TEAS Reading: Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (Quiz 1)

Sumo Wrestling Written records of sumo date back to the 8th century AD and it has been a popular sport for over a thousand years. However, sumo has developed throughout the centuries and the wrestlers, called rikishi, lead their lives by a strict code of conduct and ceremony which connects them to the Shinto religion and the ancient samurai tradition. Each of them belongs to a ‘stable’, where they live, eat, sleep and train. All rikishi wake up at 5 o’clock every day, including weekends. Discipline and routine are necessary for their physical and mental wellbeing. During their five hours of hard training, the rikishi carry out a range of exercises, depending on which part of the body they want to work on and the goal they want to achieve: strength, flexibility, balance etc. Their meals are rich in protein and contain a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, tofu, meat and fish, accompanied by several bowls of rice. They eat large quantities of food and, if they are considered under-weight, they might be forced to eat even more rice. After their meal, the rikishi sleep for a few hours. This is very important because the lack of movement allows the high calorie intake to be transformed into fat, thereby ensuring an increase in body weight. Which of the following summarizes the topic of the passage?

Creative Writing There’s no doubt that writing is an art and, as such, it cannot be taught. After talking to a university professor who teaches creative writing, I have discovered that it is very rare to come across a course participant who has the talent and the right attitude to make it as a published author. Creativity, imagination, and observational skills are the key features of a good writer. These are unique characteristics that cannot be learnt, but stem from the personality of an individual. However, they can be practiced and developed – which should be the focus of attending a respectable creative writing course. Another vital aspect of literary success that should not be underestimated is the writer’s attitude towards criticism. Although it can be constructive, helping them improve their future work, writers often face useless, negative feedback. This can be the cause of self-doubt and low self-esteem, and it might even lead an aspiring writer to giving up writing altogether. Because of this, writers should develop ‘thick skin’ and avoid getting offended by what others say. In addition to this, while it is important for writers to separate useful from harmful criticism, they should also keep an open mind about the feedback they receive. This helps them create a bond with their audience, which has the advantage of improving a writer’s popularity. Which of the following is a prediction based on the last line of the passage?

Detecting Microplastics Information received from NASA satellites can be now used to track the movement of microplastics, thanks to a team of scientists from the University of Michigan. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic trash broken down by the sun’s rays and the motion of ocean waves. Because ocean currents can carry these plastic particles far away from where they originated, it can become very difficult to track them and remove them. It has been observed that microplastics are present in smoother waters because they can affect the ocean roughness. Data from a group of eight small satellites can help scientists predict where microplastics congregate by following ocean and wind speed calculations. Currently, fisher boat trawlers are the main source of information about the locations of microplastics, as they use nets to catch plankton and, accidentally, microplastics. However, the new technique demonstrates that satellite data can successfully track ocean microplastic from space. This might transform the way in which we tackle water pollution. As microplastics are harmful to marine organisms and ecosystems, this can be considered a ground-breaking discovery. Which of the following provides information about a specific use of the satellites?

Circus – Advertisement 1 Do you have a unique skill? Are you ready to share it with the world? Then Fantasy Circus WANTS YOU! Join our team of talented artists and transform your life into a thrilling adventure. Interested? Pop in for more info. Circus – Advertisement 2 The team at Fantasy Circus are delighted to invite you to our brand new show! Treat yourself and your loved ones to a thrilling evening: Come and see us for an unforgettable experience of mesmerizing acts. You won’t regret it – there’s nothing quite like it! Which of the following is a common theme between the two advertisements?

Bottled drink – Advertisement 1 Since 1951 you have welcomed us at your dinner tables at your picnic venues at your children’s parties Come rain or shine you have chosen us For this, we THANK YOU by investing in the future of your children by investing in 100% biodegradable bottles by investing in ZERO carbon emissions throughout production. Bottled drink – Advertisement 2 By your side, since 1951 on hot days, on cold days on happy days on tough days On our 70th birthday we want to celebrate with you bringing to your lips the fresh taste of a new fruity flavor. Discover more on our website. Which of the following is a difference between the themes of the two advertisements?

Circus – Advertisement 1 Do you have a unique skill? Are you ready to share it with the world? Then Fantasy Circus WANTS YOU! Join our team of talented artists and transform your life into a thrilling adventure. Interested? Pop in for more info. Circus – Advertisement 2 The team at Fantasy Circus are delighted to invite you to our brand new show! Treat yourself and your loved ones to a thrilling evening: Come and see us for an unforgettable experience of mesmerizing acts. You won’t regret it – there’s nothing quite like it! Which of the following is a difference between the themes of the two advertisements?

Bottled drink – Advertisement 1 Since 1951 you have welcomed us at your dinner tables at your picnic venues at your children’s parties Come rain or shine you have chosen us For this, we THANK YOU by investing in the future of your children by investing in 100% biodegradable bottles by investing in ZERO carbon emissions throughout production. Bottled drink – Advertisement 2 By your side, since 1951 on hot days, on cold days on happy days on tough days On our 70th birthday we want to celebrate with you bringing to your lips the fresh taste of a new fruity flavor. Discover more on our website. Which of the following is a common theme between the two advertisements?

Sumo Wrestling Written records of sumo date back to the 8th century AD and it has been a popular sport for over a thousand years. However, sumo has developed throughout the centuries and the wrestlers, called rikishi, lead their lives by a strict code of conduct and ceremony which connects them to the Shinto religion and the ancient samurai tradition. Each of them belongs to a ‘stable’, where they live, eat, sleep and train. All rikishi wake up at 5 o’clock every day, including weekends. Discipline and routine are necessary for their physical and mental wellbeing. During their five hours of hard training, the rikishi carry out a range of exercises, depending on which part of the body they want to work on and the goal they want to achieve: strength, flexibility, balance etc. Their meals are rich in protein and contain a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, tofu, meat and fish, accompanied by several bowls of rice. They eat large quantities of food and, if they are considered under-weight, they might be forced to eat even more rice. After their meal, the rikishi sleep for a few hours. This is very important because the lack of movement allows the high calorie intake to be transformed into fat, thereby ensuring an increase in body weight. Which of the following is an inference that could be made about sumo wrestlers?

The Future of Space Exploration Since the first moon landing, many probes have been sent across the solar system, while our spacecraft have orbited around, surveyed, and landed on several planets. Astronauts have already performed extensive experiments on the dangers and requirements of living in space-bound habitats. It seems logical, then, to expect astronauts of the future to repair equipment sent millions of miles away from Earth. Space isn’t a suitable place for a delicate species like us. The conditions in which humans can survive are limited — we need the right amount of pressure, oxygen, water, temperature, radiation, and acceleration, or we die. In fact, we need protective clothing and technology even to explore many areas of our own planet. After all, space exploration is necessary for the human species, as we will have to leave our biosphere when the sun turns into a red giant. But shouldn’t we send robots to do the exploring instead of humans? Robots don’t die — not like humans, anyway. They are designed to withstand extremely harsh conditions that humans would never be able to endure. If one of the robots breaks down or is lost, it can be rebuilt. For humans, it doesn’t work quite like that. We have always imagined artificial servants or artificial minds that exist for the sole purpose of fulfilling human needs. So, perhaps, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to live and explore space on our behalf. Current robotic explorers are rare and hence extremely expensive, requiring endless pre-mission modeling and careful actions. But robotics is becoming cheaper and more adaptable, as are the ways to hurl them beyond our atmosphere. As space access becomes cheaper, we should expect a more ruthless use of robots. However, we find it impossible to resist the charm of human space exploration, despite its risks. Knowledge and achievements aren’t enough for us — we want to be there to witness the unfolding of our success. First of all, sending humans into space adds glory to our lives. Overcoming the plethora of challenges that come with long-term spaceflight inspires and delights us. Many of us would consider a human landing on Mars as an achievement of paramount importance for our species, not only for personal satisfaction, but also for national pride. Furthermore, the desire for raw materials in order to make profits is one of the greatest incentives that space exploration has to offer. Of course, this poses the moral dilemma that we might not be able to repair any damage we cause, therefore blurring our knowledge of the origin and organization of life in the solar system. The main motivation that will keep us going is that it is challenging and fascinating: humans are ambitious creatures that strive to achieve what is nearly impossible, and be present for the occasion. I wonder if AI will ever be able to learn this very human trait! Meanwhile, it would be useful to consider the advantages that our automated explorers currently maintain over their human counterparts. What is the primary argument of the passage?

Studying at the Sound of Music What’s the soundtrack of your learning? What do you have in the background? Some people listen to the sound of birds singing, while others prefer that of the ocean waves. Research suggests that complete silence is a better option when completing tasks that require memory recalling or problem-solving. Most learners, however, prefer to listen to some music while studying. Studies have shown that music with lyrics can be distracting. This is because listening to the words of a song takes brain resources away from the studying process. It turns out that our brain has only so much power to work with at any given time! Despite this, another study shows that songs with unintelligible words do not have such a negative impact on your studying. However, if you are looking for music that can improve your studying and concentrating abilities, it is important to remember that different genres of music are unlikely to have the same impact on our brains. Generally speaking, classical music is considered a good background choice for studying, but there are some exceptions. Explosive works like Respighi’s Pines of Rome or Rossini’s William Tell Overture may be too energetic for effective studying. As concluded by other studies on music and concentration, it appears that baroque music is a particularly useful type of music to listen to when studying. With 50 to 80 beats per minute, baroque music creates an ideal environment for studying by creating stable mental, physical, and emotional patterns. Another genre without lyrics is meditative music, regarded as a good study option as an alternative, or in addition, to classical music. This hypothesis is supported by studies that focus specifically on this kind of music. It has been found that meditative music, which contains what’s called “alpha” beats, stimulates alpha waves in the brain. These put our brains in a relaxed, yet alert, state, which allows the brain to better absorb and retain information and ideas. Meditative music also commonly includes sounds of nature, like croaking frogs or wind through the trees, which can improve cognitive function and concentration. They also efficiently conceal other sounds that interfere with studying, like people talking or road noise. A study on the correlation between music genres and studying demonstrates that each person’s taste might give more reliable clues regarding the best studying music than any specific genre. This was carried out by comparing brain wave patterns reacting to different musical genres and a song selected by each study participant as a personal favorite. They found that neural activity connected to cognitive processing improved when participants were listening to their music of choice, regardless of the genre. The researcher shared their study results in their paper, titled “Network Science and the Effects of Music Preference on Functional Brain Connectivity: From Beethoven to Eminem.” So, listening to music can improve our concentration and ability to study, but that’s not all, as music is a gift that keeps on giving. It has been suggested that learning to play a musical instrument can strengthen our abilities involved in remembering information, and it could even enhance our IQ. Regardless of whether you can become more intelligent or not, you can use music to make studying more enjoyable and more effective. Ultimately, you know when you’re studying well and when you’re not, so try out some different genres and find out what works for you. Which of the following statements from the passage supports the claim made in paragraph 4?

Studying at the Sound of Music What’s the soundtrack of your learning? What do you have in the background? Some people listen to the sound of birds singing, while others prefer that of the ocean waves. Research suggests that complete silence is a better option when completing tasks that require memory recalling or problem-solving. Most learners, however, prefer to listen to some music while studying. Studies have shown that music with lyrics can be distracting. This is because listening to the words of a song takes brain resources away from the studying process. It turns out that our brain has only so much power to work with at any given time! Despite this, another study shows that songs with unintelligible words do not have such a negative impact on your studying. However, if you are looking for music that can improve your studying and concentrating abilities, it is important to remember that different genres of music are unlikely to have the same impact on our brains. Generally speaking, classical music is considered a good background choice for studying, but there are some exceptions. Explosive works like Respighi’s Pines of Rome or Rossini’s William Tell Overture may be too energetic for effective studying. As concluded by other studies on music and concentration, it appears that baroque music is a particularly useful type of music to listen to when studying. With 50 to 80 beats per minute, baroque music creates an ideal environment for studying by creating stable mental, physical, and emotional patterns. Another genre without lyrics is meditative music, regarded as a good study option as an alternative, or in addition, to classical music. This hypothesis is supported by studies that focus specifically on this kind of music. It has been found that meditative music, which contains what’s called “alpha” beats, stimulates alpha waves in the brain. These put our brains in a relaxed, yet alert, state, which allows the brain to better absorb and retain information and ideas. Meditative music also commonly includes sounds of nature, like croaking frogs or wind through the trees, which can improve cognitive function and concentration. They also efficiently conceal other sounds that interfere with studying, like people talking or road noise. A study on the correlation between music genres and studying demonstrates that each person’s taste might give more reliable clues regarding the best studying music than any specific genre. This was carried out by comparing brain wave patterns reacting to different musical genres and a song selected by each study participant as a personal favorite. They found that neural activity connected to cognitive processing improved when participants were listening to their music of choice, regardless of the genre. The researcher shared their study results in their paper, titled “Network Science and the Effects of Music Preference on Functional Brain Connectivity: From Beethoven to Eminem.” So, listening to music can improve our concentration and ability to study, but that’s not all, as music is a gift that keeps on giving. It has been suggested that learning to play a musical instrument can strengthen our abilities involved in remembering information, and it could even enhance our IQ. Regardless of whether you can become more intelligent or not, you can use music to make studying more enjoyable and more effective. Ultimately, you know when you’re studying well and when you’re not, so try out some different genres and find out what works for you. Which of the following is a counterargument in the passage?

Creative Writing There’s no doubt that writing is an art and, as such, it cannot be taught. After talking to a university professor who teaches creative writing, I have discovered that it is very rare to come across a course participant who has the talent and the right attitude to make it as a published author. Creativity, imagination, and observational skills are the key features of a good writer. These are unique characteristics that cannot be learnt, but stem from the personality of an individual. However, they can be practiced and developed – which should be the focus of attending a respectable creative writing course. Another vital aspect of literary success that should not be underestimated is the writer’s attitude towards criticism. Although it can be constructive, helping them improve their future work, writers often face useless, negative feedback. This can be the cause of self-doubt and low self-esteem, and it might even lead an aspiring writer to giving up writing altogether. Because of this, writers should develop ‘thick skin’ and avoid getting offended by what others say. In addition to this, while it is important for writers to separate useful from harmful criticism, they should also keep an open mind about the feedback they receive. This helps them create a bond with their audience, which has the advantage of improving a writer’s popularity. Which of the following summarizes the main message about creative writing courses?

Studying at the Sound of Music What’s the soundtrack of your learning? What do you have in the background? Some people listen to the sound of birds singing, while others prefer that of the ocean waves. Research suggests that complete silence is a better option when completing tasks that require memory recalling or problem-solving. Most learners, however, prefer to listen to some music while studying. Studies have shown that music with lyrics can be distracting. This is because listening to the words of a song takes brain resources away from the studying process. It turns out that our brain has only so much power to work with at any given time! Despite this, another study shows that songs with unintelligible words do not have such a negative impact on your studying. However, if you are looking for music that can improve your studying and concentrating abilities, it is important to remember that different genres of music are unlikely to have the same impact on our brains. Generally speaking, classical music is considered a good background choice for studying, but there are some exceptions. Explosive works like Respighi’s Pines of Rome or Rossini’s William Tell Overture may be too energetic for effective studying. As concluded by other studies on music and concentration, it appears that baroque music is a particularly useful type of music to listen to when studying. With 50 to 80 beats per minute, baroque music creates an ideal environment for studying by creating stable mental, physical, and emotional patterns. Another genre without lyrics is meditative music, regarded as a good study option as an alternative, or in addition, to classical music. This hypothesis is supported by studies that focus specifically on this kind of music. It has been found that meditative music, which contains what’s called “alpha” beats, stimulates alpha waves in the brain. These put our brains in a relaxed, yet alert, state, which allows the brain to better absorb and retain information and ideas. Meditative music also commonly includes sounds of nature, like croaking frogs or wind through the trees, which can improve cognitive function and concentration. They also efficiently conceal other sounds that interfere with studying, like people talking or road noise. A study on the correlation between music genres and studying demonstrates that each person’s taste might give more reliable clues regarding the best studying music than any specific genre. This was carried out by comparing brain wave patterns reacting to different musical genres and a song selected by each study participant as a personal favorite. They found that neural activity connected to cognitive processing improved when participants were listening to their music of choice, regardless of the genre. The researcher shared their study results in their paper, titled “Network Science and the Effects of Music Preference on Functional Brain Connectivity: From Beethoven to Eminem.” So, listening to music can improve our concentration and ability to study, but that’s not all, as music is a gift that keeps on giving. It has been suggested that learning to play a musical instrument can strengthen our abilities involved in remembering information, and it could even enhance our IQ. Regardless of whether you can become more intelligent or not, you can use music to make studying more enjoyable and more effective. Ultimately, you know when you’re studying well and when you’re not, so try out some different genres and find out what works for you. Which of the following is a claim that supports the argument of the passage?

Studying at the Sound of Music What’s the soundtrack of your learning? What do you have in the background? Some people listen to the sound of birds singing, while others prefer that of the ocean waves. Research suggests that complete silence is a better option when completing tasks that require memory recalling or problem-solving. Most learners, however, prefer to listen to some music while studying. Studies have shown that music with lyrics can be distracting. This is because listening to the words of a song takes brain resources away from the studying process. It turns out that our brain has only so much power to work with at any given time! Despite this, another study shows that songs with unintelligible words do not have such a negative impact on your studying. However, if you are looking for music that can improve your studying and concentrating abilities, it is important to remember that different genres of music are unlikely to have the same impact on our brains. Generally speaking, classical music is considered a good background choice for studying, but there are some exceptions. Explosive works like Respighi’s Pines of Rome or Rossini’s William Tell Overture may be too energetic for effective studying. As concluded by other studies on music and concentration, it appears that baroque music is a particularly useful type of music to listen to when studying. With 50 to 80 beats per minute, baroque music creates an ideal environment for studying by creating stable mental, physical, and emotional patterns. Another genre without lyrics is meditative music, regarded as a good study option as an alternative, or in addition, to classical music. This hypothesis is supported by studies that focus specifically on this kind of music. It has been found that meditative music, which contains what’s called “alpha” beats, stimulates alpha waves in the brain. These put our brains in a relaxed, yet alert, state, which allows the brain to better absorb and retain information and ideas. Meditative music also commonly includes sounds of nature, like croaking frogs or wind through the trees, which can improve cognitive function and concentration. They also efficiently conceal other sounds that interfere with studying, like people talking or road noise. A study on the correlation between music genres and studying demonstrates that each person’s taste might give more reliable clues regarding the best studying music than any specific genre. This was carried out by comparing brain wave patterns reacting to different musical genres and a song selected by each study participant as a personal favorite. They found that neural activity connected to cognitive processing improved when participants were listening to their music of choice, regardless of the genre. The researcher shared their study results in their paper, titled “Network Science and the Effects of Music Preference on Functional Brain Connectivity: From Beethoven to Eminem.” So, listening to music can improve our concentration and ability to study, but that’s not all, as music is a gift that keeps on giving. It has been suggested that learning to play a musical instrument can strengthen our abilities involved in remembering information, and it could even enhance our IQ. Regardless of whether you can become more intelligent or not, you can use music to make studying more enjoyable and more effective. Ultimately, you know when you’re studying well and when you’re not, so try out some different genres and find out what works for you. Which of the following is evidence that supports the argument?

Studying at the Sound of Music What’s the soundtrack of your learning? What do you have in the background? Some people listen to the sound of birds singing, while others prefer that of the ocean waves. Research suggests that complete silence is a better option when completing tasks that require memory recalling or problem-solving. Most learners, however, prefer to listen to some music while studying. Studies have shown that music with lyrics can be distracting. This is because listening to the words of a song takes brain resources away from the studying process. It turns out that our brain has only so much power to work with at any given time! Despite this, another study shows that songs with unintelligible words do not have such a negative impact on your studying. However, if you are looking for music that can improve your studying and concentrating abilities, it is important to remember that different genres of music are unlikely to have the same impact on our brains. Generally speaking, classical music is considered a good background choice for studying, but there are some exceptions. Explosive works like Respighi’s Pines of Rome or Rossini’s William Tell Overture may be too energetic for effective studying. As concluded by other studies on music and concentration, it appears that baroque music is a particularly useful type of music to listen to when studying. With 50 to 80 beats per minute, baroque music creates an ideal environment for studying by creating stable mental, physical, and emotional patterns. Another genre without lyrics is meditative music, regarded as a good study option as an alternative, or in addition, to classical music. This hypothesis is supported by studies that focus specifically on this kind of music. It has been found that meditative music, which contains what’s called “alpha” beats, stimulates alpha waves in the brain. These put our brains in a relaxed, yet alert, state, which allows the brain to better absorb and retain information and ideas. Meditative music also commonly includes sounds of nature, like croaking frogs or wind through the trees, which can improve cognitive function and concentration. They also efficiently conceal other sounds that interfere with studying, like people talking or road noise. A study on the correlation between music genres and studying demonstrates that each person’s taste might give more reliable clues regarding the best studying music than any specific genre. This was carried out by comparing brain wave patterns reacting to different musical genres and a song selected by each study participant as a personal favorite. They found that neural activity connected to cognitive processing improved when participants were listening to their music of choice, regardless of the genre. The researcher shared their study results in their paper, titled “Network Science and the Effects of Music Preference on Functional Brain Connectivity: From Beethoven to Eminem.” So, listening to music can improve our concentration and ability to study, but that’s not all, as music is a gift that keeps on giving. It has been suggested that learning to play a musical instrument can strengthen our abilities involved in remembering information, and it could even enhance our IQ. Regardless of whether you can become more intelligent or not, you can use music to make studying more enjoyable and more effective. Ultimately, you know when you’re studying well and when you’re not, so try out some different genres and find out what works for you. What is the primary argument of the passage?

Detecting Microplastics Information received from NASA satellites can be now used to track the movement of microplastics, thanks to a team of scientists from the University of Michigan. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic trash broken down by the sun’s rays and the motion of ocean waves. Because ocean currents can carry these plastic particles far away from where they originated, it can become very difficult to track them and remove them. It has been observed that microplastics are present in smoother waters because they can affect the ocean roughness. Data from a group of eight small satellites can help scientists predict where microplastics congregate by following ocean and wind speed calculations. Currently, fisher boat trawlers are the main source of information about the locations of microplastics, as they use nets to catch plankton and, accidentally, microplastics. However, the new technique demonstrates that satellite data can successfully track ocean microplastic from space. This might transform the way in which we tackle water pollution. As microplastics are harmful to marine organisms and ecosystems, this can be considered a ground-breaking discovery. Which of the following is a prediction based on the last line of the passage?

A Prayer in Spring Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day; And give us not to think so far away As the uncertain harvest; keep us here All simply in the springing of the year. The Secret Garden They always called it Magic and indeed it seemed like it in the months that followed—the wonderful months—the radiant months—the amazing ones. Oh! the things which happened in that garden! If you have never had a garden you cannot understand, and if you have had a garden you will know that it would take a whole book to describe all that came to pass there. At first it seemed that green things would never cease pushing their way through the earth, in the grass, in the beds, even in the crevices of the walls. Then the green things began to show buds and the buds began to unfurl and show color, every shade of blue, every shade of purple, every tint and hue of crimson. In its happy days flowers had been tucked away into every inch and hole and corner. Which of the following is a difference between the poem and the passage?

The Secret I loved thee, though I told thee not, Right earlily and long, Thou wert my joy in every spot, My theme in every song. And when I saw a stranger face Where beauty held the claim, I gave it like a secret grace The being of thy name. And all the charms of face or voice Which I in others see Are but the recollected choice Of what I felt for thee. Pride and Prejudice In spite of her deeply-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man’s affection, and though her intentions did not vary for an instant, she was at first sorry for the pain he was to receive; till, roused to resentment by his subsequent language, she lost all compassion in anger. Which of the following is a common theme between the poem and the passage?

Aphantasia The term ‘aphantasia’ was coined in 2015 from the Greek words ‘a’ and ‘phantasia’ meaning ‘without’ and ‘imagination’ respectively. It describes a neurological condition that causes an inability to visualise mental images of thoughts, memories, people, and places, even if they are very familiar. Although the term was coined not so long ago, the actual condition of having a blind mind’s eye was reported by Sir Francis Galton in one of his studies about mental imagery in 1880. While the cause of aphantasia is currently unknown, it has been discovered that it is often a congenital condition. It can also occur after a brain injury. This phenomenon, however, remains highly understudied overall. For those who aren’t affected by aphantasia, creating images in their minds is such an important part of their lives that they cannot imagine what life would be without it. Nevertheless, there are some advantages to having aphantasia, such as the inability to recall vivid images of past traumas and a high ability to concentrate. Which of the following defines ‘aphantasia’?

Dragon Man In June 2021, a group of paleontologists announced the discovery of a new human species named Homo Longi. This discovery was brought to light after the study of a nearly intact cranium found in China in 1933. The nickname Dragon Man comes from the name of the region in which the skull was found – the Black Dragon River. According to the researchers, the skull belonged to a large male individual who lived approximately 146,000 years ago in a forested area. He was around 50 years of age, hunted mammals and birds, gathered fruits and vegetables, and was perhaps able to catch fish. It is Homo Longi‘s large size that might have made it easier for the species to travel long distances and adapt to harsh conditions. This is the largest Homo skull ever found, and while some characteristics separate this species from us, its size brings it closer to the description of a modern human, i.e. Homo Sapiens. Therefore, Homo Longi appears to be a sister species of Homo Sapiens. This evidence demonstrates that Homo Sapiens did not evolve directly from the Neanderthal, as was previously believed. However, many scientists argue that there isn’t enough physical and genetic difference between the species to consider them separate from each other. Which of the following is an inference that can be made about Homo Longi?

The Secret I loved thee, though I told thee not, Right earlily and long, Thou wert my joy in every spot, My theme in every song. And when I saw a stranger face Where beauty held the claim, I gave it like a secret grace The being of thy name. And all the charms of face or voice Which I in others see Are but the recollected choice Of what I felt for thee. Pride and Prejudice In spite of her deeply-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man’s affection, and though her intentions did not vary for an instant, she was at first sorry for the pain he was to receive; till, roused to resentment by his subsequent language, she lost all compassion in anger. Which of the following is a difference between the poem and the passage?

Aphantasia The term ‘aphantasia’ was coined in 2015 from the Greek words ‘a’ and ‘phantasia’ meaning ‘without’ and ‘imagination’ respectively. It describes a neurological condition that causes an inability to visualise mental images of thoughts, memories, people, and places, even if they are very familiar. Although the term was coined not so long ago, the actual condition of having a blind mind’s eye was reported by Sir Francis Galton in one of his studies about mental imagery in 1880. While the cause of aphantasia is currently unknown, it has been discovered that it is often a congenital condition. It can also occur after a brain injury. This phenomenon, however, remains highly understudied overall. For those who aren’t affected by aphantasia, creating images in their minds is such an important part of their lives that they cannot imagine what life would be without it. Nevertheless, there are some advantages to having aphantasia, such as the inability to recall vivid images of past traumas and a high ability to concentrate. Which of the following is an inference that can be made about ‘aphantasia’?

The Future of Space Exploration Since the first moon landing, many probes have been sent across the solar system, while our spacecraft have orbited around, surveyed, and landed on several planets. Astronauts have already performed extensive experiments on the dangers and requirements of living in space-bound habitats. It seems logical, then, to expect astronauts of the future to repair equipment sent millions of miles away from Earth. Space isn’t a suitable place for a delicate species like us. The conditions in which humans can survive are limited — we need the right amount of pressure, oxygen, water, temperature, radiation, and acceleration, or we die. In fact, we need protective clothing and technology even to explore many areas of our own planet. After all, space exploration is necessary for the human species, as we will have to leave our biosphere when the sun turns into a red giant. But shouldn’t we send robots to do the exploring instead of humans? Robots don’t die — not like humans, anyway. They are designed to withstand extremely harsh conditions that humans would never be able to endure. If one of the robots breaks down or is lost, it can be rebuilt. For humans, it doesn’t work quite like that. We have always imagined artificial servants or artificial minds that exist for the sole purpose of fulfilling human needs. So, perhaps, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to live and explore space on our behalf. Current robotic explorers are rare and hence extremely expensive, requiring endless pre-mission modeling and careful actions. But robotics is becoming cheaper and more adaptable, as are the ways to hurl them beyond our atmosphere. As space access becomes cheaper, we should expect a more ruthless use of robots. However, we find it impossible to resist the charm of human space exploration, despite its risks. Knowledge and achievements aren’t enough for us — we want to be there to witness the unfolding of our success. First of all, sending humans into space adds glory to our lives. Overcoming the plethora of challenges that come with long-term spaceflight inspires and delights us. Many of us would consider a human landing on Mars as an achievement of paramount importance for our species, not only for personal satisfaction, but also for national pride. Furthermore, the desire for raw materials in order to make profits is one of the greatest incentives that space exploration has to offer. Of course, this poses the moral dilemma that we might not be able to repair any damage we cause, therefore blurring our knowledge of the origin and organization of life in the solar system. The main motivation that will keep us going is that it is challenging and fascinating: humans are ambitious creatures that strive to achieve what is nearly impossible, and be present for the occasion. I wonder if AI will ever be able to learn this very human trait! Meanwhile, it would be useful to consider the advantages that our automated explorers currently maintain over their human counterparts. Which of the following is evidence that supports the primary argument of this text?

The Future of Space Exploration Since the first moon landing, many probes have been sent across the solar system, while our spacecraft have orbited around, surveyed, and landed on several planets. Astronauts have already performed extensive experiments on the dangers and requirements of living in space-bound habitats. It seems logical, then, to expect astronauts of the future to repair equipment sent millions of miles away from Earth. Space isn’t a suitable place for a delicate species like us. The conditions in which humans can survive are limited — we need the right amount of pressure, oxygen, water, temperature, radiation, and acceleration, or we die. In fact, we need protective clothing and technology even to explore many areas of our own planet. After all, space exploration is necessary for the human species, as we will have to leave our biosphere when the sun turns into a red giant. But shouldn’t we send robots to do the exploring instead of humans? Robots don’t die — not like humans, anyway. They are designed to withstand extremely harsh conditions that humans would never be able to endure. If one of the robots breaks down or is lost, it can be rebuilt. For humans, it doesn’t work quite like that. We have always imagined artificial servants or artificial minds that exist for the sole purpose of fulfilling human needs. So, perhaps, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to live and explore space on our behalf. Current robotic explorers are rare and hence extremely expensive, requiring endless pre-mission modeling and careful actions. But robotics is becoming cheaper and more adaptable, as are the ways to hurl them beyond our atmosphere. As space access becomes cheaper, we should expect a more ruthless use of robots. However, we find it impossible to resist the charm of human space exploration, despite its risks. Knowledge and achievements aren’t enough for us — we want to be there to witness the unfolding of our success. First of all, sending humans into space adds glory to our lives. Overcoming the plethora of challenges that come with long-term spaceflight inspires and delights us. Many of us would consider a human landing on Mars as an achievement of paramount importance for our species, not only for personal satisfaction, but also for national pride. Furthermore, the desire for raw materials in order to make profits is one of the greatest incentives that space exploration has to offer. Of course, this poses the moral dilemma that we might not be able to repair any damage we cause, therefore blurring our knowledge of the origin and organization of life in the solar system. The main motivation that will keep us going is that it is challenging and fascinating: humans are ambitious creatures that strive to achieve what is nearly impossible, and be present for the occasion. I wonder if AI will ever be able to learn this very human trait! Meanwhile, it would be useful to consider the advantages that our automated explorers currently maintain over their human counterparts. Which of the following is a claim that supports the argument of the passage?

Dragon Man In June 2021, a group of paleontologists announced the discovery of a new human species named Homo Longi. This discovery was brought to light after the study of a nearly intact cranium found in China in 1933. The nickname Dragon Man comes from the name of the region in which the skull was found – the Black Dragon River. According to the researchers, the skull belonged to a large male individual who lived approximately 146,000 years ago in a forested area. He was around 50 years of age, hunted mammals and birds, gathered fruits and vegetables, and was perhaps able to catch fish. It is Homo Longi‘s large size that might have made it easier for the species to travel long distances and adapt to harsh conditions. This is the largest Homo skull ever found, and while some characteristics separate this species from us, its size brings it closer to the description of a modern human, i.e. Homo Sapiens. Therefore, Homo Longi appears to be a sister species of Homo Sapiens. This evidence demonstrates that Homo Sapiens did not evolve directly from the Neanderthal, as was previously believed. However, many scientists argue that there isn’t enough physical and genetic difference between the species to consider them separate from each other. Which of the following is a prediction based on the last line of the passage?

A Prayer in Spring Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day; And give us not to think so far away As the uncertain harvest; keep us here All simply in the springing of the year. The Secret Garden They always called it Magic and indeed it seemed like it in the months that followed—the wonderful months—the radiant months—the amazing ones. Oh! the things which happened in that garden! If you have never had a garden you cannot understand, and if you have had a garden you will know that it would take a whole book to describe all that came to pass there. At first it seemed that green things would never cease pushing their way through the earth, in the grass, in the beds, even in the crevices of the walls. Then the green things began to show buds and the buds began to unfurl and show color, every shade of blue, every shade of purple, every tint and hue of crimson. In its happy days flowers had been tucked away into every inch and hole and corner. Which of the following has a common theme between the poem and the passage?

Franco just finished reading a novel with a ‘moral corruption’ theme. It is about a man who trades his soul for an ever-youthful appearance and lives a dissolute and evil life, while the portrait that represents his soul rots away. Which of the following has a similar theme?

Jean just finished reading a novel with a ‘dreams and aspirations’ theme about a shepherd boy who embarks on a journey during which he learns to listen to his heart in order to achieve his dreams. Which of the following has a contrasting theme?

Chess Boxing Chess boxing is a sport that combines mental ability and physical strength, and appeals to a wide range of people, from the office worker to the martial art fighter. This sport was invented by a French artist for his comic books in 1992, but it took over a decade for the first chess boxing match to happen in real life, in Germany. In each match there are 11 total rounds of both boxing and chess. The boxing rounds last three minutes, while the chess ones last four. To win the match, players need to beat their opponents at either boxing or chess, not both. The player with the highest score wins. Those who practice it say that the challenge of switching from mental focus to physical strain is what keeps them engaged in this sport. They also believe that it helps them develop a flexible attitude that can be useful in every-day situations. Fireball Soccer Football (or soccer, in the USA) is probably the most popular sport in the world among people of all ages, but what about fireball soccer? Known as Sepak Bola Api in Indonesia, this sport is often played by students to test their courage. In this sport, a leather football is replaced with a coconut soaked in petrol or pure alcohol and set on fire. The players cover themselves in salt to avoid burning themselves before kicking the ball of fire with their bare feet. During the month before this dangerous match, the players spend their time praying. By doing so, they hope to develop their inner strength that should prevent them from being afraid of the fire and should protect their bodies from getting hurt. Fireball soccer is without a doubt a fascinating sport to watch, but it takes truly brave people to play it. Which of the following is a common theme between the passages given above?

AI and Nursing Artificial Intelligence (AI) is progressing at an exponential rate. These advances could radically transform the healthcare industry, which is investing in quality preventive care and moving away from occasional assistance. To support these changes, outdated policies should be replaced by a series of new and flexible reforms that can adapt to and work with the science of robotics. Hopefully, this will ensure that nurses in all settings can continue to play a pivotal role in the healthcare landscape, trusting that AI will enhance their skills without posing a threat to their position. There is no doubt that this technological innovation will transform the way in which healthcare workers perform their day-to-day tasks. Which of the following is an exaggerated claim in support of the argument presented in the passage?