IB English B

Question 1

Use an appropriate text type from the options below the task you choose. Write 450 to 600 words.

You have recently read a magazine article about the trail of data you leave behind as you use the internet, known as “digital footprint”, which can never be erased. You are interested in sharing your views on the matter with other teenagers. Write a text in which you explain why considering what you do online is important, describe how this is relevant to teenagers, and recommend some key steps you feel young people should follow online in light of these issues.

Speech

Proposal

Social media posting

Answer keys:

The three required elements of the task are (i) to explain why considering one’s digital footprint is important, (ii) to describe how this is relevant to teenagers, and (iii) to recommend some key steps you feel young people should follow online regarding their digital footprint. (Equal weight does not have to be given to all three elements, but all should be given some developed attention.)

Explanation of (i) may include subjective or objective views on the importance of our digital footprint, e.g. tracking by third parties, damaging one’s reputation or the information that apps collect in the background.
How one’s digital footprint is relevant to teenagers specifically should appear in (ii), which may refer to affecting future employability, online safety, etc. There needs to be a connection between the effects of a digital footprint and teenagers.
The recommended steps in (iii), whether possible or plausible, should not affect marking, as long as they are effectively supported with reasons.
Reference to ideas from the magazine article is acceptable in any of the parts (i), (ii), or (iii).

Choice of text:

	Text type & Its convention	Rationale
Appropriate	Social media posting first person narration/statement seek to engage the reader, e.g. direct address, lively and interesting style may include typical online communication techniques, e.g. references to other postings, members and forums, hashtags, @references, and ‘likes’ etc	This text type is suitable for sharing your views publicly (especially with other young people) on a matter you’ve read recently.
Generally appropriate	Speech catch the audience’s attention at the beginning, and leave a clear impression at the end address the audience and keep contact with them throughout, e.g. use of “we” and “you” etc. elements of speech rhetoric e.g. rhetorical questions, repetition etc.	This text type is suitable for sharing one’s thoughts on a matter with the public. This choice may be considered ‘appropriate’ if there is evidence that the response is addressing a young audience asking them to be more cautious about their digital footprint
Generally inappropriate	Proposal title summarising the overall subject clearly set-out format, e.g. headings, short clear paragraphs, bullets, numbering, insetting etc. style aimed to persuade a specified audience	This text type is typically used for presenting a detailed description of a problem and a plan of action. This choice may be considered ‘generally appropriate’ if the response addresses someone who can help diminish the problem.

Register and tone:

Informal register
An informative, engaging, but not overly casual tone

Sample answer (detailed outline):

Introduction	Short, engaging intro to grab attention: “Ever thought about the invisible trail you leave online? Yep, that’s your digital footprint, and it sticks forever.” Mention the magazine article as the spark: “I just read an article about how every click, like, and share adds to this footprint, and it got me thinking…”
Body 1	Main point 1: Why considering your digital footprint is important Reputation matters: What you post today can resurface years later Embarrassing or offensive content can damage future opportunities Privacy concerns Apps and websites collect data in the background Third parties track habits for ads or even more serious uses Permanence Unlike deleting a text, online traces are almost impossible to erase. Once shared, it’s out of your control.
Body 2	Main point 2: Why this is especially relevant to teenagers Future employability Universities and employers often check social media. A careless post could affect scholarships, internships, or jobs. Online safety: Oversharing personal info makes teens vulnerable to scams or cyberbullying. Identity building: Teen years are about experimenting, but online mistakes can follow you into adulthood Peer pressure & trends: Teens may post impulsively to fit in, without realising the long-term impact.
Body 3	Main point 3: Key steps teenagers should follow online Think before you post Ask: “Would I be okay if a teacher, parent, or future boss saw this?” Limit personal info: Avoid sharing addresses, phone numbers, or private details. Check privacy settings: Make accounts private, control who sees your content. Clean up regularly: Review old posts, delete what doesn’t represent you anymore. Balance online and offline life: Don’t let likes or shares define your self-worth
Conclusion	Wrap up with a relatable reminder: “Your digital footprint is like permanent ink. It tells your story whether you like it or not. Let’s make sure it’s a story we’re proud of.” Encourage peers to reflect: “Next time you’re about to hit ‘post,’ pause for a second. Future-you will thank you.” Invite interaction and response: “If you share my opinion, hit the like button. Let me hear what you think in the comment section below. #digitalfootprint #teenagers”

Question 2

Use an appropriate text type from the options below the task you choose. Write 450 to 600 words.

Your local tourism association is looking to hire a young person with new ideas for tourism in your area. You would like to be considered for this job. Write a text for the association explaining why you want to join them, what new ideas you have for promoting an important tourist attraction in the area, and what personal qualities you have that make you an ideal person for the job.

Blog

Personal statement

Speech

Answer keys:

The three required elements of the task are (i) explain why you want to join them, (ii) what new ideas you have for promoting an important tourist attraction in the area (place, event, etc), and (iii) what personal qualities you have that make you an ideal person for the job. (Equal weight does not have to be given to those two elements, but both should be given some developed attention.)

An effective discussion of (i) will include reasons why the student wants to join the local tourism association, as opposed to focusing purely on why they are applying for this particular job.
It is important that the ‘ideas’ in (ii) be plural, i.e. (ii) there should be at least 2 ideas discussed for promoting an important tourist attraction in the area. However, if there is only one idea effectively developed and supported, this should be accepted.
Discussion of (iii) should link personal qualities they possess with what is likely to be required in the job.

Choice of text type:

	Text type & Its convention	Rationale
Appropriate	Personal Statement relevant title/heading distinct introduction and conclusion style that is lucid and easy to follow	The text type is suited to allowing the writer to express an interest in a vacancy, and to describe their personal qualities.
Generally appropriate	Speech catch the audience’s attention at the beginning, and leave a clear impression at the end address the audience and keep contact with them throughout, e.g., use of “we” and “you” etc. elements of speech rhetoric e.g., rhetorical questions, repetition etc.	The text type is suited for communicating information about oneself, but it is not necessarily used to apply for a job. The choice may be considered “appropriate” if the response makes clear that the audience is the tourism association, and the context is a professional one (e.g. a verbal expression of interest in the job, or a speech given in an interview etc.)
Generally inappropriate	Blog first person statement and/or narration awareness of the reader, e.g. direct address, a lively and interesting style etc. closing statement, e.g. invitation to comment, a conclusion drawn etc.	The text type is typically used by the writer to share information and ideas that may be of interest to an unspecified audience. It is not usually used to persuade a potential employer to offer someone a job. The choice may be considered “generally appropriate” if the response makes clear that the private blog entry is reached through the credentials given to the association to read that entry only.

Register and tone:

Formal register
Serious and persuasive tone

Sample answer (detailed outline):

Title	Briefly express your wish to have a position at the local tourism association
Introduction	Opening statement of intent: Express enthusiasm for joining the tourism association. Example: “I am writing to express my keen interest in contributing to the Local Tourism Association as a young representative with innovative ideas for promoting our region.” Connection to tourism: Briefly highlight passion for local culture, heritage, and community development. Purpose of statement: State that the text will explain motivation, ideas, and qualities
Body 1	Main point 1: Why do I want to join the tourism association? Commitment to community Desire to strengthen local identity and pride. Belief that tourism can support economic growth and cultural preservation. Personal motivation Why do I want to join? (Ex: Interest in learning from professionals in tourism, opportunity to represent youth perspectives in shaping tourism strategies) Broader vision What do I expect to learn from this position? Not only applying for a job, but also aiming to contribute to the long-term development of the association.
Body 2	Main point 2: New ideas for promoting an important tourist attraction Digital promotion campaign Use social media platforms to highlight the attraction with short videos, interactive posts, and virtual tours. Engage younger audiences and international visitors. Cultural event series Organize seasonal festivals or workshops at the attraction (e.g., local crafts, food fairs, music performances,...) Encourage both tourists and residents to participate, creating a lively atmosphere. Sustainable tourism initiatives Promote eco-friendly practices such as guided nature walks, recycling stations, and partnerships with local businesses. Position the attraction as modern and responsible.
Body 3	Main point 3: Personal qualities that make me an ideal candidate Creativity and innovation: Ability to generate fresh ideas suited to modern tourism trends. Communication skills: Strong writing and speaking abilities to engage diverse audiences. Teamwork and leadership: Experience collaborating with peers, organising school/community projects. Commitment and reliability: Serious attitude toward responsibilities, ensuring tasks are completed effectively. Connection to the youth perspective: Understand and attract younger visitors, adding diversity to the association’s vision.
Conclusion	Reaffirm interest: Restate enthusiasm for joining the association. Summarise strengths: Highlight motivation, innovative ideas, and personal qualities. Closing statement: “I am confident that my dedication, creativity, and commitment to our community make me a strong candidate for this position. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of local tourism.”

Question 3

Use an appropriate text type from the options below the task you choose. Write 450 to 600 words.

A group of people in your local area have fallen victim to an online scam and lost a lot of money. You want to inform the public of this incident. Write a text in which you describe what happened, explain why the victims believed the trick, and suggest what people can do if they are in a similar situation.

Blog

Email

News report

Answer keys:

The three aspects of the task are [i] “describe what happened” (i.e., the scam), [ii] “explain why the victims believed the trick”, and [iii] “suggest what people can do if they are in a similar situation”. (Equal weight does not have to be given to those three elements, but all should be given some developed attention.)

A broad interpretation of the term “scam” should be allowed, e.g., phishing scam, online seller running away with money, selling of counterfeit products, etc., as long as there is an online element, and it involves money.
“Explain why the victims believed the trick” could be a generalised explanation, or using particular victims as examples.
“Suggest what people can do” may relate to the same online scam, or to online scams in general. Suggestions may include an invitation for other victims to speak out, but the focus should be on preventing further incidents.

Choice of text type:

	Text type & Its convention	Rationale
Appropriate	News report relevant title/headline neutral/objective style, e.g., presents ideas with only minimal embellishment (if any) clearly presented layout, e.g., sub-headings, short, brief paragraphs/sections, etc.	The text type is suitable for informing the public about an incident of significance to the general public, in order to raise public awareness of it.
Generally appropriate	Blog first-person statement and/or narration awareness of the reader, e.g. direct address, a lively and interesting style etc. closing statement, e.g. invitation to comment, a conclusion drawn etc.	The text type is suitable for recording anecdotes, communicating ideas, and sharing opinions with a large group of unspecified audience who has some connection with the writer (e.g., personal relationship, common interest, etc.). If the response makes clear the blog is to be read by the general public, then it may be considered “appropriate”.
Generally inappropriate	Email clear sense of address to a specific person statement of Subject in the heading appropriate opening and closing salutations	The text type is typically used to communicate with individuals or small groups of specified readers. It is not used to communicate with the general public. If the response makes clear that the text was sent in an email blast to the public e.g., local residents, then it may be considered ‘generally appropriate’.

Register and tone:

Semi-formal to formal register
Descriptive, objective, journalistic tone

Sample answer (detailed outline):

Title	Summarise the state that local residents have experienced
Introduction	Brief summary of the incident: “Several residents in our area have recently fallen victim to an online scam, resulting in significant financial losses.” State purpose: to inform the public and raise awareness.
Body 1	Main point 1: Description of what happened Nature of the scam A fake online shopping website offering discounted electronics. Victims transferred money but never received products. Details of the incident Large sums of money were lost collectively. Scam operated through convincing advertisements and professional-looking websites. Impact on victims: How does this problem affect residents physically and mentally? Financial loss Emotional distress and loss of trust in online platforms
Body 2	Main point 2: Why victims believe the trick Professional appearance: The website looked legitimate, with logos, product images, and customer reviews. Urgency and pressure tactics: “Limited-time offers” and countdown timers encouraged quick decisions. Trust in online platforms: Victims assumed that advertisements shared on social media were reliable. Lack of awareness: Unfamiliar with common signs of online fraud
Body 3	Main point 3: Suggestion for public response Verify sources: Check the seller's reputation, reviews, and official contact details before making payments. Avoid quick decisions: Be cautious of offers that demand immediate action. Report incidents: Victims should inform local authorities and online platforms to prevent further scams. Raise awareness: Encourage community discussions and information sessions about online safety Education for children so that they can spread through households Use secure payment methods: Prefer platforms with buyer protection policies
Conclusion	Restate the seriousness of the incident. Emphasise the importance of vigilance in online transactions. End with a neutral reminder: “Authorities urge residents to remain cautious and to report any suspicious online activity immediately.”

Question 4

Use an appropriate text type from the options below the task you choose. Write 450 to 600 words.

The youth magazine that you work for is running a competition to find “The Teenage Journalist of the Year”. You have been asked to inform the readers of the magazine about how the competition will work. Write a text in which you present the task that the journalists must undertake, set out the rules they must follow and explain how their performance will be evaluated.

Email

News report

Set of guidelines

Answer keys:

The three elements that require coverage are (i) presenting the task that the journalists must undertake, (ii) setting out the rules they must follow, and (iii) explaining how their performance will be evaluated. (Equal weight does not have to be given to all three elements, but all should be given some developed attention.)

All three action verbs should be relevant, i.e. related closely to the core task in reasonably clear and organised ways: (a) informing the teenage magazine readers about (b) a competition (c) to become “The Teenage Journalist of the Year”. The information does not necessarily have to be credible, but there should be some connection between being a Teenage Journalist and the competition task that the journalists are requested to undertake for the response to be “coherent” and “logical”.

Choice of text:

	Text type & Its convention	Rationale
Appropriate	Set of guidelines clear and focused heading/title clearly set-out format e.g. bullets, sub-headings, numbering, etc. short introduction and conclusion	The text type is suitable for giving practical instructions to a defined group of people (‘readers of the magazine’).
Generally appropriate	Email clear sense of address to a specific person statement of Subject in the heading appropriate opening and closing salutations	The text type is suitable for giving practical instructions, but it is typically used to communicate with an individual or a small group of people. The choice may be considered “appropriate” if the response makes clear that the Email is sent to readers of the magazine.
Generally inappropriate	News report relevant title/headline neutral/objective style, e.g. presents ideas with only minimal embellishment (if any) clearly presented layout, e.g. sub-headings, short brief paragraphs/sections, etc.	The text type is primarily used to inform the public about a recent event. It is not usually used to give instructions to a defined group of people.

Register and tone:

Informal/semi-formal; some colloquialisms may be used to express encouragement.
Informative, engaging, convincing, enthusiastic tone.

Sample answer (detailed outline):

Title	Mention the competition’s name
Introduction	Brief welcome to readers: “Think you’ve got what it takes to be the next big voice in youth journalism? Here’s your chance!” Purpose: Inform readers about how the competition works, what they need to do, and how winners will be chosen.
Body 1	Main point 1: The task journalists must undertake (You should imagine what is included in a magazine such as the topic, the number of words, from whose perspective,...) Main Assignment: Write a feature article (approx. 600–800 words) on a topic that matters to teenagers today (e.g., social media, climate change, music trends, mental health, or school life). Angle: Must include interviews with at least two peers or experts to show journalistic skill. Format: Clear headline, subheadings, and engaging opening paragraph. Goal: Demonstrate creativity, originality, and the ability to capture the teenage perspective. *Colloquial encouragement:* “Don’t just tell us the news. Make us feel it!”
Body 2	Main point 2: Rules to follow (The rules should be logical and include a penalty for those who cheat.) Eligibility: Open to all readers aged 13–19. Submission Deadline: Entries must be sent by [insert date]. Late entries won’t be considered. Original Work: No plagiarism: your words, your ideas, your voice. Word Count: Stick to the 600–800 word limit. Too short or too long = penalty. Presentation: Typed, double-spaced, with your name and age at the top. Fair Play: Respectful language, no offensive content. *Colloquial encouragement:* “Play by the rules, and you’ll shine brighter!”
Body 3	Main point 3: How performance will be evaluated (You can change how to evaluate the magazine) Content & Relevance (40%) Does the article tackle a topic that resonates with teenagers? Is it informative, insightful, and engaging? Structure & Style (30%) Clear organization: headline, intro, body, conclusion. Flow of ideas, logical connections, readability. Creativity & Voice (20%): Original perspective, lively tone, ability to hook the reader. Technical Accuracy (10%): Grammar, spelling, punctuation. *Colloquial encouragement:* “We’re not just looking for perfect grammar. We want passion, personality, and punch!”
Conclusion	Wrap-up: “This is your chance to prove that teenage voices matter. So grab your pen, fire up your keyboard, and show us what you’ve got!” Motivational push: Remind readers that the winner will earn the title “Teenage Journalist of the Year” and be featured in the magazine.

Question 5

Inside the world of India’s cyborg artists

One evening, Harshit Agrawal started thinking about The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, an oil on canvas masterpiece painted by Rembrandt in 1632.

Rembrandt’s painting was done at a time when medical technology was nascent and the general public saw it with fear and fascination. The portrait planted germs of an idea in Agrawal’s mind.

Agrawal started trawling the web for images and videos of human surgeries being performed. He was getting out of the artists’ frame of mind to slip into the engineer’s mind.

In the next few days between his day job as a human-computer interaction designer, the feverish 26-year-old curated a dataset of 60000 images of human surgery, fed it to an algorithm he patched together on remote servers somewhere on the cloud, and waited for the machine to do its magic. Agrawal’s labour of love was a set of disquieting images he named: “The anatomy lessons of Dr Algorithm”.

Welcome to the world of Cyborg Artists, where emerging artists use artificial intelligence (AI) to create art. Fewer than 100 such artists exist in it and just a handful of them are in India. AI-powered art is all the buzz in the art world these days and that makes Agrawal special and his set of images an early work.

“There’s an interesting back and forth between an artist and a technologist,” Agrawal says. “You have to think possibilities and how that may translate into an algorithm and the data that feeds into it.”

According to Cyborg Artists, art is being challenged. “We call this the ‘photography moment’ of our time since this is the second existential crisis that art is facing,” says Raghava KK, artist and curator of Nature Morte, a contemporary art gallery where Agrawal’s work was showcased.

Photography challenged the purpose of art at a time when artists mostly used real-life imagery. Early photographs mimicked art: perfect symmetry, portraits and so on. Later on, however, photography became an art form of its own and, in turn, influenced artists.

Like Agrawal, Raghava is a Cyborg Artist. Raghava’s early works involved using a tablet computer as a medium, but he has focused on using AI for the last few years. It all started off as a fun project. At first, it was mostly technologists rigging up their own algorithms, but then came artists who were comfortable with technology. The movement is now on the cusp of a major expansion with more and more artists starting to use the medium.

Raghava’s work is underpinned by a belief that the definition of what it means to be human needs to change. This is also the genesis of a thesis these artists have begun to propose: a new way of thinking about human evolution. “We’re already augmented humans. We’re not just humans. We think of ourselves as cyborgs,” Raghava comments over filter coffee at his family home in Jayamahal.

Question:

1. Choose the four true statements.
A. Agrawal was inspired by how people perceived a masterpiece of the past.
B. Agrawal noticed similarities between his work and old masterpieces while researching online.
C. To produce his piece of art, Agrawal needed to train further as an artist.
D. Agrawal’s art piece was carefully crafted by hand.
E. Agrawal’s art piece is likely to unsettle some audiences.
F. The name of Agrawal’s art piece connects it to an old masterpiece.
G. Agrawal belongs to an exclusive group of artists.
H. The art world is hesitant about accepting Agrawal’s art pieces.

To whom or to what do the underlined words refer? Answer using words as they appear in the text.
1. …fed it to an algorithm… (paragraph 4)
2. …exist in it… (paragraph 5)
3. …a handful of them… (paragraph 5)
4. …feeds into it. (paragraph 6)

The following statements are either true or false. Tick the correct option, then justify it using words as they appear in the text. (paragraphs 7-9).
5. Art is going through a critical phase for the first time in history.
True
False
Justification:

6. Artists were affected by photography developing as its own medium.
True
False
Justification:

7. At first, Raghava created his works without the use of technology.
True
False
Justification:

8. The use of AI to create art is about to grow rapidly.
True
False
Justification:

Choose an appropriate word from the list that completes each gap in the following text.
[ – 10– ] to Raghava, art is going through a turning point in history that is [ – 11– ] to the advent of photography. [ – 12– ] to this new approach to art, Raghava proposes to rethink not only what it means to be an artist, but what it means to be human.

10. [ – 10 – ]

A. according

B. due

C. alternative

D. comparable

E. prior

F. contrary

11. [ – 11– ]

12. [ – 12– ]

Answer

1. A, E, F, G in any order

A. Agrawal was inspired by how people perceived a masterpiece of the past.

Text evidence: “Rembrandt’s painting was done at a time when medical technology was nascent and the general public saw it with fear and fascination.”
Explanation: He was inspired by how people reacted "with fear and fascination".

E. Agrawal’s art piece is likely to unsettle some audiences.

Text Evidence: “a set of disquieting images he named…”
Explanation: “Disquieting” means disturbing or unsettling — directly supporting this answer.

F. The name of Agrawal’s art piece connects it to an old masterpiece.

Text Evidence: “The anatomy lessons of Dr Algorithm”
Explanation: This title clearly references: The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp. Thus, the name deliberately mirrors the original masterpiece.

G. Agrawal belongs to an exclusive group of artists.

Text Evidence: “Fewer than 100 such artists exist… and just a handful… in India.”
Explanation: This means the group is very small and exclusive.

Why other options are incorrect:

B. Agrawal noticed similarities between his work and old masterpieces - No textual evidence. The similarity was intentional, not something he discovered later.
C. To produce his piece of art, Agrawal needed to train further as an artist. - Incorrect: he used AI and engineering skills: “slip into the engineer’s mind. No mention of artistic training.
D. Agrawal’s art piece was carefully crafted by hand. - Completely false, it was generated by AI: “fed it to an algorithm… waited for the machine to do its magic.”
H. The art world is hesitant about accepting Agrawal’s art pieces. - Opposite of the text: “AI-powered art is all the buzz in the art world these days.” This means the art world is excited, not hesitant.

2. Target answer: (a) dataset of 60,000 images (of human surgery)

Accept: the dataset of 60,000 images (of human surgery)
Do not accept:
“(a) dataset” without “60,000 images (of human surgery)”
“60,000 images (of human surgery)” without “(a) dataset”

Text Evidence: “curated a dataset of 60,000 images… fed it to an algorithm”
Explanation: The only singular noun before “it” is the dataset.

3. Target answer: (the) world of Cyborg Artists

Text Evidence: “Fewer than 100 such artists exist in it”
Explanation: The phrase “the world of Cyborg Artists” appears immediately before, and “exist in it” must refer to a place/environment.

4. Target answer: fewer than 100 such artists

Accept:

Cyborg Artists
emerging artists

Do not accept:

“(100) such artists” without “fewer than”
“(the) artists” on its own
emerging Cyborg artists
fewer than 100 artists

Text Evidence: “Fewer than 100 such artists exist… and just a handful of them”
Explanation: “Handful of them” refers directly back to the group: fewer than 100 such artists.

5. Target answer: (an) algorithm

Accept: the algorithm

Text Evidence: “how that may translate into an algorithm and the data that feeds into it”
Explanation: The noun directly before “it” is algorithm, so the pronoun clearly refers to that.

6. False

Justification: (this is the) second existential crisis (that) art is facing
Explanation: Not the first time.

7. True

Justification: photography became an art form of its own and, (in turn,) influenced artists
Explanation: This shows photography affected artists.

8. False

Justification: (Raghava’s) early works involved using a tablet computer as a medium
Accept: his early works involved using a tablet computer as a medium
Do not accept: “(Raghava’s/ his) early works involved using a tablet computer” without “as a medium”
Explanation: He used technology from the beginning, so he did not start without technology.

9. True

Justification: (the) movement is (now) on the cusp of a major expansion (with more and more artists starting to use the medium)
Explanation: This means it is about to grow rapidly.

10. A. According

Text evidence: “Raghava’s work is underpinned by a belief that the definition of what it means to be human needs to change.” “This is also the genesis of a thesis these artists have begun to propose…”
Explanation: This shows that the text directly presents Raghava’s beliefs/viewpoint, and the structure “According to Raghava” is the only grammatically correct way to introduce someone’s opinion.

11. D. Comparable

Text evidence: “We call this the ‘photography moment’ of our time since this is the second existential crisis that art is facing,” says Raghava KK.
Explanation: The phrase “photography moment” directly shows that Raghava sees AI art as similar to the moment when photography reshaped art. Therefore, “comparable” = similar to is the only correct answer.

12. B. Due

Text evidence: “Raghava’s work is underpinned by a belief that the definition of what it means to be human needs to change.” “We’re already augmented humans… We think of ourselves as cyborgs.”
Explanation: This shows because of this new AI-based approach, artists are rethinking humanity. Thus, “due to this new approach” (meaning because of) is the only logical fit.

Question 6

Top Future Transport Innovations

A recent report released by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) identified a critical need for improvement of the nation’s transportation system. While the DOT has begun accelerating the improvement of the country’s highways and bridges, new forms of transit are being developed and will most likely be implemented soon. These five innovations will revolutionize transportation in the near future.

Hyperloop transportation systems
Hyperloops are essentially transportation tubes where pods of passengers or freight pass through a pressurized track at high speeds. Hyperloops run at an average of 600 miles per hour. There are several companies currently working to advance the technology. One company hopes to launch its first passenger service in the next year or two.
Self-driving electric buses
Automated city buses and shuttles will be in operation in the near future. Autonomous vehicles use cameras, radars and GPS systems to recognize and communicate with traffic lights and have impressive safety records. These buses of the future will reduce the impact on the environment because they are electric. Such buses are already in operation in China and Germany, and are being tested in the US.
Elevated buses
While automated buses are being developed worldwide, China is working on a bus system that will reduce traffic congestion. The bus “straddles” traffic by running on special tracks that allow regular vehicles to drive underneath. A system currently being designed in China is expected to reduce traffic congestion by thirty percent.
Flying hotel pods
A fleet of flying hotels is being designed by a company in Canada. Driftscape is a mobile, self-sustaining hotel that uses drone technology. Driftscape allows guests to travel while sleeping, and to roam or to touch down in diverse locations. It consists of several modular units including food and beverage elements. Driftscape offers spectacular panoramas and has minimal impact on the environment, preserving the integrity and authenticity of the locations visited.
Satellite-based air traffic control
Air traffic control systems in operation today are ground-based, using technology that dates back to the 1960s. Control systems using satellites allow air traffic controllers to be more efficient. The US is currently working on such a system: NextGen, which is being implemented in stages through 2025. GPS technology will be used to increase accuracy and shorten routes. NextGen will save time and fuel, reduce late arrivals, increase flight capacity and permit controllers to monitor aircraft with improved safety margins.

Question

Answer the following questions.
1. What is the DOT’s transport improvement program currently focused on?
2. According to the text, how soon might hyperloops come into service?

Find the word or phrase in paragraph 1 which means the following:
3. published
4. urgent
5. transform

Choose an appropriate ending from the list that completes each sentence.

6. Hyperloops…	A. have been shown to be extremely safe. B. enable people to sleep while travelling. C. are mainly intended to transport goods. D. should help to reduce pollution by thirty percent. E. depend on outside supplies of food and drink. F. are at present being developed in China. G. are currently in service throughout the US. H. carry their cargo through tubes at high speed.
7. Self-driving electric buses…
8. Elevated buses…
9. Flying hotel pods…

Choose the correct answer.
10. Driftscape…
A. plans to erect hotels in a range of locations.
B. enables guests to enjoy impressive views.
C. could have considerable negative environmental impact.
D. flies people to luxury hotels in exotic locations.

11. NextGen will lead to…
A. increasingly large planes.
B. reduced plane numbers.
C. reduced refueling times.
D. enhanced flying safety.

12. The text is about transport…
A. problems.
B. policies.
C. solutions.
D. Schedules.

Answer

1. Target answer: (accelerating the improvement of) highways and bridges

Accept:
Other wording with the same meaning.
(accelerating the improvement of the country’s / nation’s) highways and bridges
Do not accept:
improvement of the transport system

Text evidence: “…the DOT has begun accelerating the improvement of the country’s highways and bridges…”
Explanation: This line explicitly states the current focus of DOT improvement efforts.

2. Target answer: In the next year or two

Accept: Other wording with the same meaning. within the next year or two
Do not accept: “in the next year” without “or two”

Text evidence: “One company hopes to launch its first passenger service in the next year or two.”
Explanation: The exact timeframe for when hyperloops come into service is stated.

3. Target answer: released

Text evidence: “A recent report released by the US Department of Transportation…”
Explanation: “Released” means “published” or “made public.”

4. Target answer: critical

Text evidence: “…identified a critical need for improvement…”
Explanation: “Critical” = urgent, extremely important.

5. Target answer: revolutionize

Text evidence: “These five innovations will revolutionize transportation…”
Explanation: “Revolutionize” means to change something dramatically or transform it.

6. H. carry their cargo through tubes at high speed.

Text evidence: “Hyperloops are essentially transportation tubes where pods of passengers or freight pass through a pressurized track at high speeds. ”
Explanation: Matches exactly: tubes + high speed.

7. A. have been shown to be extremely safe.

Text evidence: “…and have impressive safety records.”
Explanation: “Impressive safety record” = extremely safe.

8. F. are at present being developed in China.

Text evidence: “China is working on a bus system…”
Explanation: The innovation is in development in China.

9. B. enable people to sleep while travelling.

Text evidence: “Driftscape allows guests to travel while sleeping…”
Explanation: The text explicitly says they can sleep while travelling.

10. B. enables guests to enjoy impressive views.

Text evidence: “Driftscape offers spectacular panoramas…”
Explanation: “Spectacular panoramas” = impressive views.

Why other options are incorrect:

A. plans to erect hotels in a range of locations.→ no
C. could have considerable negative environmental impact. → text says minimal impact
D. flies people to luxury hotels in exotic locations. → false, it is the hotel

11. D. enhanced flying safety.

Text evidence: “…permit controllers to monitor aircraft with improved safety margins.”
Explanation: Direct quote confirms safety improvements.

Why other options are incorrect

A. increasingly large planes. → not mentioned
B. reduced plane numbers. → opposite (increase capacity)
C. reduced refueling times. → false

12. C. solutions.

Explanation: Entire text describes future innovations to improve transport systems. Each section presents a solution or improvement.

Why other options are incorrect

A. Problems → focus is not on issues but on innovations
B. Policies → not about laws or government decisions
D. Schedules → no timetable or itinerary is given

Question 7

Five things you must do to become a better musician

The music industry has always been competitive, and many new musicians wonder if they have what it takes to “make it”. Making music for fun isn’t so hard, but turning that passion into a career is a whole different ball game. If you’d like to become a pro someday, here are five things you can do right now to become a better musician.

Have a patient, persistent attitude

This might be the most important thing on the list, which is why we’re giving it the top spot. A career (of any kind!) doesn’t happen overnight, and you can’t expect the arts to be any different. Even famous musicians who seem to appear out of nowhere have been carefully planning and working towards that time for years, sometimes decades. Whether you play the violin or want to be a singer, make small steps to improve your craft each and every day.

[ – 8 – ]
This is a huge part of being a professional musician – some professionals spend more time improvising than playing music from a book! It’s also one of the scariest and most difficult tasks to learn. When it comes to improvisation, it’s important to remember that different musicians improvise in different ways. For this reason, it might be beneficial to seek improvisation advice from a variety of different musicians, your teacher included. After all, what works for one musician might not work for you, and vice versa.

[ – 9 – ]
Some of the best musicians make the mistake of thinking they’ve learned everything they can possibly learn. This is untrue, even of award-winning musicians who sell out the biggest arenas around the world. True artists never stop absorbing knowledge and ideas that enrich their minds. Read, listen, watch, ask questions, and immerse yourself in music whenever possible. Don’t discount unconventional sources of wisdom, either. Always take what you learn in your personal life and see how you can apply it to your life as a musician.

[ – 10 – ]
It can be super tempting to skip out on practicing in favor of spending time with your friends or getting some extra sleep, but always remember that without practice you simply won’t progress. If you’re finding it hard to stay motivated, ask your teacher for some pointers. Most teachers are accustomed to students who lose interest or have difficulty staying dedicated, making them a valuable resource.

[ – 11 – ]
To put it simply, there is no substitute for real-world experience. Look around for some local open-mic nights and try to perform once a week. Some of these specialize in promoting beginner musicians, so you won’t have to worry about being “good enough” to perform. The more you put yourself out there and perform in front of others the more comfortable you’ll become with interacting with a crowd. If you do make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world. Take a deep breath and keep going – the show must go on!

Question

Find the word or phrase in lines 1–15 which means the following
1. become successful
2. situation
3. quickly
4. Technique

Answer the following questions.
5. Why might some musicians hesitate to try improvising?
6. Why is it important that students get guidance about improvisation from a range of people?
7. According to the text, what error is sometimes made even by accomplished musicians?

Choose an appropriate heading from the list that completes each gap in the text.

[ – 8 – ]	A. Make time for rest B. Never stop learning C. Perform regularly D. Find your audience E. Learn the art of spontaneity F. Be a real artist G. Stay committed H. Focus on your weaknesses
[ – 9 – ]
[ – 10 – ]
[ – 11 – ]

What do the following words mean in the text? Choose the appropriate words from the list.

12. Tempting

A. connecting

B. interesting

C. inviting

D. employing

E. supporting

F. playing

13. Promoting

14. Interacting

Answer

1. Target answer: make it

Accept: “make it” / to make it
Do not accept: become a pro.

Text Evidence: “Many new musicians wonder if they have what it takes to make it.”
Explanation: “Make it” means to succeed or become successful, especially in a competitive field like music.

2. Target answer: ball game

Do not accept: The addition of “a whole different”.

Text Evidence: “Making music for fun isn’t so hard, but turning that passion into a career is a whole different ball game.”
Explanation: The idiom “a whole different ball game” means a completely different situation or challenge.

3. Target answer: Overnight

Text Evidence: “A career doesn’t happen overnight.”
Explanation: “Overnight” here means very quickly or suddenly.

4. Target answer: Craft

Text Evidence: “Make small steps to improve your craft each and every day.”
Explanation: “Craft” means a skill or technique you develop through practice.

5. Target answer: (it’s) one of the scariest and most difficult tasks (to learn)

Accept:

Answers referring to either “scariest” or “most difficult”. The idea of it being “one of” must be there.
Other words with the same meaning.

Do not accept: The inclusion of “also”.

Text Evidence: “It’s also one of the scariest and most difficult tasks to learn.”
Explanation: Improvisation is challenging, which makes musicians afraid or hesitant to try.

6. Target answer:

different musicians improvise in different ways
what works for one musician might not work for you
Text Evidence: “Different musicians improvise in different ways... what works for one musician might not work for you, and vice versa.”
Explanation: Because everyone has their own method, learning from various people helps you find what suits your identity as a musician.

7. Target answer: thinking they’ve learned everything (they can possibly learn)

Accept: Other words with the same meaning.
Do not accept: Answers without the idea of “thinking”.

Text evidence: “Some of the best musicians make the mistake of thinking they’ve learned everything they can possibly learn.”
Explanation: The mistake is mental — believing there’s nothing more to learn.

8. E. Learn the art of spontaneity

Text Evidence: “Some professionals spend more time improvising than playing music from a book!”
Explanation: This section is about improvisation, which means learning to be spontaneous. Improvisation is the act of creating something—like a performance, a speech, or a solution—without prior preparation.

9. B. Never stop learning

Text Evidence: “True artists never stop absorbing knowledge and ideas that enrich their minds.”
Explanation: This paragraph encourages continual learning — perfect match.

10. G. Stay committed

Text Evidence: “It can be super tempting to skip out on practicing... without practice you simply won’t progress.”
Explanation: It’s about dedication and motivation — staying committed. Teachers are there to help students stay interested and dedicated.

11. C. Perform regularly

Text Evidence: “Look around for some local open-mic nights and try to perform once a week.”
Explanation: This paragraph is about performing more often and putting yourself out there, even if you are a beginner.

12. C. inviting

Text Evidence: “It can be super tempting to skip out on practicing…”
Explanation: “Tempting” = appealing or inviting, something that attracts you even if it’s not wise.

13. E. supporting

Text Evidence: “Some of these [open-mic nights] specialize in promoting beginner musicians…”
Explanation: Here, “promoting” means helping or supporting new musicians.

14. A. connecting

Text Evidence: “You’ll become more comfortable with interacting with a crowd.”
Explanation: “Interacting” means communicating or connecting with people.

Question 8

Heart emoji: The language of love in the 21st century by University of South Australia

It may not be a Shakespearean sonnet,¹ but the language of love in the 21st century is just as affectionate and meaningful as it ever was, according to University of South Australia linguist, Dr. David Caldwell.

“Romance is alive and well in the digital realm, and that opens new ways of communicating love and affection, different from the traditional handwritten love letter,” Dr. Caldwell says.

“Modern love communication features images (selfies or images of a couple together), emoticons, emojis and memes, and many other combinations of words, sounds, images and animations that, in essence, combine to function as a love letter.

“With digital communications, we also have unprecedented access to each other’s love letters. It is not uncommon for couples to publicly post and or announce their affections.”

Dr. Caldwell says love language today is typically less formal, less poetic, less elaborate and less metaphorical.

“There isn’t much room for comparing your beloved to a summer’s day, at least not as superbly as Shakespeare does in Sonnet 18, but the sentiment is no less loving or meaningful,” he says.

“Today’s love language is more immediate, often a two-way online exchange, likely to be more concise in language form, and can often include ‘youth speak’—abbreviations, acronyms and humour.

“The change perhaps reflects a shift in what we value in a prospective partner’s linguistic repertoire.

“Are we less attracted to a wordsmith than we once were? Does poetic, elaborate, metaphorical language in the context of romance, now feel outdated, excessive, and possibly inauthentic?

“Perhaps today, the value is in a prospective partner’s ability to use digital communicative tools—humour, emojis, memes and the like—to show a mastery of modern life.”

Dr. Caldwell says the current generation are “doing love” quite differently from the romantic stereotype.

“There are no doubt fewer love letters, but online dating is booming.

“The most common written genre people produce for these sites is a kind of information report or auto-biography.

“It is designed to ‘sell’ a person to potential partners. And this commodification of self has specific language patterns, which are often very efficient, and certainly not metaphorical or poetic, like the language patterns of love letters.

“At the end of the day, love is love and people will express their affection in ways that elicit a positive response—and it may be that successful wooing today, relies a lot more on the right emojis than the structural rigours of a sonnet or a haiku².”

¹ sonnet: a form of poem with 14 lines
² haiku: a type of short form poetry originally from Japan

Question

Choose the correct answer.
1. According to Dr. Caldwell, how does the language of love used today compare to that found in Shakespeare’s poetry?
A. It has become more passionate.
B. It still uses very similar vocabulary.
C. It has retained the same qualities.
D. It has become less expressive.

2. Dr. Caldwell thinks that the digital world helps us to…
A. express our romantic feelings creatively.
B. explore personal relationships in depth.
C. understand the contents of intimate love letters.
D. write better love letters by hand.

3. Dr. Caldwell highlights the amount to which…
A. the public can read other people’s communications.
B. couples talk about the feelings of other people.
C. couples post information about their lifestyles.
D. the public take an interest in other couples’ love lives.

Find the words that complete the following sentences. Answer using the words as they appear in paragraphs 5-8.
4. The expressions in love letters used to be much more flowery and poetic when compared with…
5. These days, it seems that no one has the opportunity to express their sentiments…
6. Unlike past generations, lovers today can convey their feelings for each other in a…

What do the following underlined words mean in the text? Choose the appropriate words from the list.

7. elaborate	A. promised B. complex C. extreme D. dishonest E. false F. strong G. interconnected H. potential
8. excessive
9. inauthentic
10. prospective

Choose an appropriate word from the list that completes each gap in the following text.
Dr. Caldwell concludes by saying that [ – 11 – ] the decline of the romantic love letter as a written genre, new kinds of writing for online dating are flourishing. For instance, we see many prospective lovers now producing a business-like autobiographical report [ – 12 – ] their potential partners. [ – 13 – ] this strategy, they expect their readers to react favourably. To achieve this, the modern lover is likely to use emojis [ – 14 – ] poetic or metaphorical language.

11. [ – 11 – ]	A. as well as B. by means of C. concerning D. contrary to E. for F. in spite of G. instead of H. on behalf of
12. [ – 12 – ]
13. [ – 13 – ]
14. [ – 14 – ]

Answer

1. C. It has retained the same qualities.

Text Evidence: “the sentiment is no less loving or meaningful”
Explanation: Dr. Caldwell says modern love language may look different, but the feelings remain just as meaningful.

Why the others are incorrect

A. It has become more passionate → Text never says it is more passionate.
B. It still uses very similar vocabulary. → He says it is less poetic, less metaphorical (different vocabulary).
D. It has become less expressive. → Opposite of the text (“no less loving or meaningful”).

2. A. express our romantic feelings creatively.

Text Evidence: “Modern love communication features images, emojis, memes… that combine to function as a love letter.”
Explanation: This shows creative new forms of expressing affection.

Why the others are incorrect

B. explore personal relationships in depth. → Not mentioned.
C. understand the contents of intimate love letters. → No; he says we have “access,” not “understanding.”
D. write better love letters by hand→ He explicitly contrasts handwritten letters with digital ones.

3. A. the public can read other people’s communications.

Text Evidence “it is not uncommon for couples to publicly post… their affections.”
Explanation: This shows the public can view these displays of love.

Why the others are incorrect

B. couples talk about the feelings of other people. → Not mentioned.
C. couples post information about their lifestyles. → They post affections, not lifestyle.
D. the public take an interest in other couples’ love lives.→ Interest is not discussed.

4. Target answer: love language today

Accept: today’s love language
Do not accept: “love language” without “today”

Text Evidence: “love language today is typically less formal, less poetic, less elaborate…”
Explanation: The contrast is between past expressions and love language today, so this is the only correct phrase.

5. Target answer: as superbly as Shakespeare (does in Sonnet 18) / (as superbly) as Shakespeare does in Sonnet 18

Text Evidence: “There isn’t much room for comparing your beloved to a summer’s day, at least not as superbly as Shakespeare does in Sonnet 18.”
Explanation: This explicitly states modern lovers don’t express sentiments as superbly as Shakespeare.

6. Target answer: two-way online exchange

Text Evidence: “Today’s love language is more immediate, often a two-way online exchange.”
Explanation: This describes the modern method of exchanging affection.

7. B. complex

Text Evidence: “Dr. Caldwell says love language today is typically less formal, less poetic, less elaborate and less metaphorical.”
Explanation: elaborate or intricate → complex

8. C. extreme

Text Evidence: “…poetic, elaborate, metaphorical language… now feel outdated, excessive, and possibly inauthentic?”
Explanation: “Excessive” = too much → extreme

9. E. false

Text Evidence: “…poetic, elaborate, metaphorical language… now feel outdated, excessive, and possibly inauthentic?”
Explanation: “inauthentic” = not genuine → false

10. H. potential

Text Evidence: “a prospective partner’s linguistic repertoire”
Explanation: “prospective partner” → someone who might become a partner → potential

11. F. in spite of

Text Evidence: “There are no doubt fewer love letters, but online dating is booming.”
Explanation: This shows opposition between “decline” and “flourishing.” “In spite of” = even though something is declining, something else is succeeding.

12. E. for

Text Evidence: “…a kind of information report or auto-biography. It is designed to ‘sell’ a person to potential partners.”
Explanation: The biography is written for potential partners.

13. B. by means of

Text Evidence: “…at the end of the day… people will express their affection in ways that elicit a positive response…”
Explanation: The phrase “by means of this strategy” means using this method to get a reaction.

14. G. instead of

Text Evidence: “successful wooing today, relies a lot more on the right emojis than the structural rigours of a sonnet…”
Explanation: lovers use emojis instead of poetic language.