Passage 1

The field of quantum mechanics, which deals with the behavior of matter and energy at the
atomic and subatomic level, has revolutionized our understanding of the universe. One of
the most intriguing phenomena of quantum mechanics is entanglement, where two particles
can become correlated in such a way that the properties of one particle depend on the
properties of the other, even if they are separated by vast distances. This phenomenon has
been confirmed by numerous experiments, but the question of how it works remains a
subject of intense debate among physicists.

One explanation for entanglement is the many-worlds interpretation, which suggests that
every time an event occurs, the universe splits into multiple parallel universes, each
representing a different outcome of that event. According to this interpretation, entangled
particles are linked because they exist in multiple universes at the same time, and their
properties in each universe are correlated.

Another explanation is the hidden variables theory, which suggests that there are unknown
properties of the particles that determine their behavior, but that cannot be observed
directly. According to this theory, the entangled particles are correlated because they share
these hidden variables.

Despite decades of research, the question of which explanation is correct remains

unresolved. Some physicists argue that the many-worlds interpretation is more elegant and
consistent with the principles of quantum mechanics, while others believe that the hidden
variables theory is more plausible. The answer to this question may have profound
implications for our understanding of the nature of reality itself.

1. What is the passage mainly about?

A. The properties of entangled particles
B. The debate about the nature of reality
C. The history of quantum mechanics
D. The behavior of matter and energy at the atomic level
E. The scientific experiments confirming entanglement

2. Which of the following is a possible explanation for entanglement?

A. Entangled particles exist in multiple universes at the same time
B. Entangled particles are linked by a hidden force
C. Entangled particles are connected by a physical thread
D. Entangled particles have the same properties
E. Entangled particles are the result of random chance

3. What is the many-worlds interpretation?

A. The idea that entangled particles share hidden variables
B. The theory that every event creates multiple parallel universes
C. The belief that entanglement is the result of a physical connection
D. The notion that entangled particles have identical properties
E. The hypothesis that there is no explanation for entanglement

4. What is the hidden variables theory?

A. The idea that entangled particles exist in multiple universes
B. The belief that entangled particles are connected by a physical thread
C. The theory that there are unknown properties of particles that determine their behavior
D. The notion that entangled particles have identical properties
E. The hypothesis that there is no explanation for entanglement

5. What is the implication of the unresolved debate about the nature of entanglement?
A. It could change our understanding of the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic
level
B. It could lead to a new theory of quantum mechanics
C. It could affect our understanding of the nature of reality
D. It could result in the discovery of new particles
E. It could lead to the development of new technologies

6. What is the primary purpose of the passage?

A. To describe the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic level
B. To explain the phenomenon of entanglement
C. To compare and contrast the many-worlds interpretation and the hidden variables theory
D. To argue for the superiority of the many-worlds interpretation
E. To present evidence for the existence of entangled particles

7. Based on the passage, which of the following statements is true?

A. The many-worlds interpretation and the hidden variables theory are mutually exclusive.
B. The behavior of entangled particles has been fully understood by physicists.
C. The many-worlds interpretation is more widely accepted than the hidden variables
theory.
D. The implications of the debate about entanglement are limited to the field of quantum
mechanics.
E. The explanation for entanglement is likely to be found in new technologies.

Passage 2

The anthropogenic activities in the 21st century have had significant impacts on the natural
environment. Climate change, pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity are some of
the most evident results of human actions on the planet. Among these factors, climate
change is the most worrisome, as it is happening at an unprecedented rate and has severe
consequences for ecosystems and human societies. The increase in greenhouse gases,
mainly carbon dioxide, caused by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation is the main
driver of climate change. The most affected regions are the polar areas, where the ice is
melting at an alarming rate, and the coastal areas, where sea level rise threatens the
existence of entire communities.

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, a set of policies and strategies have been
proposed, ranging from reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency,
transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing carbon taxes, and enhancing
nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and ecosystem restoration. However, these
solutions face significant challenges, such as lack of political will, economic interests, and
social resistance, among others. Moreover, the impacts of climate change are not evenly
distributed, as vulnerable communities, such as low-income and indigenous populations, are
disproportionally affected by its consequences.

Despite the challenges, the urgency to address climate change requires immediate and
concerted actions from all sectors of society. The scientific community plays a crucial role in
providing evidence-based knowledge and solutions to policymakers and the public.
However, science alone cannot solve the climate crisis, as it requires a profound
transformation of the economic, social, and political systems that drive human activities. A
just and sustainable transition towards a low-carbon society is needed to ensure a livable
future for current and future generations.

What is the primary focus of the passage?

A) The impacts of anthropogenic activities on the natural environment
B) The need for a just and sustainable transition towards a low-carbon society
C) The challenges of implementing climate change mitigation policies
D) The role of the scientific community in addressing climate change
E) The consequences of climate change for ecosystems and human societies

Which of the following is not mentioned as a consequence of anthropogenic activities on the

planet?
A) Climate change
B) Pollution
C) Deforestation
D) Increase in biodiversity
E) Loss of biodiversity

According to the passage, what is the main driver of climate change?

A) Deforestation
B) Increase in biodiversity
C) Greenhouse gas emissions
D) Energy efficiency
E) Carbon taxes

What is the main challenge facing the implementation of climate change mitigation policies?
A) Lack of scientific evidence
B) Economic interests
C) Political will
D) Social acceptance
E) Availability of renewable energy sources

What is the main recommendation proposed in the passage to mitigate the impacts of
climate change?
A) Enhancing nature-based solutions
B) Increasing energy efficiency
C) Implementing carbon taxes
D) Transitioning to renewable energy sources
E) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Which of the following is not mentioned as a vulnerable community affected by climate
change?
A) Low-income populations
B) Indigenous populations
C) Coastal communities
D) Polar regions inhabitants
E) Elderly populations

According to the passage, what is needed to ensure a livable future for current and future
generations?
A) An immediate and concerted action from all sectors of society
B) A profound transformation of the economic, social, and political systems that drive
human activities
C) A technological breakthrough in energy production
D) A shift towards individual responsibility and lifestyle changes
E) A reduction in population growth

Passage 3

Tardigrades are tiny, eight-legged animals that are found all over the world, from the Arctic
to the Antarctic. Despite their small size, they are remarkably resilient and can survive in
extreme conditions that would kill most other living creatures. Researchers have found
tardigrades in the vacuum of space, in boiling water, and even in the icy depths of
Antarctica. These tiny animals are also able to survive dehydration, radiation, and even the
vacuum of space.

Scientists have been studying tardigrades for years, trying to understand how they are able
to survive in such extreme conditions. One theory is that tardigrades are able to enter a
state of suspended animation, which allows them to survive without food or water for long
periods of time. Another theory is that tardigrades have a unique ability to repair their DNA,
which helps them to survive in environments with high levels of radiation.

In addition to their resilience, tardigrades are also known for their unusual appearance.
They have round, bulbous bodies and eight short, stubby legs. Tardigrades are also covered
in tiny, hair-like structures called setae, which help them to move around and cling to
surfaces. Despite their unusual appearance, tardigrades are an important part of many
ecosystems and are often found in mosses, lichens, and other types of plant material.

What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Tardigrades are tiny, eight-legged animals that are found all over the world.
B. Tardigrades are able to survive in extreme conditions that would kill most other living
creatures.
C. Scientists have been studying tardigrades for years, trying to understand how they are
able to survive in extreme conditions.
D. Tardigrades have a unique ability to repair their DNA, which helps them to survive in
environments with high levels of radiation.
E. Tardigrades are an important part of many ecosystems and are often found in mosses,
lichens, and other types of plant material.

According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a condition that tardigrades are able
to survive in?
A. The vacuum of space
B. Boiling water
C. Dehydration
D. The icy depths of Antarctica
E. The vacuum of space

What is one theory about how tardigrades are able to survive in extreme conditions?
A. Tardigrades have a unique ability to repair their DNA.
B. Tardigrades are able to enter a state of suspended animation.
C. Tardigrades are covered in tiny, hair-like structures called setae.
D. Tardigrades are often found in mosses, lichens, and other types of plant material.
E. Tardigrades have round, bulbous bodies and eight short, stubby legs.

According to the passage, what is the purpose of scientists studying tardigrades?

A. To understand how they are able to survive in extreme conditions.
B. To learn about their unusual appearance.
C. To determine their role in various ecosystems.
D. To study their DNA repair mechanism.
E. To understand how they move around and cling to surfaces.

Which of the following best describes the appearance of tardigrades?

A. They have long, thin bodies and six legs.
B. They have round, bulbous bodies and eight short, stubby legs.
C. They are covered in feathers and have beaks for eating.
D. They are completely transparent and have no visible features.
E. They are covered in scales and have long tails for swimming.

Based on the information in the passage, which of the following is true about tardigrades?
A. They are found only in specific ecosystems.
B. They are able to survive in environments with high levels of radiation.
C. They are unable to repair their DNA, which makes them vulnerable to radiation.
D. They are not important for any ecosystems and do not have any ecological roles.
E. They have a similar appearance to other eight-legged animals found in extreme
environments.

Which of the following is a characteristic that sets tardigrades apart from other animals?
A. Their ability to fly in the vacuum of space.
B. Their large size compared to other eight-legged animals.
C. Their ability to repair their DNA in environments with high levels of radiation.
D. Their lack of setae, which makes it difficult for them to move around.
E. Their unique ability to enter a state of suspended animation.
Passage 4

The term "post-truth" has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the Oxford
English Dictionary declaring it the word of the year in 2016. It refers to a situation in which
emotions and personal beliefs are valued more highly than objective facts when making
decisions or forming opinions. This phenomenon is not unique to any one area, but has been
observed in politics, journalism, and even in scientific research.

One of the major causes of the post-truth era is the rise of social media and its impact on
the way people consume news. Social media algorithms are designed to show users content
that is most likely to keep them engaged, which often means content that confirms their
existing beliefs or biases. This can create echo chambers, where people only see information
that supports their views, and they are less likely to encounter contrasting perspectives or
new information that challenges their beliefs.

Another factor contributing to the post-truth era is the decline of trust in traditional sources
of information, such as government institutions, mainstream media, and scientific
authorities. This decline in trust has been fueled by incidents of misinformation and
propaganda, as well as accusations of bias or corruption. When people no longer trust these
sources of information, they may turn to alternative sources that align with their beliefs,
even if those sources are not based on facts or evidence.

The post-truth era has serious implications for democratic societies, as it can undermine the
public's ability to make informed decisions and hold leaders accountable. It also has
implications for scientific research, as it can lead to the rejection of established scientific
facts in favor of alternative beliefs or conspiracy theories. Addressing the post-truth era will
require a multifaceted approach that involves improving media literacy, promoting critical
thinking, and restoring trust in traditional sources of information.

What is the post-truth era?

A. A situation in which emotions and personal beliefs are valued more highly than objective
facts when making decisions or forming opinions.
B. A political era marked by the use of misinformation and propaganda to manipulate public
opinion.
C. A scientific era in which established facts are frequently challenged by alternative beliefs
or conspiracy theories.
D. A journalistic era in which sensationalism and entertainment value are prioritized over
accuracy and integrity.
E. A social media era characterized by the overuse of filters and photo editing software to
create false images.

What is the impact of social media on the post-truth era?

A. It creates echo chambers where people only see information that supports their views.
B. It promotes critical thinking and media literacy among its users.
C. It encourages users to seek out contrasting perspectives and new information that
challenges their beliefs.
D. It promotes the use of objective facts and evidence in decision-making and opinion-
forming.
E. It has no impact on the post-truth era.
What is one of the major causes of the post-truth era?
A. The rise of social media and its impact on the way people consume news.
B. The decline of trust in traditional sources of information.
C. The prioritization of entertainment value over accuracy and integrity in journalism.
D. The overuse of filters and photo editing software to create false images.
E. The rejection of established scientific facts in favor of alternative beliefs or conspiracy
theories.

What is the implication of the post-truth era for democratic societies?

A. It can undermine the public's ability to make informed decisions and hold leaders
accountable.
B. It can lead to the rejection of established scientific facts in favor of alternative beliefs or
conspiracy theories.
C. It can result in a decline in media literacy and critical thinking skills.
D. It can promote the use of objective facts and evidence in decision-making and opinion-
forming.
E. It has no implications for democratic societies.

Which of the following best describes the author's attitude towards the subject of the
passage?

A) Indifferent
B) Disapproving
C) Inquisitive
D) Pessimistic
E) Appreciative

The passage mentions that the research on this subject is still ongoing. Which of the
following is a possible reason why this research has not been conclusive?

A) There is not enough funding for the research.

B) The subject is too complex to be fully understood.
C) There is disagreement among researchers about the methodology.
D) There is no agreement on the definition of key terms.
E) All of the above are possible reasons why research on this subject has not been
conclusive.

Which of the following best summarizes the main argument presented in the passage?

A) Scientists have yet to fully understand the complexities of this subject.

B) Research has conclusively proven that this subject is detrimental to human health.
C) The benefits of studying this subject far outweigh any potential negative consequences.
D) Public policy should be changed to restrict access to this subject.
E) The scientific community is divided on the potential risks and benefits of this subject.

Passage 5:
In recent years, the concept of "food miles" has gained popularity among environmentally
conscious consumers. Food miles refer to the distance that food must travel from the place
it was grown to the place it is consumed. The idea behind the concept is that buying locally
produced food will reduce the amount of energy required to transport it, and therefore
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

While it is true that buying locally produced food can reduce food miles, the concept is not
as simple as it may seem. For example, a study conducted in the UK found that the amount
of greenhouse gas emissions produced by transporting Kenyan green beans to the UK was
actually lower than the emissions produced by growing the same beans in the UK during the
winter months. This is because the beans grown in Kenya required less energy to grow due
to the more favorable growing conditions, which outweighed the emissions produced by
transport.

Furthermore, the concept of food miles does not take into account other factors that may
impact the environment, such as the production methods used to grow the food. For
example, a locally produced organic carrot may require more energy to grow than a
conventionally produced carrot that was transported from a distant location.

Overall, while reducing food miles can be a positive step towards reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, it is important to consider all factors that impact the environment when making
food purchasing decisions.

What is the concept of "food miles"?

A) The number of miles a person walks to buy food

B) The amount of miles a person must travel to buy food
C) The distance food must travel from the place it was grown to the place it is consumed
D) The amount of miles a person must drive to buy food
E) The number of miles a person must bike to buy food

According to the passage, what is the idea behind the concept of food miles?

A) To reduce the amount of energy required to transport food

B) To encourage consumers to buy more locally produced food
C) To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
D) A and B only
E) A, B, and C

According to the passage, what did a study conducted in the UK find about the amount of
greenhouse gas emissions produced by transporting Kenyan green beans to the UK?

A) The emissions were higher than growing the beans in the UK during the winter months
B) The emissions were lower than growing the beans in the UK during the winter months
C) The emissions were the same as growing the beans in the UK during the winter months
D) The study did not find any difference in greenhouse gas emissions between the two
scenarios
E) The study did not address greenhouse gas emissions
What does the passage suggest about the impact of production methods on the
environment?

A) Production methods have no impact on the environment

B) Conventionally produced food is always better for the environment than organic food
C) Organic food is always better for the environment than conventionally produced food
D) The impact of production methods on the environment should be considered in addition
to food miles
E) Production methods are the only factor that should be considered when making food
purchasing decisions

What is the main point the author is trying to make in the passage?

A) The concept of food miles is a flawed metric for evaluating the environmental impact of
food
B) All food should be locally produced to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
C) Consumers should only buy organic food to reduce their environmental impact
D) The production methods used to grow food have no impact on the environment
E) Buying locally produced food is always better for the environment than buying food that
has been transported long distances

What is the primary function of the molecule described in the passage?

A. To catalyze chemical reactions
B. To store genetic information
C. To provide structural support to cells
D. To transmit signals between neurons
E. To regulate gene expression

Which of the following statements would the author most likely agree with?
A. Gene editing technologies will have a detrimental effect on the future of humanity.
B. The use of alternative energy sources will completely replace the need for fossil fuels in
the near future.
C. The study of social networks can provide valuable insights into human behavior.
D. Capitalism is inherently flawed and must be replaced with a different economic system.
E. The development of artificial intelligence will inevitably lead to the destruction of
humanity.

Passage 6: