READING PASSAGE 1: The thylacine

Q1. carnivorous

keywords:

Looked like a dog

had series of stripes

ate, diet

ate an entirely 1 …………………………………… diet (2^nd paragraph 3^rd and 4^th line)

1^st and 2^nd paragraph,

1^st  paragraph,resemblance to a dog. … dark brown stripes over its back, beginning at the rear of the body and extending onto the tail.

2^nd paragraph, In terms of feeding, it was exclusively carnivorous(eat others animal meat),

Q2. Scent

• probably depended mainly on 2 …………………………………… when hunting (2^nd paragraph line 6,7) During long-distance chases (=when hunting), thylacines were likely to have relied more on(= depended) scent than any other sense.

Q3. Pouch

• young spent first months of life inside its mother’s 3 ………………………………….. .

In paragraph 3 line 3 &4, Newborns crawled into the pouch on the belly of their mother, and attached themselves to one of the four teats, remaining there for up to three months.

Q4. fossil

 last evidence in mainland Australia is a 3, 100-year-old 4 ………………………………….. .

The most recent, well-dated occurrence of a thylacine on the mainland is a carbon-dated fossil from Murray Cave in Western Australia, which is around 3, 100 years old.

Q5. habitat

• reduction in 5 …………………………………… and available sources of food were partly responsible for decline in Tasmania.

In paragraph 5. it is likely that various other factors also contributed to the decline and eventual extinction of the species. These include competition with wild dogs introduced by European settlers, loss of habitat(reduction in habitat) along with the disappearance of prey species(=reduction in .. and available sources of food)

Q6 (True) Significant numbers of thylacines were killed by humans from the 1830s onwards.

In paragraph 5, which began in the 1830s and continued for a century, is generally attributed to the relentless efforts of sheep farmers and bounty hunters** with shotguns.

Q 7(False) Several thylacines were born in zoos during the late 1800s.

In paragraph 6^th first 2 lines, There was only one successful attempt to breed a thylacine in captivity(=zoo), at Melbourne Zoo in 1899. This was despite the large numbers that went through some zoos

Q8 (Not Given) John Gould’s prediction about the thylacine surprised some biologists.    

In paragraph 6, line 3 to last, The famous naturalist John Gould foresaw(=prediction) the thylacine’s demise when he published his Mammals of Australia between 1848 and 1863, writing, ‘The numbers of this singular animal will speedily diminish, extermination will have its full sway, and it will then, like the wolf of England and Scotland, be recorded as an animal of the past.’ NO information about to feel surprise.

Q9 (False)In the early 1900s, many scientists became worried about the possible extinction of the thylacine.

In 7^th paragraph first 2 lines, However, there seems to have been little public pressure to preserve the thylacine, nor was much concern expressed by scientists at the decline(extinction) of this species in the decades that followed.

Q10 (Not Given) T. T. Flynn’s proposal to rehome(find new home) captive(in case) thylacines on an island proved to be impractical.

In 7^th paragraph, line no 3 and 4, notable exception was T.T. Flynn, Professor of Biology at the University of Tasmania. In 1914, he was sufficiently concerned about the scarcity of the thylacine to suggest that some should be captured and placed on a small island(rehome). But there is no information about “proved to be impractical or not”

Q11(False) There were still reasonable numbers of thylacines in existence when a piece of legislation protecting the species during their breeding season was passed.

In 7^th paragraph line 4,5 & 6, But it was not until 1929, with the species on the very edge(small/minor) of extinction, that Tasmania’s Animals and Birds Protection Board passed a motion protecting thylacines only for the month of December, which was thought to be their prime breeding season

Q12 (True) From 1930 to 1936, the only known living thylacines were all in captivity.

In 7^th paragraph ,line 8^th, The last known wild thylacine to be killed was shot by a farmer in the north-east of Tasmania in 1930, leaving just captive specimens. Official protection of the species by the Tasmanian government was introduced in July 1936

Q13 (Not Given) Attempts to find living thylacines are now rarely made.

In 8^th paragraph, There have been numerous expeditions and searches for the thylacine over the years, none of which has produced definitive evidence that thylacines still exist. The species was declared extinct by the Tasmanian government in 1986.

No information wheather these Attempts are now made or not.

READING PASSAGE 2 Palm oil

Q14. examples of a range of potential environmental advantages of oil palm tree cultivation

In paragraph F, 1^st paragragh deforestation argument isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Oil palm plantations produce at least four(4 times increase) and potentially up to ten times more(10 times increase) oil per hectare than soybean, rapeseed, sunflower or other competing oils. (BY this environmental benefit). Deforestation is reduced.

 In 2^nd paragragh, palm tree captures more amount of carbon thus reduce the climate change.

 Q15 description of an organisation which controls the environmental impact of palm oil production

In G, 1^st line, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO),

5^th line The RSPO insists upon(controls) no virgin forest clearing, transparency and regular assessment of carbon stocks, among other criteria(environmental impact).

Q16 examples of the widespread global use of palm oil

In paragragh A, Palm oil is an edible oil derived from the fruit of the African oil palm tree, and is currently the most consumed vegetable oil in the world. It’s almost certainly in the soap we wash with in the morning, the sandwich we have for lunch, and the biscuits we snack

Q17 reference to a particular species which could benefit the ecosystem of oil palm plantations

In pararagh H, New research at Ellwood’s lab hints at one plant which might make all the difference. The bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus)(particular species) grows..

Last four line.. reintroducing the bird’s nest fern into oil palm plantations could potentially allow these areas to recover their biodiversity, providing a home for all manner of species, from fungi and bacteria, to invertebrates such as insects, amphibians, reptiles and even mammals

Q18 figures illustrating the rapid expansion of the palm oil industry

In B, last 3 lines, From a mere two million tonnes of palm oil being produced annually globally 50 years ago, there are now around 60 million tonnes produced every single year, a figure looking likely to double or even triple by the middle of the century.

Writer says, 2 million to 60 million production increased.

Q19 an economic justification for not opposing the palm oil industry

In paragragh E first 2 lines, One response to the boycott movement(an economic justification) has been the argument for the vital role palm oil plays in lifting many millions of people in the developing world out of poverty

Q20 examples of creatures badly affected by the establishment of oil palm plantations

In paragragh C, Endangered species – most famously the Sumatran orangutan, but also rhinos, elephants, tigers, and numerous other fauna – have suffered from the unstoppable spread of oil palm plantations.

Q 21 & 22 Which TWO statements are made about the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)?

A Its membership has grown steadily over the course of the last decade.

In G paragragh, Over the past decade or so, an agreement has gradually been reached regarding standards that producers of palm oil have to meet in order for their product to be regarded as officially ‘sustainable’

Here discussed about an argument no membership mention so A incorrect.

 B It demands that certified producers be open and honest about their practices.

The RSPO insists upon(producer should regularly doing carbon stocks and not cutting trees) no virgin forest clearing, transparency and regular assessment of carbon stocks, among other criteria.

So, B correct

 C It took several years to establish its set of criteria for sustainable palm oil certification.

In G, Over the past decade or so, an agreement has gradually been reached regarding standards that producers of palm oil have to meet in order for their product to be regarded as officially ‘sustainable. So C correct.

D Its regulations regarding sustainability are stricter than those governing other industries.

E It was formed at the request of environmentalists concerned about the loss of virgin forests.

NO information given for regarding any regulations sustanibality(D) or the request of environment(E)

Ans. B,C

Q 23 solid

 One advantage of palm oil for manufacturers is that it stays …………………………………… even when not refrigerated. IN paragragh A, line 4&5,the writer says that it remain solid even at room temperature(not refrigerated).

Q 24 Sumatran orangutan

The …………………………………… is the best known of the animals suffering habitat loss as a result of the spread of oil palm plantations.

In paragragh C, all as a direct result of land clearing to establish oil palm tree monoculture on an industrial scale, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia. Endangered species – most famously(best known) the Sumatran orangutan

Q25 carbon stocks

As one of its criteria for the certification of sustainable palm oil, the RSPO insists that growers check …………………………………… on a routine basis.

In paragragh G line 5^th & 6^th , The RSPO insists upon no virgin forest clearing, transparency and regular assessment(check) of carbon stocks, among other criteria.

Q26 biodiversity

 Ellwood and his researchers are looking into whether the bird’s nest fern could restore …………………………………… in areas where oil palm trees are grown.

READING PASSAGE  3:  Building the Skyline: The Birth and Growth of Manhattan’s Skyscrapers

In paragragh H line 7^th & 6^th , Ellwood believes that reintroducing the bird’s nest fern into oil palm plantations could potentially allow these areas to recover their biodiversity.

Q27 What point does Shester make about Barr’s book in the first paragraph?

A It gives a highly original explanation for urban development.

In paragragh 1st line 6,7, is a compilation of chapters commenting(not explain) on different aspects of NewYork’s urban development. So A incorrect.

 B Elements of Barr’s research papers are incorporated throughout the book.

In paragragh 1st last 2 lines, as the latter chapters incorporate aspects of Barr’s related research papers. That is writer not  incorporate throughout the paper only corporate last chapters.

as the latter chapters incorporate aspects of Barr’s related research papers.

C Other books that are available on the subject have taken a different approach.

No information in 1^st paragragh about other books

D It covers a range of factors that affected the development of New York.

In line 2 writer mention, The book combines(Covers) geology, history, economics, and a lot of data= a range of factors.

So D correct

Q28 How does Shester respond to the information in the book about tenements?

A She describes the reasons for Barr’s interest.

In 3^rd paragragh no reasons for Barr’s interest so A incorrect.

B She indicates a potential problem with Barr’s analysis.

Potential Problem: Line 6&7, the writer says, , no skyscraper interested in performing “slum clearance’” which  is the main problem

Bar’s analysis in last lines 4, no skyscraper developer was interested in performing the necessary “slum clearance’ is a problem . …. while more expensive foundations would not.

So, B correct ans.

C She compares Barr’s conclusion with that of other writers.

NO information about Barr’s conclusion, So, C incorrect.

D She provides details about the sources Barr used for his research.

NO information about details sources of his research. So, D incorrect

Q29 What does Shester say about chapter six of the book?

 A It contains conflicting data(6^th line= Chapter six then presents data on building height throughout the 20th century).

In 4^th lines says, Chapter six present data on building height, but there is no information about conflicting data, SO A incorrect.

 B It focuses too much on possible trends.

No information about focuses too much on possible trends so B incorrect.

C It is too specialised for most readers(=it is probably more technical(too specialised) than would be preferred by a general audience(readers).).

So, C correct ans.

D It draws on research that is out of date(While less technical(in passage too specialized/new) than the research paper on which the chapter(six) is based).

So, D incorrect.

Q30 What does Shester suggest about the chapters focusing on the 1920s building boom?

A The information should have been organised differently.

In 8^th paragragh no information about organizing of information is mentiontioned, therefore option A is incorrent

B More facts are needed about the way construction was financed(= 2^nd last line writer says “”finds that supply and demand factors(financing) explain much of the development(construction)”.) that mean much factors explained about the construction so shester doesn’t need to suggest any more facts. SO incorrect

C The explanation that is given for the building boom is unlikely(=last 3^rd line, writer mention, He uses data to assess the viability of these two explanations). That means explanations given for building boom is not unlikely cause data use to explain the given information.

SO C incorrect.

D Some parts will have limited appeal to certain people.

In paragragh 8, first 2 & 3 lines,” Chapter eight contains(some parts) lengthy discussions of urban economic theory that may serve as a distraction(limited appeal) to readers primarily interested(limited peaple).” it means that some parts of the book has lengthy discussions due to which it might not be appealing to certain people, therefore D is correct answer.

Q31 What impresses Shester the most about the chapter on land values?

 A) the broad time period that is covered (Last paragragh 2^nd line= In the final chapter (chapter 10), Barr discusses another of his empirical papers that estimates Manhattan land values from the mid-19th century to the present day.) here a broad time period on land values mentioned but no information about impress shester or not. So A incorrect.

B the interesting questions that Barr asks (=4^th line “Barr assesses (Q)’whether skyscrapers are a cause or an effect of high land values” ) but no information either interesting questions or not.

C the nature of the research into the topic(= 2^nd & 3^rd lines, ” The data work that went into these estimations is particularly impressive”)

data work=topic(land values)

went into estimations=research

it means that the nature of research on data work impresses Shester the most, so C correct

 D the recommendations Barr makes for the future (In 4th & 5th lines, it is said that “He (Bar) finds(finding) that changes in land values predict future building height”, but there is no information whether Shester was impressed with it or not. Therefore D incorrect.

Q32 ( NO ) The description in the first chapter of how New York probably looked from the air in the early 1600s lacks interest.

In 2^nd paragragh first two lines,” The description in the first chapter”=Barr begins chapter one ; “how New York probably looked from the air”= might have looked from the sky; “the early 1600s lacks interest”=fascinating account of how the New York landscape in 1609;

From these lines it clear New York look interesting(fascinating).

Q33 (YES) Chapters two and three prepare the reader well for material yet to come.

In the 3rd paragragh;” Chapters two and three take the reader up to the Civil War (1861- 1865), with chapter two focusing on the early development of land and the implementation of a grid system in 1811. Chapter three focuses on land use before the Civil War. Both chapters are informative and well researched and set the stage for the economic analysis that comes later in the book.”

It is clear that, Both chapters(two & three) set the stage(prepare the reader) for the economic analysis(materials) that comes later in the book(yet to come). It means the information in both chapters prepare the reader for more materials that comes later in the book.

Q34 (Not Given)The biggest problem for many nineteenth-century New York immigrant neighbourhoods was a lack of amenities.

In the 4^th  paragragh, No problem is mentioned for 19^th century immigrant neighbourhoods.

Q

35(NO) In the nineteenth century, New York’s immigrant neighbourhoods tended to concentrate around the harbour.

In the 4^th paragraph,” In the nineteenth century, New York’s immigrant neighbourhoods” = the location of neighborhoods and tenements in the late 19th century.” concentrate around the harbour.” = Most of these enclaves were located on the least valuable land, between the industries located on the waterfront and the wealthy neighborhoods bordering Central Park.

in last 3 lines, it is mentioned that New York’s immigrant were located on least valuable land, between the industries and wealthy neighborhoods (not around the harbour)

Q 36 H

In chapter seven, Barr indicates how the lack(absence) of bedrock close to the surface(=Chapter seven tackles the ‘bedrock myth’, the assumption that the absence of bedrock close to the surface between Downtown and Midtown New York ) does not explain why skyscrapers are absent from(= for skyscrapers not being built between the two urban centers.) 36 …………………………………… .

In 7^th paragraph first 3 line, the lack(absence) of bedrock close to the surface not explain why skyscrapers are absent(not being built) from(between the two urban centers(two specific areas(downtown & Midtown New York)) ).

Q 37 D

He points out that although the cost of foundations increases when bedrock is deep below the surface(7^th paragraph line 3 &4 = Barr argues that while deeper bedrock does increase foundation costs, these costs were neither prohibitively high), this cannot be regarded as 37 ……………………………………

in 7^th paragraph  3rd & 4th paragraph, the writer says, that while deeper bedrock does increase foundation cost, hese cost were not prohibitively high.

Prohibitively high cost means  although deeper bedrock increases the foundation costs, these costs cannt be consided as extra costs.

Q38 I

,especially when compared to 38 . ………………………………….. .

In 7^th paragraph 4th & 5th lines, the writer says that “nor were they large compared to the overall cost of building a skyscraper(total expenditure).

Q39 B

A particularly enjoyable part of the chapter was Barr’s account of how foundations(7^th paragraph 5^th & 6^th lines = What I enjoyed the most about this chapter was Barr’s discussion of how foundations are actually built.) are built. He describes not only how 39 …………………………………… are made possible by the use of caissons(7^th line=What I enjoyed the most about this chapter was Barr’s discussion of how foundations are actually built.),

In 6th & 7th lines, the writer says that “he describes the use of caissons, which enable workers to dig down for considerable distances

dig down= deep excavations.

Q40 F

 but he also discusses their 40 …………………………………….( 7^th paragraph last 2 lines, technological history discusses not only how caissons work, but also the dangers involved(associated risks)). The chapter is well researched but relatively easy to understand.