Passage 1. 

In recent years, urban farming has emerged as a popular trend among city dwellers. This movement seeks to address several issues, including food security, environmental sustainability, and community building. Urban farms are often located on rooftops, vacant lots, and even in abandoned buildings. These spaces are transformed into green oases where vegetables, fruits, and herbs are grown. Urban farming not only provides fresh produce but also fosters a sense of community and connection to nature. Furthermore, it reduces the carbon footprint by decreasing the distance food travels from farm to table.

Question 1  What is the primary purpose of urban farming according to the passage?

1. A) To increase property values
2. B) To promote technology in agriculture
3. C) To address food security and environmental sustainability
4. D) To encourage rural migration

Correct Answer: C) To address food security and environmental sustainability

Explanation: The passage highlights that urban farming is aimed at addressing food security and environmental sustainability, making it the primary purpose.

Question 2  Where are urban farms commonly located?

1. A) In suburban areas
2. B) On rooftops and vacant lots
3. C) In rural farmlands
4. D) In commercial shopping centers

Correct Answer: B) On rooftops and vacant lots

Explanation: The text mentions that urban farms are often set up on rooftops and in vacant lots, thus providing specific locations for these farms.

Question 3: Which of the following is a benefit of urban farming mentioned in the passage?

1. A) Higher crop yields compared to traditional farming
2. B) Reducing the carbon footprint by decreasing food travel distance
3. C) Increasing the use of synthetic fertilizers
4. D) Encouraging the use of genetically modified organisms

Correct Answer: B) Reducing the carbon footprint by decreasing food travel distance

Explanation: The passage specifically states that urban farming reduces the carbon footprint by minimizing the distance food travels from farm to table, which is a direct environmental benefit.

Passage 2

Marie Curie was a pioneering physicist and chemist who made groundbreaking contributions to science. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields: Physics and Chemistry. Curie’s research on radioactivity, a term she coined, led to significant advancements in the understanding of atomic structure. Despite facing numerous challenges, including gender discrimination and limited resources, her perseverance and dedication to science were unwavering. Curie’s legacy continues to inspire scientists around the world.

Question 1  What distinction does Marie Curie hold in the scientific community?

1. A) First person to win a Nobel Prize in Literature
2. B) Only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields
3. C) First person to discover the structure of DNA
4. D) Only person to win a Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physics

Correct Answer: B) Only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields

Explanation: Marie Curie is noted for being the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two distinct scientific fields, Physics and Chemistry.

Question 2 Which term did Marie Curie coin?

1. A) Radioactivity
2. B) Quantum mechanics
3. C) Genetics
4. D) Thermodynamics

Correct Answer: A) Radioactivity

Explanation: The passage specifies that Curie coined the term “radioactivity,” marking a major advancement in her research.

Question 3 What challenges did Marie Curie face during her career?

1. A) Lack of interest in her research
2. B) Insufficient educational background
3. C) Gender discrimination and limited resources
4. D) Opposition from other scientists

Correct Answer: C) Gender discrimination and limited resources

Explanation: The passage acknowledges that Curie faced gender discrimination and limited resources, highlighting significant obstacles in her scientific journey.

Passage 3

The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, home to millions of species of plants, animals, and insects. It plays a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. However, deforestation poses a severe threat to this vital ecosystem. Large swaths of the forest are cleared for agriculture, mining, and logging, leading to habitat loss and increased carbon emissions. Conservation efforts are essential to protect the Amazon and its invaluable contributions to global environmental health.

Question 1 : What is a critical role of the Amazon rainforest mentioned in the passage?

1. A) Providing a habitat for endangered species
2. B) Absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen
3. C) Serving as a major tourist attraction
4. D) Providing resources for industrial development

Correct Answer: B) Absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen

Explanation: The passage emphasizes that the Amazon rainforest plays a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. This is crucial for maintaining the balance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Question 2: What is one of the main threats to the Amazon rainforest?

1. A) Natural disasters
2. B) Deforestation for agriculture, mining, and logging
3. C) Climate change
4. D) Overpopulation of native species

Correct Answer: B) Deforestation for agriculture, mining, and logging

Explanation: The passage identifies deforestation for agriculture, mining, and logging as a severe threat to the Amazon rainforest. This leads to habitat loss and increased carbon emissions, which are detrimental to the ecosystem.

Question 3 : Why are conservation efforts important for the Amazon rainforest?

1. A) To increase tourism in the region
2. B) To promote industrial development
3. C) To protect its contributions to global environmental health
4. D) To replace native species with new ones

Correct Answer: C) To protect its contributions to global environmental health

Explanation: Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the Amazon’s invaluable contributions to global environmental health. The passage highlights that the rainforest’s role in climate regulation and biodiversity makes its preservation essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Passage 4

The phenomenon of dark matter remains one of the most enigmatic topics in modern astrophysics. Despite its name, dark matter is not simply an absence of light; rather, it is a type of matter that does not interact with electromagnetic forces, making it invisible to current detection methods. Its existence is inferred from its gravitational effects on visible matter, such as galaxies and galaxy clusters. Observations suggest that dark matter constitutes about 27% of the universe’s mass-energy content. The exact nature of dark matter is still unknown, prompting numerous theories and experiments aimed at uncovering its secrets.

Question 1: What makes dark matter difficult to detect directly?

1. A) It emits harmful radiation
2. B) It does not interact with electromagnetic forces
3. C) It is located only in distant galaxies
4. D) It is too small to be observed

Correct Answer: B) It does not interact with electromagnetic forces

Explanation: Dark matter does not interact with electromagnetic forces, which means it does not emit, absorb, or reflect light. This makes it invisible and undetectable by traditional methods that rely on electromagnetic observation.

Question 2: How is the existence of dark matter primarily inferred?

1. A) Through its interaction with light
2. B) By detecting its thermal emissions
3. C) By its gravitational effects on visible matter
4. D) By observing its chemical composition

Correct Answer: C) By its gravitational effects on visible matter

Explanation: The presence of dark matter is inferred from its gravitational influence on visible matter, such as galaxies and galaxy clusters. This gravitational effect indicates that there is more mass present than what can be seen directly.

Question 3 What percentage of the universe’s mass-energy content is believed to be constituted by dark matter?

1. A) 5%
2. B) 14%
3. C) 27%
4. D) 73%

Correct Answer: C) 27%

Explanation: Observations suggest that dark matter makes up about 27% of the universe’s mass-energy content, highlighting its significant presence despite being invisible and mysterious.

Passage 5

The development of quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in computational technology. Unlike classical computers that use bits as the smallest unit of data, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits. Qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, thanks to the principles of superposition and entanglement. This allows quantum computers to process a vast amount of information at unprecedented speeds. Applications of quantum computing are expected to revolutionize fields such as cryptography, material science, and complex system simulations. However, significant technical challenges remain, including error correction and qubit coherence.

Question 1 : What is the fundamental unit of data in a quantum computer?

1. A) Bit
2. B) Byte
3. C) Qubit
4. D) Quantum byte

Correct Answer: C) Qubit

Explanation: Quantum computers use qubits as their fundamental unit of data. Unlike classical bits, qubits can represent multiple states simultaneously, enabling more complex and faster computations.

Question 2: What principle allows qubits to exist in multiple states simultaneously?

1. A) Quantum decoherence
2. B) Quantum superposition
3. C) Quantum entanglement
4. D) Quantum tunneling

Correct Answer: B) Quantum superposition

Explanation: Quantum superposition is the principle that allows qubits to exist in multiple states at once. This is a key feature that enables quantum computers to perform many calculations simultaneously.

Question 3 : Which of the following fields is expected to be revolutionized by quantum computing?

1. A) Classical mechanics
2. B) Cryptography
3. C) Literature
4. D) Photography

Correct Answer: B) Cryptography

Explanation: Quantum computing is expected to revolutionize cryptography by enabling much faster processing of complex algorithms, which could significantly improve data encryption and security.

Passage 6

Climate change poses a significant threat to global biodiversity, with far-reaching impacts on ecosystems and species. As temperatures rise, many species are forced to migrate to cooler areas, leading to shifts in population distributions. Some species may not be able to adapt quickly enough, resulting in increased risks of extinction. Additionally, climate change exacerbates other environmental stressors, such as habitat loss, pollution, and overexploitation of resources. Conservation strategies must integrate climate adaptation measures to enhance the resilience of ecosystems and ensure the survival of vulnerable species.

Question 1: What effect does climate change have on species’ population distributions?

1. A) It stabilizes population distributions
2. B) It forces species to migrate to cooler areas
3. C) It reduces the need for migration
4. D) It increases species’ adaptation speed

Correct Answer: B) It forces species to migrate to cooler areas

• Explanation: Climate change causes temperatures to rise, forcing many species to migrate to cooler areas to survive. This shift in population distribution is a direct response to the changing climate conditions.

Question 2: What additional environmental stressors are exacerbated by climate change?

1. A) Urbanization and industrialization
2. B) Habitat loss, pollution, and overexploitation
3. C) Technological advancements and innovation
4. D) Agricultural expansion and deforestation

Correct Answer: B) Habitat loss, pollution, and overexploitation

Explanation: Climate change worsens other environmental stressors like habitat loss, pollution, and overexploitation of resources, compounding the challenges faced by ecosystems and species.

Question 3: What is a key component of conservation strategies in the context of climate change?

1. A) Economic development
2. B) Climate adaptation measures
3. C) Industrial growth
4. D) Urban planning

Correct Answer: B) Climate adaptation measures

Explanation: To address the impacts of climate change, conservation strategies must include climate adaptation measures. These measures help enhance the resilience of ecosystems and ensure the survival of species vulnerable to climate change.

Passage 7

The philosophy of existentialism explores the meaning of human existence in an often indifferent or even absurd universe. Existentialist thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus argue that individuals must create their own meaning and purpose through their actions and choices. This philosophy emphasizes personal freedom, responsibility, and the inherent subjectivity of human experience. Existentialism emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the disillusionment and existential crises that followed the two World Wars, challenging traditional notions of morality and purpose.

Questions 1: What does existentialism emphasize regarding human experience?

1. A) Objective truths
2. B) Personal freedom and responsibility
3. C) Predetermined fate
4. D) Collective decision-making

Correct Answer: B) Personal freedom and responsibility

Explanation: Existentialism emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and responsibility, highlighting that individuals must take charge of creating their own meaning and purpose in life.

Question 2 According to existentialist thinkers, how must individuals find meaning and purpose?

1. A) Through societal norms and values
2. B) By adhering to religious doctrines
3. C) Through their actions and choices
4. D) By following predetermined paths

Correct Answer: C) Through their actions and choices

Explanation: Existentialist thinkers argue that individuals must find meaning and purpose through their own actions and choices, rather than relying on societal norms, religious doctrines, or predetermined paths.

Question 3 : What historical events contributed to the emergence of existentialism?

1. A) The Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution
2. B) The Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution
3. C) The two World Wars
4. D) The Cold War and the Space Race

Correct Answer: C) The two World Wars

• Explanation: The two World Wars led to widespread disillusionment and existential crises, which contributed to the emergence of existentialism as a philosophical movement challenging traditional notions of morality and purpose.

Passage 8

The Philippine eagle, also known as the monkey-eating eagle, is one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the world. This critically endangered species is native to the Philippines and is found primarily in the forests of Mindanao, Luzon, Leyte, and Samar. The Philippine eagle faces several threats, including deforestation, hunting, and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent its extinction. Various organizations, both local and international, are working tirelessly to protect and preserve the remaining population through breeding programs, habitat restoration, and public awareness campaigns. Despite these efforts, the survival of the Philippine eagle remains uncertain due to ongoing environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Question 1: Where is the Philippine eagle primarily found?

A) In urban areas
B) In the forests of Mindanao, Luzon, Leyte, and Samar
C) On coastal regions
D) In agricultural fields

Correct Answer: B) In the forests of Mindanao, Luzon, Leyte, and Samar

Explanation: The Philippine eagle is native to the forests of Mindanao, Luzon, Leyte, and Samar. It thrives in forested environments where it can hunt and nest.

Question 2: What are the main threats to the Philippine eagle?

A) Urbanization and industrialization
B) Climate change and pollution
C) Deforestation, hunting, and habitat destruction
D) Overpopulation and traffic congestion

Correct Answer: C) Deforestation, hunting, and habitat destruction

Explanation: The primary threats to the Philippine eagle include deforestation, hunting, and habitat destruction. These activities reduce their natural habitat and put them at risk of extinction.

Question 3 : What strategies are being used to protect the Philippine eagle?

A) Industrial development and economic incentives
B) Breeding programs, habitat restoration, and public awareness campaigns
C) Technological advancements and innovation
D) Agricultural expansion and deforestation

Correct Answer: B) Breeding programs, habitat restoration, and public awareness campaigns

Explanation: Conservation strategies for the Philippine eagle include breeding programs, habitat restoration, and public awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to increase their population and protect their natural habitats.

Passage 9

The Banaue Rice Terraces, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” are a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the Ifugao people. Carved into the mountains of Ifugao province over 2,000 years ago, these terraces demonstrate advanced agricultural techniques and sustainable farming practices. The rice terraces are not only an important cultural and historical landmark but also a vital source of livelihood for the local communities. However, the Banaue Rice Terraces face numerous challenges, including soil erosion, climate change, and the migration of younger generations to urban areas. Efforts to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site involve community-based initiatives, government support, and international collaboration.

Question 1 : What do the Banaue Rice Terraces demonstrate about the Ifugao people?

A) Their technological advancements in modern agriculture
B) Their expertise in building urban infrastructure
C) Their advanced agricultural techniques and sustainable farming practices
D) Their proficiency in coastal management

Correct Answer: C) Their advanced agricultural techniques and sustainable farming practices

Explanation: The Banaue Rice Terraces showcase the Ifugao people’s advanced agricultural techniques and sustainable farming practices, highlighting their ingenuity and perseverance in creating these impressive structures.

Question 2: What are the main challenges faced by the Banaue Rice Terraces?

A) Overfishing and water pollution
B) Soil erosion, climate change, and migration of younger generations to urban areas
C) Deforestation and industrialization
D) Traffic congestion and air pollution

Correct Answer: B) Soil erosion, climate change, and migration of younger generations to urban areas

Explanation: The Banaue Rice Terraces face significant challenges such as soil erosion, climate change, and the migration of younger generations to urban areas, which threaten their preservation and sustainability.

Question 3: What efforts are being made to preserve the Banaue Rice Terraces?

A) Promoting technological innovations in agriculture
B) Encouraging urban development projects
C) Community-based initiatives, government support, and international collaboration
D) Expanding industrial activities in the region

Correct Answer: C) Community-based initiatives, government support, and international collaboration

Explanation: Preservation efforts for the Banaue Rice Terraces include community-based initiatives, government support, and international collaboration. These efforts aim to address the challenges and ensure the terraces’ sustainability and cultural heritage.