ENGLISH LITERACY

The questions number 1–3 are based on the following passage.

In the US, consumers spend around $700 million a year keeping their fabrics soft. In the UK
people spend £200 million a year on fabric softener. A giant manufacturer even claims a massive 50
percent share of the market. Despite the popularity, fabric softeners can be harmful to both the people
who use them and the marine life that ends up swimming in them.
Fabric softening surfactants can be derived from animals, plants or minerals, as in the case of
newer, silicone-based formulations. There is little difference between the chemicals used in fabric
softeners and those used in hair conditioners. Whatever they are based on, all fabric softeners work in
pretty much the same way, by depositing these surfactants onto the fabric to make it feel softer, reduce
static cling, and impart a fresh fragrance.
Special fixatives in the mix of both standard and luxury conditioners mean that the fragrance
can last for days, permeating wardrobes and drawers. The regular off-gassing of perfume chemicals
from fabric softeners can be a significant trigger for asthma and other breathing problems. In the US,
chemically sensitive individuals complain that, even after several washes, they cannot get the smell of
fabric softeners out of their washing machines and dryers.
If you are a fabric softener addict, there are now a number of companies that provide alternative
and ‘green’ fabric softeners. However, essentially, these are unnecessary products that can trigger
health problems and can interfere with the functional aspect of some textiles. For instance, when used
on towels and nappies, some fabric softeners can reduce absorbency, which is why it’s generally
recommended that reusable nappies aren’t washed with them. Once they are washed down the drain
they can become highly toxic to aquatic life. Given this, maybe it’s worth asking yourself whether the
time has come to break the fabric softener habit completely.

1. What does the passage mainly talk about?

A. The downside of fabric softener usage
B. The popularity of fabric softener in the US
C. Harmful compounds found in fabric softener
D. Controlling the habit of using fabric softener
E. Environmental issues caused by fabric softener

2. The word permeating in the third paragraph is similar in meaning with ….

A. filling
B. soaking
C. charging
D. attaining
E. absorbing

3. Based on the passage, it can be hypothesised that …

A. ‘Green’ softeners are developed in response to the needs of fabric softener addicts.
B. Manufacturers will shift to producing ‘green’ fabric softener products.
C. A small amount of fabric softener chemicals in the water will not harm aquatic life.
D. The absorbency in some textiles will be reduced if they are washed with fabric softeners.
E. People with breathing problems will feel safer using fabric softener if it contains fewer
perfume chemicals.
The questions number 4–7 are based on the following passage.

The United Nations predicts Earth will have to feed another 2.3 billion people by 2050, mostly
concentrated in urban centres far from farmland. Conventional agriculture may not be able to meet that
demand, but luckily NASA has been working for decades to tackle food production both on Earth and
in space. Feeding astronauts during long-term space exploration means stretching resources to grow
plants in space—including minimising water use and energy consumption and eliminating soil.
NASA initially pioneered these techniques on the ground by building the country’s first vertical
farm. Inside a decommissioned hypobaric chamber left over from testing the Mercury space capsule,
technologists stacked rows of hydroponic trays like bookshelves against the walls. Then systems for
lighting, ventilation, and circulating water were added using off-the-shelf parts. Various crops were
planted on the stacked trays to test how well they would grow in water and without the benefit of sunlight
or open air. This innovative approach to farming created a foundation for the industry of controlled
environment agriculture, or CEA.
CEA combines plant science and environmental control to optimise plant growth and maximise
efficiency, frequently incorporating vertical growth structures. Technology enables the filtering of
contaminants from crop water and delivers precise nutrient balances. Artificial lighting provides only the
necessary wavelengths at the right time, intensity, and duration, while environmental controls maintain
ideal temperature and humidity. This approach could help feed burgeoning future generations, said
Nate Storey, chief science officer at Plenty Unlimited, one of several companies building on NASA’s
plant-growth research.

4. It is stated in the passage that …

A. The world will run out of food by 2050 according to the United Nations.
B. NASA has maximised a farming method requiring a little water.
C. NASA is taking over conventional agriculture to address future food demands.
D. To improve plant development, plant science must be integrated with vertical growth
structures.
E. NASA’s innovative approach pioneered the establishment of a controlled environment
agriculture industry.

5. Regarding the role of NASA in producing food, we know that …

A. The more farming techniques NASA uses, the less energy it requires.
B. The greater the space exploration is carried out, the more astronauts that must be fed.
C. The more people require food, the more maximum NASA’s agricultural technology will be.
D. The longer the space expedition is, the more NASA optimizes its farming resources.
E. The more maximum NASA farming technology becomes, the less traditional farming will be
required.

6. From the first paragraph, it can be predicted that …

A. NASA will be more concerned with food production in space than with food production on
Earth.
B. The United Nations estimates that Earth will have to feed billions of people for a decade.
C. The most crucial aspect of long-term space exploration will be astronaut nutrition.
D. Conventional agriculture will succeed in feeding astronauts if it is combined with NASA’s
techniques.
E. In the future, there will not be enough land for conventional agriculture.

7. How is the second paragraph related to the first paragraph?

A. Paragraph 2 exemplifies kinds of agricultural progress discussed in paragraph 1.
B. The vertical farm described in paragraph 1 is explained in detail in paragraph 2.
 C. The second paragraph expands on the first paragraph’s discussion of NASA’s agricultural
method.
D. The second paragraph explains further the issues raised in the first paragraph regarding food
demands in 2050.
E. The success of the NASA farming practices mentioned in the first paragraph is reiterated in
the second paragraph.

The questions number 8–10 are based on the following passage.

Feline chlamydial conjunctivitis is an infection caused by a bacterial organism (called

Chlamydophila felis). The most common signs of chlamydia in cats involve the eyes or the upper
respiratory tract (nose or throat), and only when infection is not treated does it spread to the lungs.
Because chlamydia lives inside cells of the body and is not able to survive for long in the environment,
spread of infection relies on direct or close contact with an infected cat. Following infection, the
incubation period (the time between infection and development of clinical signs of disease) is between
three and ten days.
The bacteria primarily infects the conjunctiva, which are the delicate membranes lining the
eyelids and covering the edges of the eyeballs. The infection causes inflammation known as
conjunctivitis. In normal cats, the conjunctiva is not readily visible and has a pale, salmon pink colour.
In cats with conjunctivitis, the conjunctiva becomes swollen and red, making it more visible. The
nictitating membrane or third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye may protrude partially across the eye.
One or both eyes may be involved.
Affected cats initially develop a watery discharge from the eyes that quickly becomes thicker
and is usually a yellow or greenish colour. The eyes are uncomfortable and cats often keep the affected
eye(s) closed. Many cats remain bright and otherwise appear normal, but some may develop a fever or
lose their appetite. After one or two days, sniffles and sneezing may also occur. In kittens, the infection
may spread to the lungs and cause fatal pneumonia.

8. What does the text mainly deal with?

A. The process of chlamydia affliction in cats
B. An overview of feline chlamydial conjunctivitis
C. Clinical signs of feline chlamydial conjunctivitis
D. The symptoms of feline chlamydial conjunctivitis
E. Treatments for cats with chlamydia conjunctivitis

9. In the second paragraph, the word inflammation most nearly means ….

A. rash
B. bruise
C. scrape
D. swelling
E. soreness

10. One of the symptoms of feline chlamydial conjunctivitis is ….

A. eating disorder
B. laboured breathing
C. low body temperature
D. abnormal eye discharge
E. dysfunctional eye membrane
This text is for number 11-15

11. Which of the following is the most agreed-upon point in the opinion thread?
A. Store-bought food is always more expensive than homemade ones.
B. Although convenient, store-bought food has its drawbacks.
C. Everyone can cook homemade food daily no matter what.
D. Everyone loves cooking homemade food daily.
E. Homemade food is a necessity for everyone.

12. According to HomeChef101, what is considered important for those who cannot cook daily?
A. Avoiding store-bought food entirely
B. Prioritizing takeout for convenience
C. Planning and prepping for cooking when possible
D. Cooking monthly to support one’s mental health
E. Daily cooking is the only solution
13. What does HealthyEats mean when they say “life's a juggling act for many”?
A. Many people face many challenges in life.
B. Everyone is secretly a professional juggler.
C. Life resembles a circus with constant excitement.
D. Life is a simple and effortless endeavor for most.
E. Everyone leads an identical life path.

14. What do both FoodLover45 and BusyBee79 agree on in their comments?

A. Store-bought food is very expensive.
B. They both find cooking daily an easy thing to do.
C. They live very laid-back lives.
D. Homemade cooking is very cheap.
E. Balance is key in an effort to eat healthy food.

15. According to ChiaPudding12, why is cooking daily important to them?

A. It allows them to avoid cooking altogether.
B. It's the only way to avoid allergens in food.
C. They want a getaway from work.
D. Store-bought food is cost-effective.
E. They enjoy a variety of store-bought meals.