Section 1: Vocabulary in Context
Read the passage and answer Questions 1–10.
For many people, mobile devices have become an integral part of daily life. They are used not only for communication, but also for studying, shopping, organizing schedules, and keeping up with news. This convenience has obvious advantages, and many people see the speed of access to information as a major bonus . At the same time, however, the constant presence of screens has changed the way people spend their free time and interact with others.
In schools and workplaces, opinions on technology are often mixed. Some people argue that digital tools help users focus by providing quick access to useful material. Others point out that constant alerts and messages can interrupt thought and make even simple tasks drag on . As a result, some teachers and managers now try to create periods during which phones are put away so that attention can be given to one activity at a time.
The effect of technology on social life is also complex. Online platforms make it easier to stay in touch with friends and relatives who live far away, and this kind of interaction can be valuable. Yet some critics say that digital communication should not completely exclude face-to-face conversation. They believe that real-life exchanges still offer something important: tone of voice, body language, and the feeling of being fully present with another person.
Even so, technology itself is neither completely good nor completely harmful. Its influence often depends on how it is used. When it supports learning, saves time, or helps people stay informed, it can play a very stable role in modern life. But when it becomes a source of constant distraction, it may weaken concentration and reduce patience. For this reason, many experts recommend a more deliberate approach to digital habits.
In the end, the goal is probably not to reject technology, but to use it wisely. Healthy habits are more likely to be fostered when people think carefully about when devices are useful and when they are not. A person does not need to abandon modern tools to regain balance; sometimes it is enough simply to set boundaries, turn off unnecessary notifications, or speak more bluntly about the need for uninterrupted time.
1. In the first paragraph, integral most nearly means:
2. In the first paragraph, bonus most nearly means:
3. In the second paragraph, focus most nearly means:
4. In the second paragraph, drag on most nearly means:
5. In the third paragraph, interaction most nearly means:
6. In the third paragraph, exclude most nearly means:
7. In the fourth paragraph, stable most nearly means:
8. In the fourth paragraph, deliberate most nearly means:
9. In the final paragraph, fostered most nearly means:
10. In the final paragraph, bluntly most nearly means:
Section 2: Sentence Completion
Choose the correct choice A, B, C, or D as the correct answer.
11. It is difficult to ______ motivation if learners do not see clear progress over time.
12. The teacher had to ______ the lesson slightly because some students were struggling with the pace.
13. Students usually feel more confident when they receive clear and ______ feedback.
14. She did not reject the offer, but she did ______ before giving her final answer.
15. His English improved ______ after he began reading short articles every day.
16. The people we spend time with can strongly ______ our habits, attitudes, and goals.
17. The manager wanted a more ______ solution, not a long discussion with no clear plan.
18. Good time management can help students ______ unnecessary stress before exams.
19. Many people are now more ______ of how too much screen time can affect sleep.
20. One ______ reason for the delay was that several documents had not been approved.
21. The company hopes the new training program will ______ communication among staff.
22. Learning a language well takes time, patience, and regular ______.
23. The road closure is only ______, so traffic should return to normal by tonight.
24. It can be difficult to find a good ______ between work responsibilities and personal life.
25. The price increase seems ______ when you consider the higher cost of materials.
26. Parents often try to ______ their children to read more by buying books that match their interests.
27. For many office workers, checking email first thing in the morning is a ______ routine.
28. The school plans to ______ some old computers with newer and faster ones.
29. Because the instructions were complex, the engineer reviewed them ______ before starting the machine.
30. The course gave students an excellent ______ to practise speaking in a small group.
