PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks Predictions – 1–7 June 2026 Weekly Study File

The Petrified Forest is home to some of the most impressive fossils ever found, and more are being discovered each year as continuing erosion is [exposing] new evidence. Fossils found here show the Forest was once a tropical region, [filled] with towering trees and extraordinary creatures. More than 150 different species of fossilized plants have been discovered by paleontologists, and evidence [indicating] ancient native people who inhabited this region about 10,000 years ago has been [confirmed] by archeologists. Options :

What is the significance of instinct in business' Does a reliable gut feeling separate winners from Losers' And is it the most valuable emotional tool any entrepreneur can possess' My [observations] of successful company owners lead me to believe that a highly analytical attitude can be a drawback. At critical junctures in commercial life, risk-taking [is more an] [act] of faith than a carefully balanced choice. Frequently, such moments require [decisiveness] and absolute Conviction above all else. There is simply no time to wait for all the facts, or room for doubt. A computer program cannot tell you how to invent and launch a new product. That [journey] includes too many unknowns, too much luck, and too much sheer intuition, rather than the infallible [logic] that machines deliver so well. As Chekhov said: 'An artist's flair is sometimes worth a scientist's brains - entrepreneurs need right-brain thinking. When I have been considering whether to buy a company and what price to offer, I have been [blinded] too often by reams of due diligence from the accountants and lawyers. Usually, it pays to stand back from such mountains of grey data and weigh up the really important issues, and decide how you feel about the opportunity. Options :

Studies of the cognitive abilities of bilingual children have primarily been concerned with identifying developmental [differences] between monolinguals and bilinguals. The present studies examine the [ability] [of monolingual] and bilingual children to solve a cognitive problem with the [intention] of understanding both the impact of bilingualism on children's solutions and the [function] of specific cognitive processes in development for both groups of children. Options :

Since the dawn of civilization, music has always been an indispensable part of children's education. T [oday, in most] countries around the world, music courses are still [offered] in schools as part of the basic curriculum. The ancient Greeks believed that they should be [performed] alongside mathematics and physics, as these subjects complement and enhance one another. Researchers at The Ohio State University conducted a retrospective study on the behavior of children [mainly] high school students who had been [exposed] to music courses in their early years or throughout their school life. The presence of music in adolescent education has a significant impact on their [ability to] [understand] complex concepts such as mathematics or physics. Options :

US President - Abraham Lincoln winning in the elections was [unexpected] because he was from a very poor family, without any stronger ties unlike his [counterparts] , but he still won due to United States [supporters] . His victory became a powerful reminder that true leadership is not defined by wealth or social standing. Lincoln's rise demonstrated how determination, integrity, and a clear vision for the nation can inspire [ordinary] citizens. Options :

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Individual humans are relatively powerless creatures: it's what we can do as groups that has [enabled] [us to take] over the planet. These groupings ; corporations, religions, states ; are now part of a vast [interconnected] network of information flows. Finding points of resistance, where smaller units can [stand] up to the waves of information washing round the globe, is becoming harder all the time. Options :

Mural projects are an increasingly popular form of public art that [transforms] outdoor spaces into public art galleries. Our research explored this intersection of public space, public art and public memory through The Big Wash [Up. Using a] [technique] called reverse grazti, the project [created] dozens of outdoor murals. Their focus on local themes and characters celebrated community [identity] , heritage and memory. The process simultaneously honored community memories while creating new shared memories. Options :

The [ability] to control emotions is crucial to success. In 1990, two scholars [coined] [the term 'emotional] intelligence.' Years later, Daniel Goleman, in the 'Harvard Business Review', was [telling] why leaders must cultivate this ability. Since then, the [concept] has influenced the community's emphasis on integrity and cooperation. Options :

The Oakham Area Career Program [offers] on-site, in-house teaching: the course is taught by experienced instructors, rather than outsourcing it. Our [teachers] understand each student's individual learning needs, [meaning] [learners receive personalized] [feedback] and support. This way, you'll never miss a class for any reason Options :

Hancock Building certainly [lives] up to its name. The [title] is derived from the Latin word 'lucere', meaning 'to shine', and the artwork's 3,115 lights [depict] a scale map of the stars that shine in the night sky. The 13-foot [artwork] [contains] thousands of glass bulbs, all fed light through blue illuminating fibre-optic lines. The sculpture, created by English artist Wolfgang Buttress with the help of astrophysicist Dr. Daniel Bayliss, represents a 3D map of all the stars in the Northern Hemisphere that are able to be visible with the naked eye. Options :

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Great engineers have a passion to improve life, a burning conviction that they can make life better for everyone. Engineers need to have a talent for invention and innovation, but what [drives] them is the conviction that they can find a better way to do things, a cheaper and more ezcient solution to the problems of human existence on this [planet of] [limited] resources that we call Earth. Many of us [spend] a lot of time complaining about the dizculties and problems of life. It is easy to find fault with things that make daily life arduous. For an engineer, these dizculties can be opportunities. How can this be made to work better' How can that process be made more [ezcient' How can] [components] be made more cheaply, more accurately and more fit-for-purpose' Great engineers are convinced that everything can be [improved] . Instead of complaining, they think of ways to make things better. Options :

Over the last ten thousand years there seem to have been two separate and conflicting building sentiments throughout the history of towns and cities. Specifically, [one] is the desire to start again, for a variety of reasons: an earthquake or a tidal wave may have demolished the settlement, or fire destroyed it, or the new city [marks] [a] new political beginning. The other can be likened to the effect of a magnet: established settlements attract people, [who] [tend] to come whether or not there is any planning for their arrival. The clash between these two sentiments is evident in every established city [unless] its development has been almost completely accidental or is lost in history. Incidentally, many settlements have been planned from the beginning but, for a variety of reasons, no settlement followed the plan. A good example is Currowan, on the Clyde River in New South Wales, which was surveyed in the second half of the 19 th century, in expectation that people would come to establish agriculture and a small port. But no one came. Options :

Is it a glimpse of a dystopian future or just a commonsense approach to technology' Either way, Gatwick Airport's newest hotel offers something different: a vision of a post-employment economy where tasks are [automated] by computers. At Bloc, a hotel of 245 rooms, there are just two members of staff on duty. Despite its unglamorous location in a renovated ozce block above the airport's South T erminal, Bloc has grand plans to [shake] [up the] hotel industry. Thanks to a partnership with Korean technology giant Samsung, almost everything here can be controlled by smartphone. Once guests have made a reservation online, they are given a code that can be used to log into an app, enabling them to check in without standing at a [reception] desk. In the room, the phone can operate the air-conditioning, switch on lights, turn on TVs, and open blackout blinds. Even keys have been [rendered] obsolete -guests can unlock the door to their room using their phone (with something called"near- field communication" technology). At the end of their stay, checkout is also done via the app, meaning that guests can complete their entire stay without speaking a single word to a member of staff. Options :

The lute is a plucked string instrument that [played] a central role in European music from the late Middle Ages to the Baroque period. Its pear-shaped body and fretted neck [made] it a versatile instrument, suitable both for solo performance and for ensemble playing. Unlike the modern guitar, the lute usually has courses of paired strings, which produce a richer and more [resonant] sound. During the Renaissance, it was highly valued by both professional musicians and amateur players. In the 18th century, however, its popularity gradually [declined] [as keyboard] instruments became more fashionable. Nevertheless, for those interested in the practice of early music, it remains an important subject of study, and today it is still frequently featured in historically [informed] concerts. Options :

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The pandemic created an urgent situation, prompting unprecedented [contribution] to bolster the health [system] , reform the pharmaceutical [sector] , and distribute relief [throughout] the country. Options :

In studies of chimpanzee behavior, researchers seek to [answer] how they learn to use tools, with finds [applied] to understanding primate cognition. In an experiment, signals were [sent] [to test communication] skills, and responses occurred [without] prior training. Options :

Employees should adhere to regulations that [define] conditions of the working environment to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. These measures are intended to [minimize] hazards in the workplace. In some countries, [companies are] [required] to purchase insurance to protect employees' rights and interests. Options :

Robotic surgery allows the entire procedure to be recorded, helping to [preserve] detailed surgical information. This creates a valuable tool for [training] , giving students and professionals the chance to learn from real operations. It also enables doctors to [operate remotely] , a technique known as telesurgery. Options :

The older you get, the more your [responsibilities] increase. Your commitment to your family and work grows, [leaving] you with less time for play and recreation. Neglecting recreation is a disservice to yourself, as it is essential for well- being. This can lead to [burnout] and fatigue. Remember, playing isn't just for kids - it's for adults too. Options :

We invite parents to participate in a program [held] three times a year. The details of the program will be [posted] on our website. We [expect] [parents to] [attend] so that their children can [succeed] . Options :

This museum restaurant is a [perfect] place to have a party. You can have a party of 20-25 people. More people [are] [possible] [and prices] [start] at $45. Options :

Make sure your shipping envelopes are clean and dry, and remember to remove any paper shipping [labels] [prior] to dropping off. Paper labels are detrimental to the Store Drop-off recycling [process] . If the labels don't peel off easily, you can cut them off with [scissors] . Options :

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Dear Sir or Madam, My name is T onia. My roommate and I are looking for a nice apartment near my college's campus. We are very quiet and study a lot. I study history, and my roommate studies French. We are very interested [in] [renting your] [apartment. We can] [pay] the rent on time because we do a part-time work, too. Some of our friends live in the same building and have recommended your place to us. They mentioned that you are a kind and responsible landlord, and we hope to [have] the same positive experience. I would like to [make] an appointment to view the apartment in person. Our application form is ready, and we are prepared to proceed with the process quickly.We look [forward] to hearing from you soon. Best regards, Tonia Options :

Children who eat breakfast regularly [consume] more nutrients that are essential for healthy development. As a result, they are more likely to [thrive] both physically and mentally. Studies also show that such children [tend] to behave better in school and maintain higher levels of concentration. Options :

Subject: [Application] for the Position of Software Developer Dear ÕHiring Manager's NameÖ, I am writing to [apply] for the role of Software Developer at ÕCompany NameÖ, as advertised on your website. With a strong background in computer science and a passion for problem-solving, I believe I would be a valuable [asset] to your team. In my previous role at ÕPrevious Company NameÖ, I successfully [managed] multiple software projects, demonstrating my ability to work effectively under deadlines. My technical skills in programming languages such as Python and Java, along with my experience in team collaboration, [enable] me to contribute positively to your organization. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to ÕCompany NameÖ and contribute to its success. I have [attached my] [resume] for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, ÕYour Full NameÖ Options :

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Driving in British Columbia offers a unique experience due to its diverse landscapes and varying weather conditions. Motorists are required to [follow] trazc rules and regulations to ensure safety for all road users. During winter months, it is mandatory to use [winter] tyres carry chains, as road conditions can become icy and [treacherous] . Additionally, drivers must be aware of wildlife crossings, particularly in rural or mountainous areas, [to avoid unexpected] [accidents] . Regular vehicle maintenance is highly recommended to reduce the risk of [breakdowns] during long journeys. Options :

Modern technology has brought about significant changes in our daily lives, transforming the way we [live] , work, and communicate. The advent of the internet and smart devices has made information [accessible] [at our] fingertips, empowering individuals with unprecedented access to knowledge. However, this rapid technological progress is not without its challenges. Privacy concerns and the potential for technology to [weaken] [social] interactions are issues that require careful consideration. Despite these concerns, innovations in technology continue to provide solutions to global [challenges] , such as climate change and healthcare. As a result, modern [technology remains a] [transformative] force shaping our future. Options :

A peaceful environment plays a critical role in fostering a positive and productive atmosphere for education. When learners are surrounded by a [supportive] environment, they feel safe and secure, which enhances their ability to [concentrate] on their studies. A lack of distractions and [disturbances] also ensures that both teachers and students can engage meaningfully in the learning process. Furthermore, a calm and respectful [atmosphere] among classmates promotes cooperation and mutual support, which are vital for [personal] development. Thus, achieving a peaceful setting is essential for attaining educational excellence. Options :

Ancient paintings offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and artistic skills of early civilizations. Many of these paintings were created on cave walls or pottery and have survived for thousands of years due to their [preservation] . The subjects of ancient paintings often include animals, humans, and scenes from daily life. These artworks were not only meant for decoration but also had [religious] significance. For instance, some cave paintings are believed to have been created for ritualistic purposes or to convey stories and [folklore] [. The use] of natural pigments and [traditional] techniques highlights the resourcefulness and creativity of ancient artists. Despite the passage of time, the beauty and intricacy of ancient paintings continue to captivate and inspire modern audiences. Options :

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When that happens, staff will help the person - [strung] out and now a little stressed - fish their drugs out of the rubbish. On their way out, they might have a blood test, their first [dental] check-up in years, or just a hot cup of Milo. 'We enable people to inject in the center because that's what they do,' the medical director, Nico Clark, tells Guardian Australia during a recent visit to the North Richmond Community Health Centre. 'The majority are dependent [on their] [substances] . The purpose is not to be a place that facilitates injection per se, the [purpose] [is to] keep people alive.' The centre is a response to a coroner's report that noted the heroin-relate deaths in the area in 2016. Options :

These fascinating questions and more will be revealed by University of Manchester scientists when they take to the road on their 'Brain Bus'. The bus is taking hands on [activities] to test the senses to the suburbs, to show young and old alike how the brain works and how science can answer some of life's most captivating questions.Organiser Dr Stuart Allan, lecturer at the Faculty of Life Sciences, explains: 'Three-year-olds and upwards can understand the senses and it's an area that is [intriguing] to all ages. 'It takes effort to get out of bed on a Saturday morning and go to the Museum. We are bringing science to your doorstep and going further afield this year in the hope of finding [new and different] [audiences] . 'We want people to see that science is interesting as well as important in our [lives, and to] [encourage] people who may not consider it possible to go to University.' Options :

Mercury is not found in many common products that we buy because it can be very dangerous. The most common [products that] [contain] mercury are batteries, powerful outdoor lights, disinfectants and thermometers, which [are used to] [measure] our body's temperature. It can also be found in barometers, which are used to measure air [pressure and] [show] changes in weather, and thermostats, which [regulate] the temperature of buildings, Mercury can also be found in printer and photocopy toners. Options :

If you are interested in studying but have other [commitments] , our online and distance learning courses offer [an alternative flexible] [mode] [of study. T] eaching is conducted through a mixture of audio-visual, written and interactive materials. There are also [opportunities] for online discussion and collaborative projects with tutors and other students. Some programmes include residential [modules] taught on campus, giving you the [chance] to meet and work alongside your tutors and fellow students face-to-face. Our Graduate School provides comprehensive support for distance and part-time researchers, many of whom study for up to six years or more. Options :

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A herbal is a book of plants, describing their appearance, their properties and how they may be used for preparing ointments and medicines. The medical use of plants is [recorded] on fragments of papyrus and clay tablets from ancient Egypt, Samaria and China that date back 5,000 years but document traditions far older still. Over 700 herbal remedies were detailed in the Papyrus Ebers, an Egyptian text written in 1500 BC. Around 65 BC, a Greek physician called Dioscorides wrote a herbal that was [translated] into Latin and Arabic. Known as 'De materia medica', it became the most influential work on medicinal plants in both Christian and Islamic worlds until the late 17th century. An illustrated manuscript copy of the text made in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) [survives] [from the] sixth century. The first printed herbals date from the dawn of European printing in the 1480s. They provided valuable information for apothecaries, whose job was to make the pills and potions [prescribed] by physicians. In the next century, landmark herbals were produced in England by William Turner, considered to be the father of British botany, and John Gerard, whose illustrations would inspire the floral fabric, wallpaper and tile designs of William Morris four centuries later. Options :

Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, affecting crop [yields] [and farming practices] worldwide. The agricultural sector must [adapt] to shifting weather patterns and increased extreme events, which requires an understanding of both climatology and plant science. Researchers in this field are at the [forefront] of developing resilient agricultural systems that can [withstand] the impacts of a changing climate. Options :

Coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea are biodiversity hotspots critical to marine [life] . They provide habitat, food, and breeding grounds for countless species. Yet, they face [threats] from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Conservationists are [employing] innovative methods, like coral gardening and genetic research, [to protect and] [restore] these underwater worlds. Their survival is imperative for [maintaining] [the ocean's] health and the livelihoods that depend on it. Options :

The Classic Era of Mayan [civilization] came to an end around 900 AD. Why this happened is unclear, the cities were probably over-farming the land, so that a period of drought led to famine. Recent geological [research] supports this, as there [appears] to have been a 200-year drought around this time. Options :

Performance appraisals have traditionally been considered the best way to [evaluate] [an employee's] performance, but increasingly organizations are finding them of little [value] . Employees find them stressful and unhelpful. Importantly, they also take up a lot of time. When Deloitte analyzed their own [process] [, they found] managers and employees spent around 2 million hours a year on performance reviews. A growing number of companies have decided to [abolish] performance reviews altogether, instead introducing more regular catch ups . Options :

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Counselling is an [essential] service that colleges and universities invariably provide. Services can range from [life-saving care to] [assistance] with minor concerns. Life [stressors] , such as deaths and divorces in the family, issues with friends, substance abuse, and suicide are just a few of the many issues that college students may [experience or] [witness] others struggling with. Options :

Much of our food is increasingly [manufactured] to be irresistible to us. Experts say this trend has long-term health consequences. Indulgent dishes [enticing] us with fat and sugar can feel impossible to avoid, especially during the holidays. Experts confirm it's more than a feeling: Half a century of food trends have created an environment where more than half the food [consumed] by American adults is ultra-processed. Options :

The graphic introduction was put together by northern artists, who have [interpreted] [discussions with scientists] from the Supergen Bioenergy Hub in a [series] of striking images which imagine alternative futures and explain some of the technology [involved] and how it might be put into practice. Options :

Mischel is the creator of the marshmallow test, one of the most famous experiments in the history of psychology, [which is] [often] cited as evidence of the importance of self-control. In the original test, which was administered at the Bing Nursery School, at Stanford, in the nineteen-sixties, Mischel's team would present a child with a treat (marshmallows were just one option) and tell her that she could either eat one treat [immediately] [or wait alone] in the room for several minutes until the researcher returned, at which point she could have two treats. The promised treats were always visible and the child knew that all she had to do to stop the agonizing wait was ring a bell to call the experimenter back - although in that [case] , she wouldn't get the second treat. The longer a child delayed gratification, Mischel found – that is, the longer she was able to wait - the better she would fare later in life at numerous measures of what we now call executive function. She would [perform] better academically, earn more money, and be healthier and happier. She would also be more likely to avoid a number of negative outcomes, including jail time, obesity, and drug use. Options :

The speed of sound (otherwise known as Mach 1) varies with temperature. At sea level on a standard day', the temperature is 59°F , and Mach 1 is [approximately] 761 mph. As the altitude increases, the temperature and speed [of sound] [both] decrease until about 36,000 feet, after which the temperature remains steady until about 60,000 feet. Within that 36,000 - 60,000 foot range, Mach 1 is about 661 mph. Because of the [variation] , it is possible for an aeroplane flying supersonic at high altitude to be slower than a subsonic flight at sea level. The transonic band (the 'sound barrier') extends [from] around Mach 0.8 - when the first supersonic shock waves form on the wing - to Mach 1.2, when the entire wing has gone supersonic. Options :

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After years in the wilderness, the term 'artificial intelligence' (AI) seems [poised] to make a comeback. AI was big in the 1980s but vanished in the 1990s. It re-entered public [consciousness] with the release of Al, a movie about a robot boy. This has [ignited] public debate about AI, but the term is also being used once more within the computer industry. Researchers, executives and marketing people are now using the expression without irony or [inverted] commas. And it's not always hype. The term is being applied, with some justification, to products that depend on technology that was originally developed by AI researchers. Admittedly, the [rehabilitation] [of the] term has a long way to go, and some firms still prefer to avoid using it. But the fact that others are starting to use it again suggests that AI has moved on from being seen as an over-ambitious and under-achieving field of research. Options :

The majority of British ozcials in the 1840s adopted the entrepreneur philosophy, which supported a policy of non- intervention in the Irish plight. Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel was [different] . He showed compassion toward the Irish by making a move to [repeal] the Corn Laws, which had been put in place to protect British grain producers from the competition of foreign markets. Because of this hasty decision, Peel quickly lost the support of the British people and was forced to [resign] . The new Prime Minister, Lord John Russell, allowed assistant Charles Trevelyan to take complete control over all of the relief efforts in Ireland. Trevelyan believed that the Irish situation should be left to Providence. Claiming that it would be dangerous to let the Irish become dependent on other countries, he even took steps to close food consumers that were selling corn and to redirect shipments of corn that were already on their way to Ireland. A few relief programs were eventually [implemented] , such as soup kitchens and workhouses, however, these were poorly. Options :

Fans of biographical criticism have a [luxurious] source in the works of Hans Christian Andersen. Like Lewis Carroll (and, to a lesser extent, Kenneth Grahame), Andersen was near-pathologically uncomfortable in the [company] [of] adults. Of course, all three had to work and interact with adults, but all three really [related] well to children and their simpler worlds. Andersen, for a time, ran a puppet theatre and was incredibly [popular] with children, and, of course, he wrote an impressive [body] of fairy tales which have been produced in thousands of editions since the 19th century. Options :

High emotional intelligence can help a manager [improve] workplace communication skills, employee motivation, and organisational effectiveness. If a manager has high [empathy] , a key component of emotional intelligence, he or she will be able to [listen] to the concerns of employees and will be more understanding of their needs, wants, and concerns. This will most likely translate into [increased] motivation and satisfaction of employees and ultimately will have a [positive] effect on the effectiveness of the business. Options :

Considered highly intelligent, [extremely] energetic, acrobatic and athletic, they frequently [compete] [with] great success in sheepdog trials and dog sports. They are often [cited] as the most intelligent of all domestic dogs. Border Collies continue to be employed in their traditional work of [herding] livestock throughout the world. Options :

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A charge often levelled [against] organic agriculture is that it is more philosophical than scientific. There's some truth to this indictment, if that is what it is, though why organic farmers should feel [defensive] about it is itself a mystery, a relic, perhaps, of our fetishism of science as the only [credible] tool with which to approach nature. [The philosophy of] [mimicking] natural processes precedes the science of understanding them. Options :

Over 800 Shakespeare scholars from almost fifty countries will gather at King's College London next week as the university co-hosts the 10th World Shakespeare Congress to explore and honour the Bard's life and work. Organised by the International Shakespeare Association (ISA), the World Congress [is] held every five years and 2016 is the first time it will be co-hosted [in] two locations that were integral to both the personal and working life of William Shakespeare. Delegates will arrive in London on Thursday following the start of the Congress on Sunday in Stratford- upon-Avon. [With] the main theme of 'Creating and Recreating Shakespeare,' Congress will look [at] [the] continuing global relevance of Shakespeare's work through a varied programme of plenaries, panels, seminars and workshops. Options :

The Nature Conservation Amendment Act of 1996 enables the Minister of Environment and T ourism to register a conservancy if it has a [representative] committee, a legal constitution, which provides for the sustainable management and utilization of game in the conservancy, the ability to [manage] the funds, an approved method [for the] [equitable] distribution of benefits to members of the community and defined boundaries. Options :

Many tests have shown that, in a very broad way, people in most parts of the world have similar color preferences. Blue is the most preferred and popular hue, followed by red, green, purple, yellow and orange. Overlaying this basic order of color preference, [however] , are the responses of individuals, which of course vary [widely] [and] may also be very powerful. Children are likely to have strong preferences for some colors and aversions to others, but sometimes will not admit to them, since outside [factors] may be influential in determining both color preferences and the way that they are expressed or suppressed. Current fashions in clothes and accessories, gender-stereotyping and peer-group pressure may all play a significant part. Boys in particular may be reluctant to admit to any strong preferences for colors [other than] those of favorite football teams, because color awareness may be regarded by their peer-group as feminine. Options :

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To better understand selfies and how people form their identities online, the researchers combed through 2.5 million selfie posts on Instagram to determine what kinds of identity statements people make by taking and sharing photos. Nearly 52 percent of all selfies [fell into] the appearance category: pictures of people showing off their make-up, clothes, lips, etc. Pics about looks were two times more popular than the other 14 categories [combined] [. After] appearances, social selfies with friends, loved ones, and pets were the most common (14 percent). Then came ethnicity pics (13 percent), travel (7 percent), and health and fitness (5 percent). The researchers noted that the prevalence of ethnicity selfies (selfies about a person's ethnicity, nationality or country of origin) is an indication that people are proud of their backgrounds. They also found that most selfies are solo pictures, [rather] [than taken] with a group. Overall, an overwhelming 57 percent of selfies on Instagram were posted by the 18-35-year-old crowd, something the researchers say isn't too surprising [considering] the demographics of the social media platform. The under-18 age group posted about 30 percent of the selfies. The older crowd (35ô) shared them far less frequently (13 percent). Appearance was most popular among all age groups. Lead author Julia Deeb-Swihart says selfies are an identity performance meaning that users carefully craft the way they appear online and that selfies are an [extension] of that. This evokes William Shakespeare's famous line: "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." Options :

Decades ago, the first CT image of a patient lifted the veil of invisibility that cloaks the [interior] [of the human] body, providing scientists a [window] on our innards unlike any before. CT is frequently the quickest way to get a handle on what's causing a mysterious [woe] . The technique can give surgeons a heads-up about what they will [encounter] inside a patient. Options :

However, proper [accounting] shows that for each hectare government subsidies formed $8,412 of this figure and there were costs, too: $1,000 for pollution and $12,392 for losses to ecosystem services. These comprised [damage] to the supply of food and medicines that people had taken from the forest, the loss of [habitats] for fish, and less buffering against storms. And because a given shrimp farm only stays [productive] [for three or] four years, there was the additional cost of restoring them afterwards. Options :

Journalists and their media outlets exist to publish stories. The constitution offers press freedom, but the [government has been] [battling] court cases to try to [curtail] such freedom, especially on matters that [touch] on national security. Freedom to publish is not the same as the people's right to know, which usually complicates the aspect of journalists' right to publish stories on matters [concerning] national security. Options :

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Gold Coast :one chairman John Newlands said some southern suburbs were shaking off poor reputations and [experiencing] gentrification as wealthier residents moved in and displaced people from lower-income groups. 'I think suburbs such as Miami have become [popular] with people who previously would not have gone there,' he said. 'They have come into their own with new restaurants and market [opening] which has also made them more [attractive.' Developers have] [cottoned] on to the trend as well, with Sunland launching a $62 million development, Magnolia Residences, in Palm Beach. Options :

The Sun provides the [primary] source of energy driving Earth's climate system, but its variations have played very [little] [role] in the climate changes observed in recent decades. Direct satellite measurements since the late 1970s show no net increase in the Sun's output, while at the same time global surface temperatures have [increased] . Options :

Insects walk on water, snakes [slither] , and fish swim. Animals move with astounding grace, speed, and versatility: how do they do it, and what can we learn from them' How to Walk on Water and Climb up Walls takes readers on a wondrous journey into the world of animal [motion] . From basement labs at MIT to the rain forests of Panama, David Hu shows how animals have adapted and evolved to [traverse] their environments, taking advantage of physical laws with results that are startling and ingenious. Options :

Modern wealth has been created mainly through the action of market forces, which now dominate the whole of the industrial world. It is based on the [false] premise that we all start at an equal point. Of course, nobody starts at the same point. Market forces help a few to become very wealthy at the [expense] of the many who become poorer. This is taking place all over the world. There is an increasing number of hungry and desperate people living in utter poverty. Yet there are millionaires of all nationalities throughout the developed world. Market forces are inevitably acting to divide our world because they separate one section of society from another. Strangely enough, to create a society based on the free play of market forces, there must be very strict control over the economy to ensure business ezciency. This is the poison of commercialization. It [imposes] restrictions on the natural needs of society. When the politicians are not meeting the needs of society, the people revolt. When the people's voice is not heard, there will inevitably be a revolution. Part of that revolution is the growing crime rate and the violent street protests which are the result of the [imbalance] of our society - too great wealth side by side with too great poverty. Options :

John Milton wrote in a wide range of genres, in [several] languages, and on an extraordinary range of subjects. His was a more general [education] than is offered at Cambridge these days, and it continued after his seven years here, equipping him with the tools to write some of the most [groundbreaking] literature ever seen and to engage as a polemicist on many different social, political, and theological [questions] . Options :

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For birdwatchers in southern New Mexico, September can be highly entertaining. Good numbers of many diverse [species] are on the move during this time, traveling southward from northern [breeding] [grounds to places] they will spend the winter, and there's always a [chance] that some rare or unusual bird will turn up. Options :

Green spaces contribute significantly to a reduction of soil and [aerial] [temperatures during] [spells] [of hot] weather, so contributing to human wellbeing. In the garden context, there is, however, little information as to what extent various types of plants differ in their cooling potential and how certain planting combinations may maximize cooling under a scenario of low rainfall and [minimal] water inputs. Options :

According to a research [conducted] by Cambridge University, flowers can find their own ways to attract insects to help them pollinate. Flowers will release an [irresistible] smell. A scientist and her colleagues did an experiment in which they use fake flowers to attract bees and insects. In their experiments, they feed many bumblebees from their origins [repeatedly] and got the same results. Options :

In search of lessons to apply in our own careers, we often try to [emulate] what effective leaders do. Roger Martin says this focus is misplaced, because moves that work in one context may make little sense in another. A more productive, though more dizcult, approach is to look at how such leaders [think] . After extensive interviews with more than 50 of them, the author discovered that most are [integrative] thinkers - that is, they can hold in their heads two opposing ideas at once and then come up with a new idea that contains elements of each [but] [is] superior to both. Options :

One of the things that we are seeing is that we're seeing more young people run for ozce, and the more people start running for ozce, they realize that local [government] is what makes the most impact, at least here in America. So if you want, for example, some racial [reform] in your judicial system, vote for your district attorney, vote for [your city] [councilman] . If you think that there are disparities in our education system, run for your school board. So that's one. But the other thing to send very clearly to politicians is that when young Americans voted their heart out. Young Latinos, youth in general, outvoted the people before them, but they're voting on making a bet that their life will change because the last four years could not have been [rockier] . Options :

Seventeen years ago, I walked through the city hall for the first time as a staff member. And that walk [revealed] something to me. I was a unicorn. There weren't many people who looked like me that worked in the [building] . And yet, there were folks committed to addressing hundreds of years of systemic [inequity] [that left some] behind and many ignored. Where there was a promise, there was a huge problem. You see, [democracy] , as it was originally designed, had a fatal flaw. It only laid a [pipeline] for rich white men to progress. Options :

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Financial markets swung wildly yesterday in the frenzied trading market by further selling of [equities] [and fears] about an unraveling of the global carry trade. At the same time, trading in the US and European credit markets were [exceptionally] [heavy] for a third consecutive day. London trading was marked by particularly wild [swings] [in] the prices of credit derivatives, used to ensure investors against [corporate] defaults. Options :

It's interesting that in our minds, we keep thinking of the [vaccine] discovery like it's the Holy Grail. But there are a couple of shortcuts here that I'd like to unpack. I'm not a doctor, I'm just a [consultant] . My clients focus on health care -- biopharma companies, providers, global health [institutions] -- and they've educated me. We need to find the tools to fight COVID, and we need to make them [accessible] to all. Options :

Sydney is becoming effective in making the best of its limited available unconstrained land. Sydney is suitable for integrating suitable business, ozce, residential, retail, and other development in accessible locations so as to [maximize public transport] [patronage] and encourage walking and cycling. Also, this city can reduce the [consumption] of land for housing and associated urban development on the urban fringe. For the proposed mixed business, mixed-use, and business park areas, there was no employment data available for [comparable] areas. It is also concluded that a lack of housing supply will affect [affordability] in Sydney. Options :

Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) are student-centered, technology-rich classrooms. They are easily identified [with] their large circular tables and movable seating designed to improve student [engagement] in class. Typically, each table is accompanied by a whiteboard and flat-screen monitor to [display] student work and larger rooms frequently have miniature bulbs and microphones and at each table. In this way, students are able to [signal] if they have questions or want to speak to the entire room. ALCs provide the hands-on environment that has transformed old classes from passive lectures to very active group design work. Options :

Much has been said of the Latino vote in this election, which is something I know a little bit about, having been working [obsessively] over it for the last 16 years. Latinos are the fastest-growing [demographic] , with the largest voter registration cap in America. A Latino youth turns 18 every 30 seconds. While the mode for whites in America is 58, the mode for Latinx is 11 years old. You heard that right. And it's these new voters and the youth who are [translating] America for their immigrant families who are leading the charge for [audacious] change. Options :

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Based on collaborative research by Arizona 's top business schools, this study of leadership and company performance uncovers the effects of leadership driven by [profits] , cost control and maintaining market share, versus leadership driven more by balancing employee relations and development, customer or client [needs] , and the welfare of the greater community. T ogether, Mary Sully de Luque, an assistant professor of management and a research Fellow at Thunderbird School of Global Management, and David Waldman, director of the Center for Responsible Leadership at ASU's School of Global Management and Leadership at the West campus, have found that maintaining a specific focus on profits in [decision-making] [can have] [negative] effects on how a leader is viewed. Options :

The wool market was extremely important to the English medieval economy and wool [dominated] [the English] export trade from the late thirteenth century to its [decline] in the late fifteenth century. Wool was at the forefront of the establishment of England as a European [political] and economic power and this volume is the first study of the medieval wool market in over 20 years. It investigates in detail the scale and scope of advance [contracts] for the sale of wool, the majority of these agreements were formed between English monasteries and Italian merchants, and the book focuses on the data contained within them. The pricing structures and market ezciency of the agreements are examined, [employing] practices from modern finance. Options :

First impressions based on facial appearance predict many important social outcomes. We investigated whether such impressions also influence the communication of scientific findings to lay audiences, a process that [shapes] public beliefs, opinion, and policy. First, we investigated the traits that [engender] interest in a scientist's work, and those that create the impression of a "good scientist" who does high-quality research. Apparent competence and morality were positively related to both interest and quality judgments, [whereas] [attractiveness boosted] interest but decreased perceived quality. Next, we had members of the public choose real science news stories to read or watch and found that people were more likely to choose items that were paired with "interesting-looking" scientists, especially when selecting video-based communications. Finally, we had people read real science news items and found that the research was judged to be of higher quality when paired with researchers who look like "good scientists." Our findings offer [insights] into the social psychology of science, and indicate a source of bias in the dissemination of scientific findings to broader society. Options :

Digital media and the internet have made the sharing of texts, music, and images easier than ever, and the [enforcement of copyright] [restriction] harder. This situation has encouraged the growth of IP law and prompted increased industrial concentration on [extending] and 'policing' IP protection, while also leading to the growth of 'open access', or 'creative commons' movement which [challenges] such control of knowledge and [creativity] . Options :

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UWS graduates Racha Abboud and Anna Ford, whose story first appeared in GradLife in December 2009, have [successfully] risen through the ranks to be [appointed] Associates at leading western Sydney law firm, Coleman Greig Lawyers. The promotion marks the [culmination] of many years of hard work for these legal [eagles] who are the first to rise to this [level] from the firm's Cadet Lawyer program with UWS. Options :

Modern developments in areas such as neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and evolutionary psychology have [resulted in new] [ways] of thinking about human nature. Can we explain the mind and consciousness in [terms] of brain function' Can we understand modern human behavior in terms of our evolutionary heritage' Is science even the right [place] to start if we want to understand human nature' Come along the Great Debate, hear the arguments, and have your [say] . Options :

What such a map would have failed to [reveal] , however, was the changing nature of the connections put in place by Western firms as they shifted work around the globe. It is often assumed that when Western firms, or any film for that matter, reach out across borders to establish a factory outlet here, an assembly plant there, or a [subsidiary] in some far-off location, they do so through directly investing and [thereby] [wholly owning such] facilities. In the 1970s and 1980s, among the low-cost manufacturing overseas operations, this was indeed often the case, but increasingly Western firms started to conduct their business at-a-distance through a variety of indirect [means, of which] [subcontracting] became the principal arrangement. Options :

Secondary school can be a lonely place for [adolescents] who don't have a best friend or a group of [trusted] friends. Young people will be more skilled in the art of making genuine friends (and keeping them) if they know how to be [assertive] , are optimistic about life, have some [basic] social skills and have a relationship with a parent!carer that includes [honest] talk. Options :

Britain became the largest [shareholder] in the canal in 1875, purchasing its interest from the Egyptian khedive. The Convention of Constantinople signed by the major European powers in 1888 declared the canal a [neutral] waterway to remain open to all nations in time of peace or war. Britain became the [guarantor] [of the canal's] neutrality and management was left to the Paris-based Suez Canal Co. Options :

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It is understandable that the government would look outside of Medicare to get the ezciency-related changes it [wants] . If Medicare was capable of delivering those [changes] , it would have already done so. Finding another organization that can deliver these services at a [reduced] cost with increased functionality, especially to the consumer of these services, makes absolute sense. The objections to making such a move will be about the [potential loss of] [jobs] from Medicare. Given how labor-intensive the current system is, this will be a genuine concern, but one that is facing all industries dealing with modernization through improved technology. Options :

To invest, you need to [draw up] a clear plan, do your own research, [build in] a margin of safety by always [thinking about the] [valuation] , and ultimately, be patient. By all means, include some [speculative] [picks if] you wish, but ensure they are only a small part of your portfolio. Looking for an oil explorer whose shares double, treble, and double again is exciting but such firms are very [rare] . There are a lot more that have a consistent record of paying out the dividends which really make the markets work for you, once they are reinvested. Options :

When our skin is directly [exposed] to the sun, our bodies make vitamin D, a vital tool that helps with calcium [absorption] and building strong bones. Some of it comes from diet, but a good portion also comes from the sun. And according to the Mayo Clinic, as little as 10 minutes of sun [exposure] can provide us with our daily dose. According to the vitamin D council, 'your body can produce 10,000 to 25,000 IU of vitamin D in just a little under the time it takes for your skin to [turn] pink. Options :

Researchers suggest the following tips as you begin to network, seek common ground, [engage] [with your] network regularity, and consistently [apply] yourself to making your network work or it will wither. It is a skill that [you need to] [practice] , not a talent. Options :

Coffee is enjoyed by millions of people every day and the 'coffee experience' has become a staple of our modern life [and] [culture] . While the current body of research related to the effects of coffee [consumption] [on human] health has been contradictory, a study in the June issue of Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, which is published by the Institute of Food T echnologists (IFT), found that the potential [benefits] [of moderate] coffee drinking outweigh the risks in adult consumers for the majority of major health [outcomes] considered. Options :

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Some students say that they need complete quiet to read and study. Others study best in a crowded, noisy room because the noise actually [helps] them concentrate. Some students like quiet music playing, [others] [do] not. The point is, you should know the level of noise that is optimal for your own studying. However, one general rule for all students is that the television seems to be more of a distraction than music or other background noise, so [leave] the TV off when you are reading or studying. [Also] , don't let yourself become distracted by computer games, email, or Internet surfing. Options :

Many UK newspapers have a strong online [presence] but falling print circulations and changes to advertising trends have caused the [press] [sector to experience] [declining] [revenues. The latest] [figures] [show] that around two-thirds of [local] authority areas don't have a daily newspaper. Options :

Fingerprints can [prove] that a suspect was actually at the scene of a crime. As long as a human entered a crime scene, there will be traces of DNA. DNA can help the police to [identify] an individual to crack a case. An institute in London can help [reserve] DNA and be used to match the [samples] taken from the crime scenes. Options :

Paris is very old -- there has been a settlement there for at least 6,000 years and its shape has been determined in [part] by the River Seine, and in part by the edicts of France' s rulers. But the great boulevards we admire today are relatively new, and were constructed to prevent any more barricades being [created] [by the rebellious] population, that work was carried out in the middle 19th century. The earlier Paris had been in part a maze of narrow streets and alleyways. But you can imagine that the work was not only highly expensive, but caused great distress among the half a million or so whose houses were [simply] razed, and whose neighborhoods disappeared. What is done cannot usually be undone, especially when buildings are torn [down] . . Options :

A fossilized trackway on public lands in Lake County, Oregon, may reveal [clues] about the ancient family dynamics of Columbian mammoths. Recently excavated by a [team] from the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History, the Bureau of Land Management, and the University of Louisiana, the trackway includes 117 footprints thought to represent a number of [adults] as well as juvenile and infant mammoths. Options :

Trees, as ever, are or should be at the heart of all [discussion] on climate change. The changes in carbon dioxide, in temperature, and in patterns of rainfall will each affect them in many ways, and each parameter [interacts] with all the others, so between them, these three main [variables] present a bewildering range of possibilities. Options :

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Recommended energy intakes are dizcult to [calculate] even among individuals of the same age, sex, weight, height, and the general pattern of [activity] . Therefore, the energy requirement for healthy people is often expressed as the amount of energy needed to [maintain] the status quo. Options :

When people worry about a glut of liquidity, they are thinking of the first of these concepts. If money is too abundant or too cheap, inflationary [pressure] may build up or bubbles may appear in financial markets ; until central banks tighten policy or market opinion suddenly changes. A slackening of [economic] activity or a drop in asset prices can leave households, businesses, and financial institutions in trouble if their balance sheets are not liquid enough (the second concept) or if they cannot find a buyer for [assets] . Options :

Education and well-being have often been [associated] . The idea that education can promote individual well- [being indirectly, by] [improving] [earnings and promoting] [social] mobility, is an old one, so are notions of education helping to promote the good society by [contributing] to economic growth and equality of opportunity. Options :

An ice storm is a type of [weather] . [Cold] rain falls down into the cold air changing from water into [ice] . A heavy ice storm left [more] than a hundred residents' electricity cutoff. Because the ice storm hit down the wire. Options :

Shakespeare produced most of his [works] between 1589 and 1613. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories, [genres] he raised to the peak of sophistication and artistry by the end of the 16th century. He then wrote mainly tragedies until about 1608, including Hamlet, King Lear, Othello, and Macbeth, considered some of the finest works in the English language. In his last phase, he wrote tragicomedies, also known as romances, and [collaborated] with other playwrights. Options :

You have about 30 minutes to answer each question. You must take account of how many marks are [available] for each part when you answer it Even if you think you can write more, don't spend 15 minutes [answering] [a part] worth only 5 marks. Leave space at the end of your answer and come back to it if you have [time] to spare later. And if you can't think of an answer to some part, leave a space and move on to the next part. Don't write about something else if you don't know the correct answer this is just a waste of your [valuable] time. Options :

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Technology and flexible work [practices] have had a significant impact on today's busy companies. In terms of productivity. it seems the [focus] has shifted from managing employees in the workplace to monitoring their [total] [output] no matter where they choose to work. Whether this trend will continue depends to some [extent] on how well it works for everyone concerned. Options :

Multinational companies are often criticized for a number of reasons, but we cannot deny their [positive] impact. Employment opportunities are generated for locals in the overseas country. When multinational companies set up manufacturing plants, there is often an increased [availability] of products for local consumers, which profits the local economy. Training is also sometimes provided in the use of technology, moreover, the experience and knowledge that the employees [gain] strengthens their skills and overall employability. Options :

In geologic terms, a plate is a large, rigid slab of solid rock. The word tectonics comes from the Greek [root] ["to] build." putting these two words together, we get the term plate tectonics, which [refers] to how the Earth's surface is built of plates. The theory of plate tectonics [states] that the Earth's outermost layer is [fragmented] into a dozen or larger and small plates that are moving [relative] to one another. Options :

An eccentric mix of English, German and French has entered Japanese usage with grand [abandon] [. A 'kariya'] woman is a career woman, and a 'mansion' is an apartment. This increasing use of katakana, or unique Japanese versions of Western words, and the younger generation's more casual use of the Japanese language have [prompted] Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to worry that these new words may not be understood by a wider audience. As a result, a government panel is proposing to publish a manual on how to speak proper Japanese. Foreign words became katakana Japanese [because] no existing Japanese words could quite capture a specific meaning or feeling. When the word 'cool' traveled east, all of its English connotations did not make the journey. A kuru person in Japan is someone who is calm and never gets upset. On the other hand, someone who is kakkoii is hip, or in translation, 'cool.' [similarly] , a hot to a person is one who is easily excitable, perhaps passionate, but not necessarily a popular person or personality of the moment. Options :

The exponential growth of the Internet was [heralded] , in the 1990s, as revolutionizing the production and [dissemination] of information. Some people saw the internet as a means of [democratizing] [access to] [knowledge. For people] [concerned] with African development, it seemed to offer the possibility of [leapfrogging] over the technology gap that [separates] Africa from advanced industrialized countries. Options :

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Fingerprints, referred to as 'fingermarks' in forensics, are formed when residue from the ridged skin of the fingers or [palms is] [transferred] onto a surface, leaving behind an impression. Fingermarks are often made of sweat and [colorless] [contaminating] materials such as soap, moisturizer, and grease. These fingermarks are described as 'latent' as they are generally invisible to the naked eye, which means that [locating] them at a crime scene can be challenging. Options :

An important corollary of this focus on language as the window to legal epistemology is the central role of [discourse] to law and other sociocultural processes. In particular, the [ideas] that people hold about how language works combine with linguistic structuring to create powerful, often unconscious effects. In recent years, [linguistic] anthropologists have made much progress in developing more precisely analytic [tools] [for] tracking those effects. Options :

Lake Turkana is a large lake in Kenya, East Africa. This [part] of Africa was home to some of the first humans. Here, archaeologists have found piles of bones (both human and animal) and collections of stones that humans used [as] [tools] . By carefully uncovering and [examining] these remains, scientists have started to put together the story of our earliest ancestors. In 2001, a 4 million-year-old skeleton was uncovered in the area. Although a link between it and modern-day humans has not been established, the skeleton shows the species was walking upright. Options :

Under-nutrition and related diseases kill between 15 and 18 million people a year, the [majority] [are children. At] least 500 million are chronically hungry. The tragic paradox of massive suffering [amid] global plenty traces in [part] to widespread poverty, which denies access to food [even] where it piles high in the village market. Options :

Chimpanzee posture, gestures, and facial expressions communicate many messages and [emotions] [between] [various individuals. When] [greeting] a dominant individual following an absence or in response to an aggressive [gesture, nervous] [subordinates] may approach with submissive signals . crouching, presenting the hindquarters, holding a hand out . accompanied by pant-grunts or squeaks. In response, the dominant individual may [make gestures of] [reassurance] , such as touching, kissing, or embracing. Options :

No two siblings are the same, not even [identical twins] [. Parents often] [puzzle] about why their children are so different from one another. They'll say, 'I [brought] them l up all the same.' They forget that what [determines] our behavior isn't what happens to us but how we [interpret] what happens to us, and no two people ever see anything in exactly the same way. Options :

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The coastal hypothesis [suggests] an economy based on marine mammal hunting, saltwater fishing, shellfish gathering, and the use of watercraft. [Because] of the barrier of ice to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and populated areas to the north, may have been a greater [impetus] for people to move in a southerly direction. Options :

The new systematic nomenclature was so [cumbersome] that many chemists preferred to [revert to] [the] older trivial names that were at least shorter. At least, that is the ostensible reason. Actually, the tradition seems to carry more weight than a [system] with some scientists. Options :

The precise relationship between fiction and life has been debated extensively. [Most] [modern critics agree] that, whatever its apparent factual content or verisimilitude, fiction is finally to be regarded as a structured imitation of life and should not be confused with a literal [transcription] of life itself. While fiction is a work of the [imagination rather than] [reality] , it can also be based closely on real events, sometimes experienced by the author. In a work of fiction, the author is not the same [as] the narrator, the voice that tells the story. Authors maintain a distance from their characters. Sometimes that distance is obvious for instance if a male writer tells a story from the point of view of a female character. Other times it is not so obvious, especially if we know something of the author's life and there are clear connections between the story and the author s life. The writer of fiction is free to choose his or her subject matter and is free to invent, select, and [arrange] [fictional elements] [to] [achieve] his or her purpose. The elements of fiction are the different components that make up a work of fiction. All literature explores a theme or significant truth expressed in various elements such as character, plot, setting, point of view, style, and tone that are essential and specific to each work of fiction. All of these elements bind a literary work into a consistent whole and give it unity. Understanding these elements can help the reader gain insight into life, human motives, and experience. Such insight is one of the principal [aims] of an effective work of fiction, when readers are [able] to perceive it, they develop a sense of literary judgment that is capable of enriching their lives. The following sections describe elements that should be considered in the [analysis] [of] fiction. Options :

One city will start to [attract] the majority of public and! or private investment. This could be due to [natural] advantage or political decisions. This in [turn] will stimulate further investment due to the multiplier effect and [significant rural] [to] urban migration. The investment in this city will be at the [expense] of other cities. Options :

An individual's propensity to take risks is influenced by their own experience and that of others. The key [feature] in risk-taking is the balancing of perceptions of the [risk] and the possible rewards, and this balance may be a [reflection] of an individual's particular type of [personality] . Options :

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There are two [basic] branches of the science of astronomy: observational and theoretical. Observational astronomy, as the name suggests, is [concerned] with observing the skies and then analyzing the observations, using the principles of physics. Theoretical astronomy [focuses] more on developing computer or analytical models to describe astronomical phenomena. The two fields [complement] each other, with observational [astronomers attempting to] [confirm] theoretical results, and theoreticians aiming to explain what has been observed. Options :

The Dag Hammarskjold Library at United Nations Headquarters in New York is a library [designated] [to facilitate] the work of the United Nations and focuses mainly on the needs of the UN Secretariat and diplomatic missions. Anyone with a valid United Nations Headquarters grounds [pass] , including specialized agencies, accredited media, and NGO staff, is able to visit the library. Due to [security] constraints in place at the United Nations Headquarters complex, the library is not open to the general [public] . Options :

University science is now in real crisis - particularly the non-telegenic, non-ology bits of it such as chemistry. Since 1996, 28 universities have stopped offering chemistry degrees, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry. The society predicts that as few as six departments (those at Durham, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Bristol, and Oxford) could remain [open] by 2014. Most recently, Exeter University closed down its chemistry department, [blaming] it on 'market forces', and Bristol took in some of the refugees. The closures have been [blamed on a] [fall] in student applications, but money is a [factor] : chemistry degrees are expensive to provide - compared with English, for example - and some scientists say that the way the government concentrates [research] [funding] on a small number of top departments, such as Bristol, exacerbates the [problem] . Options :

Sportswomen's records are important and need to be preserved. And if the paper records don't [exist] [, we need] to get out and start interviewing people, not to put too fine a point on it, while we still have a [chance] . After all, if the records aren't kept in some form or another, then the stories are [lost] too. Options :

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Almost all public spaces nowadays have advertisements insight, and all forms of media, from newspapers to the cinema to the Internet, are [filled] with adverts. This all-pervasive presence [reflects] [the value of] advertising to us. Without it, businesses of all types and sizes would [struggle] to inform potential customers about the products or services they provide, and consumers would be unable to make [informed] [assessments] when looking for products to buy and services to use. Without advertising, the promotion of products and [practices] that contribute to our physical and psychological well-being-medicines to treat minor ailments, insurance schemes to protect us, clothes, and cosmetics to make us look and feel better- would be [infinitely] [more] [problematic] than it is. And without advertisements and the [aspirations] represented in them, the world would be a far [duller] place. Options :

More than simply putting flowers in a [container] , ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and [humanity] are brought together. Contrary to the [idea] of a particoloured or multicoloured [arrangement] of blossoms, ikebana often emphasizes other areas of the [plant] , such as its stems and leaves, and puts emphasis on shape, line, and form. Though ikebana is an [expression] of creativity, certain rules govern its form. The artist's intention behind each arrangement is shown through a piece's colour [combinations] , natural shapes, graceful lines, and the implied meaning of the arrangement. Options :

Kathryn Mewes does not meet bohemian, hippy parents in her [line of work] . Typically one, or both, of the parents she sees work in the City of London. "Professionals seek professionals," she says. Originally a nanny, Mewes is now a parenting consultant, advising couples privately on changing their child's behavior, as well as doing corporate seminars for working parents. Her clients find they are unprepared for the chaos and unpredictability that having a child can entail. "Parents are getting older, they have been in control of their [whole lives] [and been] successful. Suddenly a baby turns up and life turns on its head." Nicknamed the "Three-Day Nanny" [because of] her pledge to fix behavioral problems in children under the age of 12 within three days, she is filming a new Channel 4 television series demonstrating her techniques. The [role] of the parenting consultant – distinct from that of a nanny – has developed, she says, as people are used to buying in expertise, such as personal trainers or, in her case, parenting advice. Options :

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Omniscience may be a foible of men, but it is not so of books. Knowledge, as Johnson said, is of two [kinds] [, you] may know a thing yourself, and you may know where to find it. Now the amount which you may actually know yourself must, at its best, be limited, but what you may know of the [sources] of information may, with proper training, become almost boundless. And here come the [value] and use of reference books - the working of one book in connexion with another - and applying your own [intelligence] to both. By this means we get as near to that omniscient volume which tells everything as ever we shall get, and although the single volume or work which tells everything does not exist, there is a vast number of reference books in existence, knowledge and proper use of which is essential to every intelligent person. Necessary as I believe reference books to be, they can easily be made [to be] [contributory] to idleness, and too mechanical a use should not be made of them. Options :

Music is an important part of our lives. We connect and interact with it daily and use it as a way of projecting our self- identities to the people around us. The music we enjoy – whether it's country or classical, rock n' roll or rap – [reflects] who we are. But where did music, at its core, first come from' It's a puzzling question that may not have a definitive answer. One [leading] researcher, however, has proposed that the key to understanding the origin of music is nestled snugly in the loving bond between mother and child. In a lecture at the University of Melbourne, Richard Parncutt, an Australian-born professor of systematic musicology, endorsed the idea that music originally spawned from 'motherese' – the playful voices mothers [adopt] [when speaking to] [infants] and toddlers. As the theory goes, and increased human brain size caused by evolutionary changes occurring between one and 2,000,000 years ago resulted in earlier births, more fragile infants, and a [critical] need for stronger relationships between mothers and their newborn babies. According to Parncutt, who is based at the University of Graz in Austria, 'motherese' arose as a way to strengthen this maternal bond and to help [ensure] an infant's survival. Options :

Cuteness in offspring is a [potent] protective mechanism that ensures survival for otherwise completely [dependent] infants. Previous research has linked cuteness to early ethological ideas of a "kindchenschema" (infant schema) where infant facial features serve as "innate releasing mechanisms" for [instinctual] [caregiving] behaviours. We propose extending the concept of cuteness beyond visual features to include [positive] [infant] sounds and smells. Evidence from behavioural and neuroimaging studies links this extended concept of cuteness to simple "instinctual" behaviours and to caregiving, protection and complex emotions. We review how cuteness [supports] key parental capacities by igniting fast privileged neural activity followed by [slower] [processing] in large brain networks also involved in play, empathy, and perhaps even higher-order moral emotions. Options :

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Discrimination against women has been alleged in hiring practices for many occupations, but it is extremely dizcult to demonstrate sex-biased hiring. A change [in] the way symphony orchestras [recruiting] [musicians] provides an unusual way to test for sex-biased hiring. T o overcome possible biases in hiring, most orchestras [revised] their audition policies in the 1970s and 1980s. A major change involved the use of blind' auditions with a [screen' to] [conceal] the identity of the candidate from the jury. Female musicians in the top five symphony orchestras in the United States were less than 5% of all players in 1970 but are 25% today. We ask whether women were more likely to be advanced and!or hired with the use of blind' auditions. Using data from actual auditions in an individual fixed-effects framework, we find that the screen [increases] by 50% the probability a woman will be [advanced] out of certain preliminary rounds. The screen also enhances, by several folds, the likelihood a female contestant will be the winner in the final round. Using data on orchestra personnel, the switch to blind' auditions can explain between 30% and 55% of the increase in the proportion female among new hires and between 25% and 46% of the increase in the percentage female in the orchestras since 1970. Options :

Let us then suppose the mind to be, as we say, white paper, [void] of all characters, without any ideas: - How comes it to be [furnished] ' Whence comes it by that vast store which the busy and [boundless] [fancy of] man has painted on it with an almost endless variety' Whence has it all the materials of reason and knowledge' T [o] this, I answer, in one word, from [experience] . Options :