Part I Reading Comprehension (45 minutes, 30 points)

Directions: There are three passages in this part. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet.

Passage One

Questions 1 to 5 are based on the following passage.

We often hear that we should be more like children, that we should recapture the sense of wonder and curiosity that we had when we were young. But what does this mean? How can we be more like children? What is it about children that we should try to emulate?

One of the most obvious things about children is that they are always learning. They are constantly asking questions, trying new things, and exploring the world around them. They are not afraid to fail, because they do not see failure as a negative thing. Instead, they see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Children are also incredibly creative. They have vivid imaginations and are not bound by the same constraints as adults. They are not afraid to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas.

Finally, children are full of joy and enthusiasm. They approach life with a sense of wonder and excitement, and they are not afraid to express their emotions. They are not self-conscious or worried about what others think of them.

So, if we want to be more like children, we need to cultivate these qualities in ourselves. We need to approach life with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to learn. We need to be creative and open-minded, and we need to embrace our emotions and express them freely.

1. What do we often hear about being more like children?

A. We should be more obedient.
B. We should be more curious and creative.
C. We should be more responsible.
D. We should be more serious.

2. What is one of the most obvious things about children?

A. They are always learning.
B. They are always playing.
C. They are always sleeping.
D. They are always eating.

3. How do children see failure?

A. As a positive thing.
B. As a negative thing.
C. As a neutral thing.
D. As an inevitable thing.

4. What is one of the qualities that children possess?

A. Self-consciousness.
B. Fear of failure.
C. Lack of curiosity.
D. A sense of wonder and excitement.

5. What do we need to do if we want to be more like children?

A. We need to be more self-conscious and worry about what others think of us.
B. We need to be less creative and open-minded.
C. We need to approach life with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to learn.
D. We need to be less emotional and express our emotions less frequently.

Passage Two

Questions 6 to 10 are based on the following passage.

The world is changing rapidly, and the skills that were once in high demand are no longer as important as they once were. In order to succeed in today's world, it is important to have a different set of skills than in the past.

One of the most important skills to have in today's world is adaptability. The ability to adapt to new situations and environments is crucial, as the world is constantly changing and evolving. Those who are able to adapt quickly and effectively will be more successful than those who cannot.

Another important skill is creativity. With so much competition in today's world, it is important to be able to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas. Those who are able to do so will be more successful in their careers.

Communication skills are also important in today's world. With the rise of social media and other forms of communication, it is important to be able to communicate effectively with others. Those who are able to do so will be more successful in their personal and professional lives.

Finally, it is important to have a strong work ethic. In today's world, there is no substitute for hard work and dedication. Those who are willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed will be more successful than those who are not.

6. What is one of the most important skills to have in today's world?

A. Creativity.
B. Adaptability.
C. Communication skills.
D. A strong work ethic.

7. Why is adaptability important in today's world?

A. Because the world is constantly changing and evolving.
B. Because there is so much competition in today's world.
C. Because communication skills are becoming more important.
D. Because there is no substitute for hard work and dedication.

8. Why is creativity important in today's world?

A. Because the world is constantly changing and evolving.
B. Because there is so much competition in today's world.
C. Because communication skills are becoming more important.
D. Because there is no substitute for hard work and dedication.

9. Why are communication skills important in today's world?

A. Because the world is constantly changing and evolving.
B. Because there is so much competition in today's world.
C. Because communication skills are becoming more important.
D. Because there is no substitute for hard work and dedication.

10. What is important in today's world besides having a strong work ethic?

A. Adaptability.
B. Creativity.
C. Communication skills.
D. All of the above.

Passage Three

Questions 11 to 15 are based on the following passage.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in meditation and mindfulness. These practices have been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration, and increasing feelings of well-being.

One of the most well-known forms of meditation is mindfulness meditation. This practice involves focusing on the present moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, which can in turn help you manage them more effectively.

Another form of meditation is loving-kindness meditation. This practice involves focusing on feelings of love and kindness towards yourself and others. This can help you cultivate feelings of compassion and empathy, which can improve your relationships with others.

There are many other forms of meditation as well, including transcendental meditation, which involves repeating a mantra, and body scan meditation, which involves focusing on different parts of your body and releasing tension.

While meditation can be a powerful tool for improving your mental and emotional well-being, it is important to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. It can take time and practice to develop a regular meditation practice, but the benefits are well worth the effort.

11. What are some of the benefits of meditation and mindfulness?

A. Reducing stress and anxiety.
B. Improving focus and concentration.
C. Increasing feelings of well-being.
D. All of the above.

12. What is mindfulness meditation?

A. Focusing on feelings of love and kindness towards yourself and others.
B. Focusing on the present moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
C. Repeating a mantra.
D. Focusing on different parts of your body and releasing tension.

13. What is loving-kindness meditation?

A. Focusing on feelings of love and kindness towards yourself and others.
B. Focusing on the present moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
C. Repeating a mantra.
D. Focusing on different parts of your body and releasing tension.

14. What is transcendental meditation?

A. Focusing on feelings of love and kindness towards yourself and others.
B. Focusing on the present moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
C. Repeating a mantra.
D. Focusing on different parts of your body and releasing tension.

15. What is important when approaching meditation?

A. Having an open mind and a willingness to learn.
B. Having a specific goal in mind.
C. Being judgmental of your thoughts and feelings.
D. Practicing for long periods of time without breaks.