Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.

Discover the future today with our Future Horizons Tour to Singapore – a city that already feels like tomorrow. Singapore is famous (1)_______ its striking skyline, but what makes it truly unique is the balance between technology and nature. Visitors enjoy amazing sites like Gardens by the Bay, where glowing trees look (2)_______ at night, and Marina Bay Sands, a building that (3)_______ like a ship in the sky. As you explore the smart, eco-friendly streets, you immediately feel that innovation here is part of daily life. (4)_______ remains efficient, while the modern architecture shows the city’s vision of sustainability. People genuinely value green energy, and their commitment (5)_______ clear everywhere you go. The city stays (6)_______, full of culture, shopping, and dining. Book now and let Singapore become the place where your journey into the city of the future begins.

(Adapted from https://www.klook.com)

Question 1: A. of                               B. for                           C. about                      D. with

Question 2: A. magical                      B. magic                     C. magically               D. mage

Question 3: A. is appearing               B. appears                   C. appear                    D. appearing

Question 4: A. Card reader               B. Smart city               C. Roof garden             D. Public transport

Question 5: A. seems                         B. is seeming              C. seem                       D. that seems

Question 6: A. peaceful yet dynamic                                    B. yet peaceful dynamic                                             C. peaceful dynamic yet                         D. dynamic peaceful yet

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

DISCOVER CITIES OF THE FUTURE

🏙️ Smarter Living

• Homes will include smart systems that control lights, heating, and security.
• Life (7)_______ more comfortable when technology supports daily needs.
• People believe that (8)_______ systems save time and energy.

🚉 Better Transport

• Future cities are likely to have cleaner and faster transport.
• Self-driving buses, electric cars, and even flying taxis may become (9)_______.
• Travelling will seem easier, and roads will look less crowded.

🌱 Green Spaces Everywhere

• Parks, (10)_______, and eco-buildings will be part of the city design.
• Nature remains important because it improves health and well-being.
• Air will feel fresher (11)_______ pollution decreases.

🤝 A Connected Community

• Digital tools make communication simple, and this will continue.
• People feel closer when they can share ideas (12)_______.
• Future cities look bright, safe, and full of opportunities.

(Adapted from https://futurecity.org)

Question 7: A. feels                          B. is feeling                 C. which feels             D. felt 

Question 8: A. so                               B. such                        C. this                         D. only

Question 9: A. uncommon               B. uncommonly          C. commonly                   D. common

Question 10: A. city dwellers            B. urban centers          C. vertical gardens            D. liveable sensors

Question 11: A. as                             B. but                          C. then                         D. so

Question 12: A. quickly                    B. quick                      C. quickness                        D. quicken

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 13 to 17.

Question 13:  a. Anna: Exactly. If more areas become car-free, future cities will probably be greener and healthier.

                        b. Tom: Yes, and I think it shows how our cities might look in the future, less traffic and more space for people.

                        c. Anna: That’s true. A smart city should have clean buses, bike lanes, and safe pedestrian zones so everyone can enjoy it.    

                        d. Anna: Have you seen the new pedestrian zone in the city center?

                        e. Tom: I agree, but we also need good public transport, or people will find it hard to move around.

     A. c – a – b – d – e                      B. c – e – d – b – a  C. d – b – a – e – c   D. d – e – a – b – c

Question 14: a. In future cities, roof gardens will be a smart solution to the problem of limited space.

            b. They will bring nature back into urban areas by covering tall buildings with plants and

            flowers.

                        c. Because of these benefits, roof gardens will become an essential part of sustainable   city design.

                        d. Roof gardens can also be used to grow food, so people will not have to depend only on food transported from far away.

                        e. This green space will improve air quality and lower the temperature, which makes the

                        city healthier and more comfortable.

A. e – a – b – c – d             B. e – a – d – b – c             C. a – b – e – d – c   D. a – c – b – e – d 

Question 15:  Hi Mark,

                        I hope you are doing well. Since moving into the new apartment, I have enjoyed the modern design, the quiet atmosphere, and the convenient location.

                        a. I think we could change this by organizing simple activities, such as coffee mornings, film nights, or small gardening projects on the rooftop.

                        b. However, I feel that there is a lack of community here. People often stay inside their flats, and they rarely greet one another in the hallways or use the shared spaces.

                        c. If we start with small steps here, our building could become a positive example of modern urban living.

                        d. As a result, the building feels safe but not very friendly, which is a bit disappointing.

                        e. These events would give neighbors a chance to meet, talk, and build friendships. In fact, I believe that future cities will need not only smart technology but also stronger social connections.

                        Best regards,

                        Sarah

A. b – d – a – e – c             B. b – d – a – c – e             C. d – a – b – e – c   D. d – a – b – c – e

Question 16: a. Therefore, pedestrian zones not only improve environmental quality but also foster healthier habits and stronger communities in modern cities.

                        b. This cleaner and quieter environment makes walking and cycling more attractive,

                        encouraging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles.

                        c. First, by removing cars, these zones reduce air and noise pollution, which improves                                                both physical health and mental well-being.

                        d. The creation of pedestrian zones has a positive impact on the lives of citizens because                                             it transforms the way people use urban space.

                        e. As people spend more time in these safe and pleasant areas, they naturally interact                                             with one another more often, which strengthens social bonds.

     A. d – b – c – a – e             B. c – a – b – d – e             C. d – c – b – e – a   D. a – d – e – b – c 

Question 17: a. Tom: Yes, I noticed it yesterday, and I think it shows how modern our city is becoming.

  b. Anna: Have you seen the new skyscraper downtown? It looks so tall compared to the other buildings.

 c. Anna: I agree, but I also hope the city adds more green spaces around it, so people can enjoy both modern architecture and nature.

A. b – a – c                        B. b – c – a                        C. c – a – b      D. a – c – b

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

By 2050, around two-thirds of the global population will live in cities or other dense urban centres. (18)_____________________ of our time because it affects resources, infrastructure, and the quality of life for millions of people. The problem is not only about numbers but also about how cities are designed and managed.

One major issue is that many urban infrastructures cannot meet the needs of growing populations. Today, about 40% of urban growth occurs in informal settlements or shantytowns, where people often lack safe drinking water and reliable electricity. At the same time, traffic congestion and fossil fuel use are causing dangerous air pollution, while uncontrolled land expansion is threatening farmland and food production. (19)_____________________.

However, future cities do not have to remain this way. (20)_____________________. For example, low-energy or energy-positive buildings are helping to reduce emissions, and better waste management systems, such as recycling and composting, are creating cleaner environments. (21)_____________________ are becoming important parts of modern city planning. Vertical farming techniques also allow food to be produced closer to consumers, which is essential when space is limited.

In conclusion, tomorrow’s cities will be complex systems. Their sustainability will depend not only on technology but also on planning, cooperation, and social responsibility. If governments, institutions, and citizens are united, (22)_____________________.

(Adapted from https://articles.unishanoi.org)

Question 18:  A. This rapid urbanisation is becoming one of the greatest environmental challenges

                        B. The fast urbanisation becomes one of the most problematic difficulties for humans               C. The process of urbanisation becoming one of the biggest environmental difficulties

D. The fast-pace urbanization become one of the most challenging problems for nature

Question 19: A. The infrastructure of some unsustainable cities is being maintained.

B. Those problems will be addressed by operating new pedestrian zones.

C. The mentioned factors are interacting with some inefficient cities.

D. These conditions show how unsustainable many cities currently are.

Question 20: A. Some environmental approaches are being operated to build skyscrapers

B. Many solutions are being developed to make urban life more sustainable.

C. Modern neighborhood will be the one benefiting from the sense of community.

D. People usually prioritize their privacy when they live in smart cities.

Question 21: A. Moreover, skyscrapers, effective highways, and cycle paths

B. Furthermore, smart cities are an essential part of sustainability

C. In addition, green spaces, electric public transport, and smart grids

D. What is more, green spaces will be added to the community

Question 22: A. future urban life can become both livable and resilient.

B. life in future cities will look more comfortably and sustainably

C. sustainable urban centers in the future may become efficiently

D. future modern city life is seeming more livable and resilient.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Smart cities are often described as the cities of the future, and they depend strongly on well-designed urban infrastructure. Urban infrastructure includes energy systems, water supply, transportation, communication networks, and healthcare services. These systems are the foundation of city life, and when they are connected intelligently, they can make the city safer, cleaner, and more efficient. For this reason, infrastructure is considered the backbone of every smart city.

To achieve these goals, smart cities will make use of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), information and communication technologies (ICT), and digital sensors. For example, sensors placed on bridges can check their safety, while traffic cameras can monitor congestion and provide real-time information. By collecting and analyzing data, city managers can prevent problems, improve public safety, and reduce costs. In this way, technology helps the city respond quickly to the needs of its citizens.

Another important aspect of smart cities is sustainability and livability. A sustainable city uses renewable energy, smart energy grids, and efficient water systems to reduce its environmental impact. At the same time, livability means that people enjoy clean air, reliable transport, and good public services. A city that is both sustainable and livable supports productivity, because it allows people to work, travel, and live in a healthy environment. Therefore, smart infrastructure must balance technology with the well-being of residents.

Finally, future smart cities must also focus on digital and social infrastructure. Technology alone cannot make a city truly “smart” if citizens do not have equal access to services. Participation, transparent governance, and fairness are necessary to ensure that all people benefit from innovation. In conclusion, smart cities of the future should be planned with integrated, intelligent, and equitable infrastructure. If these principles are followed, they will create urban areas that are sustainable, productive, and inclusive for everyone.

                                                                                      (Adapted from https://www.sciencedirect.com)

Question 23: The phrase “the well-being of residents” in the paragraph 3 can be replaced with _____.

     A. liveable areas                                                          B. efficient sensor

     C. sustainable zone                                                       D. public welfare

Question 24: The word they in paragraph 1 refers to________.

     A. foundation                    B. services                         C. networks                                 D. systems

Question 25: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

     A. Using digital data allows city authorities to solve issues early, protect citizens, and manage

     resources more effectively.

     B. Citizens in modern cities are responsible for collecting useful data every day to avoid problems

     and reduce expenses.

     C. Urban challenges can usually be controlled without the use of information systems, sensors, or

     technological tools.

     D. Safety and efficiency in cities are expected to improve even if governments choose not to

     develop new urban plans.

Question 26: The word livability in paragraph 3 means __________.

     A. quality of daily life                                                 B. level of technology

     C. amount of energy                                                    D. number of houses

Question 27: Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

     A. Smart cities are described as depending on advanced technologies to function effectively.

     B. Sustainability in smart cities is explained through renewable energy and smart grids.

     C. Technology by itself is presented as fully capable of creating equal urban services.

     D. Infrastructure is seen as important for improving the well-being of city residents.

Question 28: According to the passage, which of the following topics is NOT mentioned?

A. The role of digital sensors in helping city managers monitor public infrastructure.
B. The importance of citizen participation and transparent systems of governance.
C. The history of industrial revolutions and their effects on city development.
D. The contribution of renewable energy to achieving more sustainable cities.

Question 29: In which part of the passage does the writer explain how technologies like IoT and sensors improve safety?

     A. Paragraph 1                   B. Paragraph 2                   C. Paragraph 3   D. Paragraph 4

Question 30: In which part of the passage does the writer highlight the balance between sustainability and livability?

     A. Paragraph 1                   B. Paragraph 2                   C. Paragraph 3   D. Paragraph 4

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

As urban populations expand, cities face urgent challenges such as rising temperatures, worsening air quality, and declining biodiversity. To address these issues, future cities must combine technological progress with environmental responsibility. [I] Singapore provides a striking example of this balance through its vertical forests and sky gardens, which illustrate how nature can be integrated into modern urban design.

Vertical forests are high-rise buildings whose facades are covered with diverse plants, including trees, shrubs, and vines. These green layers serve several functions at once. They filter the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, while also reducing heat on building surfaces. [II] As a result, less energy is required for cooling, which decreases both electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In this way, vertical forests demonstrate how architecture can directly support sustainability.

Sky gardens extend this approach by creating elevated green spaces within the city’s dense landscape. Located on rooftops and terraces, they capture rainwater, lower the urban heat island effect, and provide habitats for wildlife. Equally important, they offer citizens places to relax, exercise, and connect with others. Thus, sky gardens contribute not only to environmental protection but also to social and mental well-being. [III]

A key feature of Singapore’s model is the treatment of greenery as infrastructure rather than decoration. Designers carefully integrate ecological systems into buildings, ensuring that plants support cooling, water management, and even biodiversity. This approach transforms skyscrapers into living ecosystems, proving that urban architecture can function as part of the natural environment.

Looking ahead, the example of Singapore highlights a possible direction for future cities. If urban areas worldwide adopt similar innovations, they could become more resilient, sustainable, and livable. [IV]

(Adapted from https://medium.com)

Question 31: According to paragraph 2, the paragraph mainly focuses on ______.

     A. how vertical forests improve urban climate           B. why cities construct tall modern buildings

     C. reasons trees are planted on city rooftops               D. what materials are used in skyscraper walls

Question 32: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?

     A. Sky gardens improve air quality, reduce heat, and create healthy social spaces for residents.

     B. Sky gardens are mostly decorative, offering little support for people or the natural environment.

     C. Sky gardens function mainly as tourist attractions and provide revenue for the local economy.

     D. Sky gardens replace man-made forests, giving urban citizens no reason to visit rural landscapes.

Question 33: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of vertical forests?

A. Filtering air pollution and reducing carbon dioxide

B. Releasing oxygen and improving environmental health

C. Lowering surface temperature and saving electricity

D. Attracting international tourists and building reputation

Question 34: The phrase “high-rise buildings” in paragraph 2 mostly means ______.

A. privacy                          B. infrastructure                C. pedestrians                                            D. skyscrapers

Question 35: The word they in paragraph 3 refers to ______.
A. terraces                         B. rooftops                         C. spaces                                D. gardens

Question 36: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

     A. Builders ignore nature when they plan new constructions.

     B. Scientists use technology without considering ecology.

     C. Architects create structures that include natural processes.

     D. Engineers prefer machines to natural environmental design.

Question 37: According to the passage, vertical forests reduce energy use by ____________.

     A. increasing rainfall and absorbing urban pollution

     B. lowering building temperatures through green plants

     C. replacing mechanical cooling systems with machines

     D. producing renewable energy with solar installations

Question 38: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Cities that copy Singapore’s model may become more sustainable.

B. Singapore is the only city that uses plants in tall modern buildings.

C. Future cities will face fewer problems if they expand horizontally.

D. Sky gardens are more important than vertical forests for the future.

Question 39: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

“In this vision, cities are not separate from nature but actively shaped by it, offering a path toward a greener and more balanced future.”

     A. [I]                                  B. [II]                                C. [III]                                        D. [IV]

Question 40: Which of the following best summarises the overall message of the passage?

     A. Singapore focuses deeply on green decoration, leaving environmental problems largely unsolved.

     B. Future cities should address ecological issues and prioritize economic growth above all else.

     C. Modern urban planning proves that greenery has some effects on people’s social relationships.

     D. Singapore’s model shows that nature can become an essential part of sustainable urban design.

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