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Question: Research indicates that nowadays some consumers are much less influenced by advertising than in the past. What do you think are the reasons for this? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Sample answer
Recent studies suggest that modern consumers are becoming less influenced by advertising compared to previous generations. There are several reasons behind this shift, and I believe this is largely a positive development for society.
One key reason is the rise of digital awareness. People today, especially younger generations, understand how marketing techniques work and can easily recognise exaggerated or misleading claims. Another factor is the availability of online reviews and user-generated content. Instead of trusting advertisements, consumers rely on real experiences shared on social media platforms, YouTube reviews and e-commerce ratings. Additionally, the overwhelming volume of advertisements across websites, apps and billboards has led to “ad fatigue,” where people simply ignore commercial messages because they see them too often.
I believe this trend is positive because it encourages companies to be more transparent and ethical. When consumers no longer fall for unrealistic claims, businesses are forced to improve the quality of their products rather than relying on flashy marketing. Moreover, people make better purchasing decisions when they rely on independent reviews instead of traditional advertisements. However, a small drawback is that new or small businesses might struggle to attract customers without strong advertising power, but overall, the benefits of informed and critical consumers outweigh this limitation.
In conclusion, consumers today are less affected by advertising due to greater digital awareness, access to online reviews and exposure to excessive marketing. This development is largely positive, as it promotes honesty in the market and empowers people to make wiser decisions.
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Question: Today, more and more students are deciding to move to a different country for higher studies. Do you think the benefits of this outweigh the problems?
Sample Answer
In recent years, an increasing number of students have chosen to pursue higher education abroad. Although studying in a foreign country may present several challenges, I believe that its advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
One of the most significant benefits of studying overseas is the exposure to a global environment. Students are able to interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, which enhances their communication skills, broadens their perspectives and helps them develop greater cultural awareness. This kind of international experience is highly valued by employers, as companies today operate in a globalised world and look for candidates who can adapt to different cultures.
In addition, foreign universities often provide better academic opportunities, modern facilities, and advanced research options that may not be available in the students' home countries. Access to world-class education increases their knowledge, improves career prospects and opens doors to international job markets. Many students who study abroad also become more independent and responsible, as they have to manage their finances, accommodation and daily routines without the support of their families.
However, moving to a different country for higher studies is not without problems. Students may experience homesickness, cultural shock and language barriers, which can affect their mental health and academic performance. Moreover, studying abroad is often expensive, and many students struggle with tuition fees and living costs. Despite these challenges, most students eventually adapt to the new environment, and financial issues can be managed through scholarships, part-time jobs or educational loans.
In my opinion, the advantages of studying abroad far outweigh the disadvantages. The long-term academic, personal and professional benefits significantly surpass the temporary difficulties students might face initially. The skills and experiences they gain often lead to better career opportunities and personal growth.
In conclusion, although studying in a foreign country can be challenging, the positive outcomes such as improved education quality, global exposure and better career prospects make the experience highly worthwhile. Therefore, the benefits clearly outweigh the problems.
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Reading Practice
The history of tea
The story of tea begins in China.
According to legend, in 2737 BC, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung was sitting
beneath a tree while his servant boiled drinking water, when some leaves from
the tree blew into the water. Shen Nung, a renowned herbalist, decided to try
the infusion that his servant had accidentally created. The tree was a Camellia
sinensis, and the resulting drink was what we now call tea. It is impossible to
know whether there is any truth in this story. But tea drinking certainly
became established in China many centuries before it had even been heard of in
the West. Containers for tea have been found in tombs dating from the Han
Dynasty (206 BC—220 AD) but it was under the Tang
Dynasty (618—906 AD), that tea became firmly established as
the national drink of China.
It became such a favourite that during the late eighth
century a writer called Lu Yu wrote the first book entirely about tea, the Ch’a
Ching, or Tea Classic. It was shortly after this that tea was first introduced
to Japan, by Japanese Buddhist monks who had travelled to China to study. Tea
received almost instant imperial sponsorship and spread rapidly from the royal
court and monasteries to the other sections of Japanese society.
So at this stage in the history of tea, Europe was rather
lagging behind. In the latter half of the sixteenth century there are the first
brief mentions of tea as a drink among Europeans. These are mostly from
Portuguese who were living in the East as traders and missionaries. But
although some of these individuals may have brought back samples of tea to
their native country, it was not the Portuguese who were the first to ship back
tea as a commercial import. This was done by the Dutch, who in the last years
of the sixteenth century began to encroach on Portuguese trading routes in the
East. By the turn of the century they had established a trading post on the
island of Java, and it was via Java that in 1606 the first consignment of tea
was shipped from China to Holland. Tea soon became a fashionable drink among
the Dutch, and from there spread to other countries in continental western
Europe, but because of its high price it remained a drink for the wealthy.
Britain, always a little suspicious of continental trends,
had yet to become the nation of tea drinkers that it is today. Starting in
1600, the British East India Company had a monopoly on importing goods from
outside Europe, and it is likely that sailors on these ships brought tea home
as gifts. The first coffee house had been established in London in 1652, and
tea was still somewhat unfamiliar to most readers, so it is fair to assume that
the drink was still something of a curiosity. Gradually, it became a popular
drink in coffee houses, which were as many locations for the transaction of
business as they were for relaxation or pleasure. They were though the preserve
of middle- and upper-class men; women drank tea in their own homes, and as yet
tea was still too expensive to be widespread among the working classes. In
part, its high price was due to a punitive system of taxation.
One unforeseen consequence of the taxation of tea was the
growth of methods to avoid taxation—smuggling and adulteration. By the
eighteenth century many Britons wanted to drink tea but could not afford the
high prices, and their enthusiasm for the drink was matched by the enthusiasm
of criminal gangs to smuggle it in. What began as a small time illegal trade,
selling a few pounds of tea to personal contacts, developed by die late
eighteenth century into an astonishing organised crime network, perhaps
importing as much as 7 million lbs annually, compared to a legal import of 5
million lbs! Worse for die drinkers was that taxation also encouraged the adulteration
of tea, particularly of smuggled tea which was not quality controlled through
customs and excise. Leaves from other plants, or leaves which had already been
brewed and then dried, were added to tea leaves. By 1784, the government
realised that enough was enough, and that heavy taxation was creating more
problems than it was words. The new Prime Minister, William Pitt the Younger,
slashed the tax from 119 per cent to 12.5 per cent. Suddenly legal tea was
affordable, and smuggling stopped virtually overnight.
Another great impetus to tea drinking resulted from the end
of the East India Company’s monopoly on trade with China, in 1834. Before that
date, China was the country of origin of the vast majority of the tea imported
to Britain, but the end of its monopoly stimulated the East India Company to
consider growing tea outside China. India had always been the centre of the
Company’s operations, which led to the increased cultivation of tea in India,
beginning in Assam. There were a few false starts, including the destruction by
cattle of one of the earliest tea nurseries, but by 1888 British tea imports
from India were for the first time greater than those from China.
The end of the East India Company’s monopoly on trade with
China also had another result, which was more dramatic though less important in
the long term: it ushered in the era of the tea clippers. While the Company had
had the monopoly on trade, there was no rush to bring the tea from China to
Britain, but after 1834 the tea trade became a virtual free for all. Individual
merchants and sea captains with their own ships raced to bring home the tea and
make the most money, using fast new clippers which had sleek lines, tall masts
and huge sails. In particular there was a competition between British and
American merchants, leading to the famous clipper races of the 1860s. But these
races soon came to an end with the opening of the Suez Canal, which made the
trade routes to China viable for steamships for the first time.
Questions 1-7
Complete the sentences below with words taken from Reading
Passage 1
Use ONE WORD for
each answer.
Write
your answers in boxes 1-7 on your
answer sheet.
1Researchers
believed the tea containers detected in 1.....................
from the Han Dynasty was the first evidence of the use of tea.
2Lu
Yu wrote a 2.....................
about tea before anyone else in the eighth century.
3It
was 3..................... from
Japan who brought tea to their native country from China.
4Tea
was carried from China to Europe actually by the 4.....................
5The
British government had to cut down the taxation on tea due to the serious crime
of
5.....................
6Tea
was planted in 6.....................
besides China in the 19th century.
7In
order to compete in shipping speed, traders used 7..................... for the race.
Questions 8-13
Do the following statements agree with the information
given in Reading Passage 1?
In
boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet,
write
TRUEif the statement agrees with the
information FALSEif the statement contradicts the
information
NOTGIVENif there is no information on this
8Tea was popular in Britain in the 16th
century.8.....................
9Tea was more fashionable than coffee in
Europe in the late 16th century.9.....................
10Tea
was enjoyed by all classes in Britain in the seventeenth century.10.....................
11The
adulteration of tea also prompted William Pitt the Younger to reduce thetax.11.....................
12Initial
problems occurred when tea was planted outside China by the East IndiaCompany.12.....................
13The
fastest vessels were owned by America during the 19th century clipperraces.13.....................
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Question: In the past, people used to travel abroad to look for many differences from their home country. Nowadays cities throughout the world are becoming more and more similar. What are the reasons? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Sample Answer
It is true that cities around the world are becoming increasingly alike in terms of architecture, lifestyle and commercial development. While this trend can be attributed to globalisation and technological advancement, I believe that its disadvantages are more significant than its benefits.
One of the main reasons for the growing similarity among cities is the rapid expansion of multinational corporations. International brands such as McDonald's, Starbucks and various retail chains have established outlets in almost every major city, creating a uniform urban landscape. Moreover, modern architectural styles, including glass skyscrapers and shopping malls, have been adopted worldwide due to their cost-effectiveness and practicality. In addition, advancements in communication technology have made it easier for countries to share ideas, leading to the widespread adoption of similar urban planning and lifestyle trends.
Despite some advantages, such as increased convenience and familiarity for travellers, the disadvantages are far more concerning. When cities become too similar, they lose their cultural uniqueness and historical identity. Traditional markets, local food, and distinctive architectural styles may disappear, reducing the richness and diversity that once attracted tourists. This cultural homogenisation also affects local communities, as younger generations may feel less connected to their heritage. Furthermore, the dominance of global corporations can harm small local businesses, leading to economic imbalance and loss of traditional craftsmanship.
In my view, the drawbacks of cities becoming more alike outweigh the benefits. While global uniformity may offer ease and predictability, it comes at the cost of cultural diversity, local traditions and authentic travel experiences. Preserving uniqueness is essential for maintaining cultural heritage and fostering a sense of identity among residents.
In conclusion, globalisation and modern technology have made cities increasingly similar across the world. Although this trend provides certain conveniences, its negative impact on cultural identity and local economies is far more significant. Therefore, the disadvantages clearly outweigh the advantages.
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✅ Sample Answer
One advertisement that really caught my attention was a commercial for the Apple AirPods Pro. I saw it around a year ago on YouTube when I was watching a music video. It started automatically as an ad, and although I usually skip ads, this one was so visually appealing that I ended up watching the entire thing.
The product being advertised was the latest version of Apple’s wireless earphones. The ad showed how they could cancel noise, connect instantly to any Apple device, and deliver high-quality sound. What made the advertisement stand out was the creative way it was filmed—there was a dancer moving effortlessly through different noisy environments, but every time he put the AirPods in, the background sounds would fade away.
I actually liked the advertisement a lot because it was modern, energetic, and very well edited. The visuals, the music, and the transitions were so smooth that it felt more like a short film than an ad. It didn’t feel pushy or exaggerated; instead, it showed the real benefits of the product in a very artistic way.
I felt quite impressed after watching it because it not only introduced the product but also gave a clear idea of how it could improve daily life. Even though the AirPods were expensive, the ad made them look premium and worth the investment. It definitely influenced the way I perceived the product, and for a moment, it even tempted me to buy them.
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✅ Sample Answer
One wild animal that I really want to learn more about is the snow leopard. It’s an extremely rare and magnificent big cat found in the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, especially the Himalayas. I’ve always been fascinated by animals, but the snow leopard stands out because of its mysterious nature and its stunning appearance.
I first saw pictures and documentaries about this animal when I was in school. Our biology teacher played a National Geographic documentary about endangered species, and the snow leopard was one of them. Since then, I’ve seen it several times in wildlife programmes and online videos, but never in real life because it’s so elusive.
The main reason I want to learn more about the snow leopard is that it’s known as the “ghost of the mountains.” It is rarely seen due to its ability to blend perfectly into rocky landscapes. I’m curious to know how it survives in such harsh conditions, how it hunts, and what makes it such a skilled climber. I’m also interested in its behaviour, especially how it raises its cubs in such remote and dangerous environments.
Another reason I’m eager to study this animal is that it’s an endangered species. Human activities, climate change, and loss of habitat have put it at serious risk. I want to understand what conservation efforts are being made and what more can be done to protect it before it disappears completely.
Overall, I’d love to explore its lifestyle, its adaptations to extreme weather, and the cultural significance it holds in Himalayan regions. The snow leopard isn’t just a wild animal—it’s a symbol of mystery, beauty, and survival, which is why I’m so keen to learn more about it.
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QUESTION
It is necessary for parents to attend a parenting training course to bring their children up. Do you agree or disagree?
SAMPLE ANSWER
There is an ongoing debate about whether parents should be required to attend parenting courses before raising their children. While some argue that such training is essential, I believe it should be encouraged but not made compulsory.
To begin with, parenting courses can be extremely beneficial, especially for first-time parents who may feel unprepared. These programmes teach valuable skills such as emotional communication, child nutrition, safety measures and behaviour management. As a result, parents can create a more supportive and stable home environment. For instance, many countries offer short-term workshops that help new parents understand child psychology, which significantly reduces conflicts and misunderstandings at home.
However, making these courses mandatory may create unnecessary pressure. Parenting is a natural process that people have been managing for generations without formal training. Many parents rely on their own experiences, cultural traditions and guidance from extended family members. Imposing a compulsory requirement might be seen as government overreach, especially for those who already have adequate knowledge and confidence in raising children.
In addition, attending a course could be difficult for people with busy work schedules or financial limitations. Instead of forcing everyone to participate, governments can focus on offering free, accessible, and flexible training sessions. This way, parents who genuinely need support can benefit without feeling obligated or judged.
In conclusion, although parenting courses offer useful knowledge and can help parents raise their children more effectively, I do not believe they should be compulsory. Encouraging voluntary participation would be a more balanced and practical approach.
LEXICAL RESOURCE (LR)
Here are strong vocabulary items and phrases used in the essay:
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✅ Cue Card: Describe an interesting traditional story, fairy tale, or legend
One traditional Indian story that I find incredibly fascinating is the legend of “Shravan Kumar”, which is often told to highlight the values of devotion, sacrifice, and parental respect. I first heard this tale from my grandmother when I was a child, and it has stayed with me ever since.
The story revolves around Shravan Kumar, a young boy who was extremely devoted to his blind parents. Since they were unable to travel on their own, he carried them in two baskets balanced on a bamboo pole over his shoulders. One day, while he was fetching water for them near a river, King Dasharatha accidentally shot him with an arrow, mistaking him for an animal. As he lay there injured, Shravan’s only concern was for his parents, which shows the depth of his love and selflessness.
I find this story particularly interesting because it beautifully captures the essence of Indian culture, where respecting parents is considered one of the highest virtues. It highlights themes like duty, compassion, and moral responsibility, which still hold great relevance today. The emotional intensity of the story, especially the moment when Shravan pleads for his parents’ well-being, makes it unforgettable.
Another reason I admire this legend is that it teaches a powerful moral lesson: our actions, even accidental ones, carry consequences. This incident also plays a crucial role in the larger narrative of the Ramayana, showing how one event can shape the destiny of an entire kingdom.
Overall, this story stands out to me because of its emotional depth, cultural richness, and timeless message. It’s one of those tales that you can listen to again and again and still feel moved.
⭐ Lexical Resource Used (LR Vocabulary List)
Here are the strong vocabulary items and phrases used in the answer:
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QUESTION
Some people think women should be allowed to join the army, the navy and the air force just like men. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
SAMPLE ANSWER
In the modern era, gender equality has become an important social concern, and one major debate is whether women should be permitted to serve in all branches of the armed forces. While some people believe these roles are too demanding for women, I firmly agree that women should be allowed to join the army, navy and air force, provided they meet the required standards.
To begin with, allowing women to participate in military services promotes fairness and equal opportunities. Many women today are highly skilled, educated and physically fit, and preventing them from joining simply because of their gender is discriminatory. For example, numerous countries, such as the United States and Israel, have already opened combat roles to women, and they have proven to perform as effectively as their male counterparts. This demonstrates that capability, not gender, should determine eligibility.
Moreover, including women in the military can strengthen national defence. Women bring diverse perspectives, emotional intelligence and strong decision-making abilities, which are valuable during complex operations and crisis situations. In addition, expanding the recruitment pool ensures that countries have access to a larger and more talented workforce, which is essential in times of emergency or war.
However, it is important to acknowledge that certain military tasks require extreme physical strength and endurance. Instead of excluding women entirely, governments should set the same physical and skill-based tests for both genders. This ensures fairness while maintaining the high standards necessary for national security.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that women should be allowed to join all military branches as long as they meet the required competencies. Equal access to opportunities not only promotes gender fairness but also enhances the overall effectiveness of a nation’s defence system.
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✅ PART 1 — Expanded, Detailed Answers
1. What kinds of activities do you usually do when you are alone?
When I’m alone, I usually try to make the most of my personal time. I read books, listen to music, or catch up on podcasts that I’ve saved. Sometimes I take a quiet walk or organise my room because those activities help me think clearly. Being alone gives me a chance to recharge mentally.
2. Do you prefer spending time alone or with other people?
Honestly, I enjoy both, but for different reasons. Spending time with others helps me stay social and connected, and I love the energy of good conversations. However, I also need alone time to relax and reflect. It really depends on my mood and how stressful my week has been.
3. What do you like to do when you’re with friends?
I try to meet them at least once or twice a week, although it depends on everyone’s schedule. During busy weeks, we might only meet on weekends, but we still stay connected through calls or texts. On holidays, we hang out more frequently.
5. What do you usually do on your days off?
On my days off, I keep things peaceful. I usually sleep a bit longer, make a nice breakfast, and clean my room. Later in the day, I might watch a series, read something interesting, or go for a walk. I like to keep my days off stress-free so I can start the week with a fresh mind.
6. Do you prefer having an active day off or a relaxing one?
Most of the time, I prefer a relaxing day off because it helps me recharge after a busy week. But once in a while, I enjoy having an active day where I go out, explore new places, or meet people. It depends on how tired I am at the end of the week.
7. Has the way you spend your free time changed compared to the past?
Yes, it has changed quite a lot. In the past, I used to spend more time outdoors, playing sports or meeting friends almost every day. Now, because of work and responsibilities, I spend more time at home, either relaxing or doing productive tasks. My lifestyle has definitely become more balanced and calm.
8. What hobbies would you like to try in the future?
I’d love to try photography because it seems like a creative and enjoyable way to capture moments. I also want to try hiking or trekking since it combines fitness with exploring nature. These hobbies would push me out of my routine and give me new experiences
✅ PART 2 — Cue Card
Describe a car journey you remember well.
One car journey I remember very clearly happened about two years ago during a short family trip to a hill station. It was the beginning of winter, and the weather was cool and pleasant, which made the drive even more enjoyable. We left early in the morning to avoid the traffic, and the moment we got onto the highway, the scenery started to change. The city noise slowly faded, and we were surrounded by wide open fields and long stretches of road.
I was travelling with my parents and my cousin, and the atmosphere in the car was really cheerful. We had a playlist of our favourite songs, and everyone took turns choosing music. As we moved closer to the hills, the view became even more breathtaking. There were lush green trees, sharp turns, and misty mountains that made the whole ride feel like something out of a movie.
I remember this trip so clearly because everything felt perfect—the weather, the music, the conversations, and the company. It was one of those rare days when the whole family was free, and we could spend quality time together without distractions. This journey stands out in my mind as a peaceful and joyful escape from daily life.
✅ PART 3 — Expanded, Detailed Answers
1. Why do people enjoy travelling by car?
People enjoy travelling by car because it gives them a sense of independence and flexibility. They can choose their own route, stop whenever they want, and control the pace of the journey. Cars also offer privacy and comfort, which many people prefer over crowded public transport. For families or groups, car travel feels more convenient and enjoyable.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling long distances by car?
The biggest advantage is convenience—you can carry more luggage, take breaks anytime, and customise your entire journey. However, long car trips can be mentally tiring, especially for the driver. Fuel costs, traffic jams, and the possibility of breakdowns are other disadvantages. Sometimes, long distances are simply more time-consuming compared to flights or trains.
3. How do cars influence the way people live today?
Cars play a major role in shaping modern lifestyles. They allow people to live farther from city centres while still commuting easily to work or school. Cars also give people the freedom to travel anytime without depending on public transport. At the same time, widespread car usage contributes to traffic congestion and environmental pollution, influencing how cities are designed.
4. What do you think the future of transportation will look like?
I think transportation will become much more technology-driven and sustainable. Electric vehicles will become the norm, and we might see fully autonomous cars that drive themselves. Public transportation systems will also improve, becoming faster and more efficient. Overall, the focus will be on reducing pollution and increasing safety.
5. How might travel change in the next 20 or 30 years?
Travel will probably become faster, cleaner, and more convenient. High-speed electric trains, smart traffic systems, and automated vehicles might become common. People may rely more on shared transportation rather than owning personal cars. Digital navigation and AI-based travel planning could make journeys smoother and more efficient.
6. Do you think people will rely less on cars in the future? Why or why not?
In large cities, yes—people may rely less on cars as public transport becomes more advanced, reliable, and eco-friendly. However, in rural or suburban areas, cars will still remain essential because public transport options are limited. So the reliance on cars will decrease in some places but not completely disappear.
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✅ PART 1 — Interview
1. Where do you live?
I live in an apartment located in a fairly peaceful residential area of my city. It’s not very large, but it’s comfortable and well-maintained. The location is one of the main reasons I enjoy living there because everything I need on a daily basis is close by.
3. Do people from different age groups live in your neighbourhood?
Yes, the neighbourhood is quite diverse in terms of age groups. You’ll find young professionals who’ve recently moved in for work, families with school-going children, and older residents who have been living there for decades. This mix gives the area a balanced and lively atmosphere.
4. Do you think your area is suitable for both young and older people?
I’m currently studying, but I also work part-time. Managing both can be challenging at times, but it has helped me develop discipline, responsibility, and time-management skills.
6. Were you satisfied with the field of study you chose?
For the most part, yes. I chose my field out of genuine interest, and I enjoy learning new concepts. There are days when the workload feels overwhelming, but overall, I feel I made the right choice.
7. If you could choose a different subject, what would it be?
If I had the freedom to choose again, I might go for psychology. I’ve always been curious about why people behave the way they do, and I love understanding human emotions, decision-making, and personality differences.
8. Do you plan to continue studying in the future?
Yes, I definitely plan to continue studying. I want to specialise further, either through a master’s program or professional certifications. Continuous learning is important because technology and industries are evolving so quickly.
✅ PART 2 — Cue Card
Describe a food you tried and found strange.
A food I tried and found quite strange was fermented soybean soup, which is sometimes made with natto, a traditional Japanese ingredient. I tried it last year during an international food festival at my university. Different cultural clubs had put up stalls, and the Japanese association was offering a few traditional dishes, including this soup.
I had heard about natto before, mainly because it’s famous for being healthy but also for having a strong smell. However, I had never tasted it. When I approached the stall, the aroma hit me immediately—it was strong, almost pungent, and very different from anything I had tried before. The volunteers encouraged me to taste it, so I decided to give it a try.
When I finally tasted it, the first thing I noticed was the texture. It was slightly slimy and sticky, which felt unusual. The flavour was a mix of salty, bitter, and somewhat nutty, but the unfamiliar texture made it more challenging to enjoy. I remember being a little hesitant at first, but I didn’t want to judge it too quickly because it’s an important part of Japanese cuisine.
Even though it wasn’t something I would eat regularly, I’m glad I tried it. It made me step out of my comfort zone and appreciate how different cultures have unique food traditions. The experience was memorable and even made me more open-minded about trying new dishes in the future.
✅ PART 3 — Discussion
1. What traditional foods are common in your region?
In my region, traditional dishes like lentils, rice, flatbreads, and various slow-cooked vegetable curries are very common. People also enjoy dishes like stuffed breads, yoghurt-based items, and festive sweets such as halwa and laddoos. These foods have been part of our culture for generations and are usually prepared during family gatherings or festivals.
2. How would you describe the flavours or ingredients of these foods?
The flavours are rich, aromatic, and comforting. Most dishes include a combination of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and sometimes garam masala. The ingredients are usually simple—vegetables, grains, yoghurt, and lentils—but the way they’re cooked makes them taste special. Some dishes are mildly spiced, while others have a strong, bold flavour.
3. How have traditional dishes changed compared to the past?
Traditional dishes have changed mainly due to lifestyle shifts and modern cooking methods. In the past, food was cooked slowly on wood fires or clay stoves, which gave it a unique taste. Today, people use pressure cookers, microwaves, and non-stick cookware to save time. Many recipes have also become lighter because people are more health-conscious and prefer less oil and fewer heavy ingredients.
4. Do people still cook traditional food at home nowadays?
Yes, but not as frequently as before. With busy schedules, people tend to rely on quick meals or restaurant food during the week. However, during weekends, holidays, or cultural festivals, families still cook traditional dishes because they feel nostalgic and meaningful. These meals bring everyone together.
5. What kinds of food do people prefer to eat these days?
People nowadays prefer a mix of convenience food and international cuisine. Fast food, ready-to-eat meals, and takeaways are very popular. At the same time, younger people enjoy exploring global cuisines like Italian, Chinese, Korean, and Mexican. The trend today is variety—people don’t want to eat the same thing every day.
6. How has globalisation influenced people’s eating habits?
Globalisation has had a huge impact. People now have access to ingredients and dishes from all over the world, which has expanded their tastes. International restaurants are common, and food delivery apps make global food easily available. As a result, traditional eating habits have blended with modern and foreign influences, creating a more diverse and experimental food culture.
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QUESTION
Companies use a variety of methods to improve the sales of their products.
What are those methods?
Which is the most effective method?
It is true that organisations adopt numerous techniques to increase the sales of their products. These strategies have evolved over time as competition in the market has intensified. This essay will outline the most commonly used methods and explain why digital advertising has become the most effective one in recent years.
To begin with, companies rely heavily on advertising to promote their products. Traditional forms such as television commercials, billboards, and print ads still play a major role, while online advertisements on platforms like YouTube and Instagram have gained significant popularity. Apart from this, firms often use celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing, which help in boosting brand credibility and attracting younger customers. Moreover, discount schemes, seasonal sales, and buy-one-get-one offers are frequently employed to encourage immediate purchases. Many businesses also invest in packaging design and product placement in movies or TV shows to strengthen visibility and appeal.
Among all these strategies, digital advertising is arguably the most effective method today. This is because companies can target very specific groups of consumers based on age, interests, and online behaviour, ensuring that their promotional content reaches the people most likely to purchase their products. In addition, digital campaigns are cost-efficient and allow businesses to track customer engagement in real time. As a result, firms can quickly adjust their marketing approach, making it far more flexible and impactful than traditional advertising forms.
In conclusion, companies use various techniques such as advertising, promotions, endorsements, and attractive packaging to increase sales. However, digital advertising stands out as the most effective method due to its precision, affordability, and ability to reach a large audience quickly.
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READING PASSAGE 1
Asteroids
A
In 2010, the planetary defence team at NASA had
identified and logged 90 per cent of the asteroids near Earth measuring 1km
wide. These ‘near-Earth objects’, or NEOs, are the size of mountains and
include anything within 50 million kilometres of Earth’s orbit. With an
estimated 50 left to log, NASA says none of the 887 it knows about are a
significant danger to the planet.
B
Now NASA is working towards logging some of the smaller
asteroids, those measuring 140 metres wide or more. Of the 25,000 estimated
asteroids of this size, so far about 8,000 have been logged, leaving 17,000
unaccounted for. Considering that a 19-metre asteroid that exploded above the
city of Chelyabinsk in Russia in 2013 injured 1,200 people, these middle-sized
asteroids would be a serious danger if they enter Earth’s orbit.
C
Whether NASA can find the remaining middle-sized NEOs
depends on getting the money to build NEOCam, a 0.5-metre space telescope which
would use infrared light to locate asteroids. If it did get the money, it could
probably achieve its goal in ten years. Once logged, the planetary defence team
would still need to work out how to defend the planet against being hit by the
truly worrying asteroids – the PIAs.
D
‘Potentially Hazardous Asteroids’ are rocks close enough
to pass within 7.5 million kilometres of Earth’s orbit. NASA has created a map
of 1,400 PIAs, none of which are expected to be a threat in the next one
hundred years. With technology already available, NASA can track these objects
and make predictions about possible impact, at which point two defence
solutions could be launched.
E
The first is DART – the Double Asteroid Redirection Test.
Plans are scheduled to test DART on the moon of an asteroid called Didymos.
‘Didymos’ is 150 metres wide, orbiting its 800-metre mother, and hopefully the
impact of DART will knock it out of its orbit enough for Earth-based telescopes
to pick up.
F
Another suggested defence against a PIA on course to hit
Earth is to blow it up using a nuclear weapon. It may sound like a plot from a
film, and it was the subject of the 1998 film Armageddon, but the Hypervelocity
Asteroid Mitigation Mission for Emergency Response (HAMMER) is a genuine NASA
proposal. The eight-ton rockets would be fired at an approaching asteroid with the
hope of bumping it off course. If the asteroid was too close to Earth for this
plan to work, the rockets would carry nuclear bombs to blow it up instead.
Questions 1–6
Reading Passage 1 has six paragraphs, A–F.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
Write the correct letter A–F, in boxes 1–6 on your answer
sheet.
1.………
Information about a plan that needs finance before it can happen
2.………
An unrealistic-sounding way to solve the problem of an asteroid crashing into
Earth
3.………
Information about asteroids that are the biggest danger to Earth
4.………
Information about the numbers of unidentified asteroids near Earth
5.………
Information about NASA’s most successful project to record asteroids near Earth
6.………
A solution planned for testing
Questions 7–12
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading
Passage 1? In boxes 7–12 on your answer sheet, write
YES if the statement is true NO if the statement is false NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage
7.Earth
does not appear to be in any danger from any asteroids that measure one
kilometre wide.
8.We
don’t need to worry about small asteroids under 20 metres wide.
9.A
special telescope will provide a complete defence against asteroids hitting
Earth.
10.PIAs are
the biggest concern, but they’re still not an immediate threat.
11.Didymos’s
orbit is not stable.
12.HAMMER may
or may not need nuclear weapons to save Earth from an asteroid.
✅ Reading Passage 1 – Answers
Questions 1–6 (Matching Information)
C – plan that needs finance (NEOCam requires funding)
F – unrealistic-sounding solution (nuclear weapon / Hollywood-style blowing up asteroid)
D – biggest danger (PIAs – Potentially Hazardous Asteroids)
B – numbers of unidentified asteroids (17,000 unaccounted middle-sized NEOs)
A – NASA’s most successful project (90% of 1km NEOs logged)
E – solution planned for testing (DART test scheduled)
Questions 7–12 (YES / NO / NOT GIVEN)
YES – NASA says none of the 1km asteroids are a significant danger.
NO – Chelyabinsk (19m asteroid) injured 1,200 people → small asteroids ARE dangerous.
NO – NEOCam will find asteroids, not provide complete defence.
YES – PIAs are the biggest concern but not an immediate threat for 100 years.
NOT GIVEN – Didymos D’s orbit stability is NOT discussed.
YES – HAMMER may or may not use nuclear weapons depending on distance.
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