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Passage 1: The Mystery of Monarch Butterflies

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–13, which are based on the reading passage below.

Each autumn, millions of monarch butterflies embark on one of nature’s most astonishing journeys: a migration of up to 4,500 kilometres from Canada and the northern United States to the forests of central Mexico. Despite their delicate appearance, these insects complete this long-distance trip with remarkable precision, often returning to the same trees each year.

Monarchs are the only butterflies known to make such a two-way migration, similar to birds. Their journey is even more impressive considering that no individual butterfly makes the round trip. Instead, it takes several generations to complete the full cycle. Butterflies that migrate south live up to eight months, while the summer generations live only a few weeks.

The migration relies on a combination of environmental cues. Monarchs use the sun’s position to navigate during the day and may also rely on an internal magnetic compass. Recent research has shown that they can detect the Earth’s magnetic field through specialised cells in their antennae, although how this works remains partly a mystery.

Unfortunately, the monarch population is under threat. Deforestation in Mexico has reduced the availability of the oyamel fir forests where they overwinter. Illegal logging, even in protected reserves, remains a problem. Additionally, the loss of milkweed plants in North America due to herbicides and land use changes affects breeding grounds, since milkweed is the only plant on which monarchs lay their eggs.

Climate change poses an additional threat. Extreme weather events, such as unseasonal frosts or heavy rains, can decimate entire colonies. Warmer temperatures can also confuse the timing of migration, leading to mismatches between the butterflies’ arrival and the availability of food sources.

Conservationists are working to reverse this decline. In the United States, initiatives encourage farmers and gardeners to plant milkweed and other nectar-rich flowers. In Mexico, community-led projects promote sustainable forest management, offering local people economic alternatives to logging.

One success story comes from the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico. Here, local communities have planted thousands of trees and patrol forests to prevent illegal logging. Eco-tourism has also provided a sustainable income, with visitors flocking each winter to witness millions of butterflies clustered like orange jewels in the branches.

Scientists continue to study the monarch’s navigation abilities, hoping that a deeper understanding will aid conservation. After all, protecting the monarch’s migration means safeguarding a wonder of the natural world that connects ecosystems and communities across a continent.

Questions 1–5

Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write:

• TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
• FALSE if it contradicts the information
• NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

1. Monarch butterflies travel thousands of kilometres during their migration.
2. All monarch butterflies make the round trip between Mexico and Canada.
3. Monarch butterflies can detect the Earth’s magnetic field.
4. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on many types of plants.
5. Eco-tourism in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve has increased deforestation.

Questions 6–9

Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

6. Monarchs navigate by using the sun and possibly an internal ________.
7. In Mexico, the monarchs spend winter in ________ forests.
8. Climate change can disrupt migration by causing ________ weather events.
9. Local people help patrol forests and prevent ________ logging.

Questions 10–13

Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.

10. How do monarchs differ from other butterflies?
    A) They are larger than most other species.
    B) They lay more eggs than other butterflies.
    C) They are the only butterflies to migrate both ways over long distances.
    D) They migrate alone without using environmental cues.
11. What is a main cause of milkweed loss?
    A) Deforestation in Mexico
    B) Illegal hunting of butterflies
    C) Use of herbicides and land changes in North America
    D) Increased tourism
12. Why is the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve important?
    A) It provides a winter habitat for monarchs.
    B) It grows milkweed for breeding.
    C) It is the only place monarchs live all year.
    D) It provides scientific data for migration routes.
13. What is the main purpose of the passage?
    A) To explain how butterflies reproduce
    B) To describe the monarch’s migration and conservation efforts
    C) To promote eco-tourism in Mexico
    D) To compare monarchs with other insects

Passage 2: The Secrets of Stonehenge

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14–26, which are based on the reading passage below.

Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain in England, has fascinated people for centuries. Composed of massive standing stones arranged in a circular layout, Stonehenge is one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Yet its true purpose and construction methods remain shrouded in mystery.

The earliest phase of Stonehenge dates back to around 3000 BCE, when a circular earthwork enclosure was built. The larger stones, known as sarsens, were erected around 2500 BCE. These enormous stones, some weighing up to 30 tonnes, were transported from the Marlborough Downs, about 30 kilometres away. Smaller bluestones came from the Preseli Hills in Wales, nearly 250 kilometres distant — an astonishing feat for a Neolithic society without modern tools.

Theories about how the stones were moved vary. Some suggest the builders used wooden sledges and rollers, while others believe the stones may have been floated on rafts along rivers. Recent experiments have attempted to recreate these methods, but the exact technique remains speculative.

Equally intriguing is the monument’s purpose. Early antiquarians believed Stonehenge was a Druid temple, but this has been largely discredited. Archaeologists now think it may have served as a burial ground, a ceremonial site, or even an astronomical calendar. The alignment of the stones with the summer and winter solstices suggests that the builders understood the solar cycle, using the monument to mark seasonal changes.

New discoveries in the surrounding landscape have provided more context. Excavations have revealed other stone circles, burial mounds, and evidence of settlements, indicating that Stonehenge was part of a much larger sacred complex. The nearby Durrington Walls, for example, is thought to have housed thousands of people during large gatherings.

Despite centuries of study, Stonehenge continues to inspire debate and imagination. Modern technologies like ground-penetrating radar and 3D scanning have uncovered hidden features and helped create detailed reconstructions. Yet some mysteries endure — such as the symbolic meaning of the stones and the exact social structure of the people who built it.

In recent years, Stonehenge has become a symbol of heritage preservation. Visitor numbers are carefully managed to protect the fragile site. While the monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it also faces threats from erosion and nearby infrastructure projects.

For many, Stonehenge remains a reminder of human ingenuity and the enduring human desire to mark our place in the universe — a link between the ancient and the modern, the earthly and the celestial.

Questions 14–17

Complete the notes below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

The large stones at Stonehenge are called (14) ________, and were transported from the (15) ________ Downs. Smaller stones came from the Preseli Hills, which are (16) ________ kilometres away. Some archaeologists believe Stonehenge could have been an (17) ________ calendar.

Questions 18–22

Match each feature with the correct description.
Write the correct letter, A–F.

Features
A. Sarsens
B. Bluestones
C. Durrington Walls
D. Early enclosure
E. River rafts
F. Solstice alignment

Descriptions
18. Large stones weighing up to 30 tonnes
19. Stones transported from Wales
20. Theory for how stones were moved
21. Settlement site for gatherings
22. Shows knowledge of solar cycle

Questions 23–26

Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.

23. What is known about how the stones were moved?
    A) The exact method is proven and clear.
    B) Experiments have ruled out all old theories.
    C) Theories exist but none are certain.
    D) They were definitely transported by air.
24. Why do some archaeologists reject the idea that Stonehenge was a Druid temple?
    A) There is no evidence Druids built Stonehenge.
    B) The Druids did not live in Britain.
    C) The stones do not align with the sun.
    D) It was built before Druids existed.
25. Why is Stonehenge considered part of a larger complex?
    A) It is connected to other stone circles and mounds nearby.
    B) It is the only monument on Salisbury Plain.
    C) It was originally a settlement site only.
    D) It has been fully excavated.
26. What does the writer say about the future of Stonehenge?
    A) It is no longer popular with tourists.
    B) It faces threats despite protection.
    C) It will be moved to a safer site.
    D) It will be rebuilt completely.

Passage 3: The Future of Plastic Packaging

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27–40, which are based on the reading passage below.

Plastic packaging is deeply embedded in modern life. From food containers to protective wraps, plastic’s durability and low cost have made it indispensable. However, its environmental impact is now a major global concern.

Approximately 40% of all plastic produced is used for packaging, much of it single-use. Once discarded, it often ends up in landfills or the ocean, where it can persist for hundreds of years. Wildlife can become entangled or ingest plastic waste, leading to injury or death. Microplastics, tiny fragments that result from the breakdown of larger items, have been found in drinking water, seafood, and even the air.

To address this crisis, scientists and businesses are exploring alternatives. One promising solution is biodegradable plastics made from renewable materials such as corn starch or sugarcane. These break down more quickly under industrial composting conditions. However, they require specific facilities to decompose properly; otherwise, they may remain intact like conventional plastics.

Another innovation is edible packaging, which uses materials like seaweed or rice paper to create wrappers that can be safely eaten or easily composted. Some companies are also developing reusable packaging systems. For example, ‘loop’ delivery services provide products in durable containers that are collected, cleaned, and refilled, creating a circular system.

Governments are playing a role too. Several countries have introduced bans or taxes on certain single-use plastics, encouraging companies to rethink design and consumers to change habits. The European Union, for instance, has banned plastic straws and cutlery.

While alternatives exist, scaling them up remains a challenge. Bioplastics may compete with food crops for land, and reusable systems require investment in collection and cleaning infrastructure. Consumers also need to adapt to new behaviours, such as returning containers or paying deposits.

Experts argue that addressing plastic waste will require a multi-pronged approach: better recycling technology, innovative materials, stronger regulations, and shifts in consumer behaviour. As awareness grows, businesses are recognising that sustainable packaging is not just an environmental responsibility but also a competitive advantage.

Ultimately, the future of packaging may look very different. While plastic may never disappear entirely, its dominance could wane as societies embrace solutions that balance convenience with sustainability.

Questions 27–31

Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write: TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.

27. Most plastic produced is used for packaging.
28. Microplastics have been found only in seafood.
29. Edible packaging is made from renewable materials.
30. Reusable packaging systems rely on single-use items.
31. Some countries have banned certain plastic products.

Questions 32–36

Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Plastic packaging is popular because it is durable and ________. However, it is also a major cause of ________. Alternatives like ________ plastics and edible wrappers are being developed, but these have limitations. Reusable systems require ________ and collection. Experts believe change must include new technology, better ________, and shifts in habits.

Questions 37–40

Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.

37. What is a problem with biodegradable plastics?
    A) They cannot be composted at all.
    B) They require special conditions to break down properly.
    C) They pollute water more than regular plastic.
    D) They are banned in the EU.
38. What is the advantage of edible packaging?
    A) It never breaks down in landfills.
    B) It is made from non-renewable materials.
    C) It can be eaten or composted easily.
    D) It is cheaper than all other packaging.
39. How do some businesses reduce single-use plastic waste?
    A) By introducing reusable delivery systems
    B) By using more plastic straws
    C) By banning all packaging
    D) By burning plastic waste
40. What is the main message of this passage?
    A) Plastic packaging will always be the best option.
    B) Only governments can solve the plastic crisis.
    C) The plastic problem can be solved with a mix of solutions.
    D) Consumers have no role to play.

Answer Key

Passage 1: The Mystery of Monarch Butterflies

Questions 1–5 (TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN)

1. TRUE — Monarchs migrate thousands of kilometres.
2. FALSE — No individual monarch makes the round trip.
3. TRUE — They can detect the Earth’s magnetic field.
4. FALSE — They lay eggs only on milkweed.
5. FALSE — Eco-tourism provides income, not increased deforestation.

Questions 6–9 (Sentence completion)
6. magnetic compass
7. oyamel fir
8. extreme
9. illegal

Questions 10–13 (Multiple choice)
10. C — They are the only butterflies to migrate both ways over long distances.
11. C — Herbicides and land use changes reduce milkweed.
12. A — It provides a winter habitat for monarchs.
13. B — It explains the migration and conservation efforts.

Passage 2: The Secrets of Stonehenge

Questions 14–17 (Notes completion)
14. sarsens
15. Marlborough
16. 250
17. astronomical

Questions 18–22 (Matching)
18. A — Sarsens: large stones up to 30 tonnes
19. B — Bluestones: transported from Wales
20. E — River rafts: theory for moving stones
21. C — Durrington Walls: settlement site for gatherings
22. F — Solstice alignment: shows solar knowledge

Questions 23–26 (Multiple choice)
23. C — Theories exist but none are certain.
24. D — Stonehenge was built before Druids existed.
25. A — Part of a larger complex of circles and mounds.
26. B — It faces threats despite protection.

Passage 3: The Future of Plastic Packaging

Questions 27–31 (TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN)
27. TRUE — 40% of plastic is used for packaging.
28. FALSE — Microplastics found in seafood, drinking water, and air.
29. TRUE — Edible packaging uses seaweed, rice paper — renewable.
30. FALSE — Reusable systems use durable containers, not single-use.
31. TRUE — Some countries have bans/taxes on single-use plastics.

Questions 32–36 (Summary completion)
32. low cost
33. pollution
34. biodegradable
35. investment
36. regulations

Questions 37–40 (Multiple choice)
37. B — They need special composting conditions.
38. C — They can be eaten or composted easily.
39. A — Reusable delivery systems reduce single-use waste.
40. C — A mix of solutions is needed to tackle plastic waste.