📘 Academic Reading Practice Test -26

Time Allowed: 60 minutes
Total Questions: 40
Instructions:

• Answer ALL questions

• Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER unless stated otherwise

• For multiple-choice questions, choose ONE correct answer

 Reading Passage 1

The Science of Habit Formation

Human behavior is largely governed by habits—automatic actions triggered by specific cues. Habits allow the brain to conserve energy by reducing the need for conscious decision-making. From brushing teeth to checking mobile phones, habits shape daily routines and influence long-term outcomes such as health, productivity, and well-being.

Research in neuroscience suggests that habits are formed through a loop consisting of three elements: cue, routine, and reward. The cue signals the brain to initiate a behavior, the routine is the behavior itself, and the reward reinforces the loop by providing satisfaction. Over time, repeated exposure strengthens neural pathways, making the behavior increasingly automatic.

Contrary to popular belief, habits are not easily erased. Instead, they are replaced. When a cue and reward remain constant but the routine changes, new habits can emerge. This explains why behavioral change programs often focus on modifying responses rather than eliminating triggers altogether.

Motivation and environment also play critical roles. Individuals are more likely to adopt habits when they align with personal identity or when the environment reduces friction. For example, placing healthy food within easy reach increases the likelihood of healthier eating habits.

While habit formation is often discussed in self-help literature, scientists caution against oversimplification. Habit development varies significantly among individuals, influenced by genetics, stress levels, and social context. As a result, forming a habit may take weeks for some people and several months for others.

Questions 1–13

Questions 1–7

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

1. Habits help the brain save _________.

2. A habit is triggered by a specific _________.

3. The habit loop includes cue, routine, and _________.

4. Habits become automatic due to strengthened _________.

5. Habits are more often _________ than completely removed.

6. Changing habits usually involves altering the _________.

7. Individual habit formation speed depends partly on _________.

Questions 8–13

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

Write:

• TRUE if the statement agrees

• FALSE if it contradicts

• NOT GIVEN if there is no information

8. Habits always improve personal productivity.

9. Environmental design can influence habit adoption.

10. All habits take exactly 21 days to form.

11. Rewards strengthen habitual behavior.

12. Stress can affect habit development.

13. Self-help books fully explain the science of habits.

 Reading Passage 2

Renewable Energy and Grid Stability

The global shift toward renewable energy has accelerated in response to climate change and energy security concerns. Solar and wind power now account for a growing share of electricity generation worldwide. However, integrating these energy sources into existing power grids presents technical challenges.

One major issue is intermittency. Unlike fossil fuel plants, renewable sources depend on weather conditions, leading to fluctuations in power output. These variations can destabilize electrical grids if supply and demand are not carefully balanced.

Energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro systems, offer potential solutions. By storing excess energy during periods of high production and releasing it during shortages, storage systems help smooth fluctuations. Nevertheless, large-scale storage remains expensive and geographically limited.

Another strategy involves smart grids, which use digital communication to monitor and manage electricity flows in real time. Smart grids can adjust consumption patterns by incentivizing users to shift demand away from peak periods. This flexibility enhances grid reliability and efficiency.

Despite technological progress, policy frameworks play a decisive role. Governments must invest in infrastructure, update regulations, and encourage innovation. Without coordinated planning, the benefits of renewable energy may be undermined by grid instability.

Questions 14–26

Questions 14–18

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

14. The main challenge of renewable energy integration is
    A. fuel shortages
    B. high pollution
    C. power variability
    D. outdated technology

15. Intermittency refers to
    A. equipment failure
    B. unpredictable energy output
    C. excess energy storage
    D. grid expansion

16. Energy storage systems primarily help by
    A. reducing emissions
    B. increasing consumption
    C. stabilizing supply
    D. replacing power plants

17. Smart grids differ from traditional grids because they
    A. use fossil fuels
    B. eliminate power outages
    C. operate manually
    D. respond dynamically

18. The author suggests government action is
    A. unnecessary
    B. harmful
    C. optional
    D. essential

Questions 19–26

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

Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are expanding rapidly, but their _________ (19) nature creates challenges for power grids. Energy storage can help balance supply, though it remains costly and sometimes _________ (20). Smart grids rely on digital _________ (21) to manage electricity flows efficiently. In addition to technology, strong _________ (22) support is required to ensure grid stability.

 Reading Passage 3

The Cognitive Impact of Bilingualism

Bilingualism, the ability to use two or more languages, is increasingly common in a globalized world. For decades, researchers debated whether bilingualism confused cognitive development, particularly in children. Modern research, however, paints a far more nuanced picture.

Studies indicate that bilingual individuals often demonstrate enhanced executive control—the mental skills used for planning, focusing attention, and switching tasks. Regularly managing multiple languages appears to strengthen these abilities, as speakers must constantly select the appropriate language while suppressing the other.

Bilingualism has also been linked to delayed onset of age-related cognitive decline. Some research suggests that bilingual adults may experience symptoms of dementia several years later than monolinguals. While bilingualism does not prevent neurological disease, it may increase cognitive reserve, allowing the brain to function effectively for longer.

Despite these advantages, bilingualism is not without challenges. Language dominance can shift depending on context, and vocabulary size in each language may be smaller than that of monolingual speakers. Educational outcomes depend heavily on the quality of instruction and social support.

Researchers emphasize that bilingualism should not be viewed as inherently superior but rather as one of many factors influencing cognition. Cultural background, education, and socioeconomic status all interact with language experience to shape cognitive development.

Questions 27–40

Questions 27–32

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

27. Early beliefs about bilingualism suggested it
    A. improved intelligence
    B. caused confusion
    C. delayed speech
    D. ensured academic success

28. Executive control involves
    A. emotional regulation
    B. language translation
    C. task management
    D. memory storage

29. Cognitive reserve refers to
    A. intelligence levels
    B. brain size
    C. mental flexibility
    D. stored vocabulary

30. Bilingualism may delay dementia by
    A. preventing disease
    B. improving physical health
    C. increasing brain resilience
    D. eliminating memory loss

31. One challenge of bilingualism is
    A. reduced attention span
    B. smaller vocabulary per language
    C. slower learning
    D. lower intelligence

32. The author’s overall view of bilingualism is
    A. strongly critical
    B. overly optimistic
    C. balanced
    D. dismissive

Questions 33–40

Complete the table below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.

Answer Key

Passage 1

1. energy

2. cue

3. reward

4. neural pathways

5. replaced

6. routine

7. genetics

8. FALSE

9. TRUE

10. FALSE

11. TRUE

12. TRUE

13. FALSE

Passage 2

14. C

15. B

16. C

17. D

18. D

19. intermittent

20. limited

21. communication

22. policy

Passage 3

27. B

28. C

29. C

30. C

31. B

32. C

33. control

34. decline

35. dominance

36. instruction