2. Read the following leaflet 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.

Save the Earth, One Step at a Time!

Let's explore what we can do in our daily lives to help protect the environment.

Key Facts:

• Every year, over 8 million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans, threatening (7) ______ life and ecosystems.
• Transport is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, especially air travel, which can account for up to 10% of your yearly carbon footprint.

What You Can Do:

1. Eat Sustainably: Choose a plant-based diet when possible. Reducing meat and dairy consumption not only (8) ______ on greenhouse gas emissions (9) ______ also helps prevent deforestation for animal feed crops.
2. Reduce Waste: Avoid single-use plastics. Opt for reusable bags, containers, and water bottles. Every time you (10) ______, you prevent more plastic waste from ending up in landfills or oceans.
3. Travel Responsibly: Whenever possible, walk or bike short distances. If traveling longer distances, (11) ______ public transport or trains instead of flights to save a large (12) ______ of carbon emissions.
   [Adapted from WWF, Global Stewards]

7.

C. READING

1. Read the following passage 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.

Plastic bags have become an essential part of daily life, but their widespread use has significant environmental consequences. They are cheap, lightweight, and convenient, although these features come at a high environmental cost. However, the damage they cause to the environment outweighs these advantages. (13) ______, plastic bags often end up in landfills or oceans, harming wildlife and ecosystems.

Some countries and cities have taken action by banning or restricting plastic bag use. (14) ______, people are encouraged to switch to reusable alternatives, such as cloth or biodegradable bags. Retailers are also charging customers for plastic bags to reduce consumption, with positive results in many areas.

Despite these efforts, many individuals still prefer plastic bags for (15) ______. This makes it difficult to reduce plastic waste effectively. This behavior presents a challenge for environmental activists and governments trying to promote sustainable living practices.

Awareness campaigns play an essential role in changing consumer habits. (16) ______, schools, organizations, and media outlets are also involved in educating people about the importance of reducing plastic waste. The hope is that these efforts will create a long-term cultural shift towards eco-friendly behavior.

Although reducing plastic waste will take time, adopting alternatives to plastic bags and (17) ______ are small but crucial steps in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.

13.

2. Read the following passage 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.

Urbanization is the process by which more people move from rural areas to cities. This trend has been growing rapidly over the past century, especially in developing countries. People are attracted to cities by the promise of job opportunities, better education, and a modern lifestyle. Many rural areas lack essential services like healthcare and schools, making urban areas more appealing for families and young people. However, while urbanization brings many benefits, it also creates serious challenges.

On the positive side, urbanization improves access to education and employment, which can lead to better living standards. Cities typically have more advanced healthcare facilities, diverse career options, and various forms of entertainment. For example, many young people move to cities to attend universities and begin their careers in industries not available in rural areas.

On the negative side, rapid urbanization often results in overcrowded cities, pollution, and traffic congestion. As more people migrate to urban areas, housing shortages and limited public services lead to higher costs of living and increased competition for resources. The rise in pollution and waste from urban areas also creates environmental issues that impact both city residents and nearby regions. Moreover, high population densities can lead to increased stress and a lower quality of life for many residents.

Overall, urbanization is a complex phenomenon. While it can lead to social and economic growth, sustainable planning and management are essential to minimize its negative impacts and create more livable cities.
(From ChatGPT)

18. The word "modern" in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to __________.