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Test 4
Passage 1
The Social Brew: Coffee and its Influence on British Society
A. By the mid-17th century, a new beverage began sweeping through the streets of London and beyond: coffee. Imported from the Middle East and initially consumed by merchants and travellers, coffee quickly became a mainstay of British urban life. Its impact was not limited to taste or fashion—it fundamentally altered how people worked, socialised, and thought. Historians increasingly view the arrival of coffee in Britain as a turning point in the country’s cultural and intellectual history.
B. Unlike ale or gin, which dulled the senses, coffee was a stimulant that sharpened focus and prolonged wakefulness. As the drink grew in popularity, so too did the establishments that served it. By the 1680s, coffeehouses had spread across the country, often referred to as “penny universities” because, for the price of a single penny, patrons could gain access to not only a cup of coffee but also an atmosphere rich in conversation, debate, and news. These venues attracted a mixture of students, poets, businessmen, and political thinkers who gathered to read newspapers, discuss the latest pamphlets, and share ideas.
C. The rise of coffeehouses coincided with a surge in printed material. Publishers and writers often tested their works on coffeehouse audiences, while some printing houses were situated directly above or beside these bustling venues. As a result, coffeehouses became informal hubs of information exchange and literacy. In many cases, they also played an indirect role in the emergence of journalism. England’s first daily newspaper, The Daily Courant, was launched in 1702 by Edward Mallet from a coffeehouse in Fleet Street.
D. Coffee’s influence extended to commerce as well. Some of Britain’s major financial institutions have roots in these modest establishments. Lloyd’s of London, the world-renowned insurance market, began as a coffeehouse where shipowners and merchants met to discuss maritime risks and contracts. Similarly, several banking enterprises emerged from the regular gatherings of traders and financiers over coffee, establishing trust and networks that would become central to the expanding British economy.
E. Despite their popularity, coffeehouses were not without critics. Some religious and political authorities viewed them as breeding grounds for sedition and dissent, particularly because of the open political discussions that often took place there. In 1675, King Charles II issued a proclamation to suppress coffeehouses, fearing they were undermining royal authority. However, the ban was lifted within days due to widespread public backlash and economic pressure from coffee merchants.
F. Over time, the character of coffee consumption changed. By the 19th century, the domestic sphere began to replace the public coffeehouse as the primary setting for drinking coffee, especially with the rise of tea as Britain’s preferred beverage. Nonetheless, the early influence of coffee on British society remains significant. It helped foster a culture of dialogue, rational inquiry, and entrepreneurial spirit, shaping public life in ways that endured well beyond the drink’s initial arrival.
Questions 1–6
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i–ix, in boxes 1–6 on your answer sheet.
List of Headings
i. The change in coffee consumption habits
ii. A short-lived attempt to close coffeehouses
iii. The origins of Britain’s first newspaper
iv. The arrival of coffee and its wider significance
v. Criticism of alcoholic drinks in public life
vi. How coffeehouses supported financial institutions
vii. A contrast between tea and coffee in the British Empire
viii. Coffeehouses as centres of literacy and debate
ix. Coffee’s stimulant effect and rise in popularity
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Paragraph A
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Paragraph B
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Paragraph C
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Paragraph D
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Paragraph E
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Paragraph F
Questions 7–9
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
7. Why were coffeehouses referred to as "penny universities"?
A. They provided cheap food and drink for the poor
B. They were funded by educational institutions
C. They offered access to intellectual discussion for a small fee
D. They trained apprentices in trade and commerce
8. How did Edward Mallet contribute to British media?
A. He edited political pamphlets for coffeehouses
B. He opened the first printing press in London
C. He created Britain’s first coffeehouse in Fleet Street
D. He launched the country’s first daily newspaper
9. What factor contributed to the failure of King Charles II’s coffeehouse ban?
A. He died before it was enforced
B. There was widespread opposition from the public and merchants
C. The coffeehouses went underground
D. Parliament passed a law to overturn it
Questions 10–13
Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
10. Coffee originated in Europe before being introduced to Britain.
11. Lloyd’s of London began in a coffeehouse setting.
12. Coffeehouses only allowed male customers during the 17th century.
13. Tea eventually became more popular than coffee in Britain.
Click below to see the answers for this test Answers and Explanations Matching Headings (1–6) 1.Paragraph A → iv. The arrival of coffee and its wider significance ✔ Coffee’s introduction to Britain and its broad cultural impact is discussed. 2.Paragraph B → ix. Coffee’s stimulant effect and rise in popularity ✔ Focuses on how coffee energised people and led to the spread of coffeehouses. 3.Paragraph C → iii. The origins of Britain’s first newspaper ✔ Mentions The Daily Courant and its coffeehouse beginnings. 4.Paragraph D → vi. How coffeehouses supported financial institutions ✔ Discusses Lloyd’s of London and banking developments that started in coffeehouses. 5.Paragraph E → ii. A short-lived attempt to close coffeehouses ✔ Describes King Charles II’s failed proclamation. 6.Paragraph F → i. The change in coffee consumption habits ✔ Covers the shift from public coffeehouses to domestic use and the rise of tea. ________________________________________ Multiple Choice (7–9) 7.C. They offered access to intellectual discussion for a small fee ✔ “Penny universities” gave people a cup of coffee and access to newspapers and debate. 8.D. He launched the country’s first daily newspaper ✔ Edward Mallet started The Daily Courant in a coffeehouse. 9.B. There was widespread opposition from the public and merchants ✔ The ban was lifted within days due to backlash and economic pressure. ________________________________________ True / False / Not Given (10–13) 10.FALSE ✘ The passage says coffee came from the Middle East, not Europe. 11.TRUE ✔ “Lloyd’s of London… began as a coffeehouse…” 12.NOT GIVEN ❓ There is no mention of gender restrictions in coffeehouses. 13.TRUE ✔ “Especially with the rise of tea as Britain’s preferred beverage.”
Passage 2
Case Study: Visit Bali Website
Bali is a small island province of Indonesia with a population of just over four million. It is a long-haul destination for many of the world’s major tourist-generating regions. Tourism contributes approximately 9% to Bali’s regional economy and is its largest export sector. Unlike other exports that involve shipping physical goods abroad, tourism brings international visitors directly to Bali. The product on offer is the island itself – its people, places, and unique cultural and natural experiences. In 2001, Visit Bali launched an ambitious campaign to promote the island's brand internationally. The campaign highlighted Bali’s lush landscapes, vibrant local traditions, and serene spiritual atmosphere. It helped establish Bali as one of the most recognisable destination brands in Southeast Asia.
A central element of the campaign was the website www.visitbali.id, which gave potential visitors a single access point for exploring what Bali had to offer. The core of the website was a comprehensive directory of tourism service providers, both local operators and overseas travel agents offering services in Bali. Any business connected to tourism could register by completing a simple form. This allowed even the smallest guesthouse or niche experience provider to reach a global audience. Businesses could regularly update their listings, ensuring the accuracy and freshness of the information. To ensure high standards, Visit Bali introduced a quality assurance program. All listed businesses underwent independent evaluation according to national tourism guidelines, which also took environmental impact into account.
To bring the Bali experience to life, the website featured stories about notable people and iconic places. One of the most visited sections was an interview with former national surfing champion and Bali tourism ambassador, Raka Wijaya. Another popular feature was an interactive journey through some of the locations used in major international films that were shot on the island, showcasing Bali’s dramatic coastlines and rice terraces. Over time, more tools were added to the site, including a section that allowed travellers to build custom itineraries. For those interested in road trips, the site offered maps and seasonal travel suggestions for Bali’s scenic driving routes.
A later addition to the website was a Travel Planner tool. Visitors could select attractions and activities they were interested in, save them to a personal plan, and view them on a map. The planner also recommended transport options and linked to local accommodation providers. Registered users could save, print, or edit their travel plans. The site also encouraged visitor engagement through a ‘Your Stories’ section, where travellers could submit their own blogs and photos for potential publication.
The Visit Bali website received two regional digital awards for innovation and content. More importantly, the impact on tourism was substantial. Between 2001 and 2006, tourism expenditure in Bali grew by an average of 7% annually. Visits from Australia rose at an average annual rate of 14% during that time, in contrast to an average rate of 4% for Australian travel overseas.
The site was designed to support both individual tourists and travel companies by allowing them to create customised trips based on personal interests. The search function enabled users to browse not only by location but also by experience type. This was key, as research showed that engaging activities were the biggest driver of visitor satisfaction – contributing 74% – with transport and lodging accounting for the remaining 26%. The more activities people participated in, the more satisfied they felt with their trip. Cultural immersion also played a big role. Visitors particularly appreciated interactive experiences such as attending a melukat (traditional purification ritual) or participating in a Balinese cooking class. Long-haul travellers were often drawn to such activities, which they saw as enriching and memorable.
Bali may not be a typical destination. It is a small island with a tourism economy largely made up of family-run businesses and independent providers. It is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming place with a well-developed infrastructure. Due to the long travel time for many international visitors, the average length of stay is around 18 days, with tourists aiming to experience as much of the island as possible in what is often seen as a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Still, the broader lessons from Bali’s tourism success are widely applicable – the power of a strong brand, a focus on meaningful and distinctive experiences, and the value of a well-organised, interactive website.
TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN (Questions 14–18)
Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information.
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information.
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this.
14. Tourism is Bali’s second largest economic sector after agriculture.
15. Small local businesses in Bali were able to register on the Visit Bali website.
16. The Visit Bali website allowed users to book international flights to Bali.
17. Raka Wijaya was a former professional surfer featured on the website.
18. The average stay for visitors to Bali is under two weeks.
GAP FILL / SENTENCE COMPLETION (Questions 19–23)
Complete the sentences below with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage.
19. The Visit Bali website acted as a __________ for all of the island’s tourism services.
20. Businesses can __________their online listings to keep them accurate.
21. The Travel Planner tool helped visitors save or __________ out their travel plans.
22. Visitors enjoyed cultural experiences most when they were __________.
23. The average yearly growth of tourism expenditure in Bali between 2001 and 2006 was __________.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (Questions 24–26)
Choose the correct letter, A, B, or C.
24. Why was a quality assurance program introduced for businesses listed on the site?
A) To increase competition between providers
B) To improve the accuracy of travel plans
C) To ensure a standard level of service and sustainability
25. What was the main reason for visitors’ satisfaction, according to research?
A) Affordable accommodation
B) Participating in local activities
C) Good public transport
26. Why do many tourists try to explore much of Bali during their trip?
A) It is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience
B) It is relatively cheap to travel within Bali
C) Flights from abroad are usually short
Click below to see the answers for this test 14. Answer: Not given Explanation: The passage says tourism is Bali's largest export sector, not the second. 15. Answer: TRUE Explanation: The text explains that even the smallest guesthouses or niche providers could list themselves on the site. 16. Answer: NOT GIVEN Explanation: The website's features are described in detail, but there is no mention of flight booking. 17. Answer: TRUE Explanation: He is described as a former national surfing champion and tourism ambassador interviewed on the site. 18. Answer: FALSE Explanation: The passage states that most international visitors stay around 18 days, which is more than two weeks. 19. Answer: single access point Explanation: The phrase is directly from the sentence describing how the site gave one place for exploring Bali’s tourism. 20. Answer: regularly update Explanation: The text says businesses could update their listings, keeping the site accurate. 21. Answer: print Explanation: The passage says users could save their plans or print them out 22. Answer: interactive Explanation: The text states that cultural activities were most appreciated when interactive. 23. Answer: 7% Explanation: The passage mentions this statistic directly. 24. Answer: C Explanation: The program assessed quality and environmental impact. 25. Answer: B Explanation: The passage states that activities contributed 74% to visitor satisfaction. 26. Answer: A Explanation: The passage says Bali is often seen as a "once-in-a-lifetime visit" due to the long travel time.
Passage 3
Aligning Your Thinking with Successful People
In recent years, researchers have made great strides in understanding how people achieve success, particularly through the lens of neuroscience. We now know that the choices we make are deeply rooted in how our brains interpret information and respond to social and emotional cues. This has given rise to a new area of study that looks at the brain’s role in business and decision-making, often referred to as neuroeconomics. One practical application of this research is learning how to align our thinking with the habits and perspectives of highly successful individuals.
At first glance, successful people may seem fundamentally different from others. But neuroscience reveals that their brains function differently in three key ways: perception, emotional regulation, and social understanding. Each of these involves distinct brain systems, and by understanding them, anyone can learn to mirror the thinking patterns that lead to achievement.
One of the most important findings is that the brain is limited in how much information it can process at once. To save energy, it tends to rely on shortcuts—using past experiences or social cues to interpret the world quickly. This tendency can lead to misjudgments or closed-mindedness, especially when faced with new ideas. Successful individuals often overcome this bias. They train themselves to question assumptions and stay open to alternative viewpoints. Aligning your mindset with theirs means becoming aware of these mental shortcuts and deliberately challenging them.
A major factor in thinking like successful people is how we perceive new information. While most people interpret events through the lens of habit and past experiences, high achievers are more likely to seek out new perspectives. They expose themselves to unfamiliar environments, people, and ideas to stimulate fresh thinking. This habit breaks the brain’s reliance on repetition and encourages creative problem-solving. By consciously broadening your experiences, you can start to see the world through the same expansive lens that successful people use.
However, thinking differently often triggers discomfort—especially fear. Neuroscience shows that unfamiliarity can activate the brain’s threat response. Successful individuals manage this fear effectively. Rather than avoiding risk or uncertainty, they have learned to embrace it as a necessary part of growth. The most common fears, such as fear of failure or fear of being judged, are natural but can be overcome. Aligning yourself with successful thinkers means developing resilience—acknowledging these fears without letting them control your actions.
Equally important is the ability to connect and collaborate. Successful people don’t work in isolation—they influence others and are influenced in return. This is where social intelligence comes into play. It involves understanding how people think, empathizing with their perspectives, and building meaningful relationships. Neuroscience shows that these abilities rely on specific areas of the brain, and like any skill, they can be developed with practice. To think like successful people, you must learn to navigate social dynamics with insight and authenticity.
Ultimately, aligning your mindset with that of successful individuals is not about copying them blindly. It's about understanding the patterns in their thinking—how they see challenges, how they respond emotionally, and how they build influence. By training your brain to think in these ways, you not only improve your own performance, but also open the door to greater personal and professional success.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (27–31). Choose one letter from A, B, C and D.
27. What does the passage suggest about the brain's default way of processing information?
A. It is highly logical and accurate
B. It always seeks new ideas
C. It uses shortcuts based on past experiences
D. It imitates successful people automatically
28. What is a key difference in how successful people perceive new information?
A. They reject unfamiliar perspectives
B. They rely entirely on intuition
C. They seek out repetition
D. They expose themselves to new ideas deliberately
29. What is one common emotional response to thinking differently?
A. Excitement
B. Indifference
C. Fear
D. Joy
30. According to the passage, what is the relationship between success and social intelligence?
A. Social intelligence has no link to success
B. Successful people avoid social influence
C. Successful people use social understanding to build influence
D. Social intelligence is a fixed trait
31. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Success depends on being born with intelligence
B. People cannot change how their brains function
C. Aligning your thinking with successful people can be learned
D. Neuroscience has limited application in real life
GAP FILL QUESTIONS (32–34)
Complete the sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage.
32. The brain uses mental shortcuts to interpret the world in order to __________.
33. Exposure to unfamiliar environments helps stimulate __________.
34. Social intelligence includes understanding others and building __________.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (35–37)
Answer the questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
35. What kind of situations can trigger the brain’s threat response?
36. What emotional trait helps successful people overcome fear?
37. Which science is applied in understanding business decision-making?
TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN QUESTIONS (38–40)
Write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information,
FALSE if it contradicts it,
or NOT GIVEN if there is no information.
38. Successful people always ignore their past experiences.
39. Social intelligence relies on trainable areas of the brain.
40. Successful individuals are usually born with superior thinking abilities.
Click below to see the answers for this test 27. Answer: C Explanation: The passage says the brain tends to rely on shortcuts using past experiences to interpret the world quickly. 28. Answer: D Explanation: The passage explains that successful individuals seek out unfamiliar environments and ideas to stimulate fresh thinking. 29. Answer: C Explanation: The passage states that unfamiliarity can activate the brain’s threat response and trigger fear. 30. Answer: C Explanation: It is stated that successful individuals influence others and are influenced in return by using social intelligence. 31. Answer: C Explanation: The main point is that people can learn to align their thinking with successful individuals by understanding how their brains work. 32. Answer: save energy Explanation: The passage states this clearly when discussing information processing. 33. Answer: fresh thinking Explanation: Successful people seek new experiences to encourage this. 34. Answer: meaningful relationships Explanation: The paragraph on social intelligence explains this directly. 35. Answer: unfamiliarity Explanation: The passage notes that unfamiliarity can activate the threat response and cause fear. 36. Answer: resilience Explanation: The passage says that successful individuals acknowledge fear but don’t let it control them. 37. Answer: neuroeconomics Explanation: Neuroeconomics is mentioned as the study of how the brain plays a role in business decisions. 38. Answer: FALSE Explanation: The passage does not say they ignore past experiences—rather, they avoid relying on them too heavily. 39. Answer: TRUE Explanation: The passage states that social intelligence can be developed with practice, like any skill. 40. Answer: NOT GIVEN Explanation: The passage does not comment on whether these abilities are innate or not—it focuses on what people can learn.