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LATIHAN SOAL UTBK 2024

LITERASI BAHASA INGGRIS

The question is based on the following passage.

Seventeen-year-old Robin West is an anomaly among her peers, she doesn’t have a smartphone.
Instead of scrolling through apps like TikTok and Instagram all day, she uses a so-called
“dumbphone”. These are basic phones, or feature phones, with very limited functionality compared
to say an iPhone. You can typically only make and receive calls and SMS text messages. And, if
you are lucky, you can listen to radio and take very basic photos, but definitely not connect to the
internet or apps. These devices are similar to some of the first phones that people bought back in
the late 1990s.

Ms West’s decision to ditch her former smartphone two years ago was a spur of the moment thing.
While looking for a replacement phones in a second-hand shop, she was lured by the low price of
a “brick phone”. Her current phones, from French firm MobiWire, cost her just £8. And because it
has no smartphone functionality, she doesn’t have an expensive monthly data bill to worry about.
She didn’t notice until she bought a brick phone how much a smartphone was taking over her life.
She had a lot of social media apps on it, and she didn’t get as much work done as she was always
on the phone.

Dumbphones are continuing to enjoy a revival. Google searches for them jumped by 89% between
2018 and 2021, according to a report by software firm SEMrush. Fashion, nostalgia, and them
appearing in TikTok videos, have a part to play in the dumbphone revival. While it’s true that
dumbphones can’t compete with the latest premium Apple and Samsung models when it comes to
performance or functionality, they can outshine them in equally important areas such as battery life
and durability.

Five years ago, Przemek Olejniczak, a psychologist, swapped his smartphone for a Nokia 3310,
initially because of the longer-lasting battery. However, he soon realised that there were other
benefits. Przemek Olejniczak admits that he now has to plan ahead more when he goes traveling.
Before he would always be stuck to the phone, checking anything and everything, browsing
Facebook or the news, or other facts he didn’t need to know. Now he has more time for his family
and himself. A huge benefit is that he isn’t addicted to liking, sharing, commenting, or describing
his life to other people. Now he has more privacy.

Bearne, S. (2022). Not smart but clever? The return of ‘dumbphones’. Taken on September 23, 2022 from: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-
60763168.

1. According to Ms West and Olejniczak, these are the benefits of having dumbphones,
EXCEPT …

A. You can avoid media addiction.


B. You can have a phone with longer battery live.
C. You can share your daily lifes with anyone easily.
D. You can have less time searching for unnecessary information.
E. You can have more quality time with yourself and your family.

The questions number 2–4 are based on the following passage.

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.

Thomas, P. (2009). Behind the Label: Comfort Fabric Softener. Taken on 20 September 2021
from https://theecologist.org/2009/feb/12/behind-label-comfort-fabric-softener.

2. 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

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


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

4. 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.
The questions number 5–8 are based on the following passage.

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.

Pierce, M. (2021). NASA Research Launches a New Generation of Indoor Farming. Taken on November 30, 2021 from https://www.nasa.gov
/directorates/spacetech/spinoff/NASA_Research_Launches_a_New_Generation_ of_Indoor_Farming.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.
8. 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.

The questions number 9–11 are based on the following passage.

Feline chlamydial conjunctivitis is an infection caused by a bacterial organism


(called Chlamydophila felis). The most common signs of chlamydia in cats involve the eyes or the
upper respiratory tract (nose or throat), and only when infection is not treated does it spread to the
lungs. Because chlamydia lives inside cells of the body and is not able to survive for long in the
environment, spread of infection relies on direct or close contact with an infected cat. Following
infection, the incubation period (the time between infection and development of clinical signs of
disease) is between three and ten days.

The bacteria primarily infects the conjunctiva, which are the delicate membranes lining the eyelids
and covering the edges of the eyeballs. The infection causes inflammation known as
conjunctivitis. In normal cats, the conjunctiva is not readily visible and has a pale, salmon pink
color. In cats with conjunctivitis, the conjunctiva becomes swollen and red, making it more visible.
The nictitating membrane or third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye may protrude partially
across the eye. One or both eyes may be involved.

Affected cats initially develop a watery discharge from the eyes that quickly becomes thicker and
is usually a yellow or greenish color. The eyes are uncomfortable and cats often keep the affected
eye(s) closed. Many cats remain bright and otherwise appear normal, but some may develop a
fever or lose their appetite. After one or two days, sniffles and sneezing may also occur. In kittens,
the infection may spread to the lungs and cause fatal pneumonia.

Hunter, T. (n.d). Chlamydial Conjunctivitis in Cats. Taken on September 21, 2021 from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chlamydial-
conjunctivitis-in-cats.

9. What does the text mainly deal with?

A. The process of chlamydia affliction in cats


B. An overview of feline chlamydial conjunctivitis
C. Clinical signs of feline chlamydial conjunctivitis
D. The symptoms of feline chlamydial conjunctivitis
E. Treatments for cats with chlamydia conjunctivitis

10. In the second paragraph, the word inflammation most nearly means ….

A. rash
B. bruise
C. scrape
D. swelling
E. soreness
11. One of the symptoms of feline chlamydial conjunctivitis is ….

A. eating disorder
B. laboured breathing
C. low body temperature
D. abnormal eye discharge
E. dysfunctional eye membrane

The question is based on the following passage.

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.

American Chemical Society. (2021). Hybrid cars are twice as vulnerable to supply chain issues as gas-powered models. Taken on August 16, 2021
from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210728105731.htm.

12. 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

The question is based on the following text.

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.

Hogeback, J. (n.d). Why Does Heat Relax Your Muscles? Taken on July 14, 2021 from https://www.britannica.com/story/why-does-heat-relax-your-
muscles.

13. 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”

Read the text below to answer the question!

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.”

University of California – Riverside. (2020). Ancestor of all animals identified in Australian fossils: A wormlike creature that lived more than 555
million years ago is the earliest bilaterian. Taken on March 25, 2020, from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200323152108.htm.

14. 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
Read the text below to answer the question!

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.”

University of California – Riverside. (2020). Ancestor of all animals identified in Australian fossils: A wormlike creature that lived more than 555
million years ago is the earliest bilaterian. Taken on March 25, 2020, from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200323152108.htm.

15. 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

The text is for the following question.

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.

NAEYC and Fred Rogers Center. (2012). Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth
through Age 8 [PDF]. Accessed and adapted on 11 July, 2022 from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/
resources/position-statements/ps_technology.pdf.

16. 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 the children and adults nowadays are familiar with digital technology.
E. It shows that interactive media can support social engagement among adults.

The text is for the following question.

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.

NAEYC and Fred Rogers Center. (2012). Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth
through Age 8 [PDF]. Accessed and adapted on 11 July, 2022 from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/
resources/position-statements/ps_technology.pdf.

17. 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

The text is for the following question.

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.

NAEYC and Fred Rogers Center. (2012). Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth
through Age 8 [PDF]. Accessed and adapted on 11 July, 2022 from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/
resources/position-statements/ps_technology.pdf.
18. 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

The question is based on the following passage.

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.

Manve, Vishal Yashoda. (2020). Millions of Indian Students Sit University Entrance Exams After Government Disregards Protests to Postpone
Them. Accessed on July 18, 2020 from https://globalvoices.org/2020/09/15/millions-of-indian-students-sit-university-entrance-exams-after-
government-pushes-back-protests-to-postpone-them/.

19. 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.

The question is based on the following passage.

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.

Manve, Vishal Yashoda. (2020). Millions of Indian Students Sit University Entrance Exams After Government Disregards Protests to Postpone
Them. Accessed on July 18, 2020 from https://globalvoices.org/2020/09/15/millions-of-indian-students-sit-university-entrance-exams-after-
government-pushes-back-protests-to-postpone-them/.

20. 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.

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