Read the following passage about the consequences of impulse buying and mark the letter A, B, C, or D

on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 1 to 10.
Online shopping has exploded in popularity, with e-commerce sales reaching nearly $5 trillion
worldwide in 2021. This growth is largely due to the convenience and variety that online platforms offer.
Shoppers can browse millions of items from home, and with services like Amazon Prime, products can arrive
in just one or two days. However, while online shopping offers numerous advantages, it has also led to
increased impulse buying behaviours among consumers.
[I] Impulse buying, or buying things without planning or need, is more common online than in physical
stores.
[II] A study by Klarna found that 71% of online shoppers admitted to making impulse purchases. [III] For
example, on popular shopping days like Amazon Prime Day, people may feel pressured to buy items they
haven't considered before, simply because they're marked as “exclusive” or “limited-time offers.” [IV] Such
deals create a sense of urgency, making consumers feel they might miss out if they don't act fast, which can
lead to spending regret later.
This impulse buying can have serious financial consequences, especially among younger people.
According to a survey by Finder, Americans spend around $183 per month on impulse purchases, which
adds up to over $2,000 each year. For younger consumers, especially teenagers and young adults, the effects
can be more significant. Many use credit cards or “buy now, pay later” services, such as Afterpay or Klarna,
which can make spending feel easier but may lead to debt. A 2022 survey revealed that 43% of
millennials and Gen Z consumers reported regret over impulse purchases made with "buy now, pay
later" options, as they faced challenges with repayments.
Experts suggest several ways to avoid impulsive spending, like setting a budget, removing items from the
cart and waiting a day before buying, and unsubscribing from marketing emails. By taking a moment to think
before clicking “buy now,” consumers can make more informed decisions and avoid accumulating items
they don’t need or facing financial issues. Online shopping has revolutionised the way we buy, but it's
essential for people to shop responsibly to avoid the pitfalls of impulse purchases.
(Adapted from Guide to the National Examination)

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 Question 1: The word it in paragraph 1 refers to .
A. impulse buying B. convenience C. online shopping D. Amazon Prime
Question 2: Where in paragraph 2 does the following sentence best fit?
This is often encouraged by tactics such as “limited-time deals” and “only 3 left in stock” notifications.
A. [III] B. [IV] C. [I] D. [II]
Question 3: The phrase spending regret in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by .
A. financial hardship B. purchase disappointment
C. buyer satisfaction D. money management
Question 4: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?
A. Millennials and Gen Z thoroughly enjoyed using “buy now, pay later” services because they can
make purchases without any trouble.
B. Nearly half of young consumers regretted purchases made through “buy now, pay later” services
due to difficulties with repayments.
C. The majority of young consumers were reported to experience no problems with repayments for “buy
now, pay later” purchases.
D. Younger people did not show any regrets about impulse purchases that they made using the services
called “buy now, pay later”.
Question 5: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?
A. Younger consumers are most affected by financial problems due to impulse buying.
B. Online shopping is generally not impulsive for adolescents as well as young adults.
C. Financial challenges from online shopping are likely to affect older adults the most.
D. Most impulse purchasers tend to use cash to manage their spending and avoid debt.
Question 6: According to paragraph 4, which of the following is NOT a suggested method to avoid
impulsive spending?
A. Removing items from the cart and waiting a day before buying
B. Unsubscribing from marketing emails
C. Setting a budget before shopping
D. Subscribing to promotional emails for discounts
Question 7: The word accumulating in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to .
A. increasing B. gathering C. reducing D. purchasing
Question 8: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. Experts recommend that online shoppers should buy items immediately in order to avoid impulsive
spending.
B. Young people who use “buy now, pay later” services often have no difficulty in managing their finances.
C. The average American is reported to spend less than one thousand dollars annually on impulse
purchases.
D. Millennials and Gen Z report more regret over impulse purchases when using “buy now, pay later”
services.
Question 9: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. Consumers have a tendency to remain unaffected by time-sensitive offers when making online
purchases.
B. Techniques that create urgency encourage impulse purchases, especially among younger demographics.
C. The popularity of online shopping rarely contributes to a sense of post-purchase regret among
consumers.
D. “Buy now, pay later” options are known to encourage fiscal responsibility and reduce impulsive
spending.
Question 10: Which of the following best summarises the passage?

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 A. Online shopping is preferred primarily because of its affordability, with almost all consumers making
every effort to avoid impulse buying and make only well-planned purchases in advance.
B. Despite the risk of financial issues, limited-time offers in online shopping are specifically designed to
ensure that consumers make quick purchasing decisions to minimize the potential for regrets.
C. Impulse buying is generally considered to be a minor concern and primarily limited to major shopping
events, which briefly increase the tendency to make spontaneous purchases online.

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 D. While online shopping offers significant convenience, it also fosters impulsive purchasing behaviours
that can lead to both financial regret and challenges, particularly among younger consumers.

Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct
option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 11 to 16.
PROTECT OUR PLANET - YOUR ACTIONS MATTER
Why care about the environment?
The environment is our life support system, providing us with clean air, water, food, and countless (11)
resources. However, human activities are threatening the health of our planet. Understanding and
(12) these issues is crucial for our survival and the well-being of future generations.
How you can make a difference
֍ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: (13) waste by choosing reusable products, recycling materials, and
composting organic waste.
֍ Conserve Energy: Use energy-efficient appliances, switch to renewable energy sources, and reduce
unnecessary energy consumption.
֍ Water Conservation: Fix leaks, install water-saving fixtures, and practice (14) to protect this
vital resource.
֍ Sustainable Transportation: Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transport to reduce your carbon footprint.
֍ Support Eco-friendly Products: Choose products (15) from sustainable materials and support
companies with environmentally responsible practices.
֍ Protect Wildlife: Support conservation (16) , reduce habitat destruction, and avoid products that
harm endangered species.
(Adapted from
https://www.ukh.edu.krd)
Question A. another B. other C. the others D. others
11:
Question A. concerning B. relating C. addressing D. dealing
12:
Question A. Put out B. Cut down C. Break off D. Take up
13:
Question A. use mindful water B. mindful use water C. water mindful use D. mindful water
14: use
Question A. which made B. making C. made D. was made
15:
Question A. systems B. efforts C. matters D. sources
16:

Read the following passage about earthquakes and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to
indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 17 to 24.
Earthquakes occur as a result of sudden shifts in the Earth’s tectonic plates. Sometimes they are
characterized by a sudden violent shaking of the ground. Depending on the amount of energy released in an
earthquake, the geographic location of an earthquake’s initial ground rupture, and the population density in
the area surrounding this ground rupture, earthquakes can have severe consequences to human life.
Scientists use the Richter scale to measure the force or power of an earthquake. Developed by Charles F.
Richter in 1935 in conjunction with the California Institute of Technology, the scale is used to record
earthquakes from less than 2.0, microearthquakes, all the way up to more than 10.0 known as “rocky
meteovrite impacting,” the likes of which have never been recorded.
Microearthquakes measuring 2.0 or less on the Richter scale occur at a rate of about 8,000 per day. These
are never felt and are considered harmless. Minor earthquakes lay between 3.0 – 3.9 on the Richter scale.
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 They are often felt, but seldom result in any damage. It is estimated that there are around 49,000 minor
earthquakes per year. Measuring in at 6.0 – 6.9 on the Richter scale, a strong earthquake can devastate areas
within a 100-mile radius of the initial ground rupture point, as witnessed in several earthquake-prone zones
throughout the world. Strong earthquakes occur at a frequency of about 120 per year. A great earthquake
can be extremely destructive in areas several hundred miles across. Great earthquakes measure in at
8.0 – 8.9 on the Richter scale. Earth averages one great earthquake per year.

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 Scientists have estimated that the 1906 San Francisco earthquake could have measured between 8.0 and
8.9 on the Richter scale. This earthquake ruptured 296 miles off the San Andreas Fault. Important scientific
research of the great San Francisco earthquake spawned new theories about the source of earthquakes. For
example, the elastic- rebound theory was developed by Reid in 1910 after he had carefully researched the
displacement and strains in the crust surrounding the rupture. It is still the basis for studying the earthquake
cycle.
(Adapted from Toefl iBT Reading)
Question 17: Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as a characteristic of earthquakes?
A. Some earthquakes are never felt.
B. They are measured by the Richter scale.
C. They can cause devastation.
D. They can topple large buildings.
Question 18: The word severe in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to .
A. direct B. profound C. minor D. serious
Question 19: The phrase in conjunction with in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by .
A. together with B. apart from C. instead of D. other than
Question 20: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?
A. Only earthquakes that are several hundred miles away are considered severely damaging.
B. Earthquakes that are extremely severe occur hundreds of miles from where they strike.
C. A big earthquake can cause serious damage in areas stretching for several hundred miles.
D. A strong earthquake can cause widespread destruction over areas hundreds of miles away.
Question 21: The word It in paragraph 4 refers to .
A. crust B. rupture
C. displacement D. the elastic-rebound theory
Question 22: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about the 1906 San Francisco
earthquake?
A. It was not very destructive even though it measured over 8.0 on the Richter scale.
B. It is considered to be the worst natural disaster that has ever happened in history.
C. It caused mass devastation and became one of the most famous earthquakes in history.
D. After its occurrence, the scientific community learned very little about earthquakes.
Question 23: In which paragraph does the writer point out the causes of earthquakes?
A. Paragraph 3 B. Paragraph 4 C. Paragraph 2 D. Paragraph 1
Question 24: In which paragraph does the writer mention the development of new theories about
earthquakes?
A. Paragraph 4 B. Paragraph 2 C. Paragraph 3 D. Paragraph 1

Read the following passage about the harmful impact of keeping elephants in zoos and mark the letter
A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from
25 to 29.
One of the main arguments in favour of large animals living in zoos has been called into question, at
least in the case of the particularly large ones. Wildlife experts are warning against having elephants in zoos
for they have far shorter lifespans there than they do in the wild or as working animals.
The source of this is a survey blaming the captivity of elephants for the fact that they (25) . Asian
elephants used as working animals live for an average of 41.7 years, while Asian elephants in zoos only reach
the age of 18.9 years on average. African elephants in zoos live for 16.9 years on average, far less than that of
African elephants in the wild at 35.9 years. (26) .

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 The question which needs to be asked is why. (27) . African elephants in the wild cross huge
areas of grassy land every year; Asian elephants are used to work in transportation and agriculture. It is not
uncommon for an elephant in a zoo to be restricted to an area the size of a football pitch. This restrictive
habitation, (28) , leads to stress.

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 The report, the work of wildlife scientific officer Ros Clubb, proves one widely held belief completely
wrong – namely, the idea of life in a zoo being longer, healthier and happier than life in the animal’s natural
habitat. Wildlife experts are recommending every zoo should rethink the captivity of elephants (29) .
(Adapted from Use of English for Advanced)
Question 25:
A. live half as long in zoos as those living free or working
B. whose lifespan is not so long as that of the wild and free
C. which have a longer life than those in the natural world
D. having been in zoos as long as those in the wilderness
Question 26:
A. Additionally, elephants born in zoos have a comparatively low chance of surviving to adulthood
B. Yet, elephants will have better chance of reaching full maturity provided that they are born in zoos
C. Therefore, elephants raised in captivity have higher chance of survival compared to grown ones
D. In contrast, it is rather unlikely for adult elephants to stay alive in captivity as baby elephants do
Question 27:
A. The report is entirely to take the blame for the lack of exercise and stress factors
B. The report says that two factors are largely to blame: lack of exercise and stress
C. Such two factors as stress and lack of exercise are reported to deny responsibility
D. Two factors, namely stress and lack of exercise, are held responsible for the report
Question 28:
A. accompanied by the occasional arrival of calm, silent, camera-free staff members
B. combined with the constant stream of curious, chatty, camera-wielding visitors
C. comes together with the continuous flow of eager, talkative, photo-taking tourists
D. integrating into the irregular appearance of indifferent, quiet, device-free guests
Question 29:
A. and possibly stop keeping all large animals in zoos altogether
B. but ensures better living conditions for all larger animals
C. or putting a stop to all large animals being kept in captivity
D. while making attempts to capture all animals in larger zoos

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or
sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 30 to 34.
Question 30:
a. The burning of wood for heating purposes is likely to produce little in the way of carbon emissions and is
therefore considered to be friendly to the environment.
b. Wood and coal are both useful sources of energy, and both are constantly in use around the world.
c. Coal, on the other hand, is termed the “enemy of the environment” as it is the largest source of carbon
emissions and is the greatest contributor to global warming.
d. This is because wood burning produces only as much carbon as if the tree were left alone to eventually rot
in the ground.
e. However, while they each have their merits as fuel, the problems and hazards associated with their use
are very different.
(Adapted from Toefl Reading)
A. b-e-a-d-c B. e-a-b-d-c C. d-b-e-a-c D. a-d-b-e-c
Question 31:
a. It is also true for young and middle-aged adults, as improved physical function helps them more easily
accomplish the tasks of daily living.

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 b. This is true for older adults, for whom improved physical function reduces risk of falls and contributes to
their ability to maintain independence.
c. Apart from improving physical function, physical activity may improve cognitive function among youth and
adults.
d. Aspects of cognitive function that may be improved include memory, attention, executive function, and
academic performance among youth.
e. Physical activity improves physical function among individuals of all ages, enabling them to conduct their
daily lives with energy.
(Adapted from
https://www.odphp.health.gov)
A. e-d-a-c-b B. e-b-a-c-d C. e-c-a-b-d D. e-a-b-d-c
Question 32:
Hi Henry,
a. In addition to this programme, we have monthly tree planting, with the next one taking place this Sunday at
8 am.
b. You don’t need to tell us in advance that you’re going to participate - just turn up in person and join in.
c. We’ve also got programmes for community gardening, in which we plant a few crops in local plots, usually
done in spring or autumn.
d. In answer to your question about voluntary work, there are several programmes that are currently
operating.
e. One that may interest you is our weekly neighbourhood clean-up, which in general involves picking up
litter in the streets.
I look forward to seeing
you!
Best regards,
Jill Thomas
(Adapted from Use of English for First)
A. e-c-a-d-b B. c-d-e-a-b C. d-e-a-c-b D. b-a-c-e-d
Question 33:
a. Peter: Well, I’ve got two tickets for the Blue Stars concert.
b. Mary: Hi, Peter. Saturday evening? I’m not sure yet. Why?
c. Peter: Hi, Mary. Are you free on Saturday evening?
(Adapted from KET)
A. a-b-c B. c-a-b C. c-b-a D. a-c-b
Question 34:
a. Joe: But you did, after all. Honestly, I’m thinking about taking the bus to work.
b. Mia: That’s for sure. It’s so much worse here than in the countryside. Sometimes I wish I hadn’t moved.
c. Joe: You know, more and more people are moving to the city, and traffic just keeps getting worse.
d. Mia: Seriously? It’ll take you longer, and you’ll have to get up very early.
e. Joe: It’s true, but at least I won’t be stuck in traffic for hours or spend extra on petrol.
(Adapted from Global Success)
A. c-b-e-d-a B. a-b-e-d-c C. c-b-a-d-e D. a-d-c-b-e

Read the following advertisement and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct option that
best fits each of the numbered blanks from 35 to 40.
PRODUCT DEMONSTRATORS NEEDED
Are you outgoing and enthusiastic? Do you enjoy talking to all types of people? Put your personality and (35)
skills to work! BBD Staffing is seeking to hire in-store product demonstrators to promote our clients’

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 merchandise to shoppers. Many of the world’s best-known brands rely on our product demonstrators
(36)
positive impressions of their products. As a member of our team, you will demonstrate a wide (37) of small
kitchen appliances and tools in grocery stores and other retail venues.
For some products, you will be required to prepare simple recipes. (38) , you will need to answer
shoppers’ questions. Thus, it is essential that you can become familiar (39) clients’ products and
provide key

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 information to consumers. Because many of the demonstrations require working with food, (40) must
have a Professional Food Handler certificate.
To apply, upload a video of no more than one minute in length telling us why you would be a successful
product demonstrator at www.bbdstaffing.com/applications.
(Adapted from ETS)
Question A. communication B. communicable C. communicate D.
35: communicator
Question A. creating B. create C. to creating D. to create
36:
Question A. degree B. range C. level D. amount
37:
Question A. In contrast B. In addition C. As a result D. For example
38:
Question A. by B. to C. with D. in
39:
Question A. contestants B. customers C. employers D. candidates
40:

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