PREPARATION

*Online Learning* The rise of online learning has made education accessible (0) ........ people all over the world. Students can join courses from leading universities without (1) ......... to leave their homes. However, learning online requires discipline. Some students struggle to (2) ......... track of deadlines when they do not attend classes in person. It is also easier to lose motivation if there are (3).......... face-to-face interactions with teachers or classmates. That said, many learners value the flexibility. They can study whenever it is convenient, and they can repeat a lecture as many times (4)......... necessary. In this way, online learning can be even more effective (5) .......... traditional methods. In the future, it is likely that students will continue to combine online resources (6) ........... classroom lessons, creating a system that brings the best (7).........both worlds.

The Role of Technology Technology has (0) transformed the way we live. Only twenty years ago, few people (1) ..........) owned smartphones, and now almost everyone carries one in their pocket. This has (2) .........) led to a society where people are constantly connected. There are clear benefits. For example, online platforms allow students to (3) ..........) share knowledge, attend classes, and practise skills. Doctors can use special devices to (4) ..........) monitor patients from a distance. However, not all consequences are positive. Experts (5) ..........) point out that excessive screen time can harm concentration. Social media, in particular, (6) ..........) increases the risk of addiction and stress. In the end, it seems that the challenge for the future will be to (7) .............) f ind a balance between technological convenience and our need for genuine human (8) ..............) contact .

Sports and Health Regular exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Yet, many people find it difficult to make time (0) ........ sport. Work, family responsibilities, and long commutes (1) .......... often leave little energy for training. Doctors recommend that everyone should do at (2) .............. 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. This does not necessarily mean joining a gym. Walking to school or work, using the stairs (3) ........... of the lift, and gardening are all activities that count. Of course, more intensive exercise brings (4) ......... . benefits, such as stronger muscles and better endurance. Still, the most important thing is to choose an activity you enjoy. Otherwise, you may give (5) ....... after a few weeks. In the end, good health is not (6) ....... about exercise, but also about eating well and sleeping (7) ......... enough.

Extreme Weather In recent years, there has been a dramatic (0) ........ (INCREASE) in the number of extreme weather events. Scientists say this is linked to climate change caused by human (1) ......... (ACT). Floods, storms and wildfires are becoming more (2)................(FREQUENT), destroying homes and forcing thousands to leave their communities. There is also growing (3)........... (ANXIOUS) about how to protect vulnerable populations. Governments are being urged to take stronger (4)............. (DECIDE). Some are investing in renewable energy, while others are focusing on (5)........... (PREVENT) measures such as building sea walls. Although the (6) ............. (EFFECT) of climate change are already visible, many still deny that the problem exists. Experts agree, however, that (7) ............. (COOPERATE) is essential if future generations are to survive.

Lighting a town The Norwegian town of Rjukan lies along the floor of a narrow valley, (0) surrounded by sheer mountains. Because of its location, the town, with its 3,400 (1) .............. , has in the past lived in shadow for half the year. During the day, from late September to mid-March, the town gets no direct natural sunlight at all. Its residents all agreed this (2).............. that the town was incredibly depressing during the winter months. However, that all changed in 2013 with the (3) ............... of a system of mirrors whose design Martin Anderson, an artist, had first (4) .............. up with some 12 years earlier. With financial (5)............... from the local government and from several prominent business people, Anderson’s idea became a (6) ............. . Today, high on the mountain opposite the town, (7).............. three large solar-powered, computer-controlled mirrors (8) ...........the precise movement of the sun across the winter sky, reflecting its rays onto the town’s market square and flooding it in bright sunlight.

Travelling Abroad Travelling is one of the most rewarding (0) experiences a person can have. It allows us to (1) ........... new cultures, discover amazing landscapes, and meet people with different perspectives. Many travellers say that their most memorable moments happen when things don’t go as (2) ........... . A missed train or a cancelled flight may seem like a disaster at first, but these situations often (3) ........... to unexpected adventures. Of course, travelling abroad is not without (4) ............. . Tourists must be aware of health risks, unusual laws, and possible dangers in unfamiliar areas. Preparing properly can (5) .......... these problems. One way to reduce risks is to always (6) ........... copies of important documents and emergency numbers. Another is to (7) ............ local customs and traditions to avoid offending anyone. Above all, travel requires curiosity and a (8) .............spirit.

Education Education is often described as the key to (0) ........ (SUCEED). A good school provides students with knowledge and (1) ......... (SKILL), preparing them for life. However, not all schools succeed equally. A lack of (2) ...........(FINANCE) resources may prevent children from learning effectively. Teachers often complain about (3) ........... (ADEQUATE) salaries and large class sizes. In recent years, there has been a growing (4) ........... (DEPEND) on digital tools. Computers and tablets can make learning more interactive, but they also bring (5) ............ (DIFFICULT) if not used wisely. Despite these problems, many believe education can reduce (6) .........(POOR) and create a more equal society. For this reason, (7) ............... (EDUCATE) reform remains a priority for governments.

Art and Culture Art is often seen as a form of (0) ........ (EXPRESS). Through painting, music, or dance, people express their feelings and (1) ............ (IMAGINE). Museums play an important role in keeping culture alive. They allow us to appreciate the (2) ............ (CREATE) of artists from the past and to understand their societies. However, many institutions face (3) ............. (FINANCE) problems, as fewer visitors means less income. Some argue that art should receive more (4) ........... (GOVERN) support, since it is part of our heritage. Others believe it should survive without public money, relying instead on private (5) ...............(SPONSOR). Whatever the solution, there is no doubt that art has (6) ........... (LAST) value. It connects generations and inspires (7) ............ (CREATE).

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill in the gaps with ONE WORD only. In recent years, many companies have focused on improving their environmental impact, not only because they recognize the need to be more sustainable, ------- also because consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of ethical business practices. As a result, businesses are now more --------- to adopt green technologies and reduce waste. However, there are still many challenges to overcome, such as the initial cost of implementation and the difficulty of changing established habits. ----- continue to invest in these areas, they are likely to see long-term benefits, both in terms of customer loyalty and cost savings. One of the main barriers to success in this area is the ------ of clear and consistent regulations, which can leave companies unsure of how best to proceed. Despite these challenges, it is clear that the push towards sustainability is here to stay, and companies that fail to ------- it may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage in the future.

INSTRUCTIONS: Read the following text and choose the correct option for each gap. Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. It often takes time to ............to the new environment, especially if the language and customs are unfamiliar. Many people ........... the mistake of isolating themselves, thinking they will adapt naturally over time. However, research shows that those who actively ............ with the local community tend to adjust more quickly and feel less homesick. Another important aspect is maintaining realistic expectations. If you arrive with the belief that everything will be perfect, you may quickly feel disappointed when things don't ............ as expected. It's essential to be open-minded and willing to face obstacles. Emotional resilience plays a huge ............ For students, adapting to a new educational system is particularly demanding. Classes may be more interactive or require more independent work than they are used to. Those who ....... help when needed are often the ones who succeed. Support networks, whether formal or informal, can make a huge ............. In the end, the experience of living abroad teaches valuable life lessons. It may not always be easy, but the personal growth it brings is difficult to ...........

Instructions: Read the following text and choose the correct option (A, B, C, or D) for each gap. As soon as Emma moved into her new flat, she knew it would take time to ------------ everything. She had never lived alone before, and it was clear she would have to a numb-----------er of new responsibilities, including paying bills and managing her schedule. At first, she struggled with the quietness and felt somewhat disconnected, even though she ---------- to enjoy independence. It wasn’t long before she began to ------------small routines that made the place feel more like home—morning coffee on the balcony and evening walks. One day, she accidentally left the oven on and only realized after her neighbor -----------the burning smell. That moment forced her to admit she still ------------on others more than she liked to believe. Still, Emma didn’t let the mistake ------------ . She learned from it and promised herself to be more careful. Months later, she now ---------- the apartment not just as a place to stay, but as her true home.

Living in a City Many people prefer living in cities because they (0) offer so many opportunities. A city usually has thousands of (1) ............. , which means you can find every service you need. Of course, this also (2)............ that life there is fast-paced and sometimes stressful. City residents often complain about the (3) .............. of public transport, though in reality, most European cities provide excellent bus and train services. Another frequent issue is the (4) B) ....... cost of living, since rent, food, and leisure activities are all more expensive than in smaller towns. Still, for those who enjoy cultural life, there is always a (5) D)........... of museums, theatres, and concerts. Job hunters also benefit because companies (6) B) .......... to be concentrated in urban areas. Young people, in particular, like the idea of never running out of things to do. The truth is, whether you (7) D) ........ to live in a city or not often depends on your stage of life. Families with small children may prefer the (8) C) .......... of a quieter place.