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\(\textbf{Instruction: Read the following articles, Extract A and Extract B, then answer the question after}\)
\(\textbf{Extract A}\)
\(\textbf{Harnessing Nature: The Rise of Renewable Energy}\)
As the world confronts the growing challenges of climate change and diminishing fossil fuel reserves, renewable energy has emerged as both a solution and a necessity. Power drawn from natural sources such as sunlight, wind, and water is transforming the global energy landscape. Once considered costly or impractical, renewable energy now stands at the forefront of technological progress and environmental sustainability.
At its core, renewable energy refers to power generated from resources that naturally replenish themselves. The most familiar forms include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy. Unlike coal or oil, these sources do not release large amounts of greenhouse gases when converted into electricity. This makes them vital in reducing carbon emissions — the primary driver of global warming.
Solar energy captures sunlight using photovoltaic cells, which convert radiant energy into electrical current. Once prohibitively expensive, solar panels have become more efficient and affordable through decades of innovation. Wind energy works on a similar principle: turbines transform the kinetic force of moving air into electricity. In coastal and open-land regions, entire wind farms now supply power to thousands of homes, spinning gracefully in synchrony with the breeze.
Hydropower — the oldest form of renewable energy — harnesses the movement of water through dams and rivers. It remains a reliable and powerful source of electricity, though it requires careful environmental management to protect aquatic ecosystems. Geothermal energy, meanwhile, taps into the Earth’s internal heat to provide steady, weather-independent power. Biomass energy uses organic materials such as agricultural waste and wood to produce fuel, offering a renewable substitute for traditional hydrocarbons.
The rapid expansion of renewable energy has created both opportunities and challenges. Economically, it is reshaping industries and generating millions of new jobs in engineering, installation, and maintenance. Environmentally, it offers a chance to mitigate the catastrophic effects of climate change. Yet obstacles remain: renewable technologies depend on infrastructure, government support, and storage solutions that can balance supply when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
Battery innovation is one area of intense research. Large-scale energy storage can capture excess power during peak production and release it later, ensuring a stable supply. Countries such as Australia have become global leaders in battery technology, demonstrating how renewable energy can integrate with national grids.
Transitioning to renewables is more than an engineering challenge — it is a moral and social imperative. It requires international cooperation, foresight, and a willingness to rethink consumption. Each solar panel installed and each wind turbine built represents a step toward a cleaner, fairer world.
The rise of renewable energy is not just about replacing old fuels; it is about redefining progress. It marks a turning point in human history — a movement toward harmony between technology and nature, where the power that drives our future also preserves our planet.
________________________________________________________________________________
\(\textbf{Extract B}\)
\(\textbf{Powering Tomorrow: How Renewable Energy is Shaping a Sustainable World}\)
Human civilisation has always been driven by energy. From burning wood to lighting homes with coal and oil, each era has been defined by its dominant fuel. Today, we are entering a new epoch — one powered by renewable energy. As concerns about climate change intensify, societies are seeking ways to generate power that is both clean and resilient, ensuring prosperity without sacrificing the planet’s health.
Renewable energy harnesses the forces of nature itself. Sunlight, wind, and water are not only abundant but perpetual, making them ideal foundations for a sustainable energy system. The transition from fossil fuels to renewables is already reshaping economies, politics, and even international relations. Countries rich in oil once held strategic power; now, those with vast coastlines, steady sunlight, or strong winds are gaining new influence in the global energy market.
Solar energy has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once a niche technology, it now powers homes, schools, and industries across continents. The efficiency of photovoltaic cells continues to improve, while installation costs have plummeted. Wind energy, too, has matured — modern turbines can generate electricity even at low wind speeds, and offshore wind farms harness stronger, more consistent currents. These advances make renewables increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources.
However, the shift to renewables is not without complications. Energy storage remains a crucial hurdle; without sufficient batteries or grid flexibility, excess power can go unused. Moreover, the production of renewable technology itself — from mining rare minerals for solar panels to constructing massive turbines — carries environmental implications. The challenge lies in ensuring that the clean energy revolution does not create new forms of ecological or economic inequality.
Hydropower and geothermal energy continue to provide stable baseload electricity, complementing the variable nature of solar and wind. Meanwhile, bioenergy — derived from organic matter — offers potential for renewable fuels in transport and manufacturing. Together, these diverse sources can create an energy mix that is adaptable, efficient, and environmentally sound.
The benefits extend beyond the environment. Renewable energy empowers communities by decentralising power generation. In rural and developing regions, small solar systems and microgrids provide electricity to households for the first time. This democratisation of energy supports education, healthcare, and economic growth, proving that sustainability can coexist with development.
Governments around the world are setting ambitious renewable targets, investing in research, and phasing out coal-fired plants. The shift demands global cooperation and consistent policy frameworks, but the rewards are immense: cleaner air, lower emissions, and long-term energy security.
Renewable energy is not just an alternative — it is the foundation of a new civilisation. It reflects humanity’s ability to innovate responsibly, turning the raw forces of nature into a source of shared progress. As wind turbines turn and solar panels shimmer under the sun, they symbolise more than technology; they represent hope — the promise of a future powered by sustainability rather than scarcity.
\(\textbf{Question: What main idea is shared by both extracts?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: What is meant by “renewable energy”?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: According to both extracts, which energy sources are most commonly used in renewable systems?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: What shared challenge of renewable energy is discussed in both extracts?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: What does Extract A highlight as Australia’s contribution to renewable energy?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: What concern does Extract B raise about the renewable energy industry itself?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: How does solar energy create electricity?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: What broader economic effect of renewable energy is mentioned in both extracts?}\)
The Polar Bear (Extract from Frozen Fire by James Houston)
“Come and help me,” Matthew called to Kayak.
“Don’t move,” answered Kayak in a whisper. There was terror in his voice.
Cautiously, Matthew turned and saw the white head and black beady eyes as it moved snakelike through the icy water. When it reached the small ice pan on which they stood, the huge polar bear heaved its bulk out of the water and shook itself like an immense dog. It looked yellow against the stark white snow.
Matthew saw the great bear swing its head back and forth, sniffing the air suspiciously. Its huge blue-black mouth hung open, showing its terrible teeth. With a rumbling growl, the giant bear lowered its head and came shambling towards them.
Matthew and Kayak lay like dead men on the ice, both their heads turned so that they could watch the bear. Matthew clutched the snow knife like a dagger and trembled inside as he felt the wet salt water seep up from the snow and soak his clothing.
The bear did not even pause to look at them as it stalked past. They saw it crouch down flat against the snow.
Cautiously, Matthew looked ahead and saw a seal’s dark head poised, alert and motionless, in the water. The bear was watching it intently.
Seeing nothing move to frighten it, the seal relaxed and let its back float to the surface as it drew a large breath of air into its lungs and dove beneath the ice in search of food.
The bear snaked forward cautiously until it reached the very edge of the ice where it had seen the seal. It reached out its paw and scratched against the ice.
The seal must have heard the sound beneath the water and, being curious, it once more raised its head above the surface. Seeing nothing but a yellowish heap of snow, it swam cautiously along the edge of the ice.
Suddenly, with lightning swiftness, the bear’s right paw shot out and struck the seal’s head a killing blow. The left paw lunged forward and hooked the seal inward with its great curved claws. Using its teeth, the bear easily hauled the hundred-pound seal up onto the ice pan.
Matthew watched it sniff the dead seal all over, then roll it on its back and, holding it steady, tear its throat open with its powerful jaws. It started to devour its prey.
“Stay still,” Kayak hissed through his teeth, now chattering from cold and fear.
At last, Matthew saw that the big bear was finished eating. They watched as it licked its lips and, like a huge cat, carefully wiped the seal fat from its mouth. It turned and shambled towards them, paused and sniffed the air. With its belly rumbling, it padded once more to the edge of the ice and slipped silently into the freezing water.
Kayak sat up carefully as the bear swam south. They saw it climb up on another pan and amble off, disappearing into the whirling snow.
Kayak rolled stiffly onto his hands and knees, then crouched like an animal, still watching the place where they had last seen the bear. \(\textbf{Question: What is the main idea of the extract?}\)
Kayak rolled stiffly onto his hands and knees, then crouched like an animal, still watching the place where they had last seen the bear. \(\textbf{Question: How does Kayak react when he sees the polar bear?}\)
Kayak rolled stiffly onto his hands and knees, then crouched like an animal, still watching the place where they had last seen the bear. \(\textbf{Question: What is Matthew holding during the encounter?}\)
Kayak rolled stiffly onto his hands and knees, then crouched like an animal, still watching the place where they had last seen the bear. \(\textbf{Question: What is the polar bear doing when it first appears?}\)
Kayak rolled stiffly onto his hands and knees, then crouched like an animal, still watching the place where they had last seen the bear. \(\textbf{Question: What does the polar bear hunt?}\)
Kayak rolled stiffly onto his hands and knees, then crouched like an animal, still watching the place where they had last seen the bear. \(\textbf{Question: How does the bear trick the seal?}\)
Instruction: Six sentences have been removed from the article. Choose the space (A to F) which the sentence in the question best fit
Many, many thousands of years ago — perhaps before the beginning of time — there lived near Athens, in Greece, a young woman named Arachne. Arachne, a mere mortal, had a talent that was known throughout the land. She could weave cloth as beautiful as any the gods themselves had ever woven. A……………………….
Now, there was a very powerful goddess who lived on Mt Olympus with the other gods and goddesses. Her name was Athena, for whom the city below had been named. Athena prided herself on her skills with yarn and a loom. She heard daily of Arachne and became very jealous. B……………………….
“You are very skilful, young woman,” the withered old lady said to Arachne, who was in the thick woods behind her humble cottage. “You are so skilful that some believe Athena herself taught you how it is done. Is that so?”
“Oh no! Even Athena could not match my skills. I have taught myself.” C……………………….
“In my old age I have learned much,” Athena said evenly, although she boiled underneath at Arachne’s boast that she was the superior weaver, “and I would never compare myself to the gods. They do not like it. They would be severe with you. No — compare yourself only to fellow mortals.”
Arachne ceased her spinning and stared the old woman in the eye. “Keep your advice, woman. I am not afraid of gods or goddesses. Let Athena try her skill if she dares.” D……………………….
With a flash of lightning, Athena changed from the old woman into herself. “We shall see that your boasts are empty,” Athena said, seeming to hurl her words like pointed darts. “We shall see. I shall spin, and you shall spin. Then you will know who is the better weaver.”
The two women sat at their looms, pushing the shuttle from one side to another, filling the space with glorious colours. Athena’s piece showed the triumph of the gods. Arachne wove a tale of the gods’ shortcomings. The crowd that had gathered behind the two women began to stand behind Arachne’s tapestry. They made cooing sounds of admiration. E……………………….
“You are impudent — a disrespectful wretch!” With this, she struck her wooden shuttle against Arachne’s loom and destroyed it. She then touched Arachne’s forehead, and through Athena’s fingers flowed overwhelming guilt and shame. Arachne turned from the crowd, ran into the forest’s deepest part, and, out of shame, hanged herself. F……………………….
“Live, wretched creature — but not as a human. You and yours will continue to hang forever as a lesson to all that the gods are not to be challenged.”
With these words, Arachne’s body shrank up, her head grew extremely small, and her fingers stuck to her sides and became larger than the rest of her body. The yarn she had held began to spin out of her body endlessly in tiny strands. To this day, Arachne and her descendants swing silently from thin webs, weaving intricate patterns that are as fine as any the gods themselves could make.
QUESTION: Choose the space (A to F) which the following sentence best fit‘ Arachne started to push the shuttle through her wooden loom. ‘
QUESTION: Choose the space (A to F) which the following sentence best fit‘ One day she went to Earth disguised as a withered old woman. ‘
QUESTION: Choose the space (A to F) which the following sentence best fit‘ The forest grew dark, and the very flowers seemed to shrink in fright. ‘
QUESTION: Choose the space (A to F) which the following sentence best fit‘ People came to Arachne’s tiny village from all over the world to see her work. ‘
QUESTION: Choose the space (A to F) which the following sentence best fit‘ It made Athena furious with jealousy. ‘
QUESTION: Choose the space (A to F) which the following sentence best fit‘ Athena, seeing Arachne’s body, took pity, for she had not meant to cause the girl’s death. ‘
\(\textbf{Instruction: Read the four extracts below then choose the option (A, B, C or D) which you think best answers the question}\)
\(\textbf{Extract A}\) The water cycle is a continuous process that moves water through the atmosphere, land, and oceans. It begins when heat from the sun causes water to evaporate from surfaces such as lakes, rivers, and the sea. Water vapour rises into the atmosphere, where it cools and condenses into clouds. When the clouds become heavy, water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail. Some of this water flows across the land into rivers, while some seeps into the soil and becomes groundwater. Eventually, most of the water returns to the ocean, where the cycle begins again.
This cycle is essential for life. It provides fresh water for drinking, agriculture, and ecosystems. However, freshwater makes up only a small portion of Earth’s total water supply. Most water on Earth is saltwater in the oceans, and only a limited amount of freshwater is easily accessible. As populations grow and climates change, demand for water increases. In some regions, rainfall has become less predictable, and droughts have become more frequent.
Understanding the water cycle helps scientists and governments plan how to manage water resources. When rainfall patterns shift or water use increases, it can place pressure on rivers, lakes, and groundwater supplies. Protecting these resources is vital for ensuring that communities and ecosystems have enough water to survive.
\(\textbf{Extract B}\) Freshwater scarcity occurs when the demand for usable water exceeds the available supply. This can happen in arid regions with low rainfall, but it can also occur in areas where water resources are poorly managed. Agriculture is one of the largest users of freshwater. Crops require irrigation, and livestock need drinking water. As agricultural production expands to feed growing populations, the pressure on freshwater systems increases.
Cities also consume large amounts of water. Urbanisation often leads to higher water use for homes, businesses, and industry. In many cases, groundwater is pumped faster than it can naturally replenish. This can cause wells to run dry and underground water levels to drop. Meanwhile, pollution from factories, farms, and households can contaminate rivers and lakes, making water unsafe to drink without extensive treatment.
Climate change worsens these difficulties. Rising temperatures increase evaporation, while changes in rainfall patterns create longer dry periods in some regions. Extreme weather events, such as floods, can damage water infrastructure, further limiting access.
Freshwater scarcity is a global issue that requires cooperation between communities, governments, and industries. Sustainable water management is essential to maintain supplies for future generations.
\(\textbf{Extract C}\) Water scarcity affects not only the environment but also social and economic life. When water becomes difficult to access, communities may struggle to grow food, maintain hygiene, or support local industries. In some regions, people must travel long distances to obtain drinking water, reducing the time available for education and work. Water shortages can also contribute to inequality, as wealthier areas may be able to afford storage systems or imports, while poorer regions cannot.
Conflicts can arise when groups compete for limited water resources. Rivers and lakes that cross national borders require careful cooperation to avoid disputes. International agreements help determine how water is shared, but negotiations can be complex. When rainfall varies from year to year, tensions may increase.
Efforts to address water scarcity often include both technological and community-based strategies. Water-saving irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation, help reduce waste in agriculture. Education campaigns encourage people to use water responsibly at home. Community-led conservation programs help restore rivers and wetlands.
Water scarcity reminds us that natural resources are not unlimited and must be managed carefully to ensure that all people have access to clean water.
\(\textbf{Extract D}\) Solutions to freshwater scarcity draw on innovation, planning, and environmental stewardship. Desalination is one approach, where saltwater from the ocean is converted into freshwater. This method is widely used in regions with limited natural freshwater sources, such as parts of the Middle East. However, desalination requires large amounts of energy, making it costly and sometimes environmentally challenging.
Another strategy involves recycling water. Treated wastewater can be used for agriculture, industry, or even drinking, depending on the level of purification. This approach reduces pressure on rivers and groundwater and helps create more sustainable water systems. Rooftop rainwater tanks and urban catchment designs also help collect and store water during wet periods for later use.
Protecting natural ecosystems is also important. Forests, wetlands, and healthy soils help regulate the water cycle by absorbing rainfall and releasing it slowly. When these environments are damaged, water flows become more extreme, leading to floods or droughts.
Freshwater is a finite resource that must be used wisely. Effective management requires cooperation across local, national, and global levels. By combining technology, environmental protection, and responsible behaviour, societies can work toward a more stable and secure water future.
\(\textbf{Question: In which extract is it described how the sun’s heat drives the continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and rainfall?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: Identify the extract that focuses on the causes of freshwater scarcity, including agriculture, pollution, and climate change.}\)
\(\textbf{Question: Where can you find information about how water scarcity affects social stability and can lead to conflict between regions or nations?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: Refer to the extract that outlines modern solutions such as desalination, water recycling, and rainwater collection.}\)
\(\textbf{Question: Which extract highlights how overuse of groundwater and poor urban management can lead to water shortages in cities?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: Find the extract that emphasises the importance of community cooperation and education in conserving water.}\)
\(\textbf{Question: In which extract is there a word similar in meaning to “conservation,” referring to the careful management of natural resources?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: Which extract explains that forests and wetlands play a natural role in regulating water flow and preventing floods or droughts?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: Which extract contrasts the limited supply of freshwater with rising human demand due to population growth and climate change?}\)
\(\textbf{Question: In which extract is it implied that technology alone cannot solve water scarcity without cooperation and responsible behaviour?}\)
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