Passage 1: The Future of Artificial Intelligence
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–13, which are based on the reading passage below.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping modern society. From digital assistants that manage our schedules to complex algorithms that diagnose diseases, AI’s applications are wide-ranging. Although the term ‘AI’ often evokes images of human-like robots, in reality, it encompasses any system capable of performing tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as recognising speech, making decisions, or translating languages.
AI is generally divided into two categories: narrow AI and general AI. Narrow AI systems are designed for specific tasks — for example, virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa. General AI, which would have the ability to learn and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, remains theoretical for now. Experts debate whether we will ever create truly general AI or if its development is even desirable.
One sector where AI has already had transformative effects is healthcare. Machine learning models can analyse vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns humans might miss. For instance, AI can detect certain types of cancer in medical scans with remarkable accuracy. However, critics caution that AI should augment, not replace, human judgement. Misdiagnoses could have serious consequences if algorithms are trusted blindly.
Beyond healthcare, AI is revolutionising transportation through self-driving cars. Companies have invested billions in autonomous vehicle research. These cars use a combination of sensors, cameras, and AI to navigate roads and make split-second decisions. While fully driverless cars are not yet common on public roads, experts predict they will eventually reduce accidents caused by human error.
AI also poses significant ethical and societal questions. One major concern is the impact on jobs. Automation could make certain roles obsolete, particularly those involving routine tasks. However, optimists argue that AI will also create new jobs and industries, just as previous technological revolutions did.
Another concern is data privacy. AI systems require enormous amounts of data to learn and improve. This data often comes from personal information such as online searches or shopping habits. Misuse of this data could lead to discrimination or privacy violations.
Governments and organisations are now working to create guidelines to ensure AI is developed responsibly. Some experts call for ‘explainable AI’ — systems whose decision-making processes are transparent and understandable to humans. Without this, it may be impossible to know why an AI makes a particular recommendation.
In the coming decades, the challenge will be balancing the benefits of AI with its risks. When designed and used responsibly, AI could help solve pressing global issues — from climate change to disease outbreaks. But if left unchecked, it could also deepen social inequalities and pose threats that are difficult to predict.
Questions 1–5
Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write TRUE, FALSE or NOT GIVEN.
- AI is only used to build robots that look like humans.
- Narrow AI systems can perform a single, specific task.
- General AI systems already exist and are widely used.
- AI can help doctors find patterns in medical data.
- Fully driverless cars are common on city streets today.
Questions 6–9
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- AI includes any system that can do tasks needing ________.
- AI systems must not ________ human judgement in healthcare.
- Self-driving cars rely on sensors, cameras, and ________.
- AI systems need large amounts of ________ to work well.
Questions 10–13
Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
- What is one benefit of self-driving cars?
A) They will completely replace all human drivers immediately.
B) They are already used in every country.
C) They could lower accidents caused by humans.
D) They do not use AI. - What do optimists believe about AI and employment?
A) AI will destroy all jobs permanently.
B) AI will create new types of work.
C) AI will only benefit robots.
D) AI will lead to no economic changes. - Why do some experts want ‘explainable AI’?
A) To make systems more attractive to buyers.
B) To reduce the amount of data they collect.
C) So humans can understand how AI decisions are made.
D) To stop AI from being used in transportation. - What is the main idea of this passage?
A) AI is dangerous and should be banned.
B) AI will make people more intelligent.
C) AI brings benefits and risks that must be balanced.
D) AI will never be used outside healthcare.
Passage 2: The Rise and Fall of the Mayan Civilisation
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14–26, which are based on the reading passage below.
The ancient Maya were one of the most advanced civilisations of the ancient Americas. Flourishing in present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and parts of Honduras, the Maya built impressive cities, developed a writing system, and made remarkable astronomical calculations long before European contact.
The Maya civilisation reached its peak between 250 and 900 CE, known as the Classic Period. During this time, they constructed magnificent stone cities with pyramids, palaces and observatories. Cities like Tikal and Palenque demonstrate the architectural and artistic achievements of the Maya.
Mayan writing, known as hieroglyphics, combined pictorial symbols and phonetic signs. Carved on monuments and painted on ceramics, this script recorded dynastic histories, rituals, and myths. The deciphering of Mayan writing in the 20th century revealed insights into their complex society.
Astronomy played a central role in Mayan life. They accurately tracked the movements of the sun, moon, and planets, creating detailed calendars that governed agriculture and ceremonies. The Mayan calendar famously predicted cycles of time, which some misunderstood as a prediction of the world’s end in 2012.
Despite their achievements, the Classic Maya cities eventually declined. Historians and archaeologists debate the causes. Environmental factors like droughts may have led to crop failures. Overpopulation and warfare between city-states likely worsened the crisis, causing people to abandon urban centres for rural areas.
After the decline of the Classic cities, the northern Maya cities like Chichen Itza rose to prominence. These sites maintained aspects of Mayan culture but also showed influences from other Mesoamerican civilisations, such as the Toltecs.
The arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century marked the final blow to Maya independence. Despite this, millions of descendants of the Maya still live in Central America today. Many communities preserve traditional languages, rituals, and crafts, demonstrating the enduring legacy of this remarkable civilisation.
Questions 14–17
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
The Maya were an advanced civilisation in parts of present-day Mexico and Central America. They built cities with (14) ________, palaces, and observatories. Their writing system used (15) ________ and recorded dynastic events. They also created accurate (16) ________ for farming and ceremonies. Possible reasons for their decline include warfare and (17) ________.
Questions 18–22
Match each place or event with the correct description.
Write the correct letter, A–F.
A. Classic Period
B. Tikal
C. Hieroglyphics
D. 2012 prediction
E. Chichen Itza
F. Spanish conquest
- A major Mayan city with stone pyramids
- Era when Maya reached their peak
- Their written script combining symbols and sounds
- A site that blended Mayan and Toltec cultures
- Ended Maya independence
Questions 23–26
Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
- What was one main use of Mayan astronomy?
A) To build pyramids
B) To organise wars
C) To guide farming and rituals
D) To teach the Spanish - What is one theory about why Classic cities declined?
A) European invasion
B) Frequent droughts
C) Too much rainfall
D) Increase in sea levels - What happened after Classic cities declined?
A) The Maya disappeared completely.
B) All cities were abandoned forever.
C) Northern cities like Chichen Itza gained importance.
D) No Mayan culture survived. - What does the passage say about the Maya today?
A) Mayan culture has been completely lost.
B) Mayan languages and customs continue in some areas.
C) The Maya have become entirely Spanish-speaking.
D) Their astronomical knowledge is still secret.
Passage 3: Bridges: Marvels of Modern Engineering
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27–40, which are based on the reading passage below.
Bridges are among the most impressive feats of engineering. From ancient stone arches to sleek modern suspension bridges, these structures have connected communities, opened up trade routes, and transformed landscapes.
Early bridges were simple: logs laid across streams or basic stone slabs. As civilisations advanced, so did bridge design. The Romans perfected the arch bridge, many of which still stand today. Their bridges used stone blocks and precise calculations, distributing weight evenly and providing remarkable durability.
In the modern era, new materials and technologies revolutionised bridge construction. The introduction of steel in the 19th century allowed for longer spans and new designs. The Brooklyn Bridge in New York, completed in 1883, was one of the first to use steel cables in its suspension design, inspiring future generations of engineers.
Suspension bridges can span great distances because they transfer the weight of the deck through cables to towers, which bear the load. The Golden Gate Bridge and Akashi Kaikyō Bridge are iconic examples. Cable-stayed bridges, such as the Millau Viaduct in France, use straight cables attached directly to towers, providing a modern alternative for long spans.
Building bridges often involves overcoming significant challenges. Engineers must consider natural forces such as wind, earthquakes, and water currents. The collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940 demonstrated how wind can cause destructive vibrations if not properly accounted for.
Safety has improved dramatically thanks to computer modelling and advanced materials. Engineers now use wind tunnels and simulations to predict how structures will behave under various conditions. Some bridges are equipped with sensors to monitor stress and detect potential problems before they become dangerous.
Environmental impact is another important factor. Modern bridge projects often include measures to protect ecosystems, such as constructing wildlife corridors or minimising disruption to rivers. Some cities are repurposing old bridges into green spaces or pedestrian parks.
As cities grow and technology advances, engineers continue to push boundaries. Ideas for the future include self-healing concrete, smart materials that respond to stress, and bridges that generate energy from solar panels or vibrations. Whatever the future holds, bridges will remain enduring symbols of human ingenuity.
Questions 27–31
Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write TRUE, FALSE or NOT GIVEN.
- Early bridges were usually made using steel.
- The Romans were known for building arch bridges.
- The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in the early 20th century.
- Suspension bridges transfer deck weight to towers using cables.
- The Millau Viaduct is a type of cable-stayed bridge.
Questions 32–36
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Modern engineers use (32) ________ and simulations to test bridge safety. Bridges may include (33) ________ that warn of stress or damage. Many projects aim to limit (34) ________ damage and protect animals. In the future, bridges might use smart materials or (35) ________ concrete. They could even produce (36) ________ from renewable sources.
Questions 37–40
Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
- What did the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge show?
A) That all bridges should be made of stone
B) That earthquakes are the biggest danger to bridges
C) That wind forces must be considered carefully
D) That suspension bridges are outdated - How has bridge safety improved?
A) By using stronger ropes
B) By building fewer bridges over water
C) Through advanced testing and materials
D) By avoiding steel in construction - What is one new way old bridges are being used?
A) Turned into roads for trucks only
B) Converted into green spaces and parks
C) Demolished to protect rivers
D) Sold for scrap metal - What does the passage mainly say about bridges?
A) They are a thing of the past.
B) They will soon be replaced by tunnels.
C) They symbolise human creativity and progress.
D) They cause more harm than good.
Answer Key
Passage 1: The Future of Artificial Intelligence
Questions 1–5 (TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN)
- FALSE — AI is not only used to build human-like robots; it includes any system doing tasks needing human intelligence.
- TRUE — Narrow AI systems perform single, specific tasks.
- FALSE — General AI does not yet exist; it remains theoretical.
- TRUE — AI can find patterns in medical data.
- FALSE — Fully driverless cars are not yet common.
Questions 6–9 (Sentence completion)
6. human intelligence
7. replace
8. AI
9. data
Questions 10–13 (Multiple choice)
10. C — They could lower accidents caused by humans.
11. B — Optimists believe AI will create new types of work.
12. C — So humans can understand how AI decisions are made.
13. C — The passage discusses the need to balance AI’s benefits and risks.
Passage 2: The Rise and Fall of the Mayan Civilisation
Questions 14–17 (Summary completion)
14. pyramids
15. hieroglyphics
16. calendars
17. droughts
Questions 18–22 (Matching)
18. B — Tikal: major Mayan city with pyramids
19. A — Classic Period: peak of Mayan civilisation
20. C — Hieroglyphics: script using symbols and sounds
21. E — Chichen Itza: site blending Mayan and Toltec cultures
22. F — Spanish conquest: ended Maya independence
Questions 23–26 (Multiple choice)
23. C — To guide farming and ceremonies.
24. B — Frequent droughts contributed to their decline.
25. C — Northern cities like Chichen Itza gained importance.
26. B — Mayan languages and traditions still survive today.
Passage 3: Bridges: Marvels of Modern Engineering
Questions 27–31 (TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN)
27. FALSE — Early bridges were made of logs or stone, not steel.
28. TRUE — The Romans were famous for arch bridges.
29. FALSE — The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in the 19th century (1883).
30. TRUE — Suspension bridges use cables to transfer deck weight to towers.
31. TRUE — The Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed bridge.
Questions 32–36 (Summary completion)
32. computer modelling
33. sensors
34. environmental
35. self-healing
36. energy
Questions 37–40 (Multiple choice)
37. C — Tacoma Narrows showed wind forces must be considered.
38. C — Safety improved through advanced testing and materials.
39. B — Old bridges are converted into green spaces or parks.
40. C — Bridges symbolise human ingenuity and progress.
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