DAY 4 – Summer Holiday Group 5 Year 6 English Trial Test

Extract A: How Long Do We Have Access to the U.S. Mail and Is There a Problem With It?

People used to wait at their mailboxes for important or friendly mail. I recall waiting with bated breath for my college acceptance letters (or rejections). Or the joy of receiving a letter from a camp friend when they were abroad. But because of email, cell phones, and faster ways to communicate in general, most Americans no longer value their mail as highly as they once did. When they do check their mail, they will likely discover nothing except coupons that need to be discarded. People sometimes feel as though they receive their mail solely to dump it in the recycling bin. Mail appears to be a dying art, and many individuals question how much longer the system can last.

Since its founding by Benjamin Franklin over 240 years ago, the USPS has been an integral element of American life. Currently, the U.S. Postal Service loses over $3 billion every year. The USPS was intended to be self-sufficient, sustaining itself through mailing fees and other purchases. However, due to the obsolete business model, even rising postage costs are insufficient to pay for the thousands of post offices and over one million employees and retirees who get health benefits and pensions. Additionally, there is the issue of sustainability. The cost of shipping coupons and catalogues can be detrimental to the environment and the wallet.

As the United States Postal Service sinks itself deeper into a financial hole, there are no indications that things will improve. In the past decade, annual revenue decreased from $75 billion to less than $70 billion, while mail volume decreased by 30%. Once the most profitable way to send mail, first-class mail has been declining for years. More than half of what consumers receive in the mail today are unwanted advertisements. The majority of individuals prefer to obtain information online and communicate with each other through speedier channels. Currently, important documents are sent via UPS or FedEx. Since 2010, the income of both businesses has increased steadily.

Why do we still send letters from the United States? A major factor is that they long for the past. The Constitution mentions the USPS, and it has always played a significant role in U.S. history. Some individuals believe that it would be strange to eliminate the mail system because it has existed for so long. It would likely also become a political issue. There are further logistical considerations, particularly in rural areas where UPS and FedEx use the United States Postal Service to deliver packages on their behalf.

People have considered eliminating the U.S. mail system for a very long time. In 2013, legislators attempted to end Saturday postal delivery. This would have saved the USPS $2 billion annually, but bureaucratic red tape prevented its implementation. In December, a government task committee released a report stating that the USPS must undergo significant reform in order to continue operations, however, implementation of these recommendations has been postponed.

Even though the USPS has a $15 billion debt and $100 billion in unpaid employee benefits, which are paid for by the American people, it seems unlikely that the mail system would shut down in the near future. According to some experts, it is more likely that the USPS will request government assistance so that it will not shut down.

There are further reasons why the U.S. mail system could collapse. As the amount of first-class mail decreases, USPS is focusing more on packages and online shopping services. However, an increasing number of merchants are launching their own shipping companies, and other private logistics companies are also expanding. The majority of the time, these organisations have more current fleets and more advanced equipment for handling enormous quantities of parcels, which is crucial because modern clients need their ideas to be delivered swiftly. If these enterprises continue to expand, the USPS could become obsolete.

Even though the U.S. mail system appears to be failing, it will not disappear anytime soon. It seems conceivable that private competitors will flourish before the U.S. mail goes for good, given its long history and sense of nostalgia, as well as government red tape.

Extract B: Why Written Correspondence Will Always Trump Electronic Correspondence

In a recent Wall Street Journal piece titled “The Lost Art of the Handwritten Note,” author Philip Hensher discusses how our increased reliance on typing and texting is causing handwritten notes to become as obsolete as fax machines. He comments, “The rapid electronic communication that has replaced the handwritten letter is fantastic. These Skype, email, and text messages will not be cherished as much as my teenage letters, scrawled journals, and postcards were for years.”

I completely agree. Recently, while moving apartments, I discovered a shoebox containing handwritten notes from old friends and magazine editors with whom I had worked for years at Hearst Magazines, such as the late, legendary Cosmo editor Helen Gurley Brown. If they had been provided to me by email or text, I would not have kept them, and they would not have held the same nostalgic significance.

Frequently, people, particularly members of Generation Y, inquire if they should send a thank-you note by email or snail mail following a job interview or informational meeting. Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, co-author of “Be Your Own Best Publicist” and fellow Forbes blogger, and I always recommend doing both. The rapidity of an email follow-up is impressive, but it can easily get lost in a busy person’s inbox or the “junk mail” category if it’s sent from an unfamiliar address. In this day and age, when we receive fewer letters in the mail, a well-written, handwritten thank you note on quality stationery will distinguish a candidate from those who did not take that extra, personal step.

In fact, a female magazine publisher I know stated that she will not employ a candidate, regardless of how good they were in person if they do not send a follow-up note. And a colleague of mine asks his sales employees for photocopies of the handwritten thank you letters they’ve sent to clients and prospective clients over the week, rather than relying on email alone, to ensure they’re actually doing it.

The college-graduating generation has grown up in a digital world. People no longer send paper invitations and greeting cards because they send e-invitations and e-cards. Where their sleep-away programmes permitted parents and friends to send emails instead of actual letters. Where making plans with their high school buddies via text message and instant messaging made calling them to seem alien. And where every student possesses a laptop, smartphone, and possibly a tablet device before obtaining their first full-time position.

There is, however, something to be said for taking the time to hand-write your thoughts (whether it be your feelings for a loved one, condolences for a friend who has suffered a loss, or a thank you to someone who has helped you with your career) and sending that real letter or card through the good old US Postal Service. If we entirely lose the art, our memories and emotions will vanish into Internet purgatory as our inboxes delete old data automatically.

What is the main idea conveyed by the two extracts?

Extract A: How Long Do We Have Access to the U.S. Mail and Is There a Problem With It?

People used to wait at their mailboxes for important or friendly mail. I recall waiting with bated breath for my college acceptance letters (or rejections). Or the joy of receiving a letter from a camp friend when they were abroad. But because of email, cell phones, and faster ways to communicate in general, most Americans no longer value their mail as highly as they once did. When they do check their mail, they will likely discover nothing except coupons that need to be discarded. People sometimes feel as though they receive their mail solely to dump it in the recycling bin. Mail appears to be a dying art, and many individuals question how much longer the system can last.

Since its founding by Benjamin Franklin over 240 years ago, the USPS has been an integral element of American life. Currently, the U.S. Postal Service loses over $3 billion every year. The USPS was intended to be self-sufficient, sustaining itself through mailing fees and other purchases. However, due to the obsolete business model, even rising postage costs are insufficient to pay for the thousands of post offices and over one million employees and retirees who get health benefits and pensions. Additionally, there is the issue of sustainability. The cost of shipping coupons and catalogues can be detrimental to the environment and the wallet.

As the United States Postal Service sinks itself deeper into a financial hole, there are no indications that things will improve. In the past decade, annual revenue decreased from $75 billion to less than $70 billion, while mail volume decreased by 30%. Once the most profitable way to send mail, first-class mail has been declining for years. More than half of what consumers receive in the mail today are unwanted advertisements. The majority of individuals prefer to obtain information online and communicate with each other through speedier channels. Currently, important documents are sent via UPS or FedEx. Since 2010, the income of both businesses has increased steadily.

Why do we still send letters from the United States? A major factor is that they long for the past. The Constitution mentions the USPS, and it has always played a significant role in U.S. history. Some individuals believe that it would be strange to eliminate the mail system because it has existed for so long. It would likely also become a political issue. There are further logistical considerations, particularly in rural areas where UPS and FedEx use the United States Postal Service to deliver packages on their behalf.

People have considered eliminating the U.S. mail system for a very long time. In 2013, legislators attempted to end Saturday postal delivery. This would have saved the USPS $2 billion annually, but bureaucratic red tape prevented its implementation. In December, a government task committee released a report stating that the USPS must undergo significant reform in order to continue operations, however, implementation of these recommendations has been postponed.

Even though the USPS has a $15 billion debt and $100 billion in unpaid employee benefits, which are paid for by the American people, it seems unlikely that the mail system would shut down in the near future. According to some experts, it is more likely that the USPS will request government assistance so that it will not shut down.

There are further reasons why the U.S. mail system could collapse. As the amount of first-class mail decreases, USPS is focusing more on packages and online shopping services. However, an increasing number of merchants are launching their own shipping companies, and other private logistics companies are also expanding. The majority of the time, these organisations have more current fleets and more advanced equipment for handling enormous quantities of parcels, which is crucial because modern clients need their ideas to be delivered swiftly. If these enterprises continue to expand, the USPS could become obsolete.

Even though the U.S. mail system appears to be failing, it will not disappear anytime soon. It seems conceivable that private competitors will flourish before the U.S. mail goes for good, given its long history and sense of nostalgia, as well as government red tape.

Extract B: Why Written Correspondence Will Always Trump Electronic Correspondence

In a recent Wall Street Journal piece titled “The Lost Art of the Handwritten Note,” author Philip Hensher discusses how our increased reliance on typing and texting is causing handwritten notes to become as obsolete as fax machines. He comments, “The rapid electronic communication that has replaced the handwritten letter is fantastic. These Skype, email, and text messages will not be cherished as much as my teenage letters, scrawled journals, and postcards were for years.”

I completely agree. Recently, while moving apartments, I discovered a shoebox containing handwritten notes from old friends and magazine editors with whom I had worked for years at Hearst Magazines, such as the late, legendary Cosmo editor Helen Gurley Brown. If they had been provided to me by email or text, I would not have kept them, and they would not have held the same nostalgic significance.

Frequently, people, particularly members of Generation Y, inquire if they should send a thank-you note by email or snail mail following a job interview or informational meeting. Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, co-author of “Be Your Own Best Publicist” and fellow Forbes blogger, and I always recommend doing both. The rapidity of an email follow-up is impressive, but it can easily get lost in a busy person’s inbox or the “junk mail” category if it’s sent from an unfamiliar address. In this day and age, when we receive fewer letters in the mail, a well-written, handwritten thank you note on quality stationery will distinguish a candidate from those who did not take that extra, personal step.

In fact, a female magazine publisher I know stated that she will not employ a candidate, regardless of how good they were in person if they do not send a follow-up note. And a colleague of mine asks his sales employees for photocopies of the handwritten thank you letters they’ve sent to clients and prospective clients over the week, rather than relying on email alone, to ensure they’re actually doing it.

The college-graduating generation has grown up in a digital world. People no longer send paper invitations and greeting cards because they send e-invitations and e-cards. Where their sleep-away programmes permitted parents and friends to send emails instead of actual letters. Where making plans with their high school buddies via text message and instant messaging made calling them to seem alien. And where every student possesses a laptop, smartphone, and possibly a tablet device before obtaining their first full-time position.

There is, however, something to be said for taking the time to hand-write your thoughts (whether it be your feelings for a loved one, condolences for a friend who has suffered a loss, or a thank you to someone who has helped you with your career) and sending that real letter or card through the good old US Postal Service. If we entirely lose the art, our memories and emotions will vanish into Internet purgatory as our inboxes delete old data automatically.

What does the first paragraph of both extracts have in common?

Extract A: How Long Do We Have Access to the U.S. Mail and Is There a Problem With It?

People used to wait at their mailboxes for important or friendly mail. I recall waiting with bated breath for my college acceptance letters (or rejections). Or the joy of receiving a letter from a camp friend when they were abroad. But because of email, cell phones, and faster ways to communicate in general, most Americans no longer value their mail as highly as they once did. When they do check their mail, they will likely discover nothing except coupons that need to be discarded. People sometimes feel as though they receive their mail solely to dump it in the recycling bin. Mail appears to be a dying art, and many individuals question how much longer the system can last.

Since its founding by Benjamin Franklin over 240 years ago, the USPS has been an integral element of American life. Currently, the U.S. Postal Service loses over $3 billion every year. The USPS was intended to be self-sufficient, sustaining itself through mailing fees and other purchases. However, due to the obsolete business model, even rising postage costs are insufficient to pay for the thousands of post offices and over one million employees and retirees who get health benefits and pensions. Additionally, there is the issue of sustainability. The cost of shipping coupons and catalogues can be detrimental to the environment and the wallet.

As the United States Postal Service sinks itself deeper into a financial hole, there are no indications that things will improve. In the past decade, annual revenue decreased from $75 billion to less than $70 billion, while mail volume decreased by 30%. Once the most profitable way to send mail, first-class mail has been declining for years. More than half of what consumers receive in the mail today are unwanted advertisements. The majority of individuals prefer to obtain information online and communicate with each other through speedier channels. Currently, important documents are sent via UPS or FedEx. Since 2010, the income of both businesses has increased steadily.

Why do we still send letters from the United States? A major factor is that they long for the past. The Constitution mentions the USPS, and it has always played a significant role in U.S. history. Some individuals believe that it would be strange to eliminate the mail system because it has existed for so long. It would likely also become a political issue. There are further logistical considerations, particularly in rural areas where UPS and FedEx use the United States Postal Service to deliver packages on their behalf.

People have considered eliminating the U.S. mail system for a very long time. In 2013, legislators attempted to end Saturday postal delivery. This would have saved the USPS $2 billion annually, but bureaucratic red tape prevented its implementation. In December, a government task committee released a report stating that the USPS must undergo significant reform in order to continue operations, however, implementation of these recommendations has been postponed.

Even though the USPS has a $15 billion debt and $100 billion in unpaid employee benefits, which are paid for by the American people, it seems unlikely that the mail system would shut down in the near future. According to some experts, it is more likely that the USPS will request government assistance so that it will not shut down.

There are further reasons why the U.S. mail system could collapse. As the amount of first-class mail decreases, USPS is focusing more on packages and online shopping services. However, an increasing number of merchants are launching their own shipping companies, and other private logistics companies are also expanding. The majority of the time, these organisations have more current fleets and more advanced equipment for handling enormous quantities of parcels, which is crucial because modern clients need their ideas to be delivered swiftly. If these enterprises continue to expand, the USPS could become obsolete.

Even though the U.S. mail system appears to be failing, it will not disappear anytime soon. It seems conceivable that private competitors will flourish before the U.S. mail goes for good, given its long history and sense of nostalgia, as well as government red tape.

Extract B: Why Written Correspondence Will Always Trump Electronic Correspondence

In a recent Wall Street Journal piece titled “The Lost Art of the Handwritten Note,” author Philip Hensher discusses how our increased reliance on typing and texting is causing handwritten notes to become as obsolete as fax machines. He comments, “The rapid electronic communication that has replaced the handwritten letter is fantastic. These Skype, email, and text messages will not be cherished as much as my teenage letters, scrawled journals, and postcards were for years.”

I completely agree. Recently, while moving apartments, I discovered a shoebox containing handwritten notes from old friends and magazine editors with whom I had worked for years at Hearst Magazines, such as the late, legendary Cosmo editor Helen Gurley Brown. If they had been provided to me by email or text, I would not have kept them, and they would not have held the same nostalgic significance.

Frequently, people, particularly members of Generation Y, inquire if they should send a thank-you note by email or snail mail following a job interview or informational meeting. Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, co-author of “Be Your Own Best Publicist” and fellow Forbes blogger, and I always recommend doing both. The rapidity of an email follow-up is impressive, but it can easily get lost in a busy person’s inbox or the “junk mail” category if it’s sent from an unfamiliar address. In this day and age, when we receive fewer letters in the mail, a well-written, handwritten thank you note on quality stationery will distinguish a candidate from those who did not take that extra, personal step.

In fact, a female magazine publisher I know stated that she will not employ a candidate, regardless of how good they were in person if they do not send a follow-up note. And a colleague of mine asks his sales employees for photocopies of the handwritten thank you letters they’ve sent to clients and prospective clients over the week, rather than relying on email alone, to ensure they’re actually doing it.

The college-graduating generation has grown up in a digital world. People no longer send paper invitations and greeting cards because they send e-invitations and e-cards. Where their sleep-away programmes permitted parents and friends to send emails instead of actual letters. Where making plans with their high school buddies via text message and instant messaging made calling them to seem alien. And where every student possesses a laptop, smartphone, and possibly a tablet device before obtaining their first full-time position.

There is, however, something to be said for taking the time to hand-write your thoughts (whether it be your feelings for a loved one, condolences for a friend who has suffered a loss, or a thank you to someone who has helped you with your career) and sending that real letter or card through the good old US Postal Service. If we entirely lose the art, our memories and emotions will vanish into Internet purgatory as our inboxes delete old data automatically.

What is the prevailing conflict between the two extracts?

Extract A: How Long Do We Have Access to the U.S. Mail and Is There a Problem With It?

People used to wait at their mailboxes for important or friendly mail. I recall waiting with bated breath for my college acceptance letters (or rejections). Or the joy of receiving a letter from a camp friend when they were abroad. But because of email, cell phones, and faster ways to communicate in general, most Americans no longer value their mail as highly as they once did. When they do check their mail, they will likely discover nothing except coupons that need to be discarded. People sometimes feel as though they receive their mail solely to dump it in the recycling bin. Mail appears to be a dying art, and many individuals question how much longer the system can last.

Since its founding by Benjamin Franklin over 240 years ago, the USPS has been an integral element of American life. Currently, the U.S. Postal Service loses over $3 billion every year. The USPS was intended to be self-sufficient, sustaining itself through mailing fees and other purchases. However, due to the obsolete business model, even rising postage costs are insufficient to pay for the thousands of post offices and over one million employees and retirees who get health benefits and pensions. Additionally, there is the issue of sustainability. The cost of shipping coupons and catalogues can be detrimental to the environment and the wallet.

As the United States Postal Service sinks itself deeper into a financial hole, there are no indications that things will improve. In the past decade, annual revenue decreased from $75 billion to less than $70 billion, while mail volume decreased by 30%. Once the most profitable way to send mail, first-class mail has been declining for years. More than half of what consumers receive in the mail today are unwanted advertisements. The majority of individuals prefer to obtain information online and communicate with each other through speedier channels. Currently, important documents are sent via UPS or FedEx. Since 2010, the income of both businesses has increased steadily.

Why do we still send letters from the United States? A major factor is that they long for the past. The Constitution mentions the USPS, and it has always played a significant role in U.S. history. Some individuals believe that it would be strange to eliminate the mail system because it has existed for so long. It would likely also become a political issue. There are further logistical considerations, particularly in rural areas where UPS and FedEx use the United States Postal Service to deliver packages on their behalf.

People have considered eliminating the U.S. mail system for a very long time. In 2013, legislators attempted to end Saturday postal delivery. This would have saved the USPS $2 billion annually, but bureaucratic red tape prevented its implementation. In December, a government task committee released a report stating that the USPS must undergo significant reform in order to continue operations, however, implementation of these recommendations has been postponed.

Even though the USPS has a $15 billion debt and $100 billion in unpaid employee benefits, which are paid for by the American people, it seems unlikely that the mail system would shut down in the near future. According to some experts, it is more likely that the USPS will request government assistance so that it will not shut down.

There are further reasons why the U.S. mail system could collapse. As the amount of first-class mail decreases, USPS is focusing more on packages and online shopping services. However, an increasing number of merchants are launching their own shipping companies, and other private logistics companies are also expanding. The majority of the time, these organisations have more current fleets and more advanced equipment for handling enormous quantities of parcels, which is crucial because modern clients need their ideas to be delivered swiftly. If these enterprises continue to expand, the USPS could become obsolete.

Even though the U.S. mail system appears to be failing, it will not disappear anytime soon. It seems conceivable that private competitors will flourish before the U.S. mail goes for good, given its long history and sense of nostalgia, as well as government red tape.

Extract B: Why Written Correspondence Will Always Trump Electronic Correspondence

In a recent Wall Street Journal piece titled “The Lost Art of the Handwritten Note,” author Philip Hensher discusses how our increased reliance on typing and texting is causing handwritten notes to become as obsolete as fax machines. He comments, “The rapid electronic communication that has replaced the handwritten letter is fantastic. These Skype, email, and text messages will not be cherished as much as my teenage letters, scrawled journals, and postcards were for years.”

I completely agree. Recently, while moving apartments, I discovered a shoebox containing handwritten notes from old friends and magazine editors with whom I had worked for years at Hearst Magazines, such as the late, legendary Cosmo editor Helen Gurley Brown. If they had been provided to me by email or text, I would not have kept them, and they would not have held the same nostalgic significance.

Frequently, people, particularly members of Generation Y, inquire if they should send a thank-you note by email or snail mail following a job interview or informational meeting. Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, co-author of “Be Your Own Best Publicist” and fellow Forbes blogger, and I always recommend doing both. The rapidity of an email follow-up is impressive, but it can easily get lost in a busy person’s inbox or the “junk mail” category if it’s sent from an unfamiliar address. In this day and age, when we receive fewer letters in the mail, a well-written, handwritten thank you note on quality stationery will distinguish a candidate from those who did not take that extra, personal step.

In fact, a female magazine publisher I know stated that she will not employ a candidate, regardless of how good they were in person if they do not send a follow-up note. And a colleague of mine asks his sales employees for photocopies of the handwritten thank you letters they’ve sent to clients and prospective clients over the week, rather than relying on email alone, to ensure they’re actually doing it.

The college-graduating generation has grown up in a digital world. People no longer send paper invitations and greeting cards because they send e-invitations and e-cards. Where their sleep-away programmes permitted parents and friends to send emails instead of actual letters. Where making plans with their high school buddies via text message and instant messaging made calling them to seem alien. And where every student possesses a laptop, smartphone, and possibly a tablet device before obtaining their first full-time position.

There is, however, something to be said for taking the time to hand-write your thoughts (whether it be your feelings for a loved one, condolences for a friend who has suffered a loss, or a thank you to someone who has helped you with your career) and sending that real letter or card through the good old US Postal Service. If we entirely lose the art, our memories and emotions will vanish into Internet purgatory as our inboxes delete old data automatically.

Which is true about both extracts?

Extract A: How Long Do We Have Access to the U.S. Mail and Is There a Problem With It?

People used to wait at their mailboxes for important or friendly mail. I recall waiting with bated breath for my college acceptance letters (or rejections). Or the joy of receiving a letter from a camp friend when they were abroad. But because of email, cell phones, and faster ways to communicate in general, most Americans no longer value their mail as highly as they once did. When they do check their mail, they will likely discover nothing except coupons that need to be discarded. People sometimes feel as though they receive their mail solely to dump it in the recycling bin. Mail appears to be a dying art, and many individuals question how much longer the system can last.

Since its founding by Benjamin Franklin over 240 years ago, the USPS has been an integral element of American life. Currently, the U.S. Postal Service loses over $3 billion every year. The USPS was intended to be self-sufficient, sustaining itself through mailing fees and other purchases. However, due to the obsolete business model, even rising postage costs are insufficient to pay for the thousands of post offices and over one million employees and retirees who get health benefits and pensions. Additionally, there is the issue of sustainability. The cost of shipping coupons and catalogues can be detrimental to the environment and the wallet.

As the United States Postal Service sinks itself deeper into a financial hole, there are no indications that things will improve. In the past decade, annual revenue decreased from $75 billion to less than $70 billion, while mail volume decreased by 30%. Once the most profitable way to send mail, first-class mail has been declining for years. More than half of what consumers receive in the mail today are unwanted advertisements. The majority of individuals prefer to obtain information online and communicate with each other through speedier channels. Currently, important documents are sent via UPS or FedEx. Since 2010, the income of both businesses has increased steadily.

Why do we still send letters from the United States? A major factor is that they long for the past. The Constitution mentions the USPS, and it has always played a significant role in U.S. history. Some individuals believe that it would be strange to eliminate the mail system because it has existed for so long. It would likely also become a political issue. There are further logistical considerations, particularly in rural areas where UPS and FedEx use the United States Postal Service to deliver packages on their behalf.

People have considered eliminating the U.S. mail system for a very long time. In 2013, legislators attempted to end Saturday postal delivery. This would have saved the USPS $2 billion annually, but bureaucratic red tape prevented its implementation. In December, a government task committee released a report stating that the USPS must undergo significant reform in order to continue operations, however, implementation of these recommendations has been postponed.

Even though the USPS has a $15 billion debt and $100 billion in unpaid employee benefits, which are paid for by the American people, it seems unlikely that the mail system would shut down in the near future. According to some experts, it is more likely that the USPS will request government assistance so that it will not shut down.

There are further reasons why the U.S. mail system could collapse. As the amount of first-class mail decreases, USPS is focusing more on packages and online shopping services. However, an increasing number of merchants are launching their own shipping companies, and other private logistics companies are also expanding. The majority of the time, these organisations have more current fleets and more advanced equipment for handling enormous quantities of parcels, which is crucial because modern clients need their ideas to be delivered swiftly. If these enterprises continue to expand, the USPS could become obsolete.

Even though the U.S. mail system appears to be failing, it will not disappear anytime soon. It seems conceivable that private competitors will flourish before the U.S. mail goes for good, given its long history and sense of nostalgia, as well as government red tape.

Extract B: Why Written Correspondence Will Always Trump Electronic Correspondence

In a recent Wall Street Journal piece titled “The Lost Art of the Handwritten Note,” author Philip Hensher discusses how our increased reliance on typing and texting is causing handwritten notes to become as obsolete as fax machines. He comments, “The rapid electronic communication that has replaced the handwritten letter is fantastic. These Skype, email, and text messages will not be cherished as much as my teenage letters, scrawled journals, and postcards were for years.”

I completely agree. Recently, while moving apartments, I discovered a shoebox containing handwritten notes from old friends and magazine editors with whom I had worked for years at Hearst Magazines, such as the late, legendary Cosmo editor Helen Gurley Brown. If they had been provided to me by email or text, I would not have kept them, and they would not have held the same nostalgic significance.

Frequently, people, particularly members of Generation Y, inquire if they should send a thank-you note by email or snail mail following a job interview or informational meeting. Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, co-author of “Be Your Own Best Publicist” and fellow Forbes blogger, and I always recommend doing both. The rapidity of an email follow-up is impressive, but it can easily get lost in a busy person’s inbox or the “junk mail” category if it’s sent from an unfamiliar address. In this day and age, when we receive fewer letters in the mail, a well-written, handwritten thank you note on quality stationery will distinguish a candidate from those who did not take that extra, personal step.

In fact, a female magazine publisher I know stated that she will not employ a candidate, regardless of how good they were in person if they do not send a follow-up note. And a colleague of mine asks his sales employees for photocopies of the handwritten thank you letters they’ve sent to clients and prospective clients over the week, rather than relying on email alone, to ensure they’re actually doing it.

The college-graduating generation has grown up in a digital world. People no longer send paper invitations and greeting cards because they send e-invitations and e-cards. Where their sleep-away programmes permitted parents and friends to send emails instead of actual letters. Where making plans with their high school buddies via text message and instant messaging made calling them to seem alien. And where every student possesses a laptop, smartphone, and possibly a tablet device before obtaining their first full-time position.

There is, however, something to be said for taking the time to hand-write your thoughts (whether it be your feelings for a loved one, condolences for a friend who has suffered a loss, or a thank you to someone who has helped you with your career) and sending that real letter or card through the good old US Postal Service. If we entirely lose the art, our memories and emotions will vanish into Internet purgatory as our inboxes delete old data automatically.

What type of figurative language is used in the word “red tape” from the last paragraph of extract A?

Extract A: How Long Do We Have Access to the U.S. Mail and Is There a Problem With It?

People used to wait at their mailboxes for important or friendly mail. I recall waiting with bated breath for my college acceptance letters (or rejections). Or the joy of receiving a letter from a camp friend when they were abroad. But because of email, cell phones, and faster ways to communicate in general, most Americans no longer value their mail as highly as they once did. When they do check their mail, they will likely discover nothing except coupons that need to be discarded. People sometimes feel as though they receive their mail solely to dump it in the recycling bin. Mail appears to be a dying art, and many individuals question how much longer the system can last.

Since its founding by Benjamin Franklin over 240 years ago, the USPS has been an integral element of American life. Currently, the U.S. Postal Service loses over $3 billion every year. The USPS was intended to be self-sufficient, sustaining itself through mailing fees and other purchases. However, due to the obsolete business model, even rising postage costs are insufficient to pay for the thousands of post offices and over one million employees and retirees who get health benefits and pensions. Additionally, there is the issue of sustainability. The cost of shipping coupons and catalogues can be detrimental to the environment and the wallet.

As the United States Postal Service sinks itself deeper into a financial hole, there are no indications that things will improve. In the past decade, annual revenue decreased from $75 billion to less than $70 billion, while mail volume decreased by 30%. Once the most profitable way to send mail, first-class mail has been declining for years. More than half of what consumers receive in the mail today are unwanted advertisements. The majority of individuals prefer to obtain information online and communicate with each other through speedier channels. Currently, important documents are sent via UPS or FedEx. Since 2010, the income of both businesses has increased steadily.

Why do we still send letters from the United States? A major factor is that they long for the past. The Constitution mentions the USPS, and it has always played a significant role in U.S. history. Some individuals believe that it would be strange to eliminate the mail system because it has existed for so long. It would likely also become a political issue. There are further logistical considerations, particularly in rural areas where UPS and FedEx use the United States Postal Service to deliver packages on their behalf.

People have considered eliminating the U.S. mail system for a very long time. In 2013, legislators attempted to end Saturday postal delivery. This would have saved the USPS $2 billion annually, but bureaucratic red tape prevented its implementation. In December, a government task committee released a report stating that the USPS must undergo significant reform in order to continue operations, however, implementation of these recommendations has been postponed.

Even though the USPS has a $15 billion debt and $100 billion in unpaid employee benefits, which are paid for by the American people, it seems unlikely that the mail system would shut down in the near future. According to some experts, it is more likely that the USPS will request government assistance so that it will not shut down.

There are further reasons why the U.S. mail system could collapse. As the amount of first-class mail decreases, USPS is focusing more on packages and online shopping services. However, an increasing number of merchants are launching their own shipping companies, and other private logistics companies are also expanding. The majority of the time, these organisations have more current fleets and more advanced equipment for handling enormous quantities of parcels, which is crucial because modern clients need their ideas to be delivered swiftly. If these enterprises continue to expand, the USPS could become obsolete.

Even though the U.S. mail system appears to be failing, it will not disappear anytime soon. It seems conceivable that private competitors will flourish before the U.S. mail goes for good, given its long history and sense of nostalgia, as well as government red tape.

Extract B: Why Written Correspondence Will Always Trump Electronic Correspondence

In a recent Wall Street Journal piece titled “The Lost Art of the Handwritten Note,” author Philip Hensher discusses how our increased reliance on typing and texting is causing handwritten notes to become as obsolete as fax machines. He comments, “The rapid electronic communication that has replaced the handwritten letter is fantastic. These Skype, email, and text messages will not be cherished as much as my teenage letters, scrawled journals, and postcards were for years.”

I completely agree. Recently, while moving apartments, I discovered a shoebox containing handwritten notes from old friends and magazine editors with whom I had worked for years at Hearst Magazines, such as the late, legendary Cosmo editor Helen Gurley Brown. If they had been provided to me by email or text, I would not have kept them, and they would not have held the same nostalgic significance.

Frequently, people, particularly members of Generation Y, inquire if they should send a thank-you note by email or snail mail following a job interview or informational meeting. Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, co-author of “Be Your Own Best Publicist” and fellow Forbes blogger, and I always recommend doing both. The rapidity of an email follow-up is impressive, but it can easily get lost in a busy person’s inbox or the “junk mail” category if it’s sent from an unfamiliar address. In this day and age, when we receive fewer letters in the mail, a well-written, handwritten thank you note on quality stationery will distinguish a candidate from those who did not take that extra, personal step.

In fact, a female magazine publisher I know stated that she will not employ a candidate, regardless of how good they were in person if they do not send a follow-up note. And a colleague of mine asks his sales employees for photocopies of the handwritten thank you letters they’ve sent to clients and prospective clients over the week, rather than relying on email alone, to ensure they’re actually doing it.

The college-graduating generation has grown up in a digital world. People no longer send paper invitations and greeting cards because they send e-invitations and e-cards. Where their sleep-away programmes permitted parents and friends to send emails instead of actual letters. Where making plans with their high school buddies via text message and instant messaging made calling them to seem alien. And where every student possesses a laptop, smartphone, and possibly a tablet device before obtaining their first full-time position.

There is, however, something to be said for taking the time to hand-write your thoughts (whether it be your feelings for a loved one, condolences for a friend who has suffered a loss, or a thank you to someone who has helped you with your career) and sending that real letter or card through the good old US Postal Service. If we entirely lose the art, our memories and emotions will vanish into Internet purgatory as our inboxes delete old data automatically.

Which paragraph of extract B portrays definitive examples of how the new generation  function in the electronic era?

To My Sister by William Wordsworth

It is the first mild day of March:

Each minute sweeter than before

The redbreast sings from the tall larch

That stands beside our door.

There is a blessing in the air, 5

Which seems a sense of joy to yield

To the bare trees, and mountains bare,

And grass in the green field.

My sister! (’tis a wish of mine)

Now that our morning meal is done, 10

Make haste, your morning task resign;

Come forth and feel the sun.

Edward will come with you;–and, pray,

Put on with speed your woodland dress;

And bring no book: for this one day 15

We’ll give to idleness.

No joyless forms shall regulate

Our living calendar:

We from to-day, my Friend, will date

The opening of the year. 20

Love, now a universal birth,

From heart to heart is stealing,

From earth to man, from man to earth:

–It is the hour of feeling.

One moment now may give us more 25

Than years of toiling reason:

Our minds shall drink at every pore

The spirit of the season.

Some silent laws our hearts will make,

Which they shall long obey: 30

We for the year to come may take

Our temper from to-day.

And from the blessed power that rolls

About, below, above,

We’ll frame the measure of our souls: 35

They shall be tuned to love.

Then come, my Sister! come, I pray,

With speed put on your woodland dress;

And bring no book: for this one day

We’ll give to idleness. 40

What type of stanza is used throughout the poem?

To My Sister by William Wordsworth

It is the first mild day of March:

Each minute sweeter than before

The redbreast sings from the tall larch

That stands beside our door.

There is a blessing in the air, 5

Which seems a sense of joy to yield

To the bare trees, and mountains bare,

And grass in the green field.

My sister! (’tis a wish of mine)

Now that our morning meal is done, 10

Make haste, your morning task resign;

Come forth and feel the sun.

Edward will come with you;–and, pray,

Put on with speed your woodland dress;

And bring no book: for this one day 15

We’ll give to idleness.

No joyless forms shall regulate

Our living calendar:

We from to-day, my Friend, will date

The opening of the year. 20

Love, now a universal birth,

From heart to heart is stealing,

From earth to man, from man to earth:

–It is the hour of feeling.

One moment now may give us more 25

Than years of toiling reason:

Our minds shall drink at every pore

The spirit of the season.

Some silent laws our hearts will make,

Which they shall long obey: 30

We for the year to come may take

Our temper from to-day.

And from the blessed power that rolls

About, below, above,

We’ll frame the measure of our souls: 35

They shall be tuned to love.

Then come, my Sister! come, I pray,

With speed put on your woodland dress;

And bring no book: for this one day

We’ll give to idleness. 40

What is the speaker’s tone throughout the first lines of stanza 2?

To My Sister by William Wordsworth

It is the first mild day of March:

Each minute sweeter than before

The redbreast sings from the tall larch

That stands beside our door.

There is a blessing in the air, 5

Which seems a sense of joy to yield

To the bare trees, and mountains bare,

And grass in the green field.

My sister! (’tis a wish of mine)

Now that our morning meal is done, 10

Make haste, your morning task resign;

Come forth and feel the sun.

Edward will come with you;–and, pray,

Put on with speed your woodland dress;

And bring no book: for this one day 15

We’ll give to idleness.

No joyless forms shall regulate

Our living calendar:

We from to-day, my Friend, will date

The opening of the year. 20

Love, now a universal birth,

From heart to heart is stealing,

From earth to man, from man to earth:

–It is the hour of feeling.

One moment now may give us more 25

Than years of toiling reason:

Our minds shall drink at every pore

The spirit of the season.

Some silent laws our hearts will make,

Which they shall long obey: 30

We for the year to come may take

Our temper from to-day.

And from the blessed power that rolls

About, below, above,

We’ll frame the measure of our souls: 35

They shall be tuned to love.

Then come, my Sister! come, I pray,

With speed put on your woodland dress;

And bring no book: for this one day

We’ll give to idleness. 40

What type of imagery is used in line 3?

To My Sister by William Wordsworth

It is the first mild day of March:

Each minute sweeter than before

The redbreast sings from the tall larch

That stands beside our door.

There is a blessing in the air, 5

Which seems a sense of joy to yield

To the bare trees, and mountains bare,

And grass in the green field.

My sister! (’tis a wish of mine)

Now that our morning meal is done, 10

Make haste, your morning task resign;

Come forth and feel the sun.

Edward will come with you;–and, pray,

Put on with speed your woodland dress;

And bring no book: for this one day 15

We’ll give to idleness.

No joyless forms shall regulate

Our living calendar:

We from to-day, my Friend, will date

The opening of the year. 20

Love, now a universal birth,

From heart to heart is stealing,

From earth to man, from man to earth:

–It is the hour of feeling.

One moment now may give us more 25

Than years of toiling reason:

Our minds shall drink at every pore

The spirit of the season.

Some silent laws our hearts will make,

Which they shall long obey: 30

We for the year to come may take

Our temper from to-day.

And from the blessed power that rolls

About, below, above,

We’ll frame the measure of our souls: 35

They shall be tuned to love.

Then come, my Sister! come, I pray,

With speed put on your woodland dress;

And bring no book: for this one day

We’ll give to idleness. 40

What is the speaker trying to convey in stanzas 3 and 4?

To My Sister by William Wordsworth

It is the first mild day of March:

Each minute sweeter than before

The redbreast sings from the tall larch

That stands beside our door.

There is a blessing in the air, 5

Which seems a sense of joy to yield

To the bare trees, and mountains bare,

And grass in the green field.

My sister! (’tis a wish of mine)

Now that our morning meal is done, 10

Make haste, your morning task resign;

Come forth and feel the sun.

Edward will come with you;–and, pray,

Put on with speed your woodland dress;

And bring no book: for this one day 15

We’ll give to idleness.

No joyless forms shall regulate

Our living calendar:

We from to-day, my Friend, will date

The opening of the year. 20

Love, now a universal birth,

From heart to heart is stealing,

From earth to man, from man to earth:

–It is the hour of feeling.

One moment now may give us more 25

Than years of toiling reason:

Our minds shall drink at every pore

The spirit of the season.

Some silent laws our hearts will make,

Which they shall long obey: 30

We for the year to come may take

Our temper from to-day.

And from the blessed power that rolls

About, below, above,

We’ll frame the measure of our souls: 35

They shall be tuned to love.

Then come, my Sister! come, I pray,

With speed put on your woodland dress;

And bring no book: for this one day

We’ll give to idleness. 40

Which of the following are senses that the poet captured in stanzas 1 and 2 to give the setting depth and realism?

I. Sight

II. Hearing

III. Touch 

IV. Taste

To My Sister by William Wordsworth

It is the first mild day of March:

Each minute sweeter than before

The redbreast sings from the tall larch

That stands beside our door.

There is a blessing in the air, 5

Which seems a sense of joy to yield

To the bare trees, and mountains bare,

And grass in the green field.

My sister! (’tis a wish of mine)

Now that our morning meal is done, 10

Make haste, your morning task resign;

Come forth and feel the sun.

Edward will come with you;–and, pray,

Put on with speed your woodland dress;

And bring no book: for this one day 15

We’ll give to idleness.

No joyless forms shall regulate

Our living calendar:

We from to-day, my Friend, will date

The opening of the year. 20

Love, now a universal birth,

From heart to heart is stealing,

From earth to man, from man to earth:

–It is the hour of feeling.

One moment now may give us more 25

Than years of toiling reason:

Our minds shall drink at every pore

The spirit of the season.

Some silent laws our hearts will make,

Which they shall long obey: 30

We for the year to come may take

Our temper from to-day.

And from the blessed power that rolls

About, below, above,

We’ll frame the measure of our souls: 35

They shall be tuned to love.

Then come, my Sister! come, I pray,

With speed put on your woodland dress;

And bring no book: for this one day

We’ll give to idleness. 40

Why did the poet write the last stanza very similar to the fourth stanza?

There are sentences that have been removed from the article. Choose the correct letter below that contains the sentence that best fits in the paragraph. Take note that there is an extra sentence which you do not need to use.

A California Firm Has Global Road-Building Ambitions Using Recycled Plastic

For humanity, the invention of plastic has been a double-edged sword. 13……………….. Given the impossibility of avoiding plastic, firms around the world are innovating ways to reuse the millions of tonnes of polymer waste that wind up in landfills each year. Among the most recent is TechniSoil Industrial of California, which has created an inventive method for repaving roads with plastic garbage. Resurfacing a road is an expensive endeavour that begins with the use of specialised equipment to remove and grind the top 3 to 6 inches of asphalt. Due to the insufficient strength of the recycled material, half of it is discarded and replaced with new, hot asphalt. The combined material is mixed with bitumen, a sludge-like petroleum byproduct that acts as a binder, and reapplied to the surface. A single lane mile of repaving requires 42 truckloads of new material and the removal of a comparable amount of worthless debris.

The technique utilised by TechniSoil is both efficient and sustainable. Four massive construction machines operate in tandem to remove the top layer of the road, crush it for recycling, and combine it with the company’s Neo binder. 14……………….. Given that each lane mile requires the equivalent of 150,000 plastic water bottles, widespread application of the product might significantly reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the world. “The benefit of recycling on-site is that we prevent all truck traffic entering and exiting the construction zone,” explains Sean Weaver, president of TechniSoil. This eliminates emissions from these journeys and expedites the completion of the task. We can perform this task quite efficiently at night. The usual method requires heat, whereas the new method operates at room temperature, saving more energy.”

Plastic-repaved roads are also more resistant to potholes and cracks and last almost three times longer than asphalt-repaved roads, saving towns and states a significant amount of money. Fast Company quoted Weaver as saying, “Traditional asphalt roads rely on granite for their strength.” The strength of our pavement is derived from the matrix of a plastic binder; the rock is merely a filler. In experimental projects with the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) and the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services, Technisoil’s Neo binder has proven to be extraordinarily effective (StreetsLA). The former has already designated the eco-friendly technology for highway repairs across the state, and StreetsLA expects to utilise Neo binder in future paving projects in Los Angeles. 15……………….. It is something that we believe, if used on a broad basis, might change the game in the future.

The California company is not the first to resurface roads with plastic debris. Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan, an Indian chemistry professor, conceived the idea in 2001. 16……………….. In varied degrees, the system has also been implemented on highways in the Netherlands, Indonesia, England, and South Africa.

However, not everyone believes that plastic roadways are the answer to the problem of polymer waste. According to some scientists, the poisonous gases generated when plastic is liquefied could be hazardous to human health. 17……………….. The expert states, “Plastic only decomposes to generate harmful vapours when heated above 518° F (270° C).” Therefore, there is no doubt that harmful fumes are being discharged.”

18……………….. However, scientists think this is highly unlikely because the asphalt and liquid plastic mixture are highly resistant to light and heat. Weaver is unfazed by the sceptics and firmly believes that his invention could aid in resolving the global plastic pollution challenge. The chief executive officer states, “We are transforming something insignificant into the most precious piece of infrastructure. Within the next eight years, we can absorb all of the world’s plastic waste into our system.

There are sentences that have been removed from the article. Choose the correct letter below that contains the sentence that best fits in the paragraph. Take note that there is an extra sentence which you do not need to use.

A California Firm Has Global Road-Building Ambitions Using Recycled Plastic

For humanity, the invention of plastic has been a double-edged sword. 13……………….. Given the impossibility of avoiding plastic, firms around the world are innovating ways to reuse the millions of tonnes of polymer waste that wind up in landfills each year. Among the most recent is TechniSoil Industrial of California, which has created an inventive method for repaving roads with plastic garbage. Resurfacing a road is an expensive endeavour that begins with the use of specialised equipment to remove and grind the top 3 to 6 inches of asphalt. Due to the insufficient strength of the recycled material, half of it is discarded and replaced with new, hot asphalt. The combined material is mixed with bitumen, a sludge-like petroleum byproduct that acts as a binder, and reapplied to the surface. A single lane mile of repaving requires 42 truckloads of new material and the removal of a comparable amount of worthless debris.

The technique utilised by TechniSoil is both efficient and sustainable. Four massive construction machines operate in tandem to remove the top layer of the road, crush it for recycling, and combine it with the company’s Neo binder. 14……………….. Given that each lane mile requires the equivalent of 150,000 plastic water bottles, widespread application of the product might significantly reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the world. “The benefit of recycling on-site is that we prevent all truck traffic entering and exiting the construction zone,” explains Sean Weaver, president of TechniSoil. This eliminates emissions from these journeys and expedites the completion of the task. We can perform this task quite efficiently at night. The usual method requires heat, whereas the new method operates at room temperature, saving more energy.”

Plastic-repaved roads are also more resistant to potholes and cracks and last almost three times longer than asphalt-repaved roads, saving towns and states a significant amount of money. Fast Company quoted Weaver as saying, “Traditional asphalt roads rely on granite for their strength.” The strength of our pavement is derived from the matrix of a plastic binder; the rock is merely a filler. In experimental projects with the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) and the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services, Technisoil’s Neo binder has proven to be extraordinarily effective (StreetsLA). The former has already designated the eco-friendly technology for highway repairs across the state, and StreetsLA expects to utilise Neo binder in future paving projects in Los Angeles. 15……………….. It is something that we believe, if used on a broad basis, might change the game in the future.

The California company is not the first to resurface roads with plastic debris. Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan, an Indian chemistry professor, conceived the idea in 2001. 16……………….. In varied degrees, the system has also been implemented on highways in the Netherlands, Indonesia, England, and South Africa.

However, not everyone believes that plastic roadways are the answer to the problem of polymer waste. According to some scientists, the poisonous gases generated when plastic is liquefied could be hazardous to human health. 17……………….. The expert states, “Plastic only decomposes to generate harmful vapours when heated above 518° F (270° C).” Therefore, there is no doubt that harmful fumes are being discharged.”

18……………….. However, scientists think this is highly unlikely because the asphalt and liquid plastic mixture are highly resistant to light and heat. Weaver is unfazed by the sceptics and firmly believes that his invention could aid in resolving the global plastic pollution challenge. The chief executive officer states, “We are transforming something insignificant into the most precious piece of infrastructure. Within the next eight years, we can absorb all of the world’s plastic waste into our system.

There are sentences that have been removed from the article. Choose the correct letter below that contains the sentence that best fits in the paragraph. Take note that there is an extra sentence which you do not need to use.

A California Firm Has Global Road-Building Ambitions Using Recycled Plastic

For humanity, the invention of plastic has been a double-edged sword. 13……………….. Given the impossibility of avoiding plastic, firms around the world are innovating ways to reuse the millions of tonnes of polymer waste that wind up in landfills each year. Among the most recent is TechniSoil Industrial of California, which has created an inventive method for repaving roads with plastic garbage. Resurfacing a road is an expensive endeavour that begins with the use of specialised equipment to remove and grind the top 3 to 6 inches of asphalt. Due to the insufficient strength of the recycled material, half of it is discarded and replaced with new, hot asphalt. The combined material is mixed with bitumen, a sludge-like petroleum byproduct that acts as a binder, and reapplied to the surface. A single lane mile of repaving requires 42 truckloads of new material and the removal of a comparable amount of worthless debris.

The technique utilised by TechniSoil is both efficient and sustainable. Four massive construction machines operate in tandem to remove the top layer of the road, crush it for recycling, and combine it with the company’s Neo binder. 14……………….. Given that each lane mile requires the equivalent of 150,000 plastic water bottles, widespread application of the product might significantly reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the world. “The benefit of recycling on-site is that we prevent all truck traffic entering and exiting the construction zone,” explains Sean Weaver, president of TechniSoil. This eliminates emissions from these journeys and expedites the completion of the task. We can perform this task quite efficiently at night. The usual method requires heat, whereas the new method operates at room temperature, saving more energy.”

Plastic-repaved roads are also more resistant to potholes and cracks and last almost three times longer than asphalt-repaved roads, saving towns and states a significant amount of money. Fast Company quoted Weaver as saying, “Traditional asphalt roads rely on granite for their strength.” The strength of our pavement is derived from the matrix of a plastic binder; the rock is merely a filler. In experimental projects with the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) and the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services, Technisoil’s Neo binder has proven to be extraordinarily effective (StreetsLA). The former has already designated the eco-friendly technology for highway repairs across the state, and StreetsLA expects to utilise Neo binder in future paving projects in Los Angeles. 15……………….. It is something that we believe, if used on a broad basis, might change the game in the future.

The California company is not the first to resurface roads with plastic debris. Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan, an Indian chemistry professor, conceived the idea in 2001. 16……………….. In varied degrees, the system has also been implemented on highways in the Netherlands, Indonesia, England, and South Africa.

However, not everyone believes that plastic roadways are the answer to the problem of polymer waste. According to some scientists, the poisonous gases generated when plastic is liquefied could be hazardous to human health. 17……………….. The expert states, “Plastic only decomposes to generate harmful vapours when heated above 518° F (270° C).” Therefore, there is no doubt that harmful fumes are being discharged.”

18……………….. However, scientists think this is highly unlikely because the asphalt and liquid plastic mixture are highly resistant to light and heat. Weaver is unfazed by the sceptics and firmly believes that his invention could aid in resolving the global plastic pollution challenge. The chief executive officer states, “We are transforming something insignificant into the most precious piece of infrastructure. Within the next eight years, we can absorb all of the world’s plastic waste into our system.

There are sentences that have been removed from the article. Choose the correct letter below that contains the sentence that best fits in the paragraph. Take note that there is an extra sentence which you do not need to use.

A California Firm Has Global Road-Building Ambitions Using Recycled Plastic

For humanity, the invention of plastic has been a double-edged sword. 13……………….. Given the impossibility of avoiding plastic, firms around the world are innovating ways to reuse the millions of tonnes of polymer waste that wind up in landfills each year. Among the most recent is TechniSoil Industrial of California, which has created an inventive method for repaving roads with plastic garbage. Resurfacing a road is an expensive endeavour that begins with the use of specialised equipment to remove and grind the top 3 to 6 inches of asphalt. Due to the insufficient strength of the recycled material, half of it is discarded and replaced with new, hot asphalt. The combined material is mixed with bitumen, a sludge-like petroleum byproduct that acts as a binder, and reapplied to the surface. A single lane mile of repaving requires 42 truckloads of new material and the removal of a comparable amount of worthless debris.

The technique utilised by TechniSoil is both efficient and sustainable. Four massive construction machines operate in tandem to remove the top layer of the road, crush it for recycling, and combine it with the company’s Neo binder. 14……………….. Given that each lane mile requires the equivalent of 150,000 plastic water bottles, widespread application of the product might significantly reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the world. “The benefit of recycling on-site is that we prevent all truck traffic entering and exiting the construction zone,” explains Sean Weaver, president of TechniSoil. This eliminates emissions from these journeys and expedites the completion of the task. We can perform this task quite efficiently at night. The usual method requires heat, whereas the new method operates at room temperature, saving more energy.”

Plastic-repaved roads are also more resistant to potholes and cracks and last almost three times longer than asphalt-repaved roads, saving towns and states a significant amount of money. Fast Company quoted Weaver as saying, “Traditional asphalt roads rely on granite for their strength.” The strength of our pavement is derived from the matrix of a plastic binder; the rock is merely a filler. In experimental projects with the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) and the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services, Technisoil’s Neo binder has proven to be extraordinarily effective (StreetsLA). The former has already designated the eco-friendly technology for highway repairs across the state, and StreetsLA expects to utilise Neo binder in future paving projects in Los Angeles. 15……………….. It is something that we believe, if used on a broad basis, might change the game in the future.

The California company is not the first to resurface roads with plastic debris. Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan, an Indian chemistry professor, conceived the idea in 2001. 16……………….. In varied degrees, the system has also been implemented on highways in the Netherlands, Indonesia, England, and South Africa.

However, not everyone believes that plastic roadways are the answer to the problem of polymer waste. According to some scientists, the poisonous gases generated when plastic is liquefied could be hazardous to human health. 17……………….. The expert states, “Plastic only decomposes to generate harmful vapours when heated above 518° F (270° C).” Therefore, there is no doubt that harmful fumes are being discharged.”

18……………….. However, scientists think this is highly unlikely because the asphalt and liquid plastic mixture are highly resistant to light and heat. Weaver is unfazed by the sceptics and firmly believes that his invention could aid in resolving the global plastic pollution challenge. The chief executive officer states, “We are transforming something insignificant into the most precious piece of infrastructure. Within the next eight years, we can absorb all of the world’s plastic waste into our system.

There are sentences that have been removed from the article. Choose the correct letter below that contains the sentence that best fits in the paragraph. Take note that there is an extra sentence which you do not need to use.

A California Firm Has Global Road-Building Ambitions Using Recycled Plastic

For humanity, the invention of plastic has been a double-edged sword. 13……………….. Given the impossibility of avoiding plastic, firms around the world are innovating ways to reuse the millions of tonnes of polymer waste that wind up in landfills each year. Among the most recent is TechniSoil Industrial of California, which has created an inventive method for repaving roads with plastic garbage. Resurfacing a road is an expensive endeavour that begins with the use of specialised equipment to remove and grind the top 3 to 6 inches of asphalt. Due to the insufficient strength of the recycled material, half of it is discarded and replaced with new, hot asphalt. The combined material is mixed with bitumen, a sludge-like petroleum byproduct that acts as a binder, and reapplied to the surface. A single lane mile of repaving requires 42 truckloads of new material and the removal of a comparable amount of worthless debris.

The technique utilised by TechniSoil is both efficient and sustainable. Four massive construction machines operate in tandem to remove the top layer of the road, crush it for recycling, and combine it with the company’s Neo binder. 14……………….. Given that each lane mile requires the equivalent of 150,000 plastic water bottles, widespread application of the product might significantly reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the world. “The benefit of recycling on-site is that we prevent all truck traffic entering and exiting the construction zone,” explains Sean Weaver, president of TechniSoil. This eliminates emissions from these journeys and expedites the completion of the task. We can perform this task quite efficiently at night. The usual method requires heat, whereas the new method operates at room temperature, saving more energy.”

Plastic-repaved roads are also more resistant to potholes and cracks and last almost three times longer than asphalt-repaved roads, saving towns and states a significant amount of money. Fast Company quoted Weaver as saying, “Traditional asphalt roads rely on granite for their strength.” The strength of our pavement is derived from the matrix of a plastic binder; the rock is merely a filler. In experimental projects with the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) and the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services, Technisoil’s Neo binder has proven to be extraordinarily effective (StreetsLA). The former has already designated the eco-friendly technology for highway repairs across the state, and StreetsLA expects to utilise Neo binder in future paving projects in Los Angeles. 15……………….. It is something that we believe, if used on a broad basis, might change the game in the future.

The California company is not the first to resurface roads with plastic debris. Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan, an Indian chemistry professor, conceived the idea in 2001. 16……………….. In varied degrees, the system has also been implemented on highways in the Netherlands, Indonesia, England, and South Africa.

However, not everyone believes that plastic roadways are the answer to the problem of polymer waste. According to some scientists, the poisonous gases generated when plastic is liquefied could be hazardous to human health. 17……………….. The expert states, “Plastic only decomposes to generate harmful vapours when heated above 518° F (270° C).” Therefore, there is no doubt that harmful fumes are being discharged.”

18……………….. However, scientists think this is highly unlikely because the asphalt and liquid plastic mixture are highly resistant to light and heat. Weaver is unfazed by the sceptics and firmly believes that his invention could aid in resolving the global plastic pollution challenge. The chief executive officer states, “We are transforming something insignificant into the most precious piece of infrastructure. Within the next eight years, we can absorb all of the world’s plastic waste into our system.

There are sentences that have been removed from the article. Choose the correct letter below that contains the sentence that best fits in the paragraph. Take note that there is an extra sentence which you do not need to use.

A California Firm Has Global Road-Building Ambitions Using Recycled Plastic

For humanity, the invention of plastic has been a double-edged sword. 13……………….. Given the impossibility of avoiding plastic, firms around the world are innovating ways to reuse the millions of tonnes of polymer waste that wind up in landfills each year. Among the most recent is TechniSoil Industrial of California, which has created an inventive method for repaving roads with plastic garbage. Resurfacing a road is an expensive endeavour that begins with the use of specialised equipment to remove and grind the top 3 to 6 inches of asphalt. Due to the insufficient strength of the recycled material, half of it is discarded and replaced with new, hot asphalt. The combined material is mixed with bitumen, a sludge-like petroleum byproduct that acts as a binder, and reapplied to the surface. A single lane mile of repaving requires 42 truckloads of new material and the removal of a comparable amount of worthless debris.

The technique utilised by TechniSoil is both efficient and sustainable. Four massive construction machines operate in tandem to remove the top layer of the road, crush it for recycling, and combine it with the company’s Neo binder. 14……………….. Given that each lane mile requires the equivalent of 150,000 plastic water bottles, widespread application of the product might significantly reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the world. “The benefit of recycling on-site is that we prevent all truck traffic entering and exiting the construction zone,” explains Sean Weaver, president of TechniSoil. This eliminates emissions from these journeys and expedites the completion of the task. We can perform this task quite efficiently at night. The usual method requires heat, whereas the new method operates at room temperature, saving more energy.”

Plastic-repaved roads are also more resistant to potholes and cracks and last almost three times longer than asphalt-repaved roads, saving towns and states a significant amount of money. Fast Company quoted Weaver as saying, “Traditional asphalt roads rely on granite for their strength.” The strength of our pavement is derived from the matrix of a plastic binder; the rock is merely a filler. In experimental projects with the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) and the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services, Technisoil’s Neo binder has proven to be extraordinarily effective (StreetsLA). The former has already designated the eco-friendly technology for highway repairs across the state, and StreetsLA expects to utilise Neo binder in future paving projects in Los Angeles. 15……………….. It is something that we believe, if used on a broad basis, might change the game in the future.

The California company is not the first to resurface roads with plastic debris. Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan, an Indian chemistry professor, conceived the idea in 2001. 16……………….. In varied degrees, the system has also been implemented on highways in the Netherlands, Indonesia, England, and South Africa.

However, not everyone believes that plastic roadways are the answer to the problem of polymer waste. According to some scientists, the poisonous gases generated when plastic is liquefied could be hazardous to human health. 17……………….. The expert states, “Plastic only decomposes to generate harmful vapours when heated above 518° F (270° C).” Therefore, there is no doubt that harmful fumes are being discharged.”

18……………….. However, scientists think this is highly unlikely because the asphalt and liquid plastic mixture are highly resistant to light and heat. Weaver is unfazed by the sceptics and firmly believes that his invention could aid in resolving the global plastic pollution challenge. The chief executive officer states, “We are transforming something insignificant into the most precious piece of infrastructure. Within the next eight years, we can absorb all of the world’s plastic waste into our system.

Which extract mentions about a Christmas tradition where children await the presence of mythological beings that are said to leave small presents for polite children and certain vegetables for mischievous ones?

Which extract mentions about a Christmas tradition that emphasises an unusual food choice that drove a country to begin celebrating Christmas?

Which extract mentions about a Christmas tradition where numerous artists compete in a popular contest where they engrave complex motifs into an enormous vegetable grown specifically for the occasion?

Which extract mentions about a Christmas tradition where a mythical creature dispatches her giant pet to monitor the roads and gobble youngsters without new apparel?

Which extract mentions about a Christmas tradition where a sorceress is believed to sneak into chimneys to leave presents and treats for well-mannered kids and charred wood for misbehaved ones?

Which extract mentions about a Christmas tradition in which numerous people purchase a particular bucket weeks in advance to bypass any possible setbacks?

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict Explained

Russian armies launched a wave of attacks against neighbouring Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The full-scale invasion from the north, east, and south was not predicted, given that Russia had been amassing soldiers on Ukraine’s border since October 2021. American and European Union (EU) officials had anticipated that the fear of economic penalties would dissuade Russian President Vladimir Putin from taking this extreme move. To comprehend how we arrived at this point, it is vital to understand the lengthy and difficult connection between the two countries.

The hostilities between the two nations date back to 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. Ukraine and Russia were among the fifteen republics that declared independence and established independent governments. However, President Putin has always argued that Ukraine should be an integral part of Russia. In the days preceding the 2022 invasion, he informed the Russians “Ukraine is an integral component of our history, culture, and spiritual space. These are our comrades, our closest pals, including not only former coworkers, friends, and service mates, but even blood relatives and family members.” However, the fiercely independent Ukrainian population does not share this view. President Viktor Yanukovych was overthrown in 2014 for rejecting a trade agreement with Europe in favour of deeper ties with Russia. A short time later, acting Ukrainian President Alexander Turchinov signed an association agreement with the European Union.

Crimea, an ex-Soviet republic that had been a part of Ukraine since 1954, was annexed by President Putin in retaliation. In the same year, pro-Russian rebels built a stronghold in the eastern Ukrainian Donbas region. To settle the conflict, the Ukrainian government granted the rebels autonomy in the region. However, the militants did not achieve the total independence they desired, and combat between Ukrainians and Russian separatists continues to this day.

In his pre-dawn address to the nation on February 24, 2022, President Putin said that Russia could not feel “secure, develop, or exist” as long as contemporary Ukraine posed a persistent threat. The goal of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is to safeguard the independence and security of its members by political and military methods. The Russian leader is particularly concerned about Ukraine’s intention to join the organisation. President Putin is of the opinion that Ukraine’s membership in NATO would endanger Russia’s borders and sphere of influence.

Since Ukraine is not a member of NATO, its members are unable to send soldiers to assist Ukraine in its defence against Russia. However, the United States and its allies are putting unprecedented economic sanctions on the nation. The EU, the US, the UK, and Canada decided to prevent Russia from accessing its foreign reserves on February 22, 2022. In addition, they made it more difficult for the government to obtain funds from pro-Russian nations such as China by excluding several banks from the worldwide global payments system. Switzerland, which has typically remained neutral during crises, has announced that it will freeze all assets belonging to Russian individuals and businesses. Additionally, corporations are joining the effort to end the war. Energy giants BP and Shell, global bank HSBC, and the largest aeroplane leasing company in the world, AerCap, are among the corporations that have lately stated their intention to leave Russia.

The fighting has made life very difficult for Ukrainians. At the request of the president, all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 have remained behind to protect the country. Meanwhile, enormous numbers of women, children, and the elderly are escaping to safety. Since the beginning of the conflict, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that approximately 500,000 Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring countries. More than half of them have travelled to Poland, while the remainder has entered Moldova, Slovakia, Romania, and Hungary.

What is the tone used in the article?

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict Explained

Russian armies launched a wave of attacks against neighbouring Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The full-scale invasion from the north, east, and south was not predicted, given that Russia had been amassing soldiers on Ukraine’s border since October 2021. American and European Union (EU) officials had anticipated that the fear of economic penalties would dissuade Russian President Vladimir Putin from taking this extreme move. To comprehend how we arrived at this point, it is vital to understand the lengthy and difficult connection between the two countries.

The hostilities between the two nations date back to 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. Ukraine and Russia were among the fifteen republics that declared independence and established independent governments. However, President Putin has always argued that Ukraine should be an integral part of Russia. In the days preceding the 2022 invasion, he informed the Russians “Ukraine is an integral component of our history, culture, and spiritual space. These are our comrades, our closest pals, including not only former coworkers, friends, and service mates, but even blood relatives and family members.” However, the fiercely independent Ukrainian population does not share this view. President Viktor Yanukovych was overthrown in 2014 for rejecting a trade agreement with Europe in favour of deeper ties with Russia. A short time later, acting Ukrainian President Alexander Turchinov signed an association agreement with the European Union.

Crimea, an ex-Soviet republic that had been a part of Ukraine since 1954, was annexed by President Putin in retaliation. In the same year, pro-Russian rebels built a stronghold in the eastern Ukrainian Donbas region. To settle the conflict, the Ukrainian government granted the rebels autonomy in the region. However, the militants did not achieve the total independence they desired, and combat between Ukrainians and Russian separatists continues to this day.

In his pre-dawn address to the nation on February 24, 2022, President Putin said that Russia could not feel “secure, develop, or exist” as long as contemporary Ukraine posed a persistent threat. The goal of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is to safeguard the independence and security of its members by political and military methods. The Russian leader is particularly concerned about Ukraine’s intention to join the organisation. President Putin is of the opinion that Ukraine’s membership in NATO would endanger Russia’s borders and sphere of influence.

Since Ukraine is not a member of NATO, its members are unable to send soldiers to assist Ukraine in its defence against Russia. However, the United States and its allies are putting unprecedented economic sanctions on the nation. The EU, the US, the UK, and Canada decided to prevent Russia from accessing its foreign reserves on February 22, 2022. In addition, they made it more difficult for the government to obtain funds from pro-Russian nations such as China by excluding several banks from the worldwide global payments system. Switzerland, which has typically remained neutral during crises, has announced that it will freeze all assets belonging to Russian individuals and businesses. Additionally, corporations are joining the effort to end the war. Energy giants BP and Shell, global bank HSBC, and the largest aeroplane leasing company in the world, AerCap, are among the corporations that have lately stated their intention to leave Russia.

The fighting has made life very difficult for Ukrainians. At the request of the president, all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 have remained behind to protect the country. Meanwhile, enormous numbers of women, children, and the elderly are escaping to safety. Since the beginning of the conflict, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that approximately 500,000 Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring countries. More than half of them have travelled to Poland, while the remainder has entered Moldova, Slovakia, Romania, and Hungary.

What led to the attacks of Russia against Ukraine?

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict Explained

Russian armies launched a wave of attacks against neighbouring Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The full-scale invasion from the north, east, and south was not predicted, given that Russia had been amassing soldiers on Ukraine’s border since October 2021. American and European Union (EU) officials had anticipated that the fear of economic penalties would dissuade Russian President Vladimir Putin from taking this extreme move. To comprehend how we arrived at this point, it is vital to understand the lengthy and difficult connection between the two countries.

The hostilities between the two nations date back to 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. Ukraine and Russia were among the fifteen republics that declared independence and established independent governments. However, President Putin has always argued that Ukraine should be an integral part of Russia. In the days preceding the 2022 invasion, he informed the Russians “Ukraine is an integral component of our history, culture, and spiritual space. These are our comrades, our closest pals, including not only former coworkers, friends, and service mates, but even blood relatives and family members.” However, the fiercely independent Ukrainian population does not share this view. President Viktor Yanukovych was overthrown in 2014 for rejecting a trade agreement with Europe in favour of deeper ties with Russia. A short time later, acting Ukrainian President Alexander Turchinov signed an association agreement with the European Union.

Crimea, an ex-Soviet republic that had been a part of Ukraine since 1954, was annexed by President Putin in retaliation. In the same year, pro-Russian rebels built a stronghold in the eastern Ukrainian Donbas region. To settle the conflict, the Ukrainian government granted the rebels autonomy in the region. However, the militants did not achieve the total independence they desired, and combat between Ukrainians and Russian separatists continues to this day.

In his pre-dawn address to the nation on February 24, 2022, President Putin said that Russia could not feel “secure, develop, or exist” as long as contemporary Ukraine posed a persistent threat. The goal of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is to safeguard the independence and security of its members by political and military methods. The Russian leader is particularly concerned about Ukraine’s intention to join the organisation. President Putin is of the opinion that Ukraine’s membership in NATO would endanger Russia’s borders and sphere of influence.

Since Ukraine is not a member of NATO, its members are unable to send soldiers to assist Ukraine in its defence against Russia. However, the United States and its allies are putting unprecedented economic sanctions on the nation. The EU, the US, the UK, and Canada decided to prevent Russia from accessing its foreign reserves on February 22, 2022. In addition, they made it more difficult for the government to obtain funds from pro-Russian nations such as China by excluding several banks from the worldwide global payments system. Switzerland, which has typically remained neutral during crises, has announced that it will freeze all assets belonging to Russian individuals and businesses. Additionally, corporations are joining the effort to end the war. Energy giants BP and Shell, global bank HSBC, and the largest aeroplane leasing company in the world, AerCap, are among the corporations that have lately stated their intention to leave Russia.

The fighting has made life very difficult for Ukrainians. At the request of the president, all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 have remained behind to protect the country. Meanwhile, enormous numbers of women, children, and the elderly are escaping to safety. Since the beginning of the conflict, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that approximately 500,000 Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring countries. More than half of them have travelled to Poland, while the remainder has entered Moldova, Slovakia, Romania, and Hungary.

The main idea of the fifth paragraph is to?

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict Explained

Russian armies launched a wave of attacks against neighbouring Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The full-scale invasion from the north, east, and south was not predicted, given that Russia had been amassing soldiers on Ukraine’s border since October 2021. American and European Union (EU) officials had anticipated that the fear of economic penalties would dissuade Russian President Vladimir Putin from taking this extreme move. To comprehend how we arrived at this point, it is vital to understand the lengthy and difficult connection between the two countries.

The hostilities between the two nations date back to 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. Ukraine and Russia were among the fifteen republics that declared independence and established independent governments. However, President Putin has always argued that Ukraine should be an integral part of Russia. In the days preceding the 2022 invasion, he informed the Russians “Ukraine is an integral component of our history, culture, and spiritual space. These are our comrades, our closest pals, including not only former coworkers, friends, and service mates, but even blood relatives and family members.” However, the fiercely independent Ukrainian population does not share this view. President Viktor Yanukovych was overthrown in 2014 for rejecting a trade agreement with Europe in favour of deeper ties with Russia. A short time later, acting Ukrainian President Alexander Turchinov signed an association agreement with the European Union.

Crimea, an ex-Soviet republic that had been a part of Ukraine since 1954, was annexed by President Putin in retaliation. In the same year, pro-Russian rebels built a stronghold in the eastern Ukrainian Donbas region. To settle the conflict, the Ukrainian government granted the rebels autonomy in the region. However, the militants did not achieve the total independence they desired, and combat between Ukrainians and Russian separatists continues to this day.

In his pre-dawn address to the nation on February 24, 2022, President Putin said that Russia could not feel “secure, develop, or exist” as long as contemporary Ukraine posed a persistent threat. The goal of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is to safeguard the independence and security of its members by political and military methods. The Russian leader is particularly concerned about Ukraine’s intention to join the organisation. President Putin is of the opinion that Ukraine’s membership in NATO would endanger Russia’s borders and sphere of influence.

Since Ukraine is not a member of NATO, its members are unable to send soldiers to assist Ukraine in its defence against Russia. However, the United States and its allies are putting unprecedented economic sanctions on the nation. The EU, the US, the UK, and Canada decided to prevent Russia from accessing its foreign reserves on February 22, 2022. In addition, they made it more difficult for the government to obtain funds from pro-Russian nations such as China by excluding several banks from the worldwide global payments system. Switzerland, which has typically remained neutral during crises, has announced that it will freeze all assets belonging to Russian individuals and businesses. Additionally, corporations are joining the effort to end the war. Energy giants BP and Shell, global bank HSBC, and the largest aeroplane leasing company in the world, AerCap, are among the corporations that have lately stated their intention to leave Russia.

The fighting has made life very difficult for Ukrainians. At the request of the president, all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 have remained behind to protect the country. Meanwhile, enormous numbers of women, children, and the elderly are escaping to safety. Since the beginning of the conflict, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that approximately 500,000 Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring countries. More than half of them have travelled to Poland, while the remainder has entered Moldova, Slovakia, Romania, and Hungary.

How did Russia’s attack affect female and male Ukrainians?

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict Explained

Russian armies launched a wave of attacks against neighbouring Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The full-scale invasion from the north, east, and south was not predicted, given that Russia had been amassing soldiers on Ukraine’s border since October 2021. American and European Union (EU) officials had anticipated that the fear of economic penalties would dissuade Russian President Vladimir Putin from taking this extreme move. To comprehend how we arrived at this point, it is vital to understand the lengthy and difficult connection between the two countries.

The hostilities between the two nations date back to 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. Ukraine and Russia were among the fifteen republics that declared independence and established independent governments. However, President Putin has always argued that Ukraine should be an integral part of Russia. In the days preceding the 2022 invasion, he informed the Russians “Ukraine is an integral component of our history, culture, and spiritual space. These are our comrades, our closest pals, including not only former coworkers, friends, and service mates, but even blood relatives and family members.” However, the fiercely independent Ukrainian population does not share this view. President Viktor Yanukovych was overthrown in 2014 for rejecting a trade agreement with Europe in favour of deeper ties with Russia. A short time later, acting Ukrainian President Alexander Turchinov signed an association agreement with the European Union.

Crimea, an ex-Soviet republic that had been a part of Ukraine since 1954, was annexed by President Putin in retaliation. In the same year, pro-Russian rebels built a stronghold in the eastern Ukrainian Donbas region. To settle the conflict, the Ukrainian government granted the rebels autonomy in the region. However, the militants did not achieve the total independence they desired, and combat between Ukrainians and Russian separatists continues to this day.

In his pre-dawn address to the nation on February 24, 2022, President Putin said that Russia could not feel “secure, develop, or exist” as long as contemporary Ukraine posed a persistent threat. The goal of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is to safeguard the independence and security of its members by political and military methods. The Russian leader is particularly concerned about Ukraine’s intention to join the organisation. President Putin is of the opinion that Ukraine’s membership in NATO would endanger Russia’s borders and sphere of influence.

Since Ukraine is not a member of NATO, its members are unable to send soldiers to assist Ukraine in its defence against Russia. However, the United States and its allies are putting unprecedented economic sanctions on the nation. The EU, the US, the UK, and Canada decided to prevent Russia from accessing its foreign reserves on February 22, 2022. In addition, they made it more difficult for the government to obtain funds from pro-Russian nations such as China by excluding several banks from the worldwide global payments system. Switzerland, which has typically remained neutral during crises, has announced that it will freeze all assets belonging to Russian individuals and businesses. Additionally, corporations are joining the effort to end the war. Energy giants BP and Shell, global bank HSBC, and the largest aeroplane leasing company in the world, AerCap, are among the corporations that have lately stated their intention to leave Russia.

The fighting has made life very difficult for Ukrainians. At the request of the president, all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 have remained behind to protect the country. Meanwhile, enormous numbers of women, children, and the elderly are escaping to safety. Since the beginning of the conflict, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that approximately 500,000 Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring countries. More than half of them have travelled to Poland, while the remainder has entered Moldova, Slovakia, Romania, and Hungary.

Identify the type of imagery the author used in the line, “Russian armies launched a wave of attacks against neighbouring Ukraine.”

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict Explained

Russian armies launched a wave of attacks against neighbouring Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The full-scale invasion from the north, east, and south was not predicted, given that Russia had been amassing soldiers on Ukraine’s border since October 2021. American and European Union (EU) officials had anticipated that the fear of economic penalties would dissuade Russian President Vladimir Putin from taking this extreme move. To comprehend how we arrived at this point, it is vital to understand the lengthy and difficult connection between the two countries.

The hostilities between the two nations date back to 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. Ukraine and Russia were among the fifteen republics that declared independence and established independent governments. However, President Putin has always argued that Ukraine should be an integral part of Russia. In the days preceding the 2022 invasion, he informed the Russians “Ukraine is an integral component of our history, culture, and spiritual space. These are our comrades, our closest pals, including not only former coworkers, friends, and service mates, but even blood relatives and family members.” However, the fiercely independent Ukrainian population does not share this view. President Viktor Yanukovych was overthrown in 2014 for rejecting a trade agreement with Europe in favour of deeper ties with Russia. A short time later, acting Ukrainian President Alexander Turchinov signed an association agreement with the European Union.

Crimea, an ex-Soviet republic that had been a part of Ukraine since 1954, was annexed by President Putin in retaliation. In the same year, pro-Russian rebels built a stronghold in the eastern Ukrainian Donbas region. To settle the conflict, the Ukrainian government granted the rebels autonomy in the region. However, the militants did not achieve the total independence they desired, and combat between Ukrainians and Russian separatists continues to this day.

In his pre-dawn address to the nation on February 24, 2022, President Putin said that Russia could not feel “secure, develop, or exist” as long as contemporary Ukraine posed a persistent threat. The goal of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is to safeguard the independence and security of its members by political and military methods. The Russian leader is particularly concerned about Ukraine’s intention to join the organisation. President Putin is of the opinion that Ukraine’s membership in NATO would endanger Russia’s borders and sphere of influence.

Since Ukraine is not a member of NATO, its members are unable to send soldiers to assist Ukraine in its defence against Russia. However, the United States and its allies are putting unprecedented economic sanctions on the nation. The EU, the US, the UK, and Canada decided to prevent Russia from accessing its foreign reserves on February 22, 2022. In addition, they made it more difficult for the government to obtain funds from pro-Russian nations such as China by excluding several banks from the worldwide global payments system. Switzerland, which has typically remained neutral during crises, has announced that it will freeze all assets belonging to Russian individuals and businesses. Additionally, corporations are joining the effort to end the war. Energy giants BP and Shell, global bank HSBC, and the largest aeroplane leasing company in the world, AerCap, are among the corporations that have lately stated their intention to leave Russia.

The fighting has made life very difficult for Ukrainians. At the request of the president, all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 have remained behind to protect the country. Meanwhile, enormous numbers of women, children, and the elderly are escaping to safety. Since the beginning of the conflict, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that approximately 500,000 Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring countries. More than half of them have travelled to Poland, while the remainder has entered Moldova, Slovakia, Romania, and Hungary.

What type of claim is taken from the line, “President Putin said that Russia could not feel ‘secure, develop, or exist’ as long as contemporary Ukraine posed a persistent threat”?