1. The team of engineers struggled to _____ a design that would meet all the project’s
requirements while staying within the allocated budget.
(A) conceive (B) deceive (C) perceive (D) retrieve
2. During the job interview, the candidate asked several _____ questions about the company’s
goals and work culture, demonstrating his genuine interest in the position.
(A) conversant (B) fastidious (C) pertinent (D) stigmatized
3. The small village is _____ to have the best artisanal cheese in the region, attracting foodies
from far and wide to sample its delicious offerings.
(A) devoured (B) hoisted (C) muffled (D) reputed
4. The old oak tree had a _____ bark, with patches of gray, brown, and green creating an intricate
pattern on its trunk.
(A) husky (B) mottled (C) quaint (D) rigid
5. After being left in the hot car, the garden hose was so _____ that water could barely squeeze
through.
(A) constricted (B) erudite (C) gluttonous (D) infatuated
7. The fierce storm _____ the coastline with powerful waves and howling winds, causing
significant erosion and damage to the beachfront properties.
(A) belied (B) debunked (C) lashed (D) muddled
8. The formal gala was a night of _____, with guests indulging in champagne, laughter, and
lively conversations that carried on into the early hours of the morning.
(A) cremation (B) debasement (C) grievance (D) frivolity
9. After carefully planting the tomato seeds and providing the right conditions of warmth and
moisture, the gardener was delighted to see the first sprouts _____ and break through the soil.
(A) culminate (B) germinate (C) precipitate (D) truncate
10. The bride’s veil, a _____ of delicate lace and shimmering pearls, flowed gracefully behind her
as she walked down the aisle.
(A) brilliance (B) cascade (C) hymnal (D) lifeblood
11. _____ the advancements in artificial intelligence, human intuition still plays a crucial role in
nuanced decision-making processes, particularly in fields like art criticism and psychotherapy.
(A) Before (B) Despite (C) Unless (D) Whether
12. The renowned archaeologist had unearthed numerous artifacts from the Bronze Age, but none
was as _____ as the perfectly preserved royal seal discovered on that momentous expedition.
(A) significance (B) significant (C) signifying (D) significantly
13. The complexities of quantum physics, with its paradoxical principles and counterintuitive
implications, continue _____ and challenge physicists around the world.
(A) fascinating (B) to be fascinated
(C) to fascinate (D) to have fascinated
14. The new symphony, while undeniably brilliant, is considered by many critics to be less
emotionally resonant than the composer’s earlier works, which were characterized _____ their
raw intensity and vulnerability.
(A) after (B) by (C) even (D) less
15. The ancient city whispered tales of forgotten empires and secrets on the wind, captivating the
imaginations of both historians and adventurers _____.
(A) all (B) either (C) alike (D) two
16. Mastering the art of diplomacy requires not only eloquence and tact but also a deep
understanding of cultural sensitivities _____ geopolitical complexities.
(A) yet (B) or (C) but (D) and
17. _____ she to have access to the vast resources of a state-of-the-art laboratory, her research on
genetic engineering could potentially lead to groundbreaking advancements in disease
prevention and treatment.
(A) Be (B) Is (C) Has (D) Were
18. The film received critical acclaim for its stunning visuals and powerful performances；
however, its convoluted plot and excessive symbolism left some viewers feeling intellectually
overwhelmed _____ emotionally engaged.
(A) even though (B) rather than (C) so as to (D) whatsoever
19. Mount Everest, standing at a staggering 8,848 meters above sea level, is the highest peak on
Earth, a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature and an irresistible challenge for
mountaineers seeking to conquer _____ formidable slopes.
(A) its (B) that (C) their (D) those
20. One cannot truly appreciate the ephemeral beauty of a cherry blossom in full bloom without
acknowledging the transient nature of life itself and the poignant reminder that all things, no
matter _____ exquisite, must eventually fade away.
(A) how (B) however (C) what (D) whatever
III. Cloze
Passage I
Studies on the mood and stress reduction effects of listening to Mozart’s Requiem, conducted
through Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), utilize rigorous data analysis methods to ensure
reliable findings. Statistical techniques __21__ paired t-tests and ANOVA are employed to compare
pre- and post-test scores within and between groups, assessing changes in mood and stress levels.
Linear and hierarchical regression analyses help predict outcomes based on various predictor
variables, controlling __22__ potential confounders. Effect sizes are calculated using measures like
Cohen’s d and partial eta squared (η²) to quantify the intervention’s impact, __23__ confidence
intervals providing precision estimates. Findings often show significant reductions in anxiety and
__24__, with moderate to large effect sizes, indicating the Requiem’s meaningful impact.
Consistent replication across studies strengthens the evidence, and meta-analyses can aggregate
results for comprehensive insights. Addressing potential publication bias is crucial for robust
conclusions. Overall, these methods __25__ the Requiem’s therapeutic potential for emotional
regulation and stress relief, underscoring its practical significance in both psychological and
musical contexts. 【題組】21. (A) as such (B) by large (C) such as (D) up to
Passage II
Steven Karch, an American heart disease expert, believes that Napoleon was killed by his own
doctors. They gave him large doses of dangerous chemicals ___26___ medicine at the time.
According to Karch’s theory, the day before Napoleon’s death, __27__ a massive amount of
mercurous chloride—a chemical once given to patients with heart disease. That and other
medications, Karch theories, __28__ Napoleon’s heartbeat and __29___ caused his heart to cease
beating. While Karch admits that arsenic exposure was a partial cause, he believes it was the
doctor’s errors that actually caused the heart attack. Historian Jean Tulard, however, believes that
cancer and ulcers, __30__, were the cause of Napoleon’s death. Tulard remains unconvinced by
Kintz’s analysis. Despite the ongoing debate among experts, the exact cause of Napoleon’s death
continues to be shrouded in mystery, leaving his demise a topic of intrigue for generations to come. 【題組】26. (A) as common use (B) commonly used as (C) common use as (D) as using common
【題組】30. (A) while examining the body reported by doctors
(B) as doctors’ report of their body examination
(C) after the body was examined by doctors and reported
(D) as reported by doctors who examined the body
IV. Discourse.
Passage 1 Choose the BEST option to complete each of the following two passages. Note: the five
blanks have different answers.
Work social events can be tricky to navigate, especially when you are a new person. The
office party was embarrassing, __31__. It all went wrong __32___, when I couldn’t find the venue
and was two hours late. I’d been at the company for only a week and didn’t really know anybody
there, so there was a lot ___33__ in terms of getting to know my new colleagues and making a good
first impression. I started talking to someone who was, __34___, one of the most boring people I’ve
ever met, so I escaped quickly and started talking to Mandy, who I sit next to at work. I was
complaining about the man I’d been talking to and noticed she had gone very quiet. The penny
dropped when she said, “He’s my husband.” I later discovered that, __35__, he’s also a director of
the company. I can’t believe I dropped such a clanger. Needless to say, I’m dreading the next office
gathering. 【題組】31. (A) to put mildly
(B) to say the least
(C) at stake
(D) for good measure
Passage 2 Choose the BEST option to complete each of the following two passages. Note: the five
blanks have different answers.
__36__ The professor had just talked about joining a group of young anthropologists to
conduct research in Nepal. “But I don’t even know where Nepal is!... And besides, I’ve hardly ever
been outside my country. How can I abandon my friends and my family to live in a country where
the tap water is polluted and there is malaria?
Deep down, I sensed that this invitation marked a radical change in direction that would
continue for years to come, and--as I felt with a sort of wrench in my stomach—would have major
implications for the rest of my life. __37__ So I accepted the invitation even though I felt homesick
at the very thought.
__38__ In short, I fell in love with Nepal and its culture, and since then I have been back ten
times to do fieldwork. Sixteen years later, I find myself in a foreign university with a job as a
researcher in anthropology, specializing in Nepalese religion and society. I have lived in several
different countries and the experience has opened my eyes to a great deal about the world outside
my small, beloved but problematic country.
__39__ Naturally, it is hard to visualize what life would have been like, but I feel it would have
been more stable. I would not have traveled so much； I would have got married, had children, and
cooked meals for my family. And now I would be leading a quiet life in my own house, sitting in
front of a fireplace, with a book in my hands and a cat on my lap… or would I?
I have met a great many wonderful people on my travels. But I think that any period of living
abroad is a bitter-sweet experience, and involves a degree of loneliness, isolation and nostalgia for
home. But do I regret it? No. __40__ I cannot imagine myself without the experiences I have had,
even the most painful ones. 【題組】36. (A) Curiously, something inside me was intrigued by the idea of traveling and exploring—it
might be exciting too.
(B) Every path has both advantages and limitations.
(C) I closed the door behind me, my mind buzzing with doubts and confusion.
(D) That visit proved to be decisive turning point in my life.
【題組】37. (A) Curiously, something inside me was intrigued by the idea of traveling and exploring—it
might be exciting too.
(B) I often ask myself what might have happened had I declined that invitation.
(C) That visit proved to be decisive turning point in my life.
(D) Every path has both advantages and limitations.
【題組】38. (A) I closed the door behind me, my mind buzzing with doubts and confusion.
(B) That visit proved to be decisive turning point in my life.
(C) Every path has both advantages and limitations.
(D) Curiously, something inside me was intrigued by the idea of traveling and exploring—it
might be exciting too.
【題組】39. (A) That visit proved to be decisive turning point in my life.
(B) Every path has both advantages and limitations.
(C) I often ask myself what might have happened had I declined that invitation.
(D) I closed the door behind me, my mind buzzing with doubts and confusion.
【題組】40. (A) Curiously, something inside me was intrigued by the idea of traveling and exploring—it
might be exciting too.
(B) I closed the door behind me, my mind buzzing with doubts and confusion.
(C) I often ask myself what might have happened had I declined that invitation.
(D) Every path has both advantages and limitations.
IV. Reading Comprehension
Passage 1 Read the following pasage and choose the BEST answer for each question.
In the remote Amazonian village of Inhube, the moan of the horns means a grueling initiation
is about to begin. Several times a year, the Satere-Mawe Indians hold a painful 11-hour ritual in
which boys as young as 12 must stick their hands into a pair of specially made gloves, each one
infested with a swarm of angry, stinging jungle carnivores—giant tropical bullet ants.
No initiate can be considered a true Indian, a warrior, until he has sworn the gloves not just once,
but 20 times.
Ted, one of the 12-year-old initiates, says: “people say that I don’t have the courage to do it. I
have and I will do it.” The men face the prospect of getting strung even before the ritual starts when
they head off to capture the ants. A stab from this predator’s abdominal spear is 30 times worse than
a bee sting.
The tribe’s medicine men drug the ants by soaking them in an herbal solution. But their stupor
will only last long enough for them to be thrust, one by one, stinger first, into the gloves. According
to the Satere-Mawe legend, these menaces provide the perfect test of one’s worthiness to take on
adult roles.
In less than an hour, the ants are awake. Trapped in the woven mitt, they writhe in angry
desperation. They’re ready to be inserted into the ceremonial gloves. One by one, each young man
steps up to the sacred pole and submits his hands to the swarm. Their agony is unmistakable. To
help distract them, the medicine man leads them in a dance around the pole.
To be seen as a true tribal warrior, each must endure the ants’ punishment for more than ten
minutes. With each sting, the bullet ants’ neurotoxic venom attacks the nerves, causing paralysis
and terrible pain, and this is only the beginning. Once the gloves are off, the stinging and burning
will only grow more excruciating. Now, after watching the others suffer, Ted’s moment of truth has
arrived.
Unfazed, he keeps dancing while all around him succumb to the poison. Slowly, the neurotoxic
venom is turning their hands into swollen, simmering, paralyzed stumps. Finally, the gloves come
off and Ted remains standing. Ted says: My body feels like a motor that’s heating up. If you throw
water here, a lot of smoke will come out. It takes 24 hours for the toxins to dissipate completely. As the chief sees it, the ritual not only
marks the initiate’s entrance into adulthood, it makes them better men. Chief says: “If you live your
life without suffering anything or without any kind of effort, it won’t be worth anything to you.”
Despite his long hours of agony, Ted has promised the chief he will wear the gloves 19 more times,
until he becomes a true adult. 【題組】41. Which phrase from the passage best illustrates the author’s use of imagery to describe the bullet
ant stings?
(A) “paralysis and terrible pain”
(B) “a grueling initiation”
(C) “the moan of the horns”
(D) “swollen, simmering, paralyzed stumps”
【題組】42. How does the author build credibility in this passage?
(A) The author cites historical documents and artifacts related to the Satere-Mawe tribe.
(B) The author includes vivid scientific descriptions of bullet ants to build trust.
(C) The author uses personal anecdotes and experiences to make him credible.
(D) The author relies mainly on his own opinions and beliefs to make his argument.
【題組】43. Which detail from the passage holds the LEAST significance in the unfolding of the main
theme?
(A) The role of the medicine man in leading the initiates in a dance during the ritual.
(B) The description of the bullet ants as giant tropical carnivores with a painful sting.
(C) The mention of Ted’s promise to wear the gloves 19 more times.
(D) The fact that the initiation ritual takes place in the remote Amazonian village of Inhube.
【題組】44. What textual evidence hints at the author’s viewpoint regarding the initiation ritual?
(A) The passage portrays the initiation ritual as arduous and distressing.
(B) The passage suggests that the initiation ritual is unnecessary and cruel.
(C) The passage does not provide any evidence of the author’s viewpoint.
(D) The passage portrays the initiation ritual in a positive and celebratory light.
【題組】45. How does the author’s intent influence the way facts or opinions are framed in the passage?
(A) The author presents facts objectively without any influence from their intent.
(B) The author includes a variety of opinions to present a balanced view of the initiation
ritual.
(C) The author selectively presents facts to support their intended message about the initiation
ritual.
(D) The author’s intent has little impact on the framing of facts or opinions in the passage.
Passage 2 Read the following interview transcript and choose the BEST answer for each question.
Joan Gay: Your new book just launched this week, and it’s getting a fantastic reception. Can you
summarize for us the thesis of the book and how you arrived at it?
Sonia Chuck: Yes. The idea of the book is that we live in a culture that is biased against a
constellation of traits, namely shyness, seriousness, introversion… and this leads to a colossal waste
of talent and of energy and of happiness, and that introversion really does have all kinds of
attributes to it. Sore real surprising powers to what it means to be an introvert and yet this is not
something we are mindful of and instead what we do is we encourage introverts to act more like
extroverts instead of acting like their best selves.
JG: That’s interesting. Can you explain for us briefly what the difference between an introvert and
extrovert is?
SC: Yeah… good question. So, introverts are people who like quieter and less stimulating
environments, whereas extroverts crave more stimulation to feel at their best, and this is an
important thing to see because people often assume that being an introvert means being anti-social,
but it’s really not that at all. It’s just differently social. So, an introvert preferring less stimulation
will often prefer to have a glass of wine with a close friend as opposed to going to a loud party full
of strangers.
JG: And you say that this part of your personality may be as crucial as your gender and race. Why
is that?
SC: Yeah, because the question of what your orientation is in general, are you oriented more
towards the outer world or more towards the world of your own inner riches? It’s very profound,
and it affects every day-to-day interaction in your life. It affects how you like to spend your time. It
affects you in similar ways to the way gender does in terms of it shaping your life.
JG: And if there really is a bias against introverts then that’s a bias against almost half our
population.
SC: Yes. And this is another way in which there’s a parallel to gender. I often say that the place of
introverts in our culture today is very similar to where women were around fifties or the early
nineteen sixties. I mean it was half the population, and it was a piece of the population that was
discounted because of something that went to the core of why they were, and I will also say it was a
part of the population that was on the verge of coming into its own, and I believe that’s what’s
happening with introverts now. I think we’re at the cusp of a real sea change in the way we
understand this personality type.
JG: Do you think that now in workplaces and in society in general, we are mistaking the person
with the loudest voice and maybe the person with charisma as a good leader?
SC: Oh yeah. Yes. We absolutely do that. And, in fact, we know that extroverts are much more often
groomed for leadership positions than introverts are and this isn’t to say… extroverts of course can
be wonderful leaders, but there’s also interesting new research by Adam Grant out of the Wharton
School showing that in certain circumstances introverts make the better leaders and specifically
when you have employees who are really proactive and really engaged, they often do better with
introverted leaders because those leaders let the proactive employees run with their ideas and
implement them, whereas an extroverted leader almost without realizing what they’re doing may be
putting their own stamp on things and being more dominant so that the ideas of the employees may
never actually really come to light. JG: So, tell me a little bit more about the sea change. How do you actually see this going into
effect? What do you hope to accomplish?
SC: Well it’s a few things. I mean the first thing I would like to change is people’s psyches. So
many of the introverts who I interviewed for my book and many of the people don’t appear
introverted, but so many of them told me about a kind of secret sense of shame that they had about
who they were and how they prefer to spend their time. So, the first thing that I want to see
changing is people’s psyches, you know, you know for people to have a comfort level about who
they are…. But then I’d also like schools and workplaces to really rethink how they are structured
and to think about meeting the needs of their introverts as well as their extroverts. 【題組】46. In what ways does the author leverage data to fortify their stance on introversion in the passage?
(A) By using anecdotal evidence instead of providing statistical data.
(B) By providing specific numbers and percentages to support their claims.
(C) By dismissing statistical data and relying solely on personal observations.
(D) By manipulating statistical data to fit their argument.
【題組】47. According to the interview, what is suggested about the leadership qualities of introverts?
(A) Introverts are hardly considered for leadership positions due to their anti-social
personalities.
(B) Introverts make better leaders than extroverts in circumstances where there are fewer
stimulations.
(C) Introverts tend to be more dominant and assertive as leaders, according to recent studies.
(D) Introverts may be better leaders when dealing with enthusiastic and diligent employees.
【題組】48. How does the connotation of the word “introvert” influence its meaning within the context of
the passage?
(A) The connotation of “introvert” is negative, suggesting that introverts tend to be anti-social.
(B) The connotation of “introvert” is positive, highlighting the unique qualities of introverted
individuals.
(C) The connotation of “introvert” is neutral, mainly describing a preference for quiet
environments.
(D) The connotation of “introvert” is contradictory, making it difficult to determine its meaning.
【題組】49. What underlying assumption is made in the passage, and how does it influence the overall
argument?
(A) The assumption that introverts are inherently better than extroverts and deserve attention.
(B) The assumption that introverts should change their behavior to fit societal expectations.
(C) The assumption that bias against introverts may lead to a waste of talent and happiness.
(D) The assumption that extroverts are more dominant and assertive as leaders than introverts.
【題組】50. How is credibility established within the argument presented in the passage?
(A) Through dismissing opposing viewpoints on introverts as invalid and irrelevant.
(B) Through using a parellel to gender and citing study findings about introvert people.
(C) Through emphasizing the negative consequences of bias against introverted individuals.
(D) Through suggesting that extroverts are sociable but not capable of being good leaders.
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