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Test 5

Passage 1

Coconut Oil

A. Coconut oil is an edible oil derived from the meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It is widely used across the globe for cooking, personal care, and in various processed goods. It’s likely found in your shampoo, in baked treats, or in tropical cuisines. Why is coconut oil so popular with manufacturers? Its ability to remain stable at high temperatures, its distinct flavor, and its long shelf life make it ideal for packaged goods and frying alike.

B. Farmers in tropical regions have expanded coconut cultivation dramatically in recent decades. Countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and India dominate global coconut oil production. With millions of hectares devoted to coconut palms, production has surged to meet growing demand not just for edible oil, but also for cosmetics and biofuel. Annual production continues to rise and is expected to increase significantly by mid-century.

C. However, conservationists have raised alarms about the environmental impact of coconut plantations. Large-scale expansion has sometimes involved the clearing of forests and traditional agricultural land. This habitat destruction affects native wildlife—particularly species found only in coastal and island ecosystems where coconut palms grow best. Although coconut farming typically occurs in less biodiverse areas than palm oil, concerns remain over monocultures and reduced ecological resilience.

D. Dr. Farnon Ellwood from the University of the West of England warns, "Coconut oil isn't without ecological consequences. As with any monoculture, it can replace more biodiverse ecosystems." Some environmentalists suggest rethinking the way coconut oil is farmed rather than abandoning it altogether. Professor Bhavani Shankar of SOAS, London, notes, “It's tempting to label coconut oil as a clean alternative, but sustainability depends on how it's produced.”

E. Supporters of the coconut industry highlight its role in supporting livelihoods in developing nations. In many communities, coconut farming is a key source of income. Critics of a total boycott argue that eliminating coconut oil from supply chains would devastate rural economies. The debate centers on balancing environmental protection with social and economic justice for producers.

F. From an environmental standpoint, coconut farming might offer some advantages over other oil crops. Coconut palms can grow on poorer soils and require fewer inputs than crops like soybean or sunflower. They also produce oil at relatively high yields. However, carbon sequestration depends on what kind of land they replace. If planted where mangroves or native forests once stood, the ecological cost could be high.

G. Efforts are underway to regulate coconut oil production through sustainability standards. Although not as established as palm oil’s RSPO, various regional and international groups are working toward traceability, fair trade practices, and improved farming methods. These aim to ensure that coconut oil production does not come at the cost of environmental or human well-being.

H. There’s even hope that coconut plantations could be designed to promote biodiversity. Research into intercropping coconut palms with native plants or supporting undergrowth species shows promise. For example, allowing ferns, shrubs, and even certain tree species to grow alongside coconut palms could provide shelter for insects, birds, and small mammals, helping restore ecological balance.

Summary Completion (5 questions)

Complete the summary below using words from the passage.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.

Coconut oil is produced from the (1) __________ of coconuts and is used in a wide range of products, from food to (2) __________. It is valued by producers because of its stability at high temperatures and extended (3) __________. While countries such as Indonesia and India are major producers, the growth in coconut plantations has sometimes led to the destruction of (4) __________, which has caused concern among conservationists. Some experts suggest that instead of eliminating coconut oil, the focus should be on it being more sustainably (5) __________.

Multiple Choice (5 questions)

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

6. Why is coconut oil considered useful by manufacturers?
A. It is cheaper than palm oil
B. It has no flavor
C. It lasts long and withstands heat
D. It grows in temperate climates

7. What concern is raised about coconut plantations?
A. They produce poor quality oil
B. They reduce biodiversity in forests
C. They grow too slowly
D. They are replacing cities

8. What role does coconut farming play in some regions?
A. It is mainly used for tourism promotion
B. It causes unemployment
C. It contributes to deforestation
D. It provides essential income

9. What does the passage suggest about carbon sequestration and coconut palms?
A. They store more carbon than all other crops
B. They always reduce emissions
C. Their benefit depends on the land they replace
D. Their impact is impossible to measure

10. What is the purpose of introducing other plant species into coconut plantations?
A. To reduce oil production
B. To lower costs
C. To improve biodiversity
D. To compete with palm oil

True, False, Not Given (3 questions)

Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write:
TRUE – if the statement agrees with the passage
FALSE – if the statement contradicts the passage
NOT GIVEN – if there is no information on this in the passage

11. Coconut oil is the most consumed oil in the world.
12. Some coconut plantations have been planted on poor-quality soil.
13. Certified coconut oil now makes up over half of the global market.

Click below to see the answers for this test Summary Completion 1.meat → “Coconut oil is an edible oil derived from the meat of mature coconuts…” 2.personal care → It is widely used across the globe for cooking, personal care, and in various processed goods. 3.shelf life → “…its long shelf life make it ideal for packaged goods…” 4.forests → “…expansion has sometimes involved the clearing of forests…” 5.farmed → “Some environmentalists suggest rethinking the way coconut oil is farmed…” ________________________________________ Multiple Choice 6.C – “Its ability to remain stable at high temperatures, its distinct flavor, and its long shelf life…” 7.B – “...concerns remain over monocultures and reduced ecological resilience.” 8.D – “In many communities, coconut farming is a key source of income.” 9.C – “...carbon sequestration depends on what kind of land they replace.” 10.C – “...could provide shelter for insects, birds, and small mammals, helping restore ecological balance.” ________________________________________ True, False, Not Given 11.Not Given – There is no comparison made between coconut oil consumption with other types. 12.TRUE – “Coconut palms can grow on poorer soils…” 13.NOT GIVEN – No statistics are given about certified coconut oil’s market share.

Passage 2

Climate Change Reveals Ancient Artefacts in Ireland’s Peat Marshes

A. Scattered across Ireland’s lowland bogs and upland peat marshes, ancient fields of peat are drying out as the climate warms and land use changes. As the peat shrinks and cracks, it has begun to reveal treasures preserved in cold, oxygen-poor environments for thousands of years — items such as wooden tools, leather shoes, and weapons from Iron Age* settlers. These artefacts have provided archaeologists with unexpected insights into how ancient Irish communities lived, traded, and survived.

B. Organic materials like textiles, hides, and wood are rarely found intact at typical archaeological sites due to decay. However, the waterlogged and anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions of peat marshes prevent decomposition, allowing materials to remain relatively well-preserved for centuries. But once exposed to air and sunlight, these fragile items quickly begin to deteriorate. As climate change causes peatlands to dry out, researchers must act fast to identify, recover, and preserve newly revealed artefacts before they are lost forever.

Because drying is unpredictable, and artefacts may be exposed one year and buried again the next by plant growth or erosion, archaeologists working in peat marshes must adopt highly systematic and timely methods in their fieldwork.

C. Over a ten-year period, a team of archaeologists led by Siobhán Brennan of the National Monuments Service and Dr. Cormac Reilly of Trinity College Dublin surveyed peat marshes in the Midlands of Ireland — an area known for its vast boglands and rich archaeological heritage. These marshes once attracted herders and hunters from the Neolithic** onwards, and later became routes for trade and migration. Footpaths known as “toghers,” made of wooden planks, were laid across the wetlands to connect settlements and sacred sites.

Peat cutting, a traditional method of harvesting fuel, has also exposed artefacts embedded deep in the bog. In several locations, archaeologists focused on areas above 200 metres, where less disturbance from agriculture meant higher chances of untouched finds.

“Fieldwork is always a challenge — you’re walking across soaked ground, often in remote places,” says Brennan. “But it’s worth it. Every item we uncover tells a story about Ireland’s forgotten past.”

D. Across these marshes, researchers have found more than 1,800 artefacts — forming a material record that stretches from around 3,500 BCE to the medieval period. Many of the items are associated with rituals and domestic life: wooden butter churns, pottery, farming tools, and even human remains. Some discoveries suggest offerings were deliberately deposited in bogs as part of religious or ceremonial practice. Other items, like carts or footwear, may have simply been lost while travelling along the bog paths.

E. Brennan’s team radiocarbon-dated 137 of the artefacts and compared those dates with known climatic events — such as warmer, drier periods and cooler, wetter ones — as well as times of agricultural expansion or societal change. They found that certain periods, especially between 1000 BCE and 500 CE, were particularly rich in artefacts, suggesting that human activity in and around the marshes was intense during those times. In contrast, other centuries showed minimal signs of use.

F. The results raised new questions. Irish upland bogs are remote and were assumed to be avoided during harsh weather or difficult periods. But evidence showed that people continued using these landscapes even during adverse conditions, such as during the Little Ice Age around 540 CE. It is possible that during these colder times, when crops failed or diseases spread, people turned to foraging, hunting, and even religious rituals in peatlands to compensate for hardships elsewhere.

“Strikingly, some of the most densely packed deposits come from colder periods,” says Reilly. “That suggests the marshes were more than just marginal land — they were vital parts of the cultural and economic landscape.”

G. Many of the most significant artefacts date from the early medieval period, roughly 600 to 1000 CE. During this time, Ireland’s trade links expanded rapidly, connecting with Britain and continental Europe. Marshland tracks were used to move goods like wool, leather, and salt inland, especially when roads were impassable. Export demands for hides and antler products — used in everything from clothing to combs — supported a thriving economy. Artefacts from this period, including metal tools and decorated wooden carvings, suggest a flourishing of craftsmanship and trade.

H. Ireland’s peatlands are likely to reveal even more history in the coming decades. When Brennan’s team reviewed their sample, they noticed a puzzling gap — very few artefacts dated between 2,800 and 2,000 BCE. This absence may reflect a genuine lull in human activity or, more likely, the complete decay or continued burial of materials still deep within the marshes. As peat continues to erode or be harvested, archaeologists believe they may still recover items from these lost centuries, offering new glimpses into Ireland’s prehistoric past.

Choose the correct paragraph, A–H, from the passage for each statement below.

14. A reason why certain organic materials survive longer in peat marshes than at typical archaeological sites.

15. The role of trade routes through the marshes in medieval Irish society.

16. A description of the difficult conditions archaeologists face during excavations.

17. A possible explanation for a lack of artefacts from a particular historical period.

18. Evidence suggesting human activity increased during environmentally harsh times.

19. An overview of what researchers found in terms of the number and type of artefacts.

Complete the summary below using No MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage.

As the climate changes, ancient artefacts preserved in Ireland’s 20. ______ marshes are being revealed. These discoveries include organic materials such as hides and 21. ______, which are normally rare at archaeological sites. The preservation is due to the marshes’ cold, low-oxygen conditions, which prevent 22. ______ from breaking them down.

Archaeologists have worked in difficult conditions to survey areas in the Midlands, uncovering items like tools, weapons, and 23 ______ objects. Some finds are thought to relate to ritual or religious practices. Others may have been lost along wooden 24. ______ used to cross the bogs. A number of artefacts also reflect long-distance 25. ______, especially during the early medieval period. One particular historical gap in the record may be because some materials have experienced 26. ______ or are still buried deep within the peat.

Click below to see the answers for this test 14. Answer: B Explanation: Paragraph B discusses why organic materials like textiles and hides are rare, but how peat preserves them due to low oxygen and cold conditions. It contrasts this with typical decay elsewhere. 15. Answer: G Explanation: Paragraph G explains how trade routes through the marshes were essential in early medieval Ireland, helping move goods like wool and leather, and supporting economic growth. 16. Answer: C Explanation: In Paragraph C, the passage quotes Brennan describing the physical difficulty of working in remote, waterlogged areas. 17. Answer: H Explanation: Paragraph H talks about a notable gap in artefacts between 2800 and 2000 BCE and suggests reasons, including decay or that items are still buried. 18. Answer: F Explanation: Paragraph F describes how artefacts from colder periods may indicate people turned to marshes for hunting and ritual activity during times of crop failure or social stress. 19. Answer: D Explanation: Paragraph D outlines the discovery of more than 1,800 artefacts, including tools, pottery, and ceremonial items, and covers a time span from 3500 BCE to the medieval era. 20. Answer: peat Explanation: The passage frequently refers to “peat marshes” as the environment preserving ancient artefacts. 21. Answer: textiles Explanation: Mentioned in Paragraph B alongside hides as rare organic finds preserved in marsh conditions. 22. Answer: air and sunlight Explanation: once exposed to air and sunlight, these fragile items quickly begin to deteriorate 23. Answer: ceremonial Explanation: Paragraph D discusses ceremonial or ritual items among the artefacts discovered. 24. Answer: bog paths Explanation Other items, like carts or footwear, may have simply been lost while travelling along the bog paths. Paragraph D 25. Answer: trade Explanation: Paragraph G discusses the expansion of trade and the movement of goods through the marshland routes. 26. Answer: complete decay Explanation: Paragraph H. This absence may reflect a genuine lull in human activity or, more likely, the complete decay or continued burial of materials still deep within the marshes

Passage 3

CAR EMISSIONS

A. At first glance, cars may seem like a major problem for the environment, but those who work in the industry often call them a vital part of modern life. Cars give people freedom, help deliver goods, and connect cities and towns. Still, many people worry about their environmental impact, especially the emissions that come from burning fuel. In the UK, car emissions have gone up significantly since the early 1990s. Cars are often seen as a symbol of a lifestyle that harms the planet. However, the truth is more complicated. Modern cars are becoming more fuel-efficient and some run on electricity. Also, cars only account for part of the pollution problem. For example, public transport, if not run on clean energy, can also produce a lot of emissions. Some experts argue that the focus on cars may be missing the bigger picture.

B. Are we worrying too much about cars? Should we instead focus on more effective ways to fight climate change, like improving building energy use or reducing factory emissions? The car industry certainly thinks so and is quick to highlight other causes of pollution. Meanwhile, government policies are inconsistent—some encourage electric cars, others build more roads. People are left unsure about what really helps. As Professor Jo Scott says, "It’s a mess. It’s all left to individuals and businesses to figure out on their own."

C. In places with fewer cars, people often face other problems like long travel times or lack of access to work and services. In countries like India, traffic is chaotic, and older vehicles pollute heavily. In contrast, the UK has stricter rules and newer cars, but people still drive a lot. Even though newer cars pollute less, the total emissions stay high because there are so many cars on the road. Car designers have lots of technology to work with, from hybrid engines to lightweight materials, to help make vehicles cleaner.

D. One big advantage of newer cars is that they use fuel more efficiently. This means they produce fewer emissions per kilometer. For example, small hybrid cars are much lighter and cleaner than older petrol or diesel vehicles. In fact, transportation emissions could be reduced significantly if more people used efficient or electric vehicles. Therefore, blaming cars without looking at their improvements might not be fair. Emissions are a serious problem, but newer technologies are helping to reduce them.

E. One car company ran a study to see if electric delivery vans were really better for the environment. The results showed that while electric vehicles produced less pollution, the biggest savings came from planning better routes and using fewer trips. John Mackay, a transport expert, says the rush to ban petrol cars distracts from more complex questions—like how to design cities to reduce travel in the first place. For example, building better public transport or encouraging remote work could have a much bigger effect. Instead of just banning certain types of cars, we need to rethink the entire system of travel. As Jo Scott says, "Our current car-based system only makes sense in the world we live in now. A truly green transport system would look completely different." Susan Beekley adds, "How we use cars today reflects the way we live."

27. In the UK, car emissions have decreased since the early 1990s.
28. Public transport always produces less pollution than private cars.
29. Some experts believe that car emissions are not the most important environmental issue.
30. In India, traffic problems are made worse by the use of older vehicles.
31. Electric vehicles were shown in one study to be the only factor that reduced delivery emissions.
32. The way people use cars today is influenced by how modern life is structured.

Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

33. According to the passage, why is it difficult for individuals and businesses to make environmentally friendly choices about car use?

A) Most people do not believe car emissions are harmful
B) Car companies do not provide enough low-emission options
C) Government policies on cars and transport are inconsistent
D) Electric cars are too expensive for the average person

34. What point does the passage make about vehicle emissions in developing countries like India?

A) Emissions are low due to fewer cars on the road
B) Traffic problems are mainly caused by public transport
C) Older vehicles contribute heavily to pollution
D) Strict environmental laws help reduce emissions

35. What was one of the main conclusions of the study on electric delivery vans mentioned in the passage?

A) Electric vans completely eliminated emissions during delivery
B) Delivery emissions were mainly reduced by cutting down the number of trips
C) Electric vehicles were not better than petrol vehicles for the environment
D) The use of electric vans increased energy costs significantly

Choose the correct heading for paragraphs A–E from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number (i–xii) in boxes 36-40 on your answer sheet.

List of Headings:

i. The need for better public understanding of emissions
ii. A complex picture behind the blame on cars
iii. A study showing how delivery methods affect emissions
iv. Government policies that confuse the public
v. How car emissions differ between countries
vi. The rise of car-sharing programs in urban areas
vii. Improvements in vehicle technology and fuel use
viii. A call to redesign transport systems from the ground up

Paragraphs:

36. Paragraph A →
37. Paragraph B →
38. Paragraph C →
39. Paragraph D →
40. Paragraph E →

Click below to see the answers for this test 27. False Explanation: Paragraph A states that car emissions in the UK have gone up significantly since the early 1990s. 28. False Explanation: Paragraph A mentions that public transport, if not run on clean energy, can also produce a lot of emissions, so it does not always pollute less. 29. True Explanation: Paragraph B states that some experts suggest focusing on building energy use or industrial emissions instead, implying car emissions are not the top priority. 30. True Explanation: Paragraph C explains that in India, traffic is chaotic, and older vehicles pollute heavily, contributing to the problem. 31. False Explanation: Paragraph E mentions that the biggest savings came from planning better routes and using fewer trips, not just from switching to electric vehicles. 32. True Explanation: Paragraph E ends with Susan Beekley’s statement that "How we use cars today reflects the way we live," showing a connection between car use and modern lifestyle. 33. Correct answer: C Explanation: Paragraph B states that government policies are inconsistent—some promote electric cars, while others support road expansion—leading to confusion for individuals and businesses. 34. Correct answer: C Explanation: Paragraph C explains that traffic in India is chaotic and that older vehicles pollute heavily, making emissions worse. 35. Correct answer: B Explanation: Paragraph E notes that the biggest savings came from planning better routes and reducing trips, not just from switching to electric vehicles. 36. Paragraph A → ii. A complex picture behind the blame on cars Explanation: This paragraph discusses how cars are often blamed for pollution but highlights the complexity of the issue, including fuel efficiency, electric vehicles, and other sources of emissions. 37. Paragraph B → iv. Government policies that confuse the public Explanation: Focuses on inconsistent policies and how the lack of clear direction leaves people unsure of what really helps. 38. Paragraph C → v. How car emissions differ between countries Explanation: Compares car use and emissions in India and the UK, noting differences in traffic conditions, regulations, and vehicle age. 39. Paragraph D → vii. Improvements in vehicle technology and fuel use Explanation: Explains how newer cars, especially hybrids, are more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions. 40. Paragraph E → iii. A study showing how delivery methods affect emissions Explanation: Describes a study on electric delivery vans and how route planning and fewer trips led to greater environmental savings.