Day 1 Y5 English Trial Test

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The hooded Bedouins reappeared more and more frequently, and the camel driver—who had become a good friend of the boy’s—explained that the war between the tribes had already begun. The caravan would be very lucky to reach the oasis. The animals were exhausted, and the men talked among themselves less and less. The silence was the worst aspect of the night, when the mere groan of a camel—which before had been nothing but the groan of a camel—now frightened everyone, because it might signal a raid. The camel driver, though, seemed not to be very concerned with the threat of war. 

“I’m alive,” he said to the boy, as they ate a bunch of dates one night, with no fires and no moon. 

“When I’m eating, that’s all I think about. If I’m on the march, I just concentrate on marching. If I have to fight, it will be just as good a day to die as any other.” 

“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. You’ll see that there is life in the desert, that there are stars in the heavens, and that tribesmen fight because they are part of the human race. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.” 

Two nights later, as he was getting ready to bed down, the boy looked for the star they followed every night. He thought that the horizon was a bit lower than it had been, because he seemed to see stars on the desert itself. 

“It’s the oasis,” said the camel driver. 

“Well, why don’t we go there right now?” the boy asked. 

“Because we have to sleep.” The boy awoke as soon as the sun rose. There, in front of him, where the small stars had been the night before, was an endless row of date palms, stretching across the entire desert. 

“We’ve done it!” said the Englishman, who had also awakened early. But the boy was quiet. 

He was at home with the silence of the desert, and he was content just to look at the trees. He still had a long way to go to reach the Pyramids, and someday this morning would just be a memory. But this was the present moment—the party the camel driver had mentioned—and he wanted to live it as he did the lessons of his past and his dreams of the future. Although the vision of the date palms would someday be just a memory, right now it signified shade, water, and a refuge from the war. Yesterday, the camel’s groan signalled danger, and now a row of date palms could herald a miracle. 

The world speaks many languages, the boy thought.

Extract B:The winner stands alone by Paulo Coelho

The ground is approaching fast. “It’s best to view humankind from on high,” she thinks. “Only then can we see how very small we are.” 

Ewa seems bored, either that or nervous. Hamid never really knows what’s going on in his wife’s head, even though they’ve been together for more than two years now. Cannes, it’s true, is a trial for everyone concerned, but he can’t leave the Festival any earlier than planned. Besides, she should be used to all this because the life of her ex-husband hadn’t been so very different, with suppers to attend, events to organise, and having constantly to change country, continent, and language. 

“Was she always like this or is it that she doesn’t love me as much as she did at first?” A forbidden thought. Concentrate on other things, please. 

The noise of the engine doesn’t allow for conversation, unless you use the headphones with the microphone attached. Ewa hasn’t even picked hers up from the hook beside her seat. Not that there’s any point asking her to put them on so that he can tell her for the thousandth time that she’s the most important woman in his life and that he’ll do his best to make sure she enjoys the week at this, her first Cannes Festival. 

The sound system on board is set up so that every conversation can be overheard by the pilot, and Ewa hates public displays of affection. There they are, in that glass bubble, just about to touch down. He can see the huge white car, a Maybach, the most expensive and most sophisticated car in the world. Even more exclusive than Rolls-Royce. Soon they’ll be sitting inside, listening to some relaxing music, and drinking iced champagne or mineral water. 

He consults his platinum watch, which is a certified copy of one of the first models produced in a small workshop in the town of Schaffhausen. Women can get away with spending a fortune on diamonds, but a watch is the only piece of jewellery allowed to a man of good taste, and only the true cognoscenti knew the significance of that watch, which was rarely advertised in the glossy magazines. That could be a definition of true sophistication: knowing where to find the very best even if other people have never heard of it, and producing the very best too, regardless of what others might say.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

Both passages touch upon the theme of the present moment and memory. How do the characters in each passage perceive the concept of the “present moment”? 

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The hooded Bedouins reappeared more and more frequently, and the camel driver—who had become a good friend of the boy’s—explained that the war between the tribes had already begun. The caravan would be very lucky to reach the oasis. The animals were exhausted, and the men talked among themselves less and less. The silence was the worst aspect of the night, when the mere groan of a camel—which before had been nothing but the groan of a camel—now frightened everyone, because it might signal a raid. The camel driver, though, seemed not to be very concerned with the threat of war. 

“I’m alive,” he said to the boy, as they ate a bunch of dates one night, with no fires and no moon. 

“When I’m eating, that’s all I think about. If I’m on the march, I just concentrate on marching. If I have to fight, it will be just as good a day to die as any other.” 

“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. You’ll see that there is life in the desert, that there are stars in the heavens, and that tribesmen fight because they are part of the human race. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.” 

Two nights later, as he was getting ready to bed down, the boy looked for the star they followed every night. He thought that the horizon was a bit lower than it had been, because he seemed to see stars on the desert itself. 

“It’s the oasis,” said the camel driver. 

“Well, why don’t we go there right now?” the boy asked. 

“Because we have to sleep.” The boy awoke as soon as the sun rose. There, in front of him, where the small stars had been the night before, was an endless row of date palms, stretching across the entire desert. 

“We’ve done it!” said the Englishman, who had also awakened early. But the boy was quiet. 

He was at home with the silence of the desert, and he was content just to look at the trees. He still had a long way to go to reach the Pyramids, and someday this morning would just be a memory. But this was the present moment—the party the camel driver had mentioned—and he wanted to live it as he did the lessons of his past and his dreams of the future. Although the vision of the date palms would someday be just a memory, right now it signified shade, water, and a refuge from the war. Yesterday, the camel’s groan signalled danger, and now a row of date palms could herald a miracle. 

The world speaks many languages, the boy thought.

Extract B:The winner stands alone by Paulo Coelho

The ground is approaching fast. “It’s best to view humankind from on high,” she thinks. “Only then can we see how very small we are.” 

Ewa seems bored, either that or nervous. Hamid never really knows what’s going on in his wife’s head, even though they’ve been together for more than two years now. Cannes, it’s true, is a trial for everyone concerned, but he can’t leave the Festival any earlier than planned. Besides, she should be used to all this because the life of her ex-husband hadn’t been so very different, with suppers to attend, events to organise, and having constantly to change country, continent, and language. 

“Was she always like this or is it that she doesn’t love me as much as she did at first?” A forbidden thought. Concentrate on other things, please. 

The noise of the engine doesn’t allow for conversation, unless you use the headphones with the microphone attached. Ewa hasn’t even picked hers up from the hook beside her seat. Not that there’s any point asking her to put them on so that he can tell her for the thousandth time that she’s the most important woman in his life and that he’ll do his best to make sure she enjoys the week at this, her first Cannes Festival. 

The sound system on board is set up so that every conversation can be overheard by the pilot, and Ewa hates public displays of affection. There they are, in that glass bubble, just about to touch down. He can see the huge white car, a Maybach, the most expensive and most sophisticated car in the world. Even more exclusive than Rolls-Royce. Soon they’ll be sitting inside, listening to some relaxing music, and drinking iced champagne or mineral water. 

He consults his platinum watch, which is a certified copy of one of the first models produced in a small workshop in the town of Schaffhausen. Women can get away with spending a fortune on diamonds, but a watch is the only piece of jewellery allowed to a man of good taste, and only the true cognoscenti knew the significance of that watch, which was rarely advertised in the glossy magazines. That could be a definition of true sophistication: knowing where to find the very best even if other people have never heard of it, and producing the very best too, regardless of what others might say.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

The perception of luxury is evident in both passages. How does the representation of luxury in the two passages compare?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The hooded Bedouins reappeared more and more frequently, and the camel driver—who had become a good friend of the boy’s—explained that the war between the tribes had already begun. The caravan would be very lucky to reach the oasis. The animals were exhausted, and the men talked among themselves less and less. The silence was the worst aspect of the night, when the mere groan of a camel—which before had been nothing but the groan of a camel—now frightened everyone, because it might signal a raid. The camel driver, though, seemed not to be very concerned with the threat of war. 

“I’m alive,” he said to the boy, as they ate a bunch of dates one night, with no fires and no moon. 

“When I’m eating, that’s all I think about. If I’m on the march, I just concentrate on marching. If I have to fight, it will be just as good a day to die as any other.” 

“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. You’ll see that there is life in the desert, that there are stars in the heavens, and that tribesmen fight because they are part of the human race. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.” 

Two nights later, as he was getting ready to bed down, the boy looked for the star they followed every night. He thought that the horizon was a bit lower than it had been, because he seemed to see stars on the desert itself. 

“It’s the oasis,” said the camel driver. 

“Well, why don’t we go there right now?” the boy asked. 

“Because we have to sleep.” The boy awoke as soon as the sun rose. There, in front of him, where the small stars had been the night before, was an endless row of date palms, stretching across the entire desert. 

“We’ve done it!” said the Englishman, who had also awakened early. But the boy was quiet. 

He was at home with the silence of the desert, and he was content just to look at the trees. He still had a long way to go to reach the Pyramids, and someday this morning would just be a memory. But this was the present moment—the party the camel driver had mentioned—and he wanted to live it as he did the lessons of his past and his dreams of the future. Although the vision of the date palms would someday be just a memory, right now it signified shade, water, and a refuge from the war. Yesterday, the camel’s groan signalled danger, and now a row of date palms could herald a miracle. 

The world speaks many languages, the boy thought.

Extract B:The winner stands alone by Paulo Coelho

The ground is approaching fast. “It’s best to view humankind from on high,” she thinks. “Only then can we see how very small we are.” 

Ewa seems bored, either that or nervous. Hamid never really knows what’s going on in his wife’s head, even though they’ve been together for more than two years now. Cannes, it’s true, is a trial for everyone concerned, but he can’t leave the Festival any earlier than planned. Besides, she should be used to all this because the life of her ex-husband hadn’t been so very different, with suppers to attend, events to organise, and having constantly to change country, continent, and language. 

“Was she always like this or is it that she doesn’t love me as much as she did at first?” A forbidden thought. Concentrate on other things, please. 

The noise of the engine doesn’t allow for conversation, unless you use the headphones with the microphone attached. Ewa hasn’t even picked hers up from the hook beside her seat. Not that there’s any point asking her to put them on so that he can tell her for the thousandth time that she’s the most important woman in his life and that he’ll do his best to make sure she enjoys the week at this, her first Cannes Festival. 

The sound system on board is set up so that every conversation can be overheard by the pilot, and Ewa hates public displays of affection. There they are, in that glass bubble, just about to touch down. He can see the huge white car, a Maybach, the most expensive and most sophisticated car in the world. Even more exclusive than Rolls-Royce. Soon they’ll be sitting inside, listening to some relaxing music, and drinking iced champagne or mineral water. 

He consults his platinum watch, which is a certified copy of one of the first models produced in a small workshop in the town of Schaffhausen. Women can get away with spending a fortune on diamonds, but a watch is the only piece of jewellery allowed to a man of good taste, and only the true cognoscenti knew the significance of that watch, which was rarely advertised in the glossy magazines. That could be a definition of true sophistication: knowing where to find the very best even if other people have never heard of it, and producing the very best too, regardless of what others might say.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

Both passages depict characters who are travelling. How do the landscapes described in the passages symbolise the emotional states of the main characters?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The hooded Bedouins reappeared more and more frequently, and the camel driver—who had become a good friend of the boy’s—explained that the war between the tribes had already begun. The caravan would be very lucky to reach the oasis. The animals were exhausted, and the men talked among themselves less and less. The silence was the worst aspect of the night, when the mere groan of a camel—which before had been nothing but the groan of a camel—now frightened everyone, because it might signal a raid. The camel driver, though, seemed not to be very concerned with the threat of war. 

“I’m alive,” he said to the boy, as they ate a bunch of dates one night, with no fires and no moon. 

“When I’m eating, that’s all I think about. If I’m on the march, I just concentrate on marching. If I have to fight, it will be just as good a day to die as any other.” 

“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. You’ll see that there is life in the desert, that there are stars in the heavens, and that tribesmen fight because they are part of the human race. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.” 

Two nights later, as he was getting ready to bed down, the boy looked for the star they followed every night. He thought that the horizon was a bit lower than it had been, because he seemed to see stars on the desert itself. 

“It’s the oasis,” said the camel driver. 

“Well, why don’t we go there right now?” the boy asked. 

“Because we have to sleep.” The boy awoke as soon as the sun rose. There, in front of him, where the small stars had been the night before, was an endless row of date palms, stretching across the entire desert. 

“We’ve done it!” said the Englishman, who had also awakened early. But the boy was quiet. 

He was at home with the silence of the desert, and he was content just to look at the trees. He still had a long way to go to reach the Pyramids, and someday this morning would just be a memory. But this was the present moment—the party the camel driver had mentioned—and he wanted to live it as he did the lessons of his past and his dreams of the future. Although the vision of the date palms would someday be just a memory, right now it signified shade, water, and a refuge from the war. Yesterday, the camel’s groan signalled danger, and now a row of date palms could herald a miracle. 

The world speaks many languages, the boy thought.

Extract B:The winner stands alone by Paulo Coelho

The ground is approaching fast. “It’s best to view humankind from on high,” she thinks. “Only then can we see how very small we are.” 

Ewa seems bored, either that or nervous. Hamid never really knows what’s going on in his wife’s head, even though they’ve been together for more than two years now. Cannes, it’s true, is a trial for everyone concerned, but he can’t leave the Festival any earlier than planned. Besides, she should be used to all this because the life of her ex-husband hadn’t been so very different, with suppers to attend, events to organise, and having constantly to change country, continent, and language. 

“Was she always like this or is it that she doesn’t love me as much as she did at first?” A forbidden thought. Concentrate on other things, please. 

The noise of the engine doesn’t allow for conversation, unless you use the headphones with the microphone attached. Ewa hasn’t even picked hers up from the hook beside her seat. Not that there’s any point asking her to put them on so that he can tell her for the thousandth time that she’s the most important woman in his life and that he’ll do his best to make sure she enjoys the week at this, her first Cannes Festival. 

The sound system on board is set up so that every conversation can be overheard by the pilot, and Ewa hates public displays of affection. There they are, in that glass bubble, just about to touch down. He can see the huge white car, a Maybach, the most expensive and most sophisticated car in the world. Even more exclusive than Rolls-Royce. Soon they’ll be sitting inside, listening to some relaxing music, and drinking iced champagne or mineral water. 

He consults his platinum watch, which is a certified copy of one of the first models produced in a small workshop in the town of Schaffhausen. Women can get away with spending a fortune on diamonds, but a watch is the only piece of jewellery allowed to a man of good taste, and only the true cognoscenti knew the significance of that watch, which was rarely advertised in the glossy magazines. That could be a definition of true sophistication: knowing where to find the very best even if other people have never heard of it, and producing the very best too, regardless of what others might say.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

The characters in both passages are involved in a journey. How do their perspectives on their respective journeys compare?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The hooded Bedouins reappeared more and more frequently, and the camel driver—who had become a good friend of the boy’s—explained that the war between the tribes had already begun. The caravan would be very lucky to reach the oasis. The animals were exhausted, and the men talked among themselves less and less. The silence was the worst aspect of the night, when the mere groan of a camel—which before had been nothing but the groan of a camel—now frightened everyone, because it might signal a raid. The camel driver, though, seemed not to be very concerned with the threat of war. 

“I’m alive,” he said to the boy, as they ate a bunch of dates one night, with no fires and no moon. 

“When I’m eating, that’s all I think about. If I’m on the march, I just concentrate on marching. If I have to fight, it will be just as good a day to die as any other.” 

“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. You’ll see that there is life in the desert, that there are stars in the heavens, and that tribesmen fight because they are part of the human race. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.” 

Two nights later, as he was getting ready to bed down, the boy looked for the star they followed every night. He thought that the horizon was a bit lower than it had been, because he seemed to see stars on the desert itself. 

“It’s the oasis,” said the camel driver. 

“Well, why don’t we go there right now?” the boy asked. 

“Because we have to sleep.” The boy awoke as soon as the sun rose. There, in front of him, where the small stars had been the night before, was an endless row of date palms, stretching across the entire desert. 

“We’ve done it!” said the Englishman, who had also awakened early. But the boy was quiet. 

He was at home with the silence of the desert, and he was content just to look at the trees. He still had a long way to go to reach the Pyramids, and someday this morning would just be a memory. But this was the present moment—the party the camel driver had mentioned—and he wanted to live it as he did the lessons of his past and his dreams of the future. Although the vision of the date palms would someday be just a memory, right now it signified shade, water, and a refuge from the war. Yesterday, the camel’s groan signalled danger, and now a row of date palms could herald a miracle. 

The world speaks many languages, the boy thought.

Extract B:The winner stands alone by Paulo Coelho

The ground is approaching fast. “It’s best to view humankind from on high,” she thinks. “Only then can we see how very small we are.” 

Ewa seems bored, either that or nervous. Hamid never really knows what’s going on in his wife’s head, even though they’ve been together for more than two years now. Cannes, it’s true, is a trial for everyone concerned, but he can’t leave the Festival any earlier than planned. Besides, she should be used to all this because the life of her ex-husband hadn’t been so very different, with suppers to attend, events to organise, and having constantly to change country, continent, and language. 

“Was she always like this or is it that she doesn’t love me as much as she did at first?” A forbidden thought. Concentrate on other things, please. 

The noise of the engine doesn’t allow for conversation, unless you use the headphones with the microphone attached. Ewa hasn’t even picked hers up from the hook beside her seat. Not that there’s any point asking her to put them on so that he can tell her for the thousandth time that she’s the most important woman in his life and that he’ll do his best to make sure she enjoys the week at this, her first Cannes Festival. 

The sound system on board is set up so that every conversation can be overheard by the pilot, and Ewa hates public displays of affection. There they are, in that glass bubble, just about to touch down. He can see the huge white car, a Maybach, the most expensive and most sophisticated car in the world. Even more exclusive than Rolls-Royce. Soon they’ll be sitting inside, listening to some relaxing music, and drinking iced champagne or mineral water. 

He consults his platinum watch, which is a certified copy of one of the first models produced in a small workshop in the town of Schaffhausen. Women can get away with spending a fortune on diamonds, but a watch is the only piece of jewellery allowed to a man of good taste, and only the true cognoscenti knew the significance of that watch, which was rarely advertised in the glossy magazines. That could be a definition of true sophistication: knowing where to find the very best even if other people have never heard of it, and producing the very best too, regardless of what others might say.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

Both passages feature the night sky and celestial imagery. How does the symbolism of the stars and sky compare between the two passages?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The hooded Bedouins reappeared more and more frequently, and the camel driver—who had become a good friend of the boy’s—explained that the war between the tribes had already begun. The caravan would be very lucky to reach the oasis. The animals were exhausted, and the men talked among themselves less and less. The silence was the worst aspect of the night, when the mere groan of a camel—which before had been nothing but the groan of a camel—now frightened everyone, because it might signal a raid. The camel driver, though, seemed not to be very concerned with the threat of war. 

“I’m alive,” he said to the boy, as they ate a bunch of dates one night, with no fires and no moon. 

“When I’m eating, that’s all I think about. If I’m on the march, I just concentrate on marching. If I have to fight, it will be just as good a day to die as any other.” 

“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. You’ll see that there is life in the desert, that there are stars in the heavens, and that tribesmen fight because they are part of the human race. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.” 

Two nights later, as he was getting ready to bed down, the boy looked for the star they followed every night. He thought that the horizon was a bit lower than it had been, because he seemed to see stars on the desert itself. 

“It’s the oasis,” said the camel driver. 

“Well, why don’t we go there right now?” the boy asked. 

“Because we have to sleep.” The boy awoke as soon as the sun rose. There, in front of him, where the small stars had been the night before, was an endless row of date palms, stretching across the entire desert. 

“We’ve done it!” said the Englishman, who had also awakened early. But the boy was quiet. 

He was at home with the silence of the desert, and he was content just to look at the trees. He still had a long way to go to reach the Pyramids, and someday this morning would just be a memory. But this was the present moment—the party the camel driver had mentioned—and he wanted to live it as he did the lessons of his past and his dreams of the future. Although the vision of the date palms would someday be just a memory, right now it signified shade, water, and a refuge from the war. Yesterday, the camel’s groan signalled danger, and now a row of date palms could herald a miracle. 

The world speaks many languages, the boy thought.

Extract B:The winner stands alone by Paulo Coelho

The ground is approaching fast. “It’s best to view humankind from on high,” she thinks. “Only then can we see how very small we are.” 

Ewa seems bored, either that or nervous. Hamid never really knows what’s going on in his wife’s head, even though they’ve been together for more than two years now. Cannes, it’s true, is a trial for everyone concerned, but he can’t leave the Festival any earlier than planned. Besides, she should be used to all this because the life of her ex-husband hadn’t been so very different, with suppers to attend, events to organise, and having constantly to change country, continent, and language. 

“Was she always like this or is it that she doesn’t love me as much as she did at first?” A forbidden thought. Concentrate on other things, please. 

The noise of the engine doesn’t allow for conversation, unless you use the headphones with the microphone attached. Ewa hasn’t even picked hers up from the hook beside her seat. Not that there’s any point asking her to put them on so that he can tell her for the thousandth time that she’s the most important woman in his life and that he’ll do his best to make sure she enjoys the week at this, her first Cannes Festival. 

The sound system on board is set up so that every conversation can be overheard by the pilot, and Ewa hates public displays of affection. There they are, in that glass bubble, just about to touch down. He can see the huge white car, a Maybach, the most expensive and most sophisticated car in the world. Even more exclusive than Rolls-Royce. Soon they’ll be sitting inside, listening to some relaxing music, and drinking iced champagne or mineral water. 

He consults his platinum watch, which is a certified copy of one of the first models produced in a small workshop in the town of Schaffhausen. Women can get away with spending a fortune on diamonds, but a watch is the only piece of jewellery allowed to a man of good taste, and only the true cognoscenti knew the significance of that watch, which was rarely advertised in the glossy magazines. That could be a definition of true sophistication: knowing where to find the very best even if other people have never heard of it, and producing the very best too, regardless of what others might say.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

The concept of time is a prominent theme in both passages. How is the handling of time in the past, present, and future depicted comparatively in both texts?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The hooded Bedouins reappeared more and more frequently, and the camel driver—who had become a good friend of the boy’s—explained that the war between the tribes had already begun. The caravan would be very lucky to reach the oasis. The animals were exhausted, and the men talked among themselves less and less. The silence was the worst aspect of the night, when the mere groan of a camel—which before had been nothing but the groan of a camel—now frightened everyone, because it might signal a raid. The camel driver, though, seemed not to be very concerned with the threat of war. 

“I’m alive,” he said to the boy, as they ate a bunch of dates one night, with no fires and no moon. 

“When I’m eating, that’s all I think about. If I’m on the march, I just concentrate on marching. If I have to fight, it will be just as good a day to die as any other.” 

“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. You’ll see that there is life in the desert, that there are stars in the heavens, and that tribesmen fight because they are part of the human race. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.” 

Two nights later, as he was getting ready to bed down, the boy looked for the star they followed every night. He thought that the horizon was a bit lower than it had been, because he seemed to see stars on the desert itself. 

“It’s the oasis,” said the camel driver. 

“Well, why don’t we go there right now?” the boy asked. 

“Because we have to sleep.” The boy awoke as soon as the sun rose. There, in front of him, where the small stars had been the night before, was an endless row of date palms, stretching across the entire desert. 

“We’ve done it!” said the Englishman, who had also awakened early. But the boy was quiet. 

He was at home with the silence of the desert, and he was content just to look at the trees. He still had a long way to go to reach the Pyramids, and someday this morning would just be a memory. But this was the present moment—the party the camel driver had mentioned—and he wanted to live it as he did the lessons of his past and his dreams of the future. Although the vision of the date palms would someday be just a memory, right now it signified shade, water, and a refuge from the war. Yesterday, the camel’s groan signalled danger, and now a row of date palms could herald a miracle. 

The world speaks many languages, the boy thought.

Extract B:The winner stands alone by Paulo Coelho

The ground is approaching fast. “It’s best to view humankind from on high,” she thinks. “Only then can we see how very small we are.” 

Ewa seems bored, either that or nervous. Hamid never really knows what’s going on in his wife’s head, even though they’ve been together for more than two years now. Cannes, it’s true, is a trial for everyone concerned, but he can’t leave the Festival any earlier than planned. Besides, she should be used to all this because the life of her ex-husband hadn’t been so very different, with suppers to attend, events to organise, and having constantly to change country, continent, and language. 

“Was she always like this or is it that she doesn’t love me as much as she did at first?” A forbidden thought. Concentrate on other things, please. 

The noise of the engine doesn’t allow for conversation, unless you use the headphones with the microphone attached. Ewa hasn’t even picked hers up from the hook beside her seat. Not that there’s any point asking her to put them on so that he can tell her for the thousandth time that she’s the most important woman in his life and that he’ll do his best to make sure she enjoys the week at this, her first Cannes Festival. 

The sound system on board is set up so that every conversation can be overheard by the pilot, and Ewa hates public displays of affection. There they are, in that glass bubble, just about to touch down. He can see the huge white car, a Maybach, the most expensive and most sophisticated car in the world. Even more exclusive than Rolls-Royce. Soon they’ll be sitting inside, listening to some relaxing music, and drinking iced champagne or mineral water. 

He consults his platinum watch, which is a certified copy of one of the first models produced in a small workshop in the town of Schaffhausen. Women can get away with spending a fortune on diamonds, but a watch is the only piece of jewellery allowed to a man of good taste, and only the true cognoscenti knew the significance of that watch, which was rarely advertised in the glossy magazines. That could be a definition of true sophistication: knowing where to find the very best even if other people have never heard of it, and producing the very best too, regardless of what others might say.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

Both passages depict relationships between individuals. How do these relationships compare in terms of depth and understanding?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The hooded Bedouins reappeared more and more frequently, and the camel driver—who had become a good friend of the boy’s—explained that the war between the tribes had already begun. The caravan would be very lucky to reach the oasis. The animals were exhausted, and the men talked among themselves less and less. The silence was the worst aspect of the night, when the mere groan of a camel—which before had been nothing but the groan of a camel—now frightened everyone, because it might signal a raid. The camel driver, though, seemed not to be very concerned with the threat of war. 

“I’m alive,” he said to the boy, as they ate a bunch of dates one night, with no fires and no moon. 

“When I’m eating, that’s all I think about. If I’m on the march, I just concentrate on marching. If I have to fight, it will be just as good a day to die as any other.” 

“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. You’ll see that there is life in the desert, that there are stars in the heavens, and that tribesmen fight because they are part of the human race. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.” 

Two nights later, as he was getting ready to bed down, the boy looked for the star they followed every night. He thought that the horizon was a bit lower than it had been, because he seemed to see stars on the desert itself. 

“It’s the oasis,” said the camel driver. 

“Well, why don’t we go there right now?” the boy asked. 

“Because we have to sleep.” The boy awoke as soon as the sun rose. There, in front of him, where the small stars had been the night before, was an endless row of date palms, stretching across the entire desert. 

“We’ve done it!” said the Englishman, who had also awakened early. But the boy was quiet. 

He was at home with the silence of the desert, and he was content just to look at the trees. He still had a long way to go to reach the Pyramids, and someday this morning would just be a memory. But this was the present moment—the party the camel driver had mentioned—and he wanted to live it as he did the lessons of his past and his dreams of the future. Although the vision of the date palms would someday be just a memory, right now it signified shade, water, and a refuge from the war. Yesterday, the camel’s groan signalled danger, and now a row of date palms could herald a miracle. 

The world speaks many languages, the boy thought.

Extract B:The winner stands alone by Paulo Coelho

The ground is approaching fast. “It’s best to view humankind from on high,” she thinks. “Only then can we see how very small we are.” 

Ewa seems bored, either that or nervous. Hamid never really knows what’s going on in his wife’s head, even though they’ve been together for more than two years now. Cannes, it’s true, is a trial for everyone concerned, but he can’t leave the Festival any earlier than planned. Besides, she should be used to all this because the life of her ex-husband hadn’t been so very different, with suppers to attend, events to organise, and having constantly to change country, continent, and language. 

“Was she always like this or is it that she doesn’t love me as much as she did at first?” A forbidden thought. Concentrate on other things, please. 

The noise of the engine doesn’t allow for conversation, unless you use the headphones with the microphone attached. Ewa hasn’t even picked hers up from the hook beside her seat. Not that there’s any point asking her to put them on so that he can tell her for the thousandth time that she’s the most important woman in his life and that he’ll do his best to make sure she enjoys the week at this, her first Cannes Festival. 

The sound system on board is set up so that every conversation can be overheard by the pilot, and Ewa hates public displays of affection. There they are, in that glass bubble, just about to touch down. He can see the huge white car, a Maybach, the most expensive and most sophisticated car in the world. Even more exclusive than Rolls-Royce. Soon they’ll be sitting inside, listening to some relaxing music, and drinking iced champagne or mineral water. 

He consults his platinum watch, which is a certified copy of one of the first models produced in a small workshop in the town of Schaffhausen. Women can get away with spending a fortune on diamonds, but a watch is the only piece of jewellery allowed to a man of good taste, and only the true cognoscenti knew the significance of that watch, which was rarely advertised in the glossy magazines. That could be a definition of true sophistication: knowing where to find the very best even if other people have never heard of it, and producing the very best too, regardless of what others might say.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

In both passages, individuals ponder about life and existence. How do their philosophies compare?

Read the poem below then answer the questions that follow.

A Maple Leaf by Margaret E. Sangster

So bright in death I used to say,

So beautiful through frost and cold!

A lovelier thing I know to-day,

The leaf is growing old,

And wears in grace of duty done,                                                      5

The gold and scarlet of the sun.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

What does the phrase “so bright in death” in the first line signify?

Read the poem below then answer the questions that follow.

A Maple Leaf by Margaret E. Sangster

So bright in death I used to say,

So beautiful through frost and cold!

A lovelier thing I know to-day,

The leaf is growing old,

And wears in grace of duty done,                                                      5

The gold and scarlet of the sun.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

In the context of the poem, what could “frost and cold” symbolise?

Read the poem below then answer the questions that follow.

A Maple Leaf by Margaret E. Sangster

So bright in death I used to say,

So beautiful through frost and cold!

A lovelier thing I know to-day,

The leaf is growing old,

And wears in grace of duty done,                                                      5

The gold and scarlet of the sun.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

What is the “lovelier thing” the speaker acknowledges in the third line?

Read the poem below then answer the questions that follow.

A Maple Leaf by Margaret E. Sangster

So bright in death I used to say,

So beautiful through frost and cold!

A lovelier thing I know to-day,

The leaf is growing old,

And wears in grace of duty done,                                                      5

The gold and scarlet of the sun.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

The mention of “gold and scarlet of the sun” can be seen as:

Read the poem below then answer the questions that follow.

A Maple Leaf by Margaret E. Sangster

So bright in death I used to say,

So beautiful through frost and cold!

A lovelier thing I know to-day,

The leaf is growing old,

And wears in grace of duty done,                                                      5

The gold and scarlet of the sun.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

How does the leaf embody “grace of duty done” in the poem?

Read the poem below then answer the questions that follow.

A Maple Leaf by Margaret E. Sangster

So bright in death I used to say,

So beautiful through frost and cold!

A lovelier thing I know to-day,

The leaf is growing old,

And wears in grace of duty done,                                                      5

The gold and scarlet of the sun.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

What literary device is used in the phrase “gold and scarlet of the sun”?

Read the article below then answer the questions that follow.

Engineering Marvel and Its Ill – Fated Maiden Voyage

A. From the beginning, the Titanic was heralded as an epitome of luxury and advanced engineering. The ship, which was the largest moving man-made object of its time, boasted state-of-the-art technology and opulence. However, despite all the grandeur, the Titanic holds a tragic place in history, marking one of the deadliest commercial peacetime maritime disasters. How did such a marvel of engineering come to witness such a heartbreaking end, and what lessons can be drawn from this tragedy?

B. The construction of the Titanic was a testament to the industrial advancements of the early 20th century. As a part of the White Star Line, the ship was designed to surpass its rivals in terms of luxury and grandeur. The planning process incorporated the finest materials and amenities, aiming to create an unmatched cruising experience that could blend the boundaries between comfort and safety.

C. Despite the grandeur, the Titanic had its share of criticisms and design flaws. Critics pointed to the inadequate number of lifeboats and questioned the structural integrity of the ship. Despite these concerns, the Titanic embarked on its maiden voyage, holding the hope and excitement of thousands who believed in the invincibility of human engineering.

D. The maiden voyage of the Titanic marked a turning point in maritime history. As the ship collided with an iceberg, the supposedly “unsinkable” Titanic met an untimely end. The investigation that followed unveiled a series of unfortunate events and decisions that culminated in the tragic event. Multiple entities, including the ship’s crew, the construction company, and maritime regulations, were scrutinised to understand the depth of the catastrophe.

E. The aftermath of the Titanic’s sinking witnessed a surge in maritime safety regulations. The tragedy served as a brutal reminder of the potential consequences of overlooking safety in the pursuit of luxury. International agreements were forged to enhance maritime safety, focusing on better ship design, adequate life-saving facilities, and improved safety procedures for the passengers and crew.

F. The Titanic serves as both a beacon of human achievement and a cautionary tale. Its sinking, which resulted in the loss of over 1500 lives, stirred a global conversation on the responsibilities that come with technological advancements. It has also become a cultural phenomenon, drawing the interest of historians, researchers, and the general public alike, fostering an ongoing dialogue on the balance between innovation and safety.

G. The story of the Titanic transcends time, captivating generations with its blend of grandeur, tragedy, and lessons learned. It serves as a reminder of the frailties of human endeavours and the necessity to prioritise safety above all. The Titanic’s tale is not just about a sinking ship; it embodies the collective journey of mankind in its pursuit of excellence, showcasing both our triumphs and the tragic consequences of our missteps.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

Which extract mentions the use of high-quality materials and resources to create an unmatched experience at sea?

Read the article below then answer the questions that follow.

Engineering Marvel and Its Ill – Fated Maiden Voyage

A. From the beginning, the Titanic was heralded as an epitome of luxury and advanced engineering. The ship, which was the largest moving man-made object of its time, boasted state-of-the-art technology and opulence. However, despite all the grandeur, the Titanic holds a tragic place in history, marking one of the deadliest commercial peacetime maritime disasters. How did such a marvel of engineering come to witness such a heartbreaking end, and what lessons can be drawn from this tragedy?

B. The construction of the Titanic was a testament to the industrial advancements of the early 20th century. As a part of the White Star Line, the ship was designed to surpass its rivals in terms of luxury and grandeur. The planning process incorporated the finest materials and amenities, aiming to create an unmatched cruising experience that could blend the boundaries between comfort and safety.

C. Despite the grandeur, the Titanic had its share of criticisms and design flaws. Critics pointed to the inadequate number of lifeboats and questioned the structural integrity of the ship. Despite these concerns, the Titanic embarked on its maiden voyage, holding the hope and excitement of thousands who believed in the invincibility of human engineering.

D. The maiden voyage of the Titanic marked a turning point in maritime history. As the ship collided with an iceberg, the supposedly “unsinkable” Titanic met an untimely end. The investigation that followed unveiled a series of unfortunate events and decisions that culminated in the tragic event. Multiple entities, including the ship’s crew, the construction company, and maritime regulations, were scrutinised to understand the depth of the catastrophe.

E. The aftermath of the Titanic’s sinking witnessed a surge in maritime safety regulations. The tragedy served as a brutal reminder of the potential consequences of overlooking safety in the pursuit of luxury. International agreements were forged to enhance maritime safety, focusing on better ship design, adequate life-saving facilities, and improved safety procedures for the passengers and crew.

F. The Titanic serves as both a beacon of human achievement and a cautionary tale. Its sinking, which resulted in the loss of over 1500 lives, stirred a global conversation on the responsibilities that come with technological advancements. It has also become a cultural phenomenon, drawing the interest of historians, researchers, and the general public alike, fostering an ongoing dialogue on the balance between innovation and safety.

G. The story of the Titanic transcends time, captivating generations with its blend of grandeur, tragedy, and lessons learned. It serves as a reminder of the frailties of human endeavours and the necessity to prioritise safety above all. The Titanic’s tale is not just about a sinking ship; it embodies the collective journey of mankind in its pursuit of excellence, showcasing both our triumphs and the tragic consequences of our missteps.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

Which extract mentions a global discussion starting about the duties that come with technological progress?

Read the article below then answer the questions that follow.

Engineering Marvel and Its Ill – Fated Maiden Voyage

A. From the beginning, the Titanic was heralded as an epitome of luxury and advanced engineering. The ship, which was the largest moving man-made object of its time, boasted state-of-the-art technology and opulence. However, despite all the grandeur, the Titanic holds a tragic place in history, marking one of the deadliest commercial peacetime maritime disasters. How did such a marvel of engineering come to witness such a heartbreaking end, and what lessons can be drawn from this tragedy?

B. The construction of the Titanic was a testament to the industrial advancements of the early 20th century. As a part of the White Star Line, the ship was designed to surpass its rivals in terms of luxury and grandeur. The planning process incorporated the finest materials and amenities, aiming to create an unmatched cruising experience that could blend the boundaries between comfort and safety.

C. Despite the grandeur, the Titanic had its share of criticisms and design flaws. Critics pointed to the inadequate number of lifeboats and questioned the structural integrity of the ship. Despite these concerns, the Titanic embarked on its maiden voyage, holding the hope and excitement of thousands who believed in the invincibility of human engineering.

D. The maiden voyage of the Titanic marked a turning point in maritime history. As the ship collided with an iceberg, the supposedly “unsinkable” Titanic met an untimely end. The investigation that followed unveiled a series of unfortunate events and decisions that culminated in the tragic event. Multiple entities, including the ship’s crew, the construction company, and maritime regulations, were scrutinised to understand the depth of the catastrophe.

E. The aftermath of the Titanic’s sinking witnessed a surge in maritime safety regulations. The tragedy served as a brutal reminder of the potential consequences of overlooking safety in the pursuit of luxury. International agreements were forged to enhance maritime safety, focusing on better ship design, adequate life-saving facilities, and improved safety procedures for the passengers and crew.

F. The Titanic serves as both a beacon of human achievement and a cautionary tale. Its sinking, which resulted in the loss of over 1500 lives, stirred a global conversation on the responsibilities that come with technological advancements. It has also become a cultural phenomenon, drawing the interest of historians, researchers, and the general public alike, fostering an ongoing dialogue on the balance between innovation and safety.

G. The story of the Titanic transcends time, captivating generations with its blend of grandeur, tragedy, and lessons learned. It serves as a reminder of the frailties of human endeavours and the necessity to prioritise safety above all. The Titanic’s tale is not just about a sinking ship; it embodies the collective journey of mankind in its pursuit of excellence, showcasing both our triumphs and the tragic consequences of our missteps.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

Which extract mentions the ship’s launch being met with doubts about its structural soundness and sufficient safety equipment?

Read the article below then answer the questions that follow.

Engineering Marvel and Its Ill – Fated Maiden Voyage

A. From the beginning, the Titanic was heralded as an epitome of luxury and advanced engineering. The ship, which was the largest moving man-made object of its time, boasted state-of-the-art technology and opulence. However, despite all the grandeur, the Titanic holds a tragic place in history, marking one of the deadliest commercial peacetime maritime disasters. How did such a marvel of engineering come to witness such a heartbreaking end, and what lessons can be drawn from this tragedy?

B. The construction of the Titanic was a testament to the industrial advancements of the early 20th century. As a part of the White Star Line, the ship was designed to surpass its rivals in terms of luxury and grandeur. The planning process incorporated the finest materials and amenities, aiming to create an unmatched cruising experience that could blend the boundaries between comfort and safety.

C. Despite the grandeur, the Titanic had its share of criticisms and design flaws. Critics pointed to the inadequate number of lifeboats and questioned the structural integrity of the ship. Despite these concerns, the Titanic embarked on its maiden voyage, holding the hope and excitement of thousands who believed in the invincibility of human engineering.

D. The maiden voyage of the Titanic marked a turning point in maritime history. As the ship collided with an iceberg, the supposedly “unsinkable” Titanic met an untimely end. The investigation that followed unveiled a series of unfortunate events and decisions that culminated in the tragic event. Multiple entities, including the ship’s crew, the construction company, and maritime regulations, were scrutinised to understand the depth of the catastrophe.

E. The aftermath of the Titanic’s sinking witnessed a surge in maritime safety regulations. The tragedy served as a brutal reminder of the potential consequences of overlooking safety in the pursuit of luxury. International agreements were forged to enhance maritime safety, focusing on better ship design, adequate life-saving facilities, and improved safety procedures for the passengers and crew.

F. The Titanic serves as both a beacon of human achievement and a cautionary tale. Its sinking, which resulted in the loss of over 1500 lives, stirred a global conversation on the responsibilities that come with technological advancements. It has also become a cultural phenomenon, drawing the interest of historians, researchers, and the general public alike, fostering an ongoing dialogue on the balance between innovation and safety.

G. The story of the Titanic transcends time, captivating generations with its blend of grandeur, tragedy, and lessons learned. It serves as a reminder of the frailties of human endeavours and the necessity to prioritise safety above all. The Titanic’s tale is not just about a sinking ship; it embodies the collective journey of mankind in its pursuit of excellence, showcasing both our triumphs and the tragic consequences of our missteps.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

Which extract mentions an increase in safety rules for sea travel following the disaster?

Read the article below then answer the questions that follow.

Engineering Marvel and Its Ill – Fated Maiden Voyage

A. From the beginning, the Titanic was heralded as an epitome of luxury and advanced engineering. The ship, which was the largest moving man-made object of its time, boasted state-of-the-art technology and opulence. However, despite all the grandeur, the Titanic holds a tragic place in history, marking one of the deadliest commercial peacetime maritime disasters. How did such a marvel of engineering come to witness such a heartbreaking end, and what lessons can be drawn from this tragedy?

B. The construction of the Titanic was a testament to the industrial advancements of the early 20th century. As a part of the White Star Line, the ship was designed to surpass its rivals in terms of luxury and grandeur. The planning process incorporated the finest materials and amenities, aiming to create an unmatched cruising experience that could blend the boundaries between comfort and safety.

C. Despite the grandeur, the Titanic had its share of criticisms and design flaws. Critics pointed to the inadequate number of lifeboats and questioned the structural integrity of the ship. Despite these concerns, the Titanic embarked on its maiden voyage, holding the hope and excitement of thousands who believed in the invincibility of human engineering.

D. The maiden voyage of the Titanic marked a turning point in maritime history. As the ship collided with an iceberg, the supposedly “unsinkable” Titanic met an untimely end. The investigation that followed unveiled a series of unfortunate events and decisions that culminated in the tragic event. Multiple entities, including the ship’s crew, the construction company, and maritime regulations, were scrutinised to understand the depth of the catastrophe.

E. The aftermath of the Titanic’s sinking witnessed a surge in maritime safety regulations. The tragedy served as a brutal reminder of the potential consequences of overlooking safety in the pursuit of luxury. International agreements were forged to enhance maritime safety, focusing on better ship design, adequate life-saving facilities, and improved safety procedures for the passengers and crew.

F. The Titanic serves as both a beacon of human achievement and a cautionary tale. Its sinking, which resulted in the loss of over 1500 lives, stirred a global conversation on the responsibilities that come with technological advancements. It has also become a cultural phenomenon, drawing the interest of historians, researchers, and the general public alike, fostering an ongoing dialogue on the balance between innovation and safety.

G. The story of the Titanic transcends time, captivating generations with its blend of grandeur, tragedy, and lessons learned. It serves as a reminder of the frailties of human endeavours and the necessity to prioritise safety above all. The Titanic’s tale is not just about a sinking ship; it embodies the collective journey of mankind in its pursuit of excellence, showcasing both our triumphs and the tragic consequences of our missteps.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

Which extract mentions the voyage marking a big change in maritime history due to the tragic event and the following investigation of various parties involved?

Read the article below then answer the questions that follow.

Engineering Marvel and Its Ill – Fated Maiden Voyage

A. From the beginning, the Titanic was heralded as an epitome of luxury and advanced engineering. The ship, which was the largest moving man-made object of its time, boasted state-of-the-art technology and opulence. However, despite all the grandeur, the Titanic holds a tragic place in history, marking one of the deadliest commercial peacetime maritime disasters. How did such a marvel of engineering come to witness such a heartbreaking end, and what lessons can be drawn from this tragedy?

B. The construction of the Titanic was a testament to the industrial advancements of the early 20th century. As a part of the White Star Line, the ship was designed to surpass its rivals in terms of luxury and grandeur. The planning process incorporated the finest materials and amenities, aiming to create an unmatched cruising experience that could blend the boundaries between comfort and safety.

C. Despite the grandeur, the Titanic had its share of criticisms and design flaws. Critics pointed to the inadequate number of lifeboats and questioned the structural integrity of the ship. Despite these concerns, the Titanic embarked on its maiden voyage, holding the hope and excitement of thousands who believed in the invincibility of human engineering.

D. The maiden voyage of the Titanic marked a turning point in maritime history. As the ship collided with an iceberg, the supposedly “unsinkable” Titanic met an untimely end. The investigation that followed unveiled a series of unfortunate events and decisions that culminated in the tragic event. Multiple entities, including the ship’s crew, the construction company, and maritime regulations, were scrutinised to understand the depth of the catastrophe.

E. The aftermath of the Titanic’s sinking witnessed a surge in maritime safety regulations. The tragedy served as a brutal reminder of the potential consequences of overlooking safety in the pursuit of luxury. International agreements were forged to enhance maritime safety, focusing on better ship design, adequate life-saving facilities, and improved safety procedures for the passengers and crew.

F. The Titanic serves as both a beacon of human achievement and a cautionary tale. Its sinking, which resulted in the loss of over 1500 lives, stirred a global conversation on the responsibilities that come with technological advancements. It has also become a cultural phenomenon, drawing the interest of historians, researchers, and the general public alike, fostering an ongoing dialogue on the balance between innovation and safety.

G. The story of the Titanic transcends time, captivating generations with its blend of grandeur, tragedy, and lessons learned. It serves as a reminder of the frailties of human endeavours and the necessity to prioritise safety above all. The Titanic’s tale is not just about a sinking ship; it embodies the collective journey of mankind in its pursuit of excellence, showcasing both our triumphs and the tragic consequences of our missteps.

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer. 

Which extract mentions the story that represents humanity’s journey, highlighting both successes and sad outcomes of mistakes?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A:

In the deep heart of the woods, where trees whispered secrets to those who listened, lived Aiden, the old naturalist. For him, nature was a holy book, each leaf a scripture, each brook a sacred hymn. Aiden saw the relentless march of science as an intrusive noise that drowned the harmonious song of nature.

“Man’s never-ceasing pursuit to conquer all,” he murmured to the trees around him. He believed in the intrinsic wisdom of the natural world, a knowledge that blossomed in the quietude, in the cycles of life and death, untouched and untampered by scientific endeavours. For him, interfering with nature was akin to vandalising a masterpiece, a breach of the delicate symphony that had been playing since the dawn of time.

Every day, he walked through the woods, a sentinel for the voiceless trees and silent rivers, vowing to protect them from the clutches of a world that sought to reshape and redefine the boundaries of life with its scientific experiments. Aiden believed that nature, left to its own devices, was the purest and most beautiful phenomenon, one that should be revered, not dissected in laboratories.

Extract B:

Across the hill, in a lab buzzing with the hum of modern machinery, Dr. Serena Vasquez ardently defended the role of science in understanding and enhancing nature. She saw science not as an intruder but as a collaborator, a tool to unearth the underlying principles that governed the natural world.

“Imagine the possibilities,” she would tell her young apprentices, eyes sparkling with fervour. “Through our work, we can eradicate diseases, develop crops that could feed millions, even control the adverse effects of climate change.”

For Serena, science was a beacon of hope, a means to address the imperfections and cruelties that nature sometimes exhibited. Through meticulous research and innovation, she believed that humanity could forge a better, more harmonious world, where nature and science worked hand in hand, leading to an age of enlightenment and prosperity.

Extract C:

Miles away, in a quiet study lined with books that held the thoughts of countless thinkers, sat Elijah, a philosopher deeply engrossed in pondering the boundaries of science and nature. He saw the intertwining paths of science and nature as a complex labyrinth, one that held immense potential but also grave dangers.

“Balance, that’s what we need,” he often mused, as he scribbled down his thoughts in a worn notebook. Elijah believed that science could, indeed, enhance the wonders of nature, but it needed to be guided by wisdom, ethics, and a deep respect for the natural world. He warned of the perils of unchecked scientific advancements, the threat of creating a world where nature was manipulated and exploited without consideration for long-term consequences.

For Elijah, the question was not whether science should interfere with nature, but how it could do so in a manner that upheld the sanctity and harmony of the natural world.

Extract D:

In a bustling city that hardly ever slept, lived Maya, a young woman caught in the whirlpool of daily life. The debate on whether science should interfere with nature seemed a distant echo in her busy world, a question that belonged to scholars and activists, not to her.

“What difference does it make?” she would say, shrugging her shoulders. “Science or nature, we’re all just trying to get by, aren’t we?”

For Maya, the intricacies of the debate were overshadowed by the pressing demands of daily life. She did not harbour strong opinions on the matter, finding herself too preoccupied with the here and now to ponder on the complexities of science and nature.

In her apathy, she represented a significant section of society, those who remained indifferent, viewing the discourse as a battle of ideologies that had little impact on their daily lives

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

Which extract mentions nature as a sanctuary from science?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A:

In the deep heart of the woods, where trees whispered secrets to those who listened, lived Aiden, the old naturalist. For him, nature was a holy book, each leaf a scripture, each brook a sacred hymn. Aiden saw the relentless march of science as an intrusive noise that drowned the harmonious song of nature.

“Man’s never-ceasing pursuit to conquer all,” he murmured to the trees around him. He believed in the intrinsic wisdom of the natural world, a knowledge that blossomed in the quietude, in the cycles of life and death, untouched and untampered by scientific endeavours. For him, interfering with nature was akin to vandalising a masterpiece, a breach of the delicate symphony that had been playing since the dawn of time.

Every day, he walked through the woods, a sentinel for the voiceless trees and silent rivers, vowing to protect them from the clutches of a world that sought to reshape and redefine the boundaries of life with its scientific experiments. Aiden believed that nature, left to its own devices, was the purest and most beautiful phenomenon, one that should be revered, not dissected in laboratories.

Extract B:

Across the hill, in a lab buzzing with the hum of modern machinery, Dr. Serena Vasquez ardently defended the role of science in understanding and enhancing nature. She saw science not as an intruder but as a collaborator, a tool to unearth the underlying principles that governed the natural world.

“Imagine the possibilities,” she would tell her young apprentices, eyes sparkling with fervour. “Through our work, we can eradicate diseases, develop crops that could feed millions, even control the adverse effects of climate change.”

For Serena, science was a beacon of hope, a means to address the imperfections and cruelties that nature sometimes exhibited. Through meticulous research and innovation, she believed that humanity could forge a better, more harmonious world, where nature and science worked hand in hand, leading to an age of enlightenment and prosperity.

Extract C:

Miles away, in a quiet study lined with books that held the thoughts of countless thinkers, sat Elijah, a philosopher deeply engrossed in pondering the boundaries of science and nature. He saw the intertwining paths of science and nature as a complex labyrinth, one that held immense potential but also grave dangers.

“Balance, that’s what we need,” he often mused, as he scribbled down his thoughts in a worn notebook. Elijah believed that science could, indeed, enhance the wonders of nature, but it needed to be guided by wisdom, ethics, and a deep respect for the natural world. He warned of the perils of unchecked scientific advancements, the threat of creating a world where nature was manipulated and exploited without consideration for long-term consequences.

For Elijah, the question was not whether science should interfere with nature, but how it could do so in a manner that upheld the sanctity and harmony of the natural world.

Extract D:

In a bustling city that hardly ever slept, lived Maya, a young woman caught in the whirlpool of daily life. The debate on whether science should interfere with nature seemed a distant echo in her busy world, a question that belonged to scholars and activists, not to her.

“What difference does it make?” she would say, shrugging her shoulders. “Science or nature, we’re all just trying to get by, aren’t we?”

For Maya, the intricacies of the debate were overshadowed by the pressing demands of daily life. She did not harbour strong opinions on the matter, finding herself too preoccupied with the here and now to ponder on the complexities of science and nature.

In her apathy, she represented a significant section of society, those who remained indifferent, viewing the discourse as a battle of ideologies that had little impact on their daily lives

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

Which extract mentions science as a tool for betterment?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A:

In the deep heart of the woods, where trees whispered secrets to those who listened, lived Aiden, the old naturalist. For him, nature was a holy book, each leaf a scripture, each brook a sacred hymn. Aiden saw the relentless march of science as an intrusive noise that drowned the harmonious song of nature.

“Man’s never-ceasing pursuit to conquer all,” he murmured to the trees around him. He believed in the intrinsic wisdom of the natural world, a knowledge that blossomed in the quietude, in the cycles of life and death, untouched and untampered by scientific endeavours. For him, interfering with nature was akin to vandalising a masterpiece, a breach of the delicate symphony that had been playing since the dawn of time.

Every day, he walked through the woods, a sentinel for the voiceless trees and silent rivers, vowing to protect them from the clutches of a world that sought to reshape and redefine the boundaries of life with its scientific experiments. Aiden believed that nature, left to its own devices, was the purest and most beautiful phenomenon, one that should be revered, not dissected in laboratories.

Extract B:

Across the hill, in a lab buzzing with the hum of modern machinery, Dr. Serena Vasquez ardently defended the role of science in understanding and enhancing nature. She saw science not as an intruder but as a collaborator, a tool to unearth the underlying principles that governed the natural world.

“Imagine the possibilities,” she would tell her young apprentices, eyes sparkling with fervour. “Through our work, we can eradicate diseases, develop crops that could feed millions, even control the adverse effects of climate change.”

For Serena, science was a beacon of hope, a means to address the imperfections and cruelties that nature sometimes exhibited. Through meticulous research and innovation, she believed that humanity could forge a better, more harmonious world, where nature and science worked hand in hand, leading to an age of enlightenment and prosperity.

Extract C:

Miles away, in a quiet study lined with books that held the thoughts of countless thinkers, sat Elijah, a philosopher deeply engrossed in pondering the boundaries of science and nature. He saw the intertwining paths of science and nature as a complex labyrinth, one that held immense potential but also grave dangers.

“Balance, that’s what we need,” he often mused, as he scribbled down his thoughts in a worn notebook. Elijah believed that science could, indeed, enhance the wonders of nature, but it needed to be guided by wisdom, ethics, and a deep respect for the natural world. He warned of the perils of unchecked scientific advancements, the threat of creating a world where nature was manipulated and exploited without consideration for long-term consequences.

For Elijah, the question was not whether science should interfere with nature, but how it could do so in a manner that upheld the sanctity and harmony of the natural world.

Extract D:

In a bustling city that hardly ever slept, lived Maya, a young woman caught in the whirlpool of daily life. The debate on whether science should interfere with nature seemed a distant echo in her busy world, a question that belonged to scholars and activists, not to her.

“What difference does it make?” she would say, shrugging her shoulders. “Science or nature, we’re all just trying to get by, aren’t we?”

For Maya, the intricacies of the debate were overshadowed by the pressing demands of daily life. She did not harbour strong opinions on the matter, finding herself too preoccupied with the here and now to ponder on the complexities of science and nature.

In her apathy, she represented a significant section of society, those who remained indifferent, viewing the discourse as a battle of ideologies that had little impact on their daily lives

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

Which extract mentions the ethical concerns of science’s role in nature?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A:

In the deep heart of the woods, where trees whispered secrets to those who listened, lived Aiden, the old naturalist. For him, nature was a holy book, each leaf a scripture, each brook a sacred hymn. Aiden saw the relentless march of science as an intrusive noise that drowned the harmonious song of nature.

“Man’s never-ceasing pursuit to conquer all,” he murmured to the trees around him. He believed in the intrinsic wisdom of the natural world, a knowledge that blossomed in the quietude, in the cycles of life and death, untouched and untampered by scientific endeavours. For him, interfering with nature was akin to vandalising a masterpiece, a breach of the delicate symphony that had been playing since the dawn of time.

Every day, he walked through the woods, a sentinel for the voiceless trees and silent rivers, vowing to protect them from the clutches of a world that sought to reshape and redefine the boundaries of life with its scientific experiments. Aiden believed that nature, left to its own devices, was the purest and most beautiful phenomenon, one that should be revered, not dissected in laboratories.

Extract B:

Across the hill, in a lab buzzing with the hum of modern machinery, Dr. Serena Vasquez ardently defended the role of science in understanding and enhancing nature. She saw science not as an intruder but as a collaborator, a tool to unearth the underlying principles that governed the natural world.

“Imagine the possibilities,” she would tell her young apprentices, eyes sparkling with fervour. “Through our work, we can eradicate diseases, develop crops that could feed millions, even control the adverse effects of climate change.”

For Serena, science was a beacon of hope, a means to address the imperfections and cruelties that nature sometimes exhibited. Through meticulous research and innovation, she believed that humanity could forge a better, more harmonious world, where nature and science worked hand in hand, leading to an age of enlightenment and prosperity.

Extract C:

Miles away, in a quiet study lined with books that held the thoughts of countless thinkers, sat Elijah, a philosopher deeply engrossed in pondering the boundaries of science and nature. He saw the intertwining paths of science and nature as a complex labyrinth, one that held immense potential but also grave dangers.

“Balance, that’s what we need,” he often mused, as he scribbled down his thoughts in a worn notebook. Elijah believed that science could, indeed, enhance the wonders of nature, but it needed to be guided by wisdom, ethics, and a deep respect for the natural world. He warned of the perils of unchecked scientific advancements, the threat of creating a world where nature was manipulated and exploited without consideration for long-term consequences.

For Elijah, the question was not whether science should interfere with nature, but how it could do so in a manner that upheld the sanctity and harmony of the natural world.

Extract D:

In a bustling city that hardly ever slept, lived Maya, a young woman caught in the whirlpool of daily life. The debate on whether science should interfere with nature seemed a distant echo in her busy world, a question that belonged to scholars and activists, not to her.

“What difference does it make?” she would say, shrugging her shoulders. “Science or nature, we’re all just trying to get by, aren’t we?”

For Maya, the intricacies of the debate were overshadowed by the pressing demands of daily life. She did not harbour strong opinions on the matter, finding herself too preoccupied with the here and now to ponder on the complexities of science and nature.

In her apathy, she represented a significant section of society, those who remained indifferent, viewing the discourse as a battle of ideologies that had little impact on their daily lives

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

Which extract mentions indifference to the science-nature debate?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A:

In the deep heart of the woods, where trees whispered secrets to those who listened, lived Aiden, the old naturalist. For him, nature was a holy book, each leaf a scripture, each brook a sacred hymn. Aiden saw the relentless march of science as an intrusive noise that drowned the harmonious song of nature.

“Man’s never-ceasing pursuit to conquer all,” he murmured to the trees around him. He believed in the intrinsic wisdom of the natural world, a knowledge that blossomed in the quietude, in the cycles of life and death, untouched and untampered by scientific endeavours. For him, interfering with nature was akin to vandalising a masterpiece, a breach of the delicate symphony that had been playing since the dawn of time.

Every day, he walked through the woods, a sentinel for the voiceless trees and silent rivers, vowing to protect them from the clutches of a world that sought to reshape and redefine the boundaries of life with its scientific experiments. Aiden believed that nature, left to its own devices, was the purest and most beautiful phenomenon, one that should be revered, not dissected in laboratories.

Extract B:

Across the hill, in a lab buzzing with the hum of modern machinery, Dr. Serena Vasquez ardently defended the role of science in understanding and enhancing nature. She saw science not as an intruder but as a collaborator, a tool to unearth the underlying principles that governed the natural world.

“Imagine the possibilities,” she would tell her young apprentices, eyes sparkling with fervour. “Through our work, we can eradicate diseases, develop crops that could feed millions, even control the adverse effects of climate change.”

For Serena, science was a beacon of hope, a means to address the imperfections and cruelties that nature sometimes exhibited. Through meticulous research and innovation, she believed that humanity could forge a better, more harmonious world, where nature and science worked hand in hand, leading to an age of enlightenment and prosperity.

Extract C:

Miles away, in a quiet study lined with books that held the thoughts of countless thinkers, sat Elijah, a philosopher deeply engrossed in pondering the boundaries of science and nature. He saw the intertwining paths of science and nature as a complex labyrinth, one that held immense potential but also grave dangers.

“Balance, that’s what we need,” he often mused, as he scribbled down his thoughts in a worn notebook. Elijah believed that science could, indeed, enhance the wonders of nature, but it needed to be guided by wisdom, ethics, and a deep respect for the natural world. He warned of the perils of unchecked scientific advancements, the threat of creating a world where nature was manipulated and exploited without consideration for long-term consequences.

For Elijah, the question was not whether science should interfere with nature, but how it could do so in a manner that upheld the sanctity and harmony of the natural world.

Extract D:

In a bustling city that hardly ever slept, lived Maya, a young woman caught in the whirlpool of daily life. The debate on whether science should interfere with nature seemed a distant echo in her busy world, a question that belonged to scholars and activists, not to her.

“What difference does it make?” she would say, shrugging her shoulders. “Science or nature, we’re all just trying to get by, aren’t we?”

For Maya, the intricacies of the debate were overshadowed by the pressing demands of daily life. She did not harbour strong opinions on the matter, finding herself too preoccupied with the here and now to ponder on the complexities of science and nature.

In her apathy, she represented a significant section of society, those who remained indifferent, viewing the discourse as a battle of ideologies that had little impact on their daily lives

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

Which extract mentions the likeness of nature to a holy scripture?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A:

In the deep heart of the woods, where trees whispered secrets to those who listened, lived Aiden, the old naturalist. For him, nature was a holy book, each leaf a scripture, each brook a sacred hymn. Aiden saw the relentless march of science as an intrusive noise that drowned the harmonious song of nature.

“Man’s never-ceasing pursuit to conquer all,” he murmured to the trees around him. He believed in the intrinsic wisdom of the natural world, a knowledge that blossomed in the quietude, in the cycles of life and death, untouched and untampered by scientific endeavours. For him, interfering with nature was akin to vandalising a masterpiece, a breach of the delicate symphony that had been playing since the dawn of time.

Every day, he walked through the woods, a sentinel for the voiceless trees and silent rivers, vowing to protect them from the clutches of a world that sought to reshape and redefine the boundaries of life with its scientific experiments. Aiden believed that nature, left to its own devices, was the purest and most beautiful phenomenon, one that should be revered, not dissected in laboratories.

Extract B:

Across the hill, in a lab buzzing with the hum of modern machinery, Dr. Serena Vasquez ardently defended the role of science in understanding and enhancing nature. She saw science not as an intruder but as a collaborator, a tool to unearth the underlying principles that governed the natural world.

“Imagine the possibilities,” she would tell her young apprentices, eyes sparkling with fervour. “Through our work, we can eradicate diseases, develop crops that could feed millions, even control the adverse effects of climate change.”

For Serena, science was a beacon of hope, a means to address the imperfections and cruelties that nature sometimes exhibited. Through meticulous research and innovation, she believed that humanity could forge a better, more harmonious world, where nature and science worked hand in hand, leading to an age of enlightenment and prosperity.

Extract C:

Miles away, in a quiet study lined with books that held the thoughts of countless thinkers, sat Elijah, a philosopher deeply engrossed in pondering the boundaries of science and nature. He saw the intertwining paths of science and nature as a complex labyrinth, one that held immense potential but also grave dangers.

“Balance, that’s what we need,” he often mused, as he scribbled down his thoughts in a worn notebook. Elijah believed that science could, indeed, enhance the wonders of nature, but it needed to be guided by wisdom, ethics, and a deep respect for the natural world. He warned of the perils of unchecked scientific advancements, the threat of creating a world where nature was manipulated and exploited without consideration for long-term consequences.

For Elijah, the question was not whether science should interfere with nature, but how it could do so in a manner that upheld the sanctity and harmony of the natural world.

Extract D:

In a bustling city that hardly ever slept, lived Maya, a young woman caught in the whirlpool of daily life. The debate on whether science should interfere with nature seemed a distant echo in her busy world, a question that belonged to scholars and activists, not to her.

“What difference does it make?” she would say, shrugging her shoulders. “Science or nature, we’re all just trying to get by, aren’t we?”

For Maya, the intricacies of the debate were overshadowed by the pressing demands of daily life. She did not harbour strong opinions on the matter, finding herself too preoccupied with the here and now to ponder on the complexities of science and nature.

In her apathy, she represented a significant section of society, those who remained indifferent, viewing the discourse as a battle of ideologies that had little impact on their daily lives

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

Which extract mentions a harmonious science-nature partnership?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A:

In the deep heart of the woods, where trees whispered secrets to those who listened, lived Aiden, the old naturalist. For him, nature was a holy book, each leaf a scripture, each brook a sacred hymn. Aiden saw the relentless march of science as an intrusive noise that drowned the harmonious song of nature.

“Man’s never-ceasing pursuit to conquer all,” he murmured to the trees around him. He believed in the intrinsic wisdom of the natural world, a knowledge that blossomed in the quietude, in the cycles of life and death, untouched and untampered by scientific endeavours. For him, interfering with nature was akin to vandalising a masterpiece, a breach of the delicate symphony that had been playing since the dawn of time.

Every day, he walked through the woods, a sentinel for the voiceless trees and silent rivers, vowing to protect them from the clutches of a world that sought to reshape and redefine the boundaries of life with its scientific experiments. Aiden believed that nature, left to its own devices, was the purest and most beautiful phenomenon, one that should be revered, not dissected in laboratories.

Extract B:

Across the hill, in a lab buzzing with the hum of modern machinery, Dr. Serena Vasquez ardently defended the role of science in understanding and enhancing nature. She saw science not as an intruder but as a collaborator, a tool to unearth the underlying principles that governed the natural world.

“Imagine the possibilities,” she would tell her young apprentices, eyes sparkling with fervour. “Through our work, we can eradicate diseases, develop crops that could feed millions, even control the adverse effects of climate change.”

For Serena, science was a beacon of hope, a means to address the imperfections and cruelties that nature sometimes exhibited. Through meticulous research and innovation, she believed that humanity could forge a better, more harmonious world, where nature and science worked hand in hand, leading to an age of enlightenment and prosperity.

Extract C:

Miles away, in a quiet study lined with books that held the thoughts of countless thinkers, sat Elijah, a philosopher deeply engrossed in pondering the boundaries of science and nature. He saw the intertwining paths of science and nature as a complex labyrinth, one that held immense potential but also grave dangers.

“Balance, that’s what we need,” he often mused, as he scribbled down his thoughts in a worn notebook. Elijah believed that science could, indeed, enhance the wonders of nature, but it needed to be guided by wisdom, ethics, and a deep respect for the natural world. He warned of the perils of unchecked scientific advancements, the threat of creating a world where nature was manipulated and exploited without consideration for long-term consequences.

For Elijah, the question was not whether science should interfere with nature, but how it could do so in a manner that upheld the sanctity and harmony of the natural world.

Extract D:

In a bustling city that hardly ever slept, lived Maya, a young woman caught in the whirlpool of daily life. The debate on whether science should interfere with nature seemed a distant echo in her busy world, a question that belonged to scholars and activists, not to her.

“What difference does it make?” she would say, shrugging her shoulders. “Science or nature, we’re all just trying to get by, aren’t we?”

For Maya, the intricacies of the debate were overshadowed by the pressing demands of daily life. She did not harbour strong opinions on the matter, finding herself too preoccupied with the here and now to ponder on the complexities of science and nature.

In her apathy, she represented a significant section of society, those who remained indifferent, viewing the discourse as a battle of ideologies that had little impact on their daily lives

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

Which extract mentions a levelled approach to science’s involvement with nature?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A:

In the deep heart of the woods, where trees whispered secrets to those who listened, lived Aiden, the old naturalist. For him, nature was a holy book, each leaf a scripture, each brook a sacred hymn. Aiden saw the relentless march of science as an intrusive noise that drowned the harmonious song of nature.

“Man’s never-ceasing pursuit to conquer all,” he murmured to the trees around him. He believed in the intrinsic wisdom of the natural world, a knowledge that blossomed in the quietude, in the cycles of life and death, untouched and untampered by scientific endeavours. For him, interfering with nature was akin to vandalising a masterpiece, a breach of the delicate symphony that had been playing since the dawn of time.

Every day, he walked through the woods, a sentinel for the voiceless trees and silent rivers, vowing to protect them from the clutches of a world that sought to reshape and redefine the boundaries of life with its scientific experiments. Aiden believed that nature, left to its own devices, was the purest and most beautiful phenomenon, one that should be revered, not dissected in laboratories.

Extract B:

Across the hill, in a lab buzzing with the hum of modern machinery, Dr. Serena Vasquez ardently defended the role of science in understanding and enhancing nature. She saw science not as an intruder but as a collaborator, a tool to unearth the underlying principles that governed the natural world.

“Imagine the possibilities,” she would tell her young apprentices, eyes sparkling with fervour. “Through our work, we can eradicate diseases, develop crops that could feed millions, even control the adverse effects of climate change.”

For Serena, science was a beacon of hope, a means to address the imperfections and cruelties that nature sometimes exhibited. Through meticulous research and innovation, she believed that humanity could forge a better, more harmonious world, where nature and science worked hand in hand, leading to an age of enlightenment and prosperity.

Extract C:

Miles away, in a quiet study lined with books that held the thoughts of countless thinkers, sat Elijah, a philosopher deeply engrossed in pondering the boundaries of science and nature. He saw the intertwining paths of science and nature as a complex labyrinth, one that held immense potential but also grave dangers.

“Balance, that’s what we need,” he often mused, as he scribbled down his thoughts in a worn notebook. Elijah believed that science could, indeed, enhance the wonders of nature, but it needed to be guided by wisdom, ethics, and a deep respect for the natural world. He warned of the perils of unchecked scientific advancements, the threat of creating a world where nature was manipulated and exploited without consideration for long-term consequences.

For Elijah, the question was not whether science should interfere with nature, but how it could do so in a manner that upheld the sanctity and harmony of the natural world.

Extract D:

In a bustling city that hardly ever slept, lived Maya, a young woman caught in the whirlpool of daily life. The debate on whether science should interfere with nature seemed a distant echo in her busy world, a question that belonged to scholars and activists, not to her.

“What difference does it make?” she would say, shrugging her shoulders. “Science or nature, we’re all just trying to get by, aren’t we?”

For Maya, the intricacies of the debate were overshadowed by the pressing demands of daily life. She did not harbour strong opinions on the matter, finding herself too preoccupied with the here and now to ponder on the complexities of science and nature.

In her apathy, she represented a significant section of society, those who remained indifferent, viewing the discourse as a battle of ideologies that had little impact on their daily lives

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

Which extract mentions daily life overshadowing the science-nature discourse?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A:

In the deep heart of the woods, where trees whispered secrets to those who listened, lived Aiden, the old naturalist. For him, nature was a holy book, each leaf a scripture, each brook a sacred hymn. Aiden saw the relentless march of science as an intrusive noise that drowned the harmonious song of nature.

“Man’s never-ceasing pursuit to conquer all,” he murmured to the trees around him. He believed in the intrinsic wisdom of the natural world, a knowledge that blossomed in the quietude, in the cycles of life and death, untouched and untampered by scientific endeavours. For him, interfering with nature was akin to vandalising a masterpiece, a breach of the delicate symphony that had been playing since the dawn of time.

Every day, he walked through the woods, a sentinel for the voiceless trees and silent rivers, vowing to protect them from the clutches of a world that sought to reshape and redefine the boundaries of life with its scientific experiments. Aiden believed that nature, left to its own devices, was the purest and most beautiful phenomenon, one that should be revered, not dissected in laboratories.

Extract B:

Across the hill, in a lab buzzing with the hum of modern machinery, Dr. Serena Vasquez ardently defended the role of science in understanding and enhancing nature. She saw science not as an intruder but as a collaborator, a tool to unearth the underlying principles that governed the natural world.

“Imagine the possibilities,” she would tell her young apprentices, eyes sparkling with fervour. “Through our work, we can eradicate diseases, develop crops that could feed millions, even control the adverse effects of climate change.”

For Serena, science was a beacon of hope, a means to address the imperfections and cruelties that nature sometimes exhibited. Through meticulous research and innovation, she believed that humanity could forge a better, more harmonious world, where nature and science worked hand in hand, leading to an age of enlightenment and prosperity.

Extract C:

Miles away, in a quiet study lined with books that held the thoughts of countless thinkers, sat Elijah, a philosopher deeply engrossed in pondering the boundaries of science and nature. He saw the intertwining paths of science and nature as a complex labyrinth, one that held immense potential but also grave dangers.

“Balance, that’s what we need,” he often mused, as he scribbled down his thoughts in a worn notebook. Elijah believed that science could, indeed, enhance the wonders of nature, but it needed to be guided by wisdom, ethics, and a deep respect for the natural world. He warned of the perils of unchecked scientific advancements, the threat of creating a world where nature was manipulated and exploited without consideration for long-term consequences.

For Elijah, the question was not whether science should interfere with nature, but how it could do so in a manner that upheld the sanctity and harmony of the natural world.

Extract D:

In a bustling city that hardly ever slept, lived Maya, a young woman caught in the whirlpool of daily life. The debate on whether science should interfere with nature seemed a distant echo in her busy world, a question that belonged to scholars and activists, not to her.

“What difference does it make?” she would say, shrugging her shoulders. “Science or nature, we’re all just trying to get by, aren’t we?”

For Maya, the intricacies of the debate were overshadowed by the pressing demands of daily life. She did not harbour strong opinions on the matter, finding herself too preoccupied with the here and now to ponder on the complexities of science and nature.

In her apathy, she represented a significant section of society, those who remained indifferent, viewing the discourse as a battle of ideologies that had little impact on their daily lives

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

Which extract mentions a guardian-like stance towards nature?

Read the stories below then answer the questions that follow.

Extract A:

In the deep heart of the woods, where trees whispered secrets to those who listened, lived Aiden, the old naturalist. For him, nature was a holy book, each leaf a scripture, each brook a sacred hymn. Aiden saw the relentless march of science as an intrusive noise that drowned the harmonious song of nature.

“Man’s never-ceasing pursuit to conquer all,” he murmured to the trees around him. He believed in the intrinsic wisdom of the natural world, a knowledge that blossomed in the quietude, in the cycles of life and death, untouched and untampered by scientific endeavours. For him, interfering with nature was akin to vandalising a masterpiece, a breach of the delicate symphony that had been playing since the dawn of time.

Every day, he walked through the woods, a sentinel for the voiceless trees and silent rivers, vowing to protect them from the clutches of a world that sought to reshape and redefine the boundaries of life with its scientific experiments. Aiden believed that nature, left to its own devices, was the purest and most beautiful phenomenon, one that should be revered, not dissected in laboratories.

Extract B:

Across the hill, in a lab buzzing with the hum of modern machinery, Dr. Serena Vasquez ardently defended the role of science in understanding and enhancing nature. She saw science not as an intruder but as a collaborator, a tool to unearth the underlying principles that governed the natural world.

“Imagine the possibilities,” she would tell her young apprentices, eyes sparkling with fervour. “Through our work, we can eradicate diseases, develop crops that could feed millions, even control the adverse effects of climate change.”

For Serena, science was a beacon of hope, a means to address the imperfections and cruelties that nature sometimes exhibited. Through meticulous research and innovation, she believed that humanity could forge a better, more harmonious world, where nature and science worked hand in hand, leading to an age of enlightenment and prosperity.

Extract C:

Miles away, in a quiet study lined with books that held the thoughts of countless thinkers, sat Elijah, a philosopher deeply engrossed in pondering the boundaries of science and nature. He saw the intertwining paths of science and nature as a complex labyrinth, one that held immense potential but also grave dangers.

“Balance, that’s what we need,” he often mused, as he scribbled down his thoughts in a worn notebook. Elijah believed that science could, indeed, enhance the wonders of nature, but it needed to be guided by wisdom, ethics, and a deep respect for the natural world. He warned of the perils of unchecked scientific advancements, the threat of creating a world where nature was manipulated and exploited without consideration for long-term consequences.

For Elijah, the question was not whether science should interfere with nature, but how it could do so in a manner that upheld the sanctity and harmony of the natural world.

Extract D:

In a bustling city that hardly ever slept, lived Maya, a young woman caught in the whirlpool of daily life. The debate on whether science should interfere with nature seemed a distant echo in her busy world, a question that belonged to scholars and activists, not to her.

“What difference does it make?” she would say, shrugging her shoulders. “Science or nature, we’re all just trying to get by, aren’t we?”

For Maya, the intricacies of the debate were overshadowed by the pressing demands of daily life. She did not harbour strong opinions on the matter, finding herself too preoccupied with the here and now to ponder on the complexities of science and nature.

In her apathy, she represented a significant section of society, those who remained indifferent, viewing the discourse as a battle of ideologies that had little impact on their daily lives

Answer the questions by choosing the letter of the correct answer.

Which extract mentions a thoughtful approach to science’s interference with nature?