In the US, consumers spend around $700 million a year keeping their fabrics soft.

In the UK people
spend £200 million a year on fabric softener. A giant manufacturer even claims a massive 50 percent
share of the market. Despite the popularity, fabric softeners can be harmful to both the people who use
them and the marine life that ends up swimming in them.

Fabric softening surfactants can be derived from animals, plants or minerals, as in the case of newer,
silicone-based formulations. There is little difference between the chemicals used in fabric softeners and
those used in hair conditioners. Whatever they are based on, all fabric softeners work in pretty much the
same way, by depositing these surfactants onto the fabric to make it feel softer, reduce static cling, and
impart a fresh fragrance.

Special fixatives in the mix of both standard and luxury conditioners mean that the fragrance can last for
days, permeating wardrobes and drawers. The regular off-gassing of perfume chemicals from fabric
softeners can be a significant trigger for asthma and other breathing problems. In the US, chemically
sensitive individuals complain that, even after several washes, they cannot get the smell of fabric
softeners out of their washing machines and dryers.

If you are a fabric softener addict, there are now a number of companies that provide alternative and
‘green’ fabric softeners. However, essentially, these are unnecessary products that can trigger health
problems and can interfere with the functional aspect of some textiles. For instance, when used on
towels and nappies, some fabric softeners can reduce absorbency, which is why it’s generally
recommended that reusable nappies aren’t washed with them. Once they are washed down the drain
they can become highly toxic to aquatic life. Given this, maybe it’s worth asking yourself whether the
time has come to break the fabric softener habit completely.

1. What does the passage mainly talk about?

A. The downside of fabric softener usage
B. The popularity of fabric softener in the US
C. Harmful compounds found in fabric softener
D. Controlling the habit of using fabric softener
E. Environmental issues caused by fabric softener

Pembahasan General

Jawaban: A

Pembahasan:

Soal menanyakan gagasan utama dari teks. Untuk menentukan gagasan utama keseluruhan teks,
gagasan utama dari setiap paragraf perlu dipahami terlebih dulu.

Paragraf 1 menyampaikan bahwa meskipun banyak digunakan, pelembut kain bisa berbahaya bagi
orang yang menggunakannya dan kehidupan laut.
Paragraf 2 membahas mengenai senyawa kimia (surfaktan) yang terkandung dalam pelembut kain dan
caranya bekerja.

Paragraf 3 membahas wewangian pada pelembut kain yang dapat menjadi pemicu yang signifikan
masalah pernapasan.

Paragraf 4 membahas tentang penggunaan pelembut kain yang dianggap tidak perlu karena
membahayakan kesehatan manusia dan kehidupan laut.

Secara keseluruhan, dapat dipahami bahwa gagasan utama teks tersebut adalah sisi negatif dari
penggunaan pelembut kain seperti gangguan pernafasan dan potensi kerusakan di kehidupan laut.
Dengan demikian, pilihan A tepat.

2. The word permeating in the third paragraph is similar in meaning with ….

A. filling
B. soaking
C. charging
D. attaining
E. absorbing

Soal tersebut menanyakan kata yang maknanya sama dengan kata permeating.

Kata permeating terdapat pada paragraf ketiga kalimat pertama, yang artinya 'Fiksatif khusus dalam
campuran kondisioner standar dan mewah yang berarti bahwa wewangian dapat bertahan selama
berhari-hari, permeating lemari dan laci'. Jika wangi dalam bertahan lama, maka dapat dipahami jika
wangi tersebut sudah mengisi atau meresap ke dalam lemari dan laci. Kata permeating memiliki arti
'meresap' sehingga kata dengan makna yang serupa adalah filling (mengisi). Dengan demikian, pilihan A
tepat.

3. Based on the passage, it can be hypothesized that …

A. 'Green' softeners are developed in response to the needs of fabric softener addicts.
B. Manufactures will shift to producing 'green' fabric softener products.
C. A small amount of fabric softener chemicals in the water will not harm aquatic life.
D. The absorbency in some textiles will be reduced if they are washed with fabric softeners.
E. People with breathing problems will feel safer using fabric softener if it contains fewer
perfume chemicals.

Pembahasan General

PREMIUM

Soal tersebut menanyakan hipotesis atau kesimpulan sementara yang bisa dibuat berdasarkan teks
tersebut. Kesimpulan tersebut masih perlu dibuktikan kebenarannya melalui penelitian. Pilihan E (Orang
dengan masalah pernapasan akan merasa lebih aman menggunakan pelembut kain jika mengandung
lebih sedikit bahan kimia parfum.) tepat. Pada paragraf 3 dijelaskan bahwa bahan kimia parfum dari
pelembut kain dapat menjadi pemicu asma dan masalah pernafasan lainnya. Dari pernyataan ini dapat
dibuat hipotesis (kesimpulan sementara), yaitu jika pelembut kain mengandung lebih sedikit bahan
kimia parfum, maka akan memperkecil kemungkinan timbulnya masalah pernafasan sehingga membuat
mereka yang memiliki masalah pernafasan akan merasa lebih aman menggunakannya.

Jadi, pilihan jawaban yang tepat Adalah E

The United Nations predicts Earth will have to feed another 2.3 billion people by 2050, mostly
concentrated in urban centers far from farmland. Conventional agriculture may not be able to meet that
demand, but luckily NASA has been working for decades to tackle food production both on Earth and in
space. Feeding astronauts during long-term space exploration means stretching resources to grow
plants in space—including minimizing water use and energy consumption and eliminating soil.

NASA initially pioneered these techniques on the ground by building the country’s first vertical farm.
Inside a decommissioned hypobaric chamber left over from testing the Mercury space capsule,
technologists stacked rows of hydroponic trays like bookshelves against the walls. Then systems for
lighting, ventilation, and circulating water were added using off-the-shelf parts. Various crops were
planted on the stacked trays to test how well they would grow in water and without the benefit of
sunlight or open air. This innovative approach to farming created a foundation for the industry of
controlled environment agriculture, or CEA.

CEA combines plant science and environmental control to optimize plant growth and maximize
efficiency, frequently incorporating vertical growth structures. Technology enables the filtering of
contaminants from crop water and delivers precise nutrient balances. Artificial lighting provides only the
necessary wavelengths at the right time, intensity, and duration, while environmental controls maintain
ideal temperature and humidity. This approach could help feed burgeoning future generations, said
Nate Storey, chief science officer at Plenty Unlimited, one of several companies building on NASA’s
plant-growth research.

4. It is stated in the passage that …

A. The world will run out of food by 2050 according to the United Nations.
B. NASA has maximized a farming method requiring a little water.
C. NASA is taking over conventional agriculture to address future food demands.
D. To improve plant development, plant science must be integrated with vertical growth
structures.
E. NASA's innovative approach pioneered the establishment of a controlled environment
agriculture industry.

pembahasan

a. The world will run out of food by 2050 according to the United Nations.

(Dunia akan kehabisan makanan pada tahun 2050 menurut PBB.)

tidak tepat.
 Pada paragraf pertama kalimat pertama disampaikan bahwa menurut PBB, pada tahun 2050 bumi
membutuhkan makanan untuk tambahan 2.3 miliar penduduknya. Hal tersebut bukan berarti kita akan
kehabisan makanan pada tahun 2050.

b. NASA has maximized a farming method requiring a little water.

Penjelasan:

Pilihan B

(NASA telah memaksimalkan metode bercocok tanam yang membutuhkan sedikit air.)

tepat.

Pada paragraf pertama kalimat ketiga disebutkan bahwa dalam memberi makan astronot selama
eksplorasi ruang angkasa jangka panjang, NASA memaksimalkan sumber daya untuk menumbuhkan
tanaman di luar angkasa—termasuk meminimalkan penggunaan air dan konsumsi energi serta
menghilangkan tanah.

c.NASA is taking over conventional agriculture to address future food demands.

Penjelasan:

Pilihan C

(NASA mengambil alih pertanian konvensional untuk memenuhi permintaan pangan di masa depan.)

tidak tepat.

Tidak ada informasi pada teks yang menunjukkan bahwa NASA mengambil alih pertanian konvensional.
Informasi pada paragraf pertama hanya menyebutkan bahwa NASA selama ini telah melakukan kegiatan
pertanian atau agrikultur di luar pertanian konvensional.

d.To improve plant development, plant science must be integrated with vertical growth structures.

Penjelasan:

Pilihan D

(Untuk meningkatkan perkembangan tanaman, ilmu tanaman harus diintegrasikan dengan struktur
pertumbuhan vertikal.)

tidak tepat.

Pada kalimat pertama paragraf terakhir disampaikan bahwa ilmu tanamansering kali digabungkan
dengan struktur pertumbuhan vertikal. Hal tersebut tidak menunjukkan bahwa keduanya harus selalu
digabungkan.
e. NASA's innovative approach pioneered the establishment of a controlled environment agriculture
industry.

Penjelasan:

Pilihan E

(Pendekatan inovatif NASA memelopori pembentukan industri pertanian lingkungan yang terkendali.)

tidak tepat.

Kaitan antara langkah inovatif NASA dengan the industry of controlled environment agriculture (CEA)
dibahas di paragraf kedua kalimat terakhir. Pada paragraf tersebut, disebutkan bahwa langkah inovatif
NASA hanya menciptakan landasan bagi CEA sehingga tidak tepat jika dikatakan bahwa langkah tersebut
merupakan cikal bakal didirikannya CEA

5. Regarding the role of NASA in producing food, we know that …

A. The more farming techniques NASA uses, the less energy it requires
B. The greater the space exploration is carried out, the more number of astronauts that must
be fed.
C. The more people requiring food, the more maximum NASA's agricultural technology will be.
D. The longer the space expedition is, the more NASA optimizes its farming resources.
E. The more maximum NASA farming technology becomes, the less traditional farming will be
required.

Pembahasan General

PREMIUM

Informasi mengenai peranan NASA dalam memproduksi makanan terdapat paragraf pertama. Pada
kalimat kedua disampaikan bahwa NASA selama ini telah melakukan kegiatan pertanian untuk
memenuhi pasokan makanan baik di bumi dan luar angkasa. Pada kalimat ketiga disampaikan
bahwa eksplorasi ruang angkasa yang panjang telah mendorong NASA untuk memaksimalkan sistem
pertanian mereka demi menyediakan makanan bagi para astronot. Dengan demikian, pernyataan yang
tepat adalah

The longer the space expedition is, the more NASA optimizes its farming resources. (Semakin lama
ekspedisi luar angkasa yang dilakukan, semakin NASA memaksimalkan sumber daya pertanian mereka).

6. From the first paragraph, it can be predicted that …

A. NASA will be more concerned with food production in space than with food production on
Earth.
B. The United Nations estimates that Earth will have to feed billions of people for a decade.
C. The most crucial aspect of long-term space exploration will be astronaut nutrition.
 D. Conventional agriculture will succeed in feeding astronauts if it is combined with NASA's
techniques.
E. In the future, there will not be enough land for conventional agriculture.

Pembahasan General

a. NASA will be more concerned with food production in space than with food production on
Earth.

Penjelasan:

(NASA akan lebih memfokuskan produksi makanan di luar angkasa daripada produksi makanan di Bumi)

tidak tepat.

Kalimat kedua paragraf pertama menyampaikan bahwa NASA telah bekerja selama beberapa dekade
untuk menangani produksi makanan baik di Bumi maupun di luar angkasa

b. The United Nations estimates that Earth will have to feed billions of people for a decade.

Penjelasan:

(PBB memperkirakan bahwa Bumi harus menyediakan pangan untuk miliaran orang selama satu
dekade)

tidak tepat

Paragraf pertama hanya menyebutkan bahwa Bumi harus menyediakan pangan untuk miliaran orang
pada tahun 2050.Tidak ada pernyataan yang mendasari prediksi bahwa pemberian pangan tersebut
akan berlangsung selama satu decade.

c. The most crucial aspect of long-term space exploration will be astronaut nutrition.

Penjelasan:

(Nutrisi astronot akan menjadi aspek terpenting dari eksplorasi ruang angkasa jangka panjang)

tidak tepat.

Kalimat terakhir paragraf pertama memang menunjukkan bahwa pemaksimalan sistem pertanian NASA
dilakukan dalam rangka memberi makan astronot dalam eksplorasi jangka panjang luar angkasa, tetapi
tidak dapat diprediksi bahwa pangan astronot akan menjadi hal terpenting dalam eksplorasi tersebut.

d. Conventional agriculture will succeed in feeding astronauts if it is combined with NASA's

techniques.

Penjelasan:
(Pertanian konvensional akan berhasil menyediakan pangan untuk astronot jika dikombinasikan dengan
teknik NASA)

tidak tepat

Pada paragraf pertama tidak terdapat informasi bahwa pertanian konvensional ditujukan untuk
menyediakan pangan astronot, dan tidak disebutkan juga tentang penggabungan metode pertanian
konvensional dengan metode pertanian NASA

e. In the future, there will not be enough land for conventional agriculture.

Penjelasan:

(Di masa depan, tidak akan ada cukup lahan untuk pertanian konvensional.)

tepat

Pada kalimat kedua paragraf pertama disampaikan tentang kemungkinan pertanian konvensional yang
tidak dapat memenuhi kebutuhan pangan pada tahun 2050, dan beruntung NASA telah
mengembangkan metode lain, di antaranya adalah tidak memerlukan tanah.Dengan demikian, dapat
diprediksi bahwa keterbatasan lahan akan membuat pertanian konvensional tidak dapat memenuhi
kebutuhan pangan pada tahun 2050

7. How is the second paragraph related to the first paragraph?

A. Paragraph 2 exemplifies kinds of agricultural progress discussed in paragraph 1.
B. The vertical farm described in paragraph 1 is explained in detail in paragraph 2.
C. The second paragraph expands on the first paragraph's discussion of NASA's agricultural
method.
D. The second paragraph explains further the issues raised in the first paragraph regarding food
demands in 2050.
E. The success of the NASA farming practices mentioned in the first paragraph is reiterated in
the second paragraph.

Pembahasan General

Soal tersebut menanyakan hubungan antara paragraf 2 dan paragraf 1.

Paragraf 1 menyampaikan tentang kebutuhan pangan dunia tahun 2050 yang kemungkinan tidak dapat
dipenuhi oleh sistem pertanian biasa. Beruntung NASA telah mengembangkan metode pertanian lain
yang tidak sanggup dipenuhi oleh pertanian konvensional seperti meminimalisir penggunaan air.

Paragraf 2 menjelaskan lebih jauh mengenai metode pertanian tersebut, yang dinamakan vertical farm.
Supply chain weaknesses were brought to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for
industries relying on electronics, as the flow of raw materials slowed or sometimes stopped. On top of
that, shifting consumer values and tougher environmental regulations have resulted in more people
buying hybrid vehicles. The batteries in these cars require rare metals that, depending on their supplies,
can have volatile and unpredictable prices. However, there are other scarce elements and materials that
may be used in smaller amounts in hybrid models versus conventional gas vehicles, raising the question
of how these vehicles really compare with regard to supply chain vulnerabilities. Randolph Kirchain and
colleagues wanted to develop a comprehensive comparison of the elements and compounds that go
into all the parts in gas-powered, self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars, calculating each of the
three vehicles' materials cost vulnerability.

The researchers collected information on the compounds in the more than 350,000 parts used to
build seven vehicles from the same manufacturer with different levels of electrification, including four
sedans and three sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Then, they calculated the amount of the 76 chemical
elements present, as well as a few other materials, in each car type. To develop a monetary metric for
vulnerability, the team considered the weight of each component, along with its average price and price
volatility between 1998 and 2015. The results showed that self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid
vehicles have twice the raw material cost risks. The largest contributors to the increase in cost risks were
battery-related elements, such as cobalt, nickel, graphite and neodymium. The researchers say that as
manufacturers ramp up electric vehicle production to meet demand, reducing raw material cost risks
with long-term supplier contracts, substituting some materials or recycling others will be a good idea.

8. The author would apparently agree that the relationship between environmental regulations
and the purchase of hybrid vehicles in paragraph 1 is similar to the phenomenon of ....
A. cars and traffic
B. oil and gas stations
C. people and vehicles
D. gasoline and transportation
E. modern life and electric cars

Pembahasan General

PREMIUM

Soal tersebut menanyakan analogi yang tepat dari hubungan antara peraturan lingkungan dan
pembelian mobil hibrida.

Informasi yang berkaitan dengan hal tersebut terdapat di paragraf pertama kalimat kedua. Pada kalimat
tersebut, dikatakan bahwa peraturan lingkungan menyebabkan masyarakat membeli mobil hibrida.
Analogi yang digunakan di sini adalah analogi sebab akibat. Dengan demikian, analogi yang tepat adalah
antara cars dan traffic karena mobil menyebabkan kemacetan sehingga pilihan A tepat.
Exercise is painful. As the cliché goes, “No pain, no gain.” When the body exerts itself, pumping action
out of muscles to tear them down and build their mass, it’s left with a soreness. Doctors, coaches, and
mothers all recommend heat for tense sore muscles—warm baths, moist towels, hot-water bottles, or
heated pads as thermotherapy techniques. But how exactly does applying this heat help the pain and
relax the muscles?

While exercising, the body requires more energy than it can produce through aerobic respiration, or
the intake of oxygen. To create enough energy for vigorous movement, the body goes through another
process: anaerobic respiration. This type of energy production burns sugars without oxygen, producing
lactic acid within exerted muscles. Overworked muscles and a buildup of lactic acid are what cause the
pain associated with exercising. When heat is applied to a sore area of the body, blood vessels widen
and blood flow increases to transport excess lactic acid and other toxins away from tired muscles. These
muscles are also made more elastic by the heat, and nerve endings are stimulated to block pain signals.

9. What is the purpose of the underlined sentence in paragraph 1?

A. highlight the process of muscle building during exercise
B. illustrate the cliché related to exercise and pain
C. explain the sources of pain while exercising
D. show the process of soreness on muscles
E. define the cliché “No pain, no gain”

Pembahasan General

PREMIUM

Soal menanyakan tujuan penulisan kalimat bergaris bawah yang terdapat pada paragraf pertama.

Terjemahan kalimat tersebut adalah ketika tubuh berolah raga, menuntut otot untuk bekerja keras dan
mambangun massa, tubuh akan terasa nyeri. Dengan kata lain, kalimat tersebut bertujuan
mengilustrasikan ungkapan “No pain, no gain,” yang berarti 'Tidak ada pengorbanan, tidak ada hasil.’
(Pilihan B). Pengorbanan yang dimaksud diilustrasikan dengan rasa nyeri pada tubuh dan hasil
diilustrasikan dengan pembentukan massa otot

A team led by UC Riverside geologists has discovered the first ancestor on the family tree that contains
most familiar animals today, including humans. The tiny, wormlike creature, named Ikaria wariootia, is
the earliest bilaterian, or organism with a front and back, two symmetrical sides, and openings at either
end connected by a gut. The paper is published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences.

For 15 years, scientists agreed that fossilized burrows found in 555 million-year-old Ediacaran Period
deposits in Nilpena, South Australia, were made by bilaterians. However, there was no sign of the
creature that made the burrows, leaving scientists with nothing but speculation. Then, Scott Evans, a
recent doctoral graduate from UC Riverside; and Mary Droser, a professor of geology, noticed miniscule,
oval impressions near some of these burrows. With funding from a NASA exobiology grant, they used a
three-dimensional laser scanner that revealed the regular, consistent shape of a cylindrical body with a
distinct head and tail and faintly grooved musculature. The animal ranged between 2-7 millimeters long
and about 1-2.5 millimeters wide, with the largest the size and shape of a grain of rice -- just the right
size to have made the burrows.

"We thought these animals should have existed during this interval, but always understood they
would be difficult to recognize," Evans said. "Once we had the 3D scans, we knew that we had made an
important discovery."

10. What is the main idea of the passage?

A. the descendant on the family tree of familiar animals found in Australia
B. a team led by UC Riverside geologists
C. Australian geologists finding most animals
D. the small ancestor of familiar animals identified in Australia
E. the geologists’ discovery of a worm in Australia

Pembahasan General

a. the descendant on the family tree of familiar animals found in Australia

Penjelasan:

terdapat kata The descendant yang berarti 'keturunan'. Hal tersebut merupakan antonim dari kata
ancestor yang berarti 'leluhur'.

b. a team led by UC Riverside geologists

Penjelasan:

yang menjadi fokus pada kedua pilihan tersebut adalah tim ahli geologi yang melakukan penemuan.

c. Australian geologists finding most animals

Penjelasan:

yang menjadi fokus pada kedua pilihan tersebut adalah tim ahli geologi yang melakukan penemuan.

d. the small ancestor of familiar animals identified in Australia

Penjelasan:

karena pernyataan tersebut sesuai dengan yang disampaikan pada teks bacaan.

e. the geologists’ discovery of a worm in Australia

Penjelasan:
makhluk yang ditemukan bukanlah seekor worm(cacing), tetapi makhluk seperti cacing . Informasinya
terdapat pada kalimat kedua paragraf pertama.

11. The purpose of the passage is ….

A. to announce how great a team of geologists is
B. to deliver the information about several ancestors
C. to advertise an ancient animal found in Australia
D. to inform the readers about the important discovery
E. to reveal the sophisticated new science technology

Pembahasan General

Soal menanyakan tujuan penulisan teks bacaan tersebut.

Teks tersebut memberikan informasi mengenai penemuan Ikaria wariootia, nenek moyang dari
sebagian besar binatang yang ada saat ini yang dianggap sebagai sebuah penemuan yang penting.
Dengan demikian, tujuan teks tersebut adalah memberikan informasi kepada pembaca mengenai
penemuan penting sehingga pilihan D tepat

Television was once the newest technology in our homes, and then came videos and computers. Today’s
children are growing up in a rapidly changing digital age that is far different from their parents. A variety
of technologies are all around us in our homes, offices, and schools. When used wisely, technology and
media can support learning children’s relationships both with adults and their peers.

Based on some evidence by research, there has never been a more important time to apply principles
of development and learning when considering the use of cutting-edge technologies and new media as
the so-called interactive media. Interactive media refers to digital and analog materials, including
software programs, applications (apps), some children’s television programming, e-books, the Internet,
and other forms of content designed to facilitate active and creative use by young children and to
encourage social engagement with other children and adults.

When the integration of technology and interactive media in early childhood programs is built upon
solid developmental foundations, and early childhood professionals are aware of both the challenges
and the opportunities, educators are positioned to improve program quality by intentionally leveraging
the potential of technology and media for the benefit of every child.

This statement provides guidance for early childhood educators about the use of technology and
interactive media in ways that can optimize opportunities for young children’s development. In this
statement, the definition of technology tools encompasses a broad range of digital devices such as
computers, tablets, multi-touch screens, interactive whiteboards, mobile devices, cameras, audio
recorders, electronic toys, games, e-book readers, and older analog devices still being used such as tape
recorders, record and cassette players, projectors, and microscopes.
 By appropriately and intentionally using the technology of his day—broadcast television—to connect
with each individual child and with parents and families, it demonstrated the positive potential of using
technology and media in ways that are grounded in principles of child development.

12. How does the second sentence relate to the first sentence in paragraph 2?
A. It shows the importance of interactive media to children’s lives.
B. It argues that interactive media include digital materials only.
C. It explains the definition and examples of interactive media.
D. It states that children and adults nowadays are familiar with digital technology.
E. It shows that interactive media can support social engagement among adults.

Pembahasan General

Soal tersebut menanyakan hubungan kalimat pertama dan kedua pada paragraf kedua.

Kalimat pertama menjelaskan pentingnya menerapkan aturan-aturan pembelajaran ketika mulai

menggunakan teknologi baru dalam pembelajaran, yaitu media interaktif. Kalimat kedua menjelaskan
bahwa media interaktif mengacu pada materi digital dan analog, termasuk program perangkat lunak,
aplikasi, beberapa program televisi anak-anak, e-book, internet, dan bentuk konten lain yang dirancang
untuk memfasilitasi penggunaan aktif dan kreatif oleh anak-anak muda dan untuk mendorong
keterlibatan sosial dengan anak-anak lain dan orang dewasa.

Berdasarkan hal tersebut, dapat disimpulkan bahwa kalimat kedua menjelaskan definisi dan contoh
media interaktif yang disebutkan di kalimat pertama.

13. The author would apparently agree on the idea that ....
A. digital media can harm learning and relationships
B. technology provides children with enjoyable experiences
C. technology may bring more good than harm when it is used wisely
D. technology can influence the relationships between children and their friends
E. technology minimizes the potential for children’s learning and engagement with others

Pembahasan General

Berdasarkan paragraf ketiga (educators are positioned to improve program quality by intentionally
leveraging the potential of technology and media for the benefit of every child), paragraf keempat (the
use of technology and interactive media in ways that can optimize opportunities for young children’s
development), dan paragraf kelima (it is demonstrated the positive potential of using technology and
media in ways that are grounded in principles of child development), dapat disimpulkan bahwa penulis
mengungkapkan tentang penggunaan teknologi yang jika digunakan secara bijak, dapat membantu dan
mengoptimalkan perkembangan anak.
Dengan demikian, kesimpulan tersirat yang tepat adalah teknologi membawa lebih banyak kebaikan
daripada kerugian jika digunakan secara Bijak.

14. The author holds the assumption that ....

A. any forms of content designed to facilitate creative children to learn will challenge them
B. interactive media are any kind of media that include hardware and artifacts of education
C. the integration of technology and interactive media in childhood programs leads to
improved program quality
D. applying principles of development and learning of children is secondary in the use of the
interactive media
E. technology and media can be used to facilitate learning and establish better relationships
with other children and adults

Pembahasan General

PREMIUM

Berdasarkan kalimat By appropriately and intentionally using the technology of this day—broadcast
television—to connect with each individual child and with parents and families, it demonstrated the
positive potential of using technology and media in ways that are grounded in principles of child
development, dapat disimpulkan bahwa menggunakan teknologi dengan tepat dan ditujukan untuk
terhubung dengan setiap anak dengan orangtua dan keluarganya, menunjukkan potensi positif
penggunaan teknologi dan media dengan cara yang didasarkan pada prinsip-prinsip perkembangan
anak.

Dengan demikian, penulis berasumsi bahwa teknologi dan media dapat digunakan untuk memfasilitasi
pembelajaran dan menciptakan hubungan dengan anak-anak lain serta orang dewasa

Around 2.8 million Indian students sat university examinations from the end of August to September 13
as the country approached the grim milestone of 5-million total COVID-19 cases. Despite pleas from civil
society to defer examinations, including by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, a Supreme Court
ruling on August 17 gave the government the green light to keep the original schedule for the engineer
and medical colleges entrance exams.

The JEE and the NEET, how university exams for those two careers are called, are India's most
competitive — they sprawl industries of their own, with preparation courses generating millions of
dollars annually. The court bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said that “the career of the students
cannot be put on peril for long, and a full academic year cannot be wasted.” The court will not hear any
further petitions regarding postponing future exam dates.

According to the Ministry of Education, 74 percent of the students registered to the first of the JEE
took the exam, while an above 80-percent attendance was observed for the NEET exam. Students are
now gearing up for the second stage of the JEE (the JEE Advanced), which will take place on September
27. Protests against the exam date have dwindled since the Supreme Court decision.
 15. What can be inferred from the passage?
A. Indian students were reluctant to join university preparation courses.
B. Indian students were forced to sit the JEE and the NEET exam.
C. The JEE and the NEET are annually held by the Supreme Court.
D. The Supreme Court considered the pleas from society.
E. The university entrance tests were finally rescheduled.

Pembahasan General

PREMIUM

Pada paragraf pertama, dijelaskan bahwa meskipun ada permohonan dari masyarakat untuk menunda
jadwal ujian masuk universitas terkait dengan banyaknya kasus COVID-19, putusan Mahkamah Agung
pada 17 Agustus memberi pemerintah lampu hijau untuk mempertahankan jadwal asli untuk ujian
masuk insinyur dan perguruan tinggi kedokteran. Pada akhir paragraf kedua, dijelaskan bahwa
pengadilan tidak akan mempertimbangkan petisi apapun mengenai jadwal tersebut. Kemudian pada
paragraf ketiga dijelaskan bahwa ujian JEE dan NEET sudah dilaksanakan dan diikuti oleh para
mahasiswa.

Informasi pada ketiga paragraf tersebut menunjukkan bahwa sebenarnya mahasiswa menginginkan
jadwal ujian tersebut ditunda. Namun, pada akhirnya mereka tetap mengikutinya karena pemerintah
tidak bersedia menunda jadwal tersebut.

Dengan demikian, dapat disimpulkan bahwa siswa di India mengikuti ujian JEE dan NEET dalam keadaan
terpaksa

16. Which statement is CORRECT based on the passage above?

A. The first stage of the JEE Advanced was held after September 27.
B. The exams may be postponed due to the protests against the exam date.
C. NEET is an entrance university test for both medical and engineering colleges.
D. Justice Ashok Bhushan wasn’t concerned about students’ academic and future careers.
E. Many Indians demanded rescheduling the exams because of the high rate of COVID-19
cases.

Soal tersebut menanyakan pernyataan yang tepat berdasarkan teks.

a. The first stage of the JEE Advanced was held after September 27.

Penjelasan:

Kalimat

“Students are now gearing up for the second stage of the JEE (the JEE Advanced), which will take place
on September 27.” menyatakan bahwa tahap kedua berlangsung pada tanggal 27 September sehingga
tahap pertamanya pasti
sebelum tanggal tersebut.

b. The exams may be postponed due to the protests against the exam date.

Penjelasan:

Pada paragraf pertama, disebutkan bahwa Mahkamah Agung telah mengizinkan ujian berlangsung
sesuai jadwal aslinya. Selanjutnya pada paragraf kedua disebutkan “The court will not hear any further
petitions regarding postponing future exam dates. (Pengadilan tidak akan mendengar petisi lebih lanjut
tentang penundaan tanggal ujian di masa yang akan datang.)". Kalimat tersebut menyiratkan bahwa
keputusan yang telah diambil oleh Mahkamah Agung tersebut tidak akan berubah dan diharapkan tidak
akan ada lagi protes

c. NEET is an entrance university test for both medical and engineering colleges.

Penjelasan:

Terdapat kalimat yang menyatakan

“The JEE and the NEET, how university exams for those two careers are called ....” pada teks
Karir(careers) yang dimaksud adalah karir yang berkaitan dengan teknik dan medis (sesuai kalimat
terakhir paragraf pertama). Namun, entah JEE atau NEET merupakan ujian yang hanya untuk salah satu
dari karir atau bidang tersebut, bukan berarti JEE atau NEET masing-masingnya memuat ujian kedua
bidang tersebut

d. Justice Ashok Bhushan wasn’t concerned about students’ academic and future careers.

Penjelasan:

Pada paragraf kedua, terdapat kalimat “The court bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said that ‘the
career of the students cannot be put on peril for long, and a full academic year cannot be wasted’.
(Bangku pengadilan yang dipimpin Hakim Ashok Bhushan mengatakan bahwa ‘karir siswa tidak bisa
lama-lama terancam, dan satu tahun akademikpenuh tidak bisa disia-siakan'.)". Kalimat tersebut
menunjukkan bahwa hakim tersebut justru peduli atau khawatir dengan karir dan akademik siswa

e. Many Indians demanded rescheduling the exams because of the high rate of COVID-19 cases.

Penjelasan:

Paragraf pertama menyebutkan bahwa siswa India tetap mengikuti ujian universitas ketika India sedang
mengalami sejarah suram 5 juta kasus COVID-19. Terlepas dari permintaan masyarakat untuk menunda
ujian, Mahkamah Agung pada 17 Agustus memutuskan untuk menjaga jadwal asli ujian masuk tersebut.
“Sejarah suram 5 juta kasus COVID-19” menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kasus COVID-19 yang sedang terjadi
itu tinggi (high rate). Lalu, “menunda ujian” maksudnya sama dengan “mengubah jadwal ujian yang
telah ada”.

17. The author’s attitude towards the civils’ protest regarding the exam schedule is ….
 A. critical
B. positive
C. objective
D. subjective
E. informative

Pembahasan General

PREMIUM

Penulis menjelaskan protes masyarakat tentang jadwal ujian pada paragraf pertama. Penulis
menjelaskan bahwa Mahkamah Agung memberi izin kepada pemerintah untuk mempertahankan jadwal
asli untuk ujian masuk insinyur dan perguruan tinggi kedokteran meskipun ada permohonan dari
masyarakat untuk menunda jadwal tersebut.

Pada paragraf kedua, penulis menyebutkan dua ujian masuk universitas, yaitu JEE dan NEET. Kemudian
dilanjutkan dengan penjelasan mengenai alasan pemerintah mempertahankan jadwal ujian yang sudah
ditetapkan sejak awal dan pengadilan juga tidak akan mempertimbangkan petisi apapun mengenai
jadwal tersebut Pada paragraf ketiga, penulis menjelaskan tentang persentase jumlah siswa yang sudah
mengikuti ujian JEE dan NEET. Dijelaskan pula bahwa protes mengenai jadwal ujian sudah berkurang
sejak adanya putusan dari Mahkamah Agung.

Berdasarkan topik bahasan pada masing-masing paragraf, terlihat jelas bahwa penulis menyajikan
informasi mengenai protes yang dilakukan oleh masyarakat dan sikap pemerintah terkait jadwal ujian
masuk universitas. Jadi, dapat disimpulkan bahwa sikap penulis adalah informatif

American archeologist Harriet Boyd Hawes excavated the ancient Greek town of Gournia at around the
same time the palatial site of Phaistos was excavated, in the early 1900s. She is credited not only for her
attention to a “common” rather than a palatial site, but also for her attention to artifacts that shed light
on the day-to-day culture of the Minoans rather than just on their gold and lavish architecture.

18. Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the passage?

A. Gournia is more representative of Minoan society than Phaistos.
B. Gold and lavish architecture help to shed light on day-to-day Minoan culture.
C. The work of Harriet Boyd Hawes contributes to our knowledge of standard Minoan living.
D. Most archeologists would rather excavate a palatial site than a common site.
E. Harriet Boyd Hawes is an archeologist who specializes in Minoan culture.

After writing her first novel, The Woman Warrior, Maxine Hong Kingston realized that the American
reading public was generally ignorant about Chinese Americans, so she deliberately put history lessons
into her second novel, China Men—even listing historical facts, such as items of anti-Chinese legislation.
Kingston contends that she felt compelled to do this, even at the risk of spoiling the dramatic moments
in the narration, because sacrificing historical background for the sake of story in The Woman Warrior
had not worked.

The “reviews of my first book made it clear that people did not know the history—or they thought I did
not know it,” she says. “While I was writing China Men, I could not take that tension any more. So all of a
sudden, right in the middle of the story, plunk—there is an eight-page section of pure history. There are
no characters in it. It really affects the shape of the book and might look quite clumsy.”

The challenge that Kingston and other Asian American writers face is how to preserve the artistic
integrity of their writing and be understood at the same time by readers whose ignorance of the cultural
and historical background might necessitate explanations that interfere with the art.

19. The passage suggests that Kingston thought her approach to writing China Men might …
A. distort historical facts
B. make the novel seem awkward
C. make the novel too long
D. make the novel seem outdated
E. appear pretentious

One might think that hikers, seeking beauty and solitude in the wilderness, prefer to camp at previously
untouched sites. However, researchers have discovered that small amounts of impact are often
considered more acceptable than no impact at all. In one study, small fire rings were rated more
acceptable than no fire rings. This may be because hikers, respecting that beauty, try to do as little
damage as possible, and so would rather reuse an existing site than establish a new one. Or, perhaps
tired hikers appreciate that existing “impacts” make it easier and quicker to set up cooking and sleeping
areas.

20. The author discusses fire rings primarily to …

A. explain why hikers prefer slightly used, rather than untouched, sites for camping
B. show that hikers are concerned about inadvertently starting forest fires
C. present one criterion by which hikers judge the quality of a campsite
D. point out that previously used campsites often have more than one fire ring
E. indicate that small fire rings are more often found at campsites than are large fire rings