Part 1 – Reading Comprehension (20 Marks – 1 Mark for Each)

Section 1 – Read the following text then answer the questions below.

In today's world, many people prefer to learn another language, whether they are immigrants, students, businesspeople, or workers. Millions of people travel around the globe seeking better opportunities for life, education, work, or even refuge from devastating wars. The act of migration itself is not the issue. What if someone moves to a country where the people speak a different language? There are many advantages to learning another language beyond just communication.

One of the most significant benefits of learning another language is improving brain function. Many studies have proven that individuals who speak more than one language usually have better problem-solving skills and improved memory compared to monolinguals. The brain keeps sharp and engaged when a person learns a new language.

In addition, knowing a second language is good for job opportunities. Bilingual employees have priority in the workplace nowadays because they can communicate effectively with clients from diverse nationalities and backgrounds. Therefore, listing a second language in a person’s resume may help find better job opportunities with higher salaries, and potential promotions.

One more advantage of being bilingual is cultural enrichment. People usually value their traditions and culture and may feel reluctant to accept the traditions of other cultures. However, when individuals learn another language, they gain knowledge about the traditions and culture of the target language, promoting appreciation and building relationships with other people from diverse backgrounds.

Finally, learning a second language is good for the travel experience. Travelers usually encounter difficulties when visiting other countries. Therefore, it will be more enjoyable to speak the local language of the other country. Travelers will be encouraged to visit many places and feel safe.

To sum up, the advantages of learning a second language extend beyond mere communication, study, and tourism. There are numerous benefits of learning another language that might be difficult to count in this essay.

Section 2 – Read the following text then answer the questions below.

All living things have a life cycle. Have you ever thought that nonliving things also have cycles? Water is a nonliving thing that has a cycle in which it transforms from one state to another. Water can be found in the atmosphere as a gas, on land in the states of solid and liquid, and underground in the state of liquid water. The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, includes evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
The sun affects the water in rivers, seas, and oceans. It heats the bodies of water, causing water particles to change from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) and rise into the atmosphere. This process is called evaporation. In addition, plants release water vapor through openings in the plant’s leaves in the form of gas. Moreover, human beings and other animals release water vapor when they breathe. This is clear on cold winter mornings when water vapor comes out of someone's mouth during breathing.
When the water vapor rises into the atmosphere, it cools down and condenses, forming clouds. This process is called condensation. The clouds take on different forms based on the amount of water vapor. When the weather conditions are right, including the right temperature and the amount of water vapor, the water droplets in the clouds become heavier than the air, leading to precipitation in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail, which returns water to the Earth's surface.
Some of this precipitation flows over the ground, peeps into the ground, evaporates again, or makes its way to rivers, lakes, and oceans. This process happens continuously to maintain balance on Earth. Therefore, we should protect natural water sources and reduce harmful human activities to help preserve this essential cycle for future generations.