18. Asher: Lately, I’ve been learning to play chess during my breaks.
David: I’ve always thought chess is complicated. How are you finding it?
Asher: It’s tough but rewarding. The more you play, the more you improve.
David: Maybe you could teach me sometime. ____________
(A) I’ve always wanted to learn.
(B) I think I’m second to none now.
(C) I’m not interested in chess at all.
(D) I’m already very familiar with chess.

14. More and more young adults have been suffering from mental illnesses such as anxiety and _______ over the past few years. (A) admiration (B) depression (C) evaluation (D) profession

15. The nationwide trade fair held each year has become a source of _______ for college students to explore new ideas. (A) acquaintance (B) graduation (C) inspiration (D) resistance

16. Custom officer: Hello, madam. Could I please see your passport and arrival card?Traveler: Sure. There you are. I’ve completed the card online.Custom officer: ____________ Are you here for business or vacation?Traveler: I’m here to visit my customers.(A) How’s your vacation going?(B) How’ve you studied English?(C) What brings you here this time?(D) What can you do with a business degree?

17. Jessica: I’ve been getting into baking recently, especially making cookies.Steven: That’s great! ____________Jessica: I tried to stick to the methods my grandma taught me, but I think the cookies I made were a bit too sweet.Steven: That’s a great way to honor your grandma’s tradition! For adjusting the sweetness,I suggest you use a scale to measure sugar levels.(A) Do you think the cakes you made are very sweet?(B) Can you bring the cakes you made for me to try?(C) Can your grandma teach me how to make cookies too?(D) Do you need to follow a recipe exactly when making them?

19. Olivia: I feel like I’m stressed out. Do you have any tips on preparing for exams?Lucas: For me, I break the study material into smaller sections.Olivia: ____________Lucas: Absolutely! It makes your material manageable and helps you stay focused.(A) How did you manage your study time?(B) What can you do to manage your study time?(C) Does it really help to manage my study material?(D) Is it difficult to break down all my study material?

20. Kitty: I’m really surprised there were not many people at this fantastic restaurant.Jenny: I’m not particularly surprised because ____________ I haven’t been there personally though.Kitty: Well, I don’t care what the reviews say — I love their spicy dishes very much. How aboutwe go there for dinner tomorrow after our tiring day at work? I’d love for you to try it!Jenny: Sounds like a good idea. I guess the same foods taste pleasant to some people and horrible to others.(A) they know how to meet customer preferences.(B) it has got some negative feedback on the Internet.(C) they serve some budget and tasty meals every day.(D) its location is a few-minute walk from the city center.

21. Dave: Look! So many people are doing exercises on the sports field. You can see activities like running, jogging, group dance, and workout training here.Leo: Yeah, that’s why I’m here for jogging. You know, I’ve lost two kilograms in just one month.Dave: That’s amazing! I don’t really need to lose weight, but I know exercise helps relieve stress.This is exactly what I need right now.Leo: ____________ We can be workout buddies and support each other for our different goals.(A) That’s really good to hear.(B) That’s a whole other story.(C) That’s a bit out of left field.(D) That’s easier said than done.

22. Peter: Have you heard about the Penghu Fireworks Festival this year?Mary: Yes, I have. I can’t wait to watch the amazing fireworks lighting up the sky.Peter: I heard they have some new designs for the show.Mary: ____________ It’ll be great to see how they blend local culture into the fireworks display.(A) That’s an amazing auto show.(B) That sounds incredibly exciting.(C) I don’t want to wait for this year’s fireworks display.(D) I’ll wait until the fireworks display takes place next year.

23. Cindy: Do you think men and women are treated equally at work?John: ____________ Women often get paid less for the same job.Cindy: What can we do to close the gender pay gap in the workplace?John: We should create a culture of respect and ensure that salary information is open and clear.(A) I don’t see it that way.(B) This topic is on the way out.(C) We won’t stand in your way.(D) You have a way with people.

24. Mike: Do you think we can completely eliminate plastic waste?Tom: ____________ I believe we can become plastic-free, but finding effective alternatives to cope with plastic waste is challenging.Mike: Perhaps we can begin with food and drink industries and encourage them to adopt eco-friendly cups.Tom: That could be a positive step forward.(A) That’s such a huge topic.(B) We’ve gotten so far off topic.(C) Let’s shift the topic of conversation.(D) That’s the topic we should stop discussion.