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.

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.

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.

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.

25. Angel: Good afternoon, Fashion Outfit. This is Angel speaking. How may I help you?Sophie: Yeah, I bought a blue dress suit at your store a week ago. But I found its color faded so quickly after the first wash. I did follow the washing instructions.Angel: I’m very sorry to hear that. However, our refund or exchange policy doesn’t include clothes that have been washed or worn.Sophie: I see. ____________ Could you please offer a discount for my next purchase?(A) I won’t visit your store again.(B) I won’t be able to return it then.(C) The outfits don’t suit my dress code.(D) Your clothes don’t have washing labels.

26. (A) taking a short nap (B) having a good bath (C) relaxing on the couch (D) going for a short walk

27. (A) calls off (B) leaves out (C) speeds up (D) turns down

28. (A) At first (B) In addition (C) Consequently (D) Nevertheless