## Passage 1: The History of Tea

*(Approximately 750 words)*

**Paragraph A**
Tea is believed to have originated in China around the 27th century BCE during the reign of
Emperor Shen Nong, a legendary figure credited with discovering medicinal herbs. According to
folklore, Shen Nong stumbled upon tea when leaves from a nearby tree fell into his pot of boiling
water, producing a fragrant and stimulating drink. While this tale is mythical, archaeological
evidence confirms tea consumption as early as the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BCE), indicating
its deep roots in Chinese history. Initially, tea was valued as a medicinal tonic rather than a daily
beverage, prized for its stimulating properties and digestive benefits.

**Paragraph B**
By the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), tea had become an integral part of Chinese culture. This
period saw tea drinking elevated to an art form, with intricate rituals governing its preparation
and consumption. Lu Yu, a renowned Tang scholar, authored *The Classic of Tea*, the first
comprehensive book detailing tea cultivation, processing, and appreciation. His work not only
solidified tea’s societal role but also spurred trade across regions. Tea houses emerged in major
cities, serving as social hubs where intellectuals gathered to exchange ideas and engage in
philosophical discussions.

**Paragraph C**
Tea began to spread beyond China in the 9th century when Japanese Buddhist monks brought it
back from their studies in China. In Japan, tea evolved into a central element of the tea ceremony
(*chanoyu*), emphasizing tranquility and mindfulness. Meanwhile, in the 16th century,
Portuguese traders were the first Europeans to encounter tea through dealings with China.
However, it was the Dutch who introduced tea to Europe on a larger scale in the early 17th
century, where it quickly became a luxury item among the aristocracy. By the late 17th century,
tea had gained widespread popularity in England, giving rise to the tradition of afternoon tea.

**Paragraph D**
In England, tea transcended its role as a beverage to become a symbol of social status and
wealth. The British East India Company established extensive trade routes to import tea from
China, and by the 18th century, tea had surpassed coffee as the nation’s most consumed drink.
However, Britain’s reliance on Chinese tea supplies prompted efforts to cultivate tea
domestically. In the 1820s, the first tea plantations were established in India, particularly in
Assam and Darjeeling, under British management. These regions soon became major tea
production centers, meeting Europe’s growing demand.

**Paragraph E**
Today, tea is one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages, with billions of cups enjoyed
daily. Its diversity—from green and black to oolong teas—reflects the rich cultural adaptations
across different regions. Countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya are now leading tea
producers, while China and Japan maintain their centuries-old tea artistry. Recent scientific
studies highlighting tea’s health benefits, such as its antioxidant properties and stress-relieving
effects, have further reinforced its place in modern life, ensuring its enduring global appeal.

### Questions 1-13

**Questions 1-5: Match the headings below to the paragraphs (A-E).**
*i. Tea’s spread beyond China*
*ii. Tea’s modern global presence*
*iii. Origins of tea in China*
*iv. Tea’s cultural rise in China*
*v. Tea’s impact and cultivation in Britain*

1. Paragraph A: *iii. Origins of tea in China*

2. Paragraph B: *iv. Tea’s cultural rise in China*
3. Paragraph C: *i. Tea’s spread beyond China*
4. Paragraph D: *v. Tea’s impact and cultivation in Britain*
5. Paragraph E: *ii. Tea’s modern global presence*
**Questions 6-9: Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage? Write
TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.**
6. Tea was initially used as a medicine in China. *TRUE*
7. *The Classic of Tea* was written during the Song Dynasty. *FALSE*
8. Tea became popular in Europe before Japan. *FALSE*
9. India was the first country to grow tea outside China. *NOT GIVEN*

**Questions 10-13: Complete the summary below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS
from the passage.**
Tea originated in *China* and was refined during the *Tang Dynasty*. It spread to *Japan* via
Buddhist monks and reached Europe through *Dutch traders*. Today, it remains a widely
consumed *beverage*.

---

## Passage 2: The Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bears

*(Approximately 850 words)*

**Paragraph A**
Polar bears, iconic residents of the Arctic, rely on sea ice as a critical platform for hunting seals,
their primary prey. The ice allows them to stalk seals at breathing holes or along ice edges.
However, climate change, fueled by rising greenhouse gas emissions, is warming the Arctic at
twice the global rate, causing sea ice to melt earlier in spring and form later in fall. Since the
1980s, ice coverage has declined by 13% per decade, shortening the polar bears’ hunting season
and threatening their survival.

**Paragraph B**
The loss of sea ice has severe consequences for polar bears. With fewer hunting opportunities,
many bears suffer from malnutrition, leading to reduced body mass and lower cub production. In
some regions, extended ice-free periods force polar bears to swim vast distances—sometimes
over 100 kilometers—resulting in exhaustion or drowning. Moreover, shrinking ice drives bears
closer to human settlements in search of food, increasing conflicts. In Canada’s Hudson Bay, for
example, polar bears have been observed scavenging in landfills, a stark departure from their
natural behavior.

**Paragraph C**
Conservation efforts are underway to mitigate these challenges. Scientists use satellite tracking to
monitor polar bear populations and assess their movements, while local communities implement
deterrent programs to keep bears away from villages. Advocacy for global emission reductions is
also critical, as curbing climate change is essential to preserving sea ice. However, these
initiatives face obstacles, including limited funding and inconsistent international climate
policies, which hinder progress.

**Paragraph D**
The future for polar bears is uncertain. Researchers predict that if global warming continues
unabated, polar bears could disappear from most of their current range by 2100, with only small
populations surviving in the High Arctic. Some studies suggest that polar bears may adapt by
seeking alternative food sources, such as berries or bird eggs, but these are unlikely to sustain
their energy needs. The loss of polar bears would not only disrupt Arctic ecosystems but also
diminish a powerful symbol of climate change’s impact.

**Paragraph E**
Public awareness of the polar bear’s plight has grown, spurred by media campaigns and
environmental organizations. Documentaries and viral images of emaciated bears have
galvanized support for conservation, prompting donations and policy advocacy. Yet, critics argue
that focusing on polar bears risks overshadowing other species affected by climate change.
Nevertheless, their charismatic presence continues to drive global conversations about
environmental stewardship and the urgent need for sustainable practices.

### Questions 14-26

**Questions 14-18: Match the information to the correct paragraph (A-E).**
*i. Conservation challenges and efforts*
*ii. Polar bears’ reliance on sea ice*
*iii. Future threats to polar bear populations*
*iv. Public awareness and advocacy*
*v. Consequences of habitat loss*

14. Paragraph A: *ii. Polar bears’ reliance on sea ice*

15. Paragraph B: *v. Consequences of habitat loss*
16. Paragraph C: *i. Conservation challenges and efforts*
17. Paragraph D: *iii. Future threats to polar bear populations*
18. Paragraph E: *iv. Public awareness and advocacy*

**Questions 19-22: Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.**

19. Polar bears use sea ice to hunt seals. *TRUE*
20. The Arctic is warming faster than the global average. *TRUE*
21. Polar bears are thriving in warmer climates. *FALSE*
22. Most polar bears now live in human settlements. *NOT GIVEN*

**Questions 23-26: Choose the correct letter (A, B, C, or D).*

23. What is a major consequence of melting sea ice for polar bears?
A. Increased mating opportunities
B. Malnutrition and fewer cubs
C. Migration to warmer regions
D. Improved hunting skills
*Answer: B*

24. Why do polar bears approach human settlements?

A. To find mates
B. To seek food
C. To escape predators
 D. To avoid cold weather
*Answer: B*

25. What hinders conservation efforts for polar bears?

A. Lack of public interest
B. Limited funding
C. Excess sea ice
D. Overpopulation
*Answer: B*

26. What might happen to polar bears by 2100 if warming continues?

A. They will thrive in new habitats
B. They will disappear from most areas
C. They will outcompete other predators
D. They will rely solely on human food
*Answer: B*

---

## Passage 3: Quantum Computing: The Future of Technology

*(Approximately 900 words)*

**Paragraph A**
Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift from classical computing, harnessing principles
of quantum mechanics such as superposition and entanglement. Unlike classical bits, which
represent either 0 or 1, quantum bits (qubits) can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to
superposition, exponentially increasing computational power. Entanglement creates
instantaneous connections between qubits, enabling parallel processing that classical systems
cannot match. This capability could solve complex problems, like factoring large numbers or
simulating molecular interactions, in seconds rather than millennia.

**Paragraph B**
Despite its potential, quantum computing is still in its infancy. Qubits are highly fragile,
susceptible to disruption from heat, electromagnetic noise, or even cosmic rays, requiring near-
absolute zero temperatures (-273°C) for stability. Companies like IBM, Google, and startups like
Rigetti are racing to develop robust qubits and error-correction techniques. In 2019, Google
claimed “quantum supremacy,” stating its Sycamore processor solved a problem in 200 seconds
that would take a classical supercomputer 10,000 years—a claim contested by IBM, which
argued the benchmark was misleading.

**Paragraph C**
The applications of quantum computing are transformative. In medicine, it could enable precise
drug modeling at the atomic level, accelerating development timelines. In cryptography, quantum
computers might break current encryption protocols, necessitating new quantum-resistant
algorithms. Additionally, fields like materials science could benefit from simulations of complex
chemical reactions, potentially leading to breakthroughs in sustainable energy. However, these
applications remain theoretical, as current quantum computers lack the scale for practical use.

**Paragraph D**
Significant hurdles remain. Building a scalable quantum computer requires thousands of stable
qubits, far beyond the dozens achieved today. The energy demands of maintaining ultra-cold
environments are substantial, raising questions about sustainability. Ethical concerns also loom:
quantum computing could exacerbate surveillance capabilities or widen technological
inequalities if access is limited to wealthy nations or corporations. International collaboration is
essential to establish guidelines that balance innovation with responsibility.

**Paragraph E**
The future of quantum computing depends on overcoming these challenges. Researchers are
exploring alternative qubit designs, such as topological qubits, which promise greater stability.
Governments and private sectors are investing heavily—China, for instance, has prioritized
quantum technology in its national strategy. While practical quantum computers may be decades
away, their potential to revolutionize industries underscores the urgency of continued research.
For now, quantum computing remains a frontier where scientific ambition meets formidable
obstacles.

### Questions 27-40

**Questions 27-32: Complete the summary below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS
from the passage.**
Quantum computing uses *qubits*, leveraging *superposition* and *entanglement* for superior
processing. Qubits are *fragile*, requiring *ultra-cold environments*. Potential applications
include *drug modeling* and breaking *encryption*, but scalability remains a challenge.

**Questions 33-37: Match the information to the correct paragraph (A-E).**

*i. Challenges in building scalable systems*
*ii. Principles of quantum computing*
*iii. Potential applications of quantum technology*
*iv. Current state and industry competition*
*v. Future research and ethical concerns*

33. Paragraph A: *ii. Principles of quantum computing*

34. Paragraph B: *iv. Current state and industry competition*
35. Paragraph C: *iii. Potential applications of quantum technology*
36. Paragraph D: *i. Challenges in building scalable systems*
37. Paragraph E: *v. Future research and ethical concerns*

**Questions 38-40: Choose the correct letter (A, B, C, or D).*

38. What distinguishes qubits from classical bits?
A. They require less energy
B. They can represent multiple states simultaneously
C. They are more stable
 D. They store larger data volumes
*Answer: B*

39. Why are quantum computers kept at near-absolute zero temperatures?

A. To increase processing speed
B. To protect qubits from disruption
C. To reduce energy costs
D. To simplify manufacturing
*Answer: B*

40. What is a key focus of current quantum computing research?

A. Reducing public concerns
B. Developing stable qubits
C. Expanding consumer access
D. Simplifying ethical guidelines
*Answer: B*