do                        B. upgrade                C. fix                        D. close

Question 6: A. to treat                B. treating                C. treat                        D. treated

[I] A newborn baby can see, hear and feel. By the age of five, a child can talk, ride a bike and invent imaginary friends. How does this development happen? [II]We don't understand the way language, thinking and planning develop very well. [III]Now scientists are using new technology to ‘see’ into children's brains. And they are discovering new information about the way a baby's brain develops. [IV]

A study in 2010 showed that children who were afforded more focus often gained an edge in IQ. The brain of a newborn infant contains nearly a hundred billion neurons. This number is comparable to that of an adult's brain. As they mature, an infant assimilates information through the sensory modalities of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. This information fosters intricate connections between different regions of the brain. By the age of three, there are approximately a hundred trillion synaptic connections.

One experiment looked at images of babies' brains while they were listening to different sounds. The sounds were in different sequences. For example, one sequence was mu-ba-ba. This is the pattern ‘A-B-B’. Another sequence was mu-ba-ge. This is the pattern ‘A-B-C’. The images showed that the part of the brain responsible for speech was more active during ‘A-B-B’ patterns. This shows that babies can tell the difference between different patterns. This experiment is interesting because sequences of words are important to grammar and meaning. Compare two sentences with the same words in a different order: ‘John killed the bear’ is very different from ‘The bear killed John.’ So babies are starting to learn grammatical rules from the beginning of life.

Researchers also know that babies need to hear a lot of language in order to understand grammar rules. But there is a big difference between listening to television, audiobooks or the internet, and interacting with people. One study compared two groups of nine-month-old American babies. One group watched videos of Mandarin Chinese sounds. In the other group, people spoke the same sounds to the babies. The test results showed that the second group could recognize different sounds, however, the first group learned nothing. The scientist, Patricia Kuhl, said this result was very surprising. It suggests that social experience is essential to successful brain development in babies.

“Adapted from A Child Development ”

Question 31: Where in paragraph 1 does the following sentence best fit?
"Scientists are now conducting experiments to understand how babies process language patterns."
A. [I]                        B. [II]                        C. [III]                                D. [IV]
Question 32: The phrase “gain an edge” in the sentence is closest in meaning to:
A. receive extra help                                                B. obtain a competitive advantage
C. improve performance                                        D. increase attention

Question 33: The word “This” in paragraph 3 refers to:
A. babies' ability to detect patterns                                B. the importance of word order
C. sequences like mu-ba-ba                                        D. grammatical understanding
Question 34: According to paragraph 3, which of the following is NOT a finding of the sound sequence experiment?
A. Babies can recognize patterns in sounds.                        B. The brain's speech area reacts to specific patterns.
C. Grammar rules are innate from birth.                        D. Word order affects meaning.
Question 35: Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 4?
A. Babies benefit more from interacting with humans than from passive listening to media.
B. Watching videos is an effective way for babies to learn new languages.
C. Babies cannot learn sounds without active interaction.
D. Social experience is unnecessary for brain development.
Question 36: The word “recognize” in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to:
A. identify                B. understand                        C. ignore                        D. remember
Question 37: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. The number of neurons increases as a baby grows older.
B. Babies are born with an adult-like brain structure.
C. Babies learn grammar by listening to television.
D. Experiences have no impact on brain development.
Question 38: Which of the following best paraphrases the sentence in paragraph 4:
"Social experience is essential to successful brain development in babies."
A. Babies develop their brains effectively through interaction with others.
B. Passive listening is just as effective as active interaction for brain growth.
C. Babies’ brain development depends solely on the media they consume.
D. Social experiences can hinder brain development.
Question 39: What can be inferred from the passage?
A. Early childhood experiences play a key role in brain development.
B. Passive learning methods are more effective than active ones for babies.
C. Babies cannot distinguish between different sound patterns.
D. Watching videos helps babies develop their grammar skills.
Question 40: Which of the following best summarizes the passage?
A. Early experiences and social interaction are critical for brain development in babies.
B. The development of grammar rules begins only after the age of three.
C. Brain imaging technology has little role in understanding child development.
D. Passive media consumption is sufficient for language learning in babies.

The dollar is one of the most recognizable currencies in the world, renowned for its widespread use and influence. However, its origins trace back to Europe, where the term "dollar" evolved from the word "thaler," a silver coin first minted in the 16th century in the Bohemian region of Joachim’s. These coins became a reliable standard of trade across Europe due to their consistent silver content and quality. When European settlers journeyed to the Americas, they brought the concept of the "dollar" with them, setting the stage for its adoption in the New World.

In 1792, the United States Congress passed the Coinage Act, marking a pivotal moment in American monetary history. This act established the dollar as the country's official currency and defined its value in terms of silver and gold, aiming to create a stable and trustworthy monetary system. For much of its early history, the dollar was backed by precious metals, ensuring confidence in its value. However, in the 20th century, the dollar transitioned to a fiat currency system, meaning its value was no longer tied to gold or silver but backed by the US government's credibility. This shift allowed for more flexibility in managing the economy and implementing monetary policies.

The dollar's rise to global prominence began after World War II with the Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944. This accord pegged many international currencies to the US dollar, which was in turn linked to gold. Additionally, the agreement established the dollar as the world's primary reserve currency. Even after the collapse of the Bretton Woods system in the 1970s, the dollar maintained its dominance due to the strength and stability of the US economy.

Today, the dollar serves not just as a currency but as a symbol of economic power and reliability. It is used extensively in global trade, international investments, and as a benchmark for evaluating other currencies. Despite competition from emerging currencies like the euro and the Chinese yuan, the dollar remains at the heart of the global financial system, reflecting its enduring influence.

“Adapted from History of dollar”

Question 23: The word "this act" in paragraph 2 refers to:
A. defining its value in terms of silver                                  

B. passing the Coinage Act        

C. marking a pivotal moment in American monetary history         

D. creating a stable and trustworthy monetary system
Question 24: The phrase "pegged to" in paragraph 3 could best be replaced by:
A. tied to                        B. converted into                C. traded for                D. separated from
Question 25: The word "prominence" in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to:
A. superiority                        B. cooperation                        C. inferiority                D. isolation

Question 26: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. The dollar continues to dominate the global financial system.
B. The dollar is no longer central to the global financial system.
C. The global financial system depends entirely on the dollar.
D. The dollar’s role in the global financial system is declining.

Question 27: Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage about the history of the dollar?
A. The origin of the term "dollar."

B. The role of the Bretton Woods Agreement.
C. The adoption of the dollar in Canada.
D. The transition from a gold standard to fiat currency.

Question 28: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. The dollar, which is now a widely recognized currency, originated in the Americas.
B. The Bretton Woods Agreement introduced the concept of fiat currency.
C. The US dollar has faced competition from the euro and yuan.
D. The dollar’s value was always determined by government policies.
Question 29: In which paragraph does the writer mention the dollar’s shift away from a precious metal standard?
A. Paragraph 1        B. Paragraph 2        C. Paragraph 3                        D. Paragraph 4
Question 30: In which paragraph does the writer mention the historical foundation of the dollar's global dominance?
A. Paragraph 1        B. Paragraph 2        C. Paragraph 3                        D. Paragraph 4

Peer pressure, (18) ________, can have both positive and negative effects. For instance, when surrounded by motivated peers, (19) ________. Positive peer pressure can be a great motivator, as peers who excel in academics or extracurricular activities can inspire others to follow suit. However, peer pressure can also lead to negative outcomes. The influence of friends who engage in risky behaviors, such as skipping school or using substances, can encourage others to make poor decisions. Studies have shown that teenagers are more likely to take risks in the presence of their peers because they feel more confident when surrounded by others.

While peer pressure is often associated with negative behavior,  (20) ________. For example, students may be encouraged to excel in their studies or participate in volunteer activities due to the positive influence of their peers. However, it is important to develop strong decision-making skills and self-confidence (21) ________. 

Parents and educators play a key role in helping young people navigate peer pressure. By teaching young people how to recognize both positive and negative peer pressure, and how to make independent, thoughtful decisions, parents and educators can help ensure that students thrive in a healthy, supportive environment. Encouraging open communication, providing advice on how to stay true to one's values, and helping students develop self-confidence are all crucial aspects of this process.

In conclusion, peer pressure is a powerful influence. (22) ________, teenagers can succeed and grow in a positive social environment.

Question 18:

A. that is a significant influence on the behavior of adolescents

B. a significant behavior influence on adolescents

C. to influence on the behavior of adolescents

D. a significant influence on the behavior of adolescents

Question 19:

A. students can be inspired to work harder and achieve better academic results

B. students can inspire their peers to study harder than before

C. students that inspire their peers by achieving better results

D. students inspiring better results among peers in their group

Question 20:

A. it had encouraged many to change their behavior positively

B. it can also encourage positive changes in behavior and attitude

C. it is encouraging positive behaviors through social influence

D. it will be encouraging positivity in behavior and attitude

Question 21:

A. so that they can make independent choices under social influence

B. which help them decide independently while under pressure

C. although it allows individuals to resist negative influences from others

D. to resist the influences that their peers put on them negatively

Question 22:

A. By understood its impact and learning how to respond appropriately

B. To understand its impact and learning how to respond appropriately

C. By understanding its impact and learning how to respond appropriately

D. By understanding its impact and learn how to respond appropriately

Question 13.

a. Mary: That sounds delicious! Could you share the recipe with me?
b. John: I'm making pancakes. They're super easy to prepare, and they taste amazing

c. Mary: What are you cooking, John? It smells amazing!

A. c-a-b        B. c-b-a        C. a-c-b        D. b-c-a

Question 14.

a. Tom: Thanks, Linda! I’ll definitely check those out. Do you have any specific websites or places in mind?
b. Linda: That’s great! There are several websites and local postings you could check.
c. Linda: What type of part-time job are you looking for?
d. Tom: I’d prefer something related to customer service or retail.
e. Tom: I’m looking for part-time work to help cover my college expenses.

A. e-c-d-b-a        B. e-a-c-d-b        C. c-e-d-a-b        D. c-d-e-a-b

Question 15.

Dear Mary,

a. I hope you understand how important it is for everyone in the neighborhood to maintain a peaceful environment.
b. Thank you for your understanding, and I would appreciate it if you could be more mindful in the future.
c. However, the loud noise from your parties over the past few weekends has been quite disruptive.
d. I understand that everyone enjoys celebrating and having fun, and I respect your right to do so.
e. If you have any suggestions or need help organizing quieter activities, feel free to reach out.

Bye,

A. d-c-a-b-e                        B. d-c-b-a-e                        C. c-d-a-e-b                        D. c-b-d-a-e

Question 16.

a. Knowing the flood risk level in your area is the first step in staying prepared, as it allows you to anticipate potential dangers and take precautions in advance.
b. Additionally, securing important documents, such as identification papers and insurance policies, in waterproof containers can save you from significant financial and administrative troubles.
c. Flood safety requires careful planning and awareness to minimize risks, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall or rising water levels.
d. It’s crucial to create an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit in case you need to evacuate on short notice.
e. In summary, understanding your local flood risks and taking proactive steps, such as preparing supplies and protecting valuables, can help ensure your safety during flood situations.

A. c-a-d-b-e                        B. c-d-a-b-e                        C. a-c-b-d-e                        D. c-a-b-d-e

Question 17.

a. Young marriage, defined as marrying before the age of 25, remains a common practice in many cultures, influenced by traditions, beliefs, and family expectations.

b. Critics point out that young couples often face issues like financial struggles, lack of maturity, and fewer opportunities for education or career advancement.

c. Proponents argue that marrying young helps couples build strong emotional bonds and grow together through shared life experiences.

d. Studies show that while the global rate of young marriages has declined in the past decade, it is still widely practiced, particularly in rural and traditional settings.

e. In summary, young marriage offers both benefits and challenges, requiring thoughtful consideration to ensure a stable and fulfilling partnership.

A. a-d-c-b-e                        B. a-b-c-e-d                        C. a-d-b-e-c                        D. a-c-b-d-e