The transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture represents one of the most significant developments in human history. This transformation, often called the Neolithic Revolution, occurred independently in several parts of the world beginning around 10,000 BCE. In the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East, wild wheat and barley were among the first crops to be domesticated. Ancient farmers selected plants with desirable traits, such as larger seeds and non-shattering seed heads, gradually transforming wild grasses into the cultivated cereals we know today.
The adoption of agriculture had profound implications for human societies. Settled farming communities could support larger populations than nomadic groups, leading to the growth of villages and eventually cities. However, agricultural life also brought new challenges. Farmers were vulnerable to crop failures caused by drought, pests, or disease. The concentration of people in permanent settlements facilitated the spread of infectious diseases. Despite these challenges, agriculture provided a more reliable food supply that allowed for the development of specialized crafts, social hierarchies, and complex political organizations.
Recent archaeological evidence suggests that the transition to agriculture was not as abrupt as previously thought. In some regions, people practiced intensive hunting and gathering for thousands of years before fully committing to farming. This gradual shift indicates that early agriculturalists were making rational decisions based on their environmental conditions and available technologies, rather than simply following an inevitable path of progress.
1.According to paragraph 1, which of the following was among the first crops to be domesticated in the Fertile Crescent?
2.The word "profound" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:
3.According to paragraph 2, what was one disadvantage of agricultural life compared to hunting and gathering?
4.Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to paragraph 3. Where would the sentence best fit?
"This suggests that the shift to farming was a complex process that varied across different regions."
Recent archaeological evidence suggests that the transition to agriculture was not as abrupt as previously thought. [■] In some regions, people practiced intensive hunting and gathering for thousands of years before fully committing to farming. [■] This gradual shift indicates that early agriculturalists were making rational decisions based on their environmental conditions and available technologies, [■] rather than simply following an inevitable path of progress. [■]
5.Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage.
The Neolithic Revolution marked a crucial turning point in human history when people began to domesticate plants and adopt settled agricultural lifestyles.
Passage 2 of 3Questions 11-20
The Psychology of Color
Color psychology is the study of how colors affect perceptions and behaviors. In marketing and branding, color is often used to evoke specific emotional responses from consumers. Red, for example, is frequently associated with excitement, passion, and urgency. This explains why red is commonly used in clearance sales and fast-food restaurants—it creates a sense of urgency and stimulates appetite. Blue, conversely, is linked to trust, security, and calmness. Financial institutions and technology companies often use blue in their logos to convey reliability and professionalism.
However, the psychological effects of color are not universal. Cultural differences play a significant role in color interpretation. While white represents purity and weddings in Western cultures, it is associated with mourning and funerals in many Eastern cultures. Similarly, green symbolizes nature and environmental consciousness in Western countries but can represent infidelity in China. These cultural variations mean that global brands must carefully consider color choices when entering new markets.
Recent research has also challenged some long-held assumptions about color psychology. A comprehensive study published in 2020 found that the effects of color on mood and behavior are often weaker and more context-dependent than previously believed. The researchers concluded that individual differences, such as personal experiences and preferences, may be more influential than color alone in determining emotional responses. This suggests that while color can be a useful tool in design and marketing, it should not be relied upon as a universal trigger for specific behaviors.
11.According to paragraph 1, why do fast-food restaurants often use red in their branding?
12.The word "conversely" in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to:
Passage 3 of 3Questions 21-30
The Discovery of Penicillin
The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 is one of the most famous stories in medical history. Returning to his laboratory after a vacation, Fleming noticed that mold growing on a petri dish of Staphylococcus bacteria had killed the surrounding bacterial colonies. This chance observation led to the development of the first antibiotic, which would go on to save millions of lives from previously fatal bacterial infections.
However, the path from discovery to practical medicine was not straightforward. Fleming struggled to produce enough pure penicillin to test its effectiveness in animals or humans. It was not until 1940 that a team of researchers at Oxford University, led by Howard Florey and Ernst Chain, developed methods to purify and mass-produce the drug. Their work was crucial during World War II, when penicillin was used to treat wounded soldiers and significantly reduced deaths from infected wounds.
The success of penicillin sparked a revolution in pharmaceutical research. Scientists began systematically searching for other microorganisms that could produce antibiotic compounds. This led to the discovery of streptomycin, tetracycline, and numerous other antibiotics that have transformed modern medicine. However, the widespread use of antibiotics has also led to the emergence of resistant bacteria, creating new challenges for public health. Today, researchers are exploring new approaches, including bacteriophage therapy and CRISPR-based treatments, to combat these resistant strains.
21.According to the passage, what was the initial challenge that Fleming faced after discovering penicillin?
Some people prefer to study for exams in the morning, while others prefer to study at night. Which do you prefer and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
The university has announced a new policy regarding campus housing. Starting next semester, all first-year students will be required to live in dormitories on campus. The administration believes this will help students adjust to college life and improve academic performance. Additionally, the policy aims to build a stronger sense of community among new students.
Question:
The woman expresses her opinion about the university's new housing policy. State her opinion and explain the reasons she gives for holding that opinion.
Explain how the example of the honeybee illustrates the concept of swarm intelligence described in the lecture.
Writing Section
Time: 50 minutes • 2 Tasks
50:00
Task 1: Integrated WritingReading: 3 min | Listening | Writing: 20 min
Reading Passage:
The sea otter population along the coast of California has been declining rapidly in recent years. Three possible causes have been proposed to explain this decline.
First, environmental pollution could be responsible. Chemical pollutants in the water might be weakening the otters' immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections.
Second, increased predation by sharks could be a factor. As shark populations recover from overfishing, they may be preying more heavily on sea otters.
Third, competition for food with other marine mammals might be limiting the otters' food supply. Growing populations of seals and sea lions could be depleting the fish and shellfish that otters depend on.
Writing Task:
Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on specific points made in the reading passage.
0 wordsTarget: 150-225 words
Task 2: Independent WritingWriting: 30 minutes
Writing Prompt:
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
"It is better to work in a team than to work alone."
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.