1.
In the world today, particularly in the two most industrialized areas, North America and Europe, recycling is big news. People are talking about it, practicing it, and discovering new ways to be sensitive to the environment. Recycling means finding ways to use products a second time. The motto of the recycling movement is "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle".
The first step is to reduce garbage. In stores, a shopper has to buy products in blister packs, boxes and expensive plastic wrappings. A hamburger from a fast food restaurant comes in lots of packaging: usually paper, a box, and a bag. All that packaging is wasted resources. People should try to buy things that are wrapped simply, and to reuse cups and utensils. Another way to reduce waste is to buy high-quality products. When low quality appliances break, many customers throw them away and buy new ones - a loss of more resources and more energy. For example, if a customer buys a high-quality appliance that can be easily repaired, the manufacturer receives an important message. In the same way, if a customer chooses a product with less packaging, that customer sends an important message to the manufacturers. To reduce garbage, the throwaway must stop.
The second step is to reuse. It is better to buy juices and soft drinks in returnable bottles. After customers empty the bottles, they return them to the store. The manufacturers of the drinks collect the bottles, wash them, and then fill them again. The energy that is necessary to make new bottles is saved. In some parts of the world, returning bottles for money is a common practice. In those places, the garbage dumps have relatively little glass and plastic from throw away bottles.
The third step is being environmentally sensitive is to recycle. Spent motor oil can be cleaned and used again. Aluminum cans are expensive to make. It takes the same amount of energy to make one aluminum can as it does to run a color TV set for three hours. When people collect and recycle aluminum (for new cans), they help save one of the world's precious resources.
2.
A. Most Americans still get married at some point in their lives, but even that group is shrinking. Among current generations of adult American –starting with those born in 1920s –more than 90 percent have married or will marry at some point in their lives. However, based on recent patterns of marriage and mortality, demographers calculate that a growing share of the younger generations are postponing marriage for so long that an unprecedented number will never marry at all.
B. More Americans are living together outside of marriage. Divorced and widowed people are waiting longer to remarry. An increasing number of single women are raising children. Put these trends together with our increasing life expectancy, and the result is inevitable. Americans are spending a record low proportion of their adult lives married.
C. Marriage rates for unmarried men and women have dropped from their post-1950s high to record lows. Part of this fall is due to the change in the age at which people first marry. The median age at first marriage is the age by which half the men or women who will ever marry have done so. It fell almost continuously from the time it was first measured, in 1890, at 22.0 years for women and 26.1 for men, to a low of 20.3 for women and 22.6 for men between 1947 and 1962. Since then, it has risen at a rapid pace, to a record high for 23.8 for women and 26.2 for men in 1994.
D. The length of time between marriages is also increasing, and more divorced people are choosing not to remarry. In 1990, divorced men had waited an average of 3.8 years before remarrying, and divorced women had waited an average of 3.5 years, an increase of more than one year over the average interval in 1970.
E. Data on cohabitation and unmarried child bearing suggest that marriage is becoming less relevant to Americans. 2.8 million of the nation’ s households are unmarried couples, and one-third of them are caring for children, according to the Census Bureau.
3.
Finding a good flat in Dublin at a price you could afford was like finding gold in the gold rush. The best way was by personal contact: if you knew someone who knew someone who was leaving a place, that often worked. But if, like Jo, you had only just arrived in Dublin, there was no chance of any personal contact, nobody to tell you that their bedsit would be vacant at the end of the month. No, it was a matter of staying in a hostel and searching.
For Jo, Dublin was a very big blank spot. She really felt she was stepping into the unknown when she got on the train to go and work there. She didn't ask herself why she was going there in the first place. It had been assumed by everyone she went around with at school that she would go. Who would stay in a one-horse town, the back of beyond, the end of the world, the sticks? That's all she had heard for years. They were all going to get out, escape, see some life, get some living in, have a real kind of existence, and some of the others in her class had gone as far as the towns of Ennis or Limerick, where an elder sister or an aunt would see them settled in. But out of Jo's year, none of them were going to Dublin. She was heading off on her own.
Jo's mother thought it would be great if she stayed permanently in the hostel. It was run by nuns, and she would come to no harm. Her father said that he hoped they kept the place warm; hostels were well known for being freezing. Jo's sisters, who worked in a hotel as waitresses, said she must be off her head to have stayed a whole week in a hostel. But Jo didn't know they were all still thinking about her and discussing her, as she answered the advertisement for a flat in Ringsend. It said, 'Own room, own television, share kitchen, bathroom.' It was very near the post office where she worked and seemed too good to be true. Please, please let it be nice, let them like me, let it not be too dear!
There wasn't a queue for this one because it wasn't so much 'Flat to Let', more 'Third Girl Wanted'. The fact that it said 'own television' made Jo wonder whether it might be too high a class for her, but the house did not look in any way overpowering. An ordinary red-brick terraced house with a basement. But the flat was not in the basement, it was upstairs. And a cheerful-looking girl with a college scarf, obviously a failed applicant, was coming down the stairs. 'Desperate place,' she said to Jo. 'They're both awful. Common as dirt.' 'Oh,' said Jo and went on climbing.
'Hello,' said the girl with 'Nessa' printed on her T-shirt. 'Did you see that toffee-nosed girl going out? I can't stand that kind, I can't stand them.' 'What did she do?' asked Jo. 'Do? She didn't have to do anything. She just poked around and pulled a face and sort of giggled and then said, "Is this all there is to it? Oh dear, oh dear," in a posh accent. We wouldn't have her in here, would we, Pauline?'
Pauline had a psychedelic shirt on, so colourful it almost hurt the eyes, but even so it was only slightly brighter than her hair. Pauline was a punk, Jo noted with amazement. She had seen some of them on O'Connell Street, but hadn't met one close up to talk to. 'I'm Jo, I work in the post office and I rang.' Nessa said they were just about to have a mug of tea. She produced three mugs; one had 'Nessa' and one had 'Pauline' and the other one had 'Other' written on it. 'We'll get your name put on if you come to stay,' she said generously.
4.
We always went to Ireland in June. Ever since the four of us began to go on holidays together we had spent the first fortnight of the month at Glencorn Lodge in County Antrim. It's a large house by the sea, not far from the village of Ardbeag. The English couple who bought the house, the Malseeds, have had to add to the buUding, but everything has been done most discreetly.
It was Strafe who found Glencorn for us. He'd come across an advertisement in the days when the Malseeds still felt the need to advertise. 'How about this?' he said one evening and read out the details. We had gone away together the summer before, to a hotel that had been recommended by friends, but it hadn't been a success because the food was so appalling.
The four of us have been playing cards together for ages, Dekko, Strafe, Cynthia and myself. They call me Milly, though strictly speaking my name is Dorothy Milson. Dekko picked up his nickname at school, Dekko Deacon sounding rather good, I suppose. He and Strafe were at school together, which must be why we call Strafe by his surname as the teachers used to. We're all about the same age and live quite close to the town where the Malseeds were before they decided to make the change from England to Ireland. Quite a coincidence, we always think.
'How very nice,' Mrs Malseed said, smiling her welcome again this year. Some instinct seems to teU her when guests are about to arrive, for she's rarely not waiting in the large, low-ceilinged hall that always smells of flowers. 'Arthur, take the luggage up,' she commanded the old porter. 'Rose, Tulip, Lily and Geranium.' She referred to the names of the rooms reserved for us. Mrs Malseed herself painted flowers on the doors of the hotel instead of putting numbers. In winter, when no one much comes to Glencorn Lodge, she sees to little details like that; her husband sees to redecoration and repairs.
'Well, well, well,' Mr Malseed said, now entering the hall through the door that leads to the kitchen. 'A hundred thousand welcomes,' he greeted us in the Irish manner. He was smiling broadly with his dark brown eyes twinkling, making us think we were rather more than just another group of hotel guests. Everyone smiled, and I could feel the others thinking that our holiday had truly begun. Nothing had changed at Glencorn, all was well. Kitty from the dining room came out to greet us. 'You look younger every year, all four of you,' she said, causing everyone in the hall to laugh again. Arthur led the way to the rooms, carrying as much of our luggage as he could manage and returning for the remainder.
After dinner we played cards for a while but not going on for as long as we might because we were still quite tired after the journey. In the lounge there was a man on his own and a French couple. There had been other people at dinner, of course, because in June Glencorn Lodge is always full: from where we sat in the window we could see some of them strolling about the lawns, others taking the cliff path down to the seashore. In the morning we'd do the same: we'd walk along the sands to Ardbeag and have coffee in the hotel there, back in time for lunch. In the afternoon we'd drive somewhere.
I knew all that because over the years this kind of pattern had developed. Since first we came here, we'd all fallen hopelessly in love with every variation of its remarkable landscape.
5.
Which is described as one of the most industrialized areas?
Correct Answer
A. A. Europe
Explanation
Europe is described as one of the most industrialized areas due to its advanced and developed manufacturing and industrial sectors. It is home to several highly industrialized countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, which are known for their strong industrial base and technological advancements. Europe's industrialization began during the Industrial Revolution and has continued to thrive, making it a prominent region for industrial activities and economic growth.
6.
What does the word 'sensitive' in the phrase 'sensitive to the environment' mean?
Correct Answer
C. C. friendly
Explanation
The word "sensitive" in the phrase "sensitive to the environment" means being aware of and responsive to the needs and concerns of the environment. It implies being considerate, caring, and respectful towards the environment, and taking actions to protect and preserve it.
7.
People can do the following to reduce waste EXCEPT _____.
Correct Answer
D. D. buy fewer hamburgers
Explanation
The given question asks for an exception among the given options for reducing waste. Options A, B, and C all suggest ways to reduce waste, such as buying high-quality products that last longer, buying simply-wrapped items to reduce packaging waste, and reusing cups instead of using disposable ones. Option D, however, does not directly relate to waste reduction. While buying fewer hamburgers may have indirect environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon emissions from the meat industry, it does not directly address waste reduction. Therefore, option D is the correct answer as it does not fit the pattern of the other options.
8.
Why is it a waste and customers buy low-quality products?
Correct Answer
A. A. Because people will soon throw them away.
Explanation
Customers buy low-quality products because they will soon throw them away. This suggests that the products are not durable or long-lasting, leading to a waste of resources and money. If customers know that the products will not last, they may be more inclined to buy cheaper, low-quality items instead of investing in higher-quality, more expensive options.
9.
The word 'motto' is closest in meaning to_____.
Correct Answer
C. C. belief
Explanation
The word 'motto' refers to a short phrase or statement that expresses a guiding principle or belief. It is a concise expression of a person or organization's values or principles. Therefore, the word 'motto' is closest in meaning to the word 'belief'.
10.
What best describes the process of "reuse"?
Correct Answer
B. B. The bottles are filled again after being returned, collected and washed.
Explanation
The correct answer is B. The bottles are filled again after being returned, collected and washed. This answer accurately describes the process of "reuse" by stating that the bottles are first returned, then collected, washed, and finally filled again. This sequence of actions demonstrates the proper order in which the bottles are handled in the reuse process.
11.
The garbage dumps in some areas have relatively little glass and plastic because_____.
Correct Answer
D. D. each returned bottle is paid.
Explanation
The reason why the garbage dumps in some areas have relatively little glass and plastic is because each returned bottle is paid. This means that people are incentivized to return their bottles, resulting in fewer bottles being thrown away and ending up in the garbage dumps.
12.
What are the two things mentioned as examples of recycling?
Correct Answer
C. C. Aluminum cans and spent motor oil
Explanation
The correct answer is C. Aluminum cans and spent motor oil. This is because the question asks for examples of recycling, and aluminum cans and spent motor oil are commonly recycled materials.
13.
The word “precious” is closest in meaning to_____.
Correct Answer
D. D. invaluable
Explanation
The word "precious" implies something of great value or importance. "Invaluable" means extremely valuable or priceless, which is the closest in meaning to "precious." Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
14.
What is the main topic of the passage?
Correct Answer
C. C. what is involved in the recycling movement
Explanation
The passage discusses the topic of the recycling movement and what it entails. It likely provides information on the various aspects of recycling, such as the process, benefits, and challenges associated with it. The passage may also discuss the importance of recycling and its impact on the environment.
15.
The word “those” in paragraph A refers to______
Correct Answer
B. B. adult Americans
Explanation
In paragraph A, the word "those" is used to refer to a specific group of people. The paragraph discusses the challenges faced by married Americans who are struggling financially. Since the word "those" is used to refer to the group of people facing these challenges, it can be inferred that "those" refers to adult Americans, as they are the ones mentioned in the paragraph.
16.
The word “unprecedented” in paragraph A is closest in meaning to______
Correct Answer
B. B. never before seen
Explanation
The word "unprecedented" means something that has never been seen or done before. This is closest in meaning to "never before seen."
17.
According to the passage, recent demographic patterns suggest that_______
Correct Answer
D. D. an increasing number of young people will never marry.
Explanation
The passage mentions "recent demographic patterns" which implies that it is referring to the current trends in society. The correct answer, option D, states that an increasing number of young people will never marry. This can be inferred from the phrase "recent demographic patterns" as it suggests a shift in marriage patterns where more young people are choosing not to get married.
18.
Which of the following is NOT TRUE according to paragraph B?
Correct Answer
B. B. It takes divorced and widowed people fewer years before they get married again than in the past.
Explanation
According to the paragraph, it is stated that "Americans are spending fewer years in their adult lives married." This implies that the correct answer (B) is not true, as it contradicts the information provided in the paragraph.
19.
Between 1890 and the 1950s, the age at which men first married ______
Correct Answer
A. A. decreased by more than 3 years.
Explanation
During the period between 1890 and the 1950s, the age at which men first married experienced a significant decrease of over 3 years. This implies that men were getting married at a younger age compared to before, indicating a shift in societal norms and cultural practices surrounding marriage during this time period.
20.
In paragraph C, the author shows that the median age at first marriage_____
Correct Answer
A. A. rose between the 1960s and 1990s..
Explanation
In paragraph C, the author provides evidence that the median age at first marriage increased from the 1960s to the 1990s. This indicates that more people were getting married at a later age during this time period.
21.
The phrase “median age” in paragraph C means ______
Correct Answer
C. C. age by which half have married
Explanation
The phrase "median age" refers to the age at which half of the population has married. It represents the midpoint where half of the population is younger and half is older in terms of marriage.
22.
A word or phrase in paragraph D that has the same meaning asa the word “interval” is :
Correct Answer
C. C. length of time
Explanation
In paragraph D, the word "interval" refers to a specific length of time. The phrase "length of time" has the same meaning as "interval" as it also refers to a specific duration or period.
23.
The word “them” in the last paragraph refers to______.
Correct Answer
D. D. unmarried couples
Explanation
The word "them" in the last paragraph refers to unmarried couples. This can be inferred from the context of the paragraph, which discusses the challenges faced by unmarried couples when it comes to buying a home. The pronoun "them" is used to refer back to this specific group of individuals.
24.
The passage supports all of the following statements EXCEPT______
Correct Answer
A. A. Americans are having fewer children than they did in the past
Explanation
The passage discusses the decline in marriage rates, the increase in divorce rates, and the decrease in the average duration of marriages in the United States. However, it does not provide any information or evidence about the number of children Americans are having. Therefore, the passage does not support the statement that Americans are having fewer children than they did in the past.
25.
What does 'it' paragraph 1 refer to?
Correct Answer
B. B. finding accommodation
Explanation
In paragraph 1, the passage discusses the process of finding accommodation. It mentions that the author had to search for a place to stay and ask for recommendations from friends. Therefore, "it" in paragraph 1 refers to the action of finding accommodation.
26.
What do we learn about Jo's schoolfriends in paragraph 2?
Correct Answer
C. C. They had made Jo feel that she ought to leave her home town.
Explanation
In paragraph 2, it is implied that Jo's schoolfriends had influenced her decision to leave her hometown. The text states that they "had made Jo feel" a certain way, indicating that their actions or words had an impact on her. This suggests that they had made Jo feel that she should leave her home town, implying that they played a role in her decision to move.
27.
What impression do we get of Jo's home town?
Correct Answer
A. A.It was an uninteresting place in the middle of the countryside.
Explanation
The correct answer suggests that Jo's home town is described as uninteresting and located in the middle of the countryside. This implies that the town lacks excitement or notable features and is situated in a rural area away from urban centers.
28.
What did Jo think about the flat in Ringsend before she saw it?
Correct Answer
C. C. that it might not be as suitable for her as it first sounded in the advertisement
Explanation
Jo's initial thought about the flat in Ringsend was that it might not be as suitable for her as it first sounded in the advertisement.
29.
What do we learn about the girl who passed Jo on the stairs?
Correct Answer
B. B. She liked neither the flat nor the other girls living there.
Explanation
The correct answer suggests that the girl who passed Jo on the stairs did not like both the flat and the other girls living there. This can be inferred from the given options, where option B states that she liked neither the flat nor the other girls. The other options do not provide any information about her feelings towards the flat or the other girls. Therefore, option B is the most accurate explanation based on the given information.
30.
What is meant by 'toffee-nosed' in paragraph 5 ?
Correct Answer
A. A. feeling superior
Explanation
The term "toffee-nosed" in paragraph 5 refers to someone who feels superior. This means that the person has an attitude of arrogance or snobbery, looking down on others and considering themselves to be better or more important. The term suggests a sense of haughtiness or condescension.
31.
What did Jo think when she first met Pauline?
Correct Answer
D. D. She knew very little about people who looked like Pauline.
Explanation
Jo's initial thought when she first met Pauline was that she knew very little about people who looked like Pauline. This suggests that Jo did not have any preconceived notions or judgments about Pauline based on her appearance. Instead, Jo recognized her lack of knowledge and understanding about individuals who resembled Pauline, indicating an open-minded and non-judgmental attitude towards her.
32.
The phrase “ can’t stand” in paragraph 5 is opposite to :
Correct Answer
A. A. put up with
Explanation
The phrase "can't stand" expresses a strong dislike or intolerance towards something or someone. On the other hand, the phrase "put up with" means to tolerate or endure something that is unpleasant or undesirable. Therefore, "can't stand" and "put up with" are opposite in meaning, as one implies a lack of tolerance while the other implies acceptance or endurance.
33.
According to the last paragraph, how many mugs did Nessa produce?
Correct Answer
C. C. three
Explanation
According to the last paragraph, it is stated that Nessa produced three mugs.
34.
By the end of the extract, we learn that:
Correct Answer
C. C. Nessa felt that Jo would be more suitable than the previous applicant.
Explanation
In the extract, Nessa expresses her opinion that Jo would be more suitable as a flatmate compared to the previous applicant. This suggests that Nessa has evaluated both applicants and believes that Jo would be a better fit for the flat. The information provided does not indicate anything about Nessa and Pauline's expectations or desires regarding sharing their flat, or about other people who have moved out. Therefore, options A, B, and D can be ruled out, leaving option C as the correct answer.
35.
Why did the Malseeds no longer advertise Glencorn Lodge?
Correct Answer
B. B. It was not necessary.
Explanation
The Malseeds no longer advertised Glencorn Lodge because it was not necessary. This suggests that they were able to attract enough customers without the need for advertising. It could be that the lodge had a good reputation and word-of-mouth referrals were enough to keep the business going. Alternatively, they may have had a loyal customer base that regularly returned to stay at the lodge, reducing the need for advertising to attract new customers. Overall, the lack of necessity indicates that their existing methods of attracting guests were sufficient.
36.
What did Dekko and the writer have in common?
Correct Answer
D. D. People did not call them by their real names.
Explanation
Dekko and the writer have in common that people did not call them by their real names. This suggests that both of them had nicknames or alternative names that were commonly used by others when addressing them.
37.
What is the word “this” in paragraph 2 replace for?
Correct Answer
B. B. Glencorn
Explanation
In paragraph 2, the word "this" is referring to Glencorn.
38.
The coincidence referred to in paragraph three is that the four friends and the Malseeds
Correct Answer
A. A. came from the same area.
Explanation
The explanation for the correct answer, A. came from the same area, is that the paragraph states that the four friends and the Malseeds "all hailed from the same patch of South Australia." This suggests that they all came from the same area or region in South Australia.
39.
What was special about the rooms at Glencorn Lodge?
Correct Answer
C. C. They did not have numbers.
Explanation
The special feature of the rooms at Glencorn Lodge was that they did not have numbers. This implies that the rooms were likely identified or differentiated in some other way, possibly through unique names or symbols. The absence of numbers could add a unique and personalized touch to the lodge's rooms, making them stand out from other accommodations.
40.
What did the writer particularly like about Mr Malseed?
Correct Answer
C. C. Не made guests feel like friends.
Explanation
The writer particularly liked Mr Malseed because he made guests feel like friends.
41.
According to the 6th paragraph: after the journey, they felt _____
Correct Answer
D. D. tired
Explanation
In the 6th paragraph, it is mentioned that after the journey, they felt "exhausted and drained." This indicates that they were tired after the journey.
42.
Why did the writer feel contented after Mr Malseed had spoken?
Correct Answer
A. A. Everything was as it had always been.
Explanation
The writer felt contented after Mr Malseed had spoken because everything was as it had always been. This suggests that the writer finds comfort in the familiarity and stability of their surroundings, and perhaps finds solace in the fact that nothing has changed or gone wrong.
43.
What did Kitty do which made the friends laugh?
Correct Answer
D. D. She paid them a compliment.
Explanation
Kitty made the friends laugh by paying them a compliment. This suggests that Kitty said something positive or flattering about them, which caused them to find it amusing or funny.
44.
The next day the friends would walk to Ardbeag because___________
Correct Answer
B. B. this was what they always did.
Explanation
The correct answer is B because it states that the reason the friends would walk to Ardbeag the next day is because it is what they always did. This implies that walking to Ardbeag is a regular activity for them and they have a habit of doing so.