Paper 1: Reading & Use of English

Time Limit: 40 Minutes • Total Marks: 15

Part 1: The Rise of Digital Minimalism

Read the article. The text will remain static while you scroll through the questions on the right.

In an era characterised by hyper-connectivity, a growing counter-movement is gaining traction: digital minimalism. Unlike a digital detox, which involves completely abandoning technology for a short, intense period—often resulting in a massive binge once the detox ends—digital minimalism is a long-term philosophy. It advocates for the intentional and highly selective use of technology to support one's core values, rather than allowing devices to dictate how one's time is spent.

Proponents of this philosophy argue that the 'attention economy'—where tech companies generate revenue by keeping users endlessly scrolling—has fundamentally compromised human concentration. Cal Newport, a leading author on the subject, suggests that we are not naturally equipped to handle the psychological manipulation embedded in modern app design. The constant barrage of notifications triggers minor dopamine releases, creating a cycle of addiction that fragments our focus and elevates baseline anxiety levels.

Adopting digital minimalism isn't about discarding smartphones entirely; it is about reclaiming autonomy. Many minimalists begin with a 30-day declutter, aggressively removing any application that does not serve a vital, irreplaceable function. They replace passive scrolling with high-quality leisure activities, such as reading, learning an instrument, or engaging in face-to-face conversations. While the initial withdrawal can be jarring, those who persist report profound improvements in their mental clarity and a renewed appreciation for solitary reflection.

1. According to the text, how does digital minimalism differ from a 'digital detox'? A) It requires giving up all modern technology permanently. B) It is a sustainable, long-term approach to using technology. C) It is only effective if done for short, intense periods. D) It encourages people to binge on technology occasionally.

2. What is meant by the 'attention economy' in the second paragraph? A) A financial system where people pay for educational apps. B) The fact that users have shorter attention spans than they used to. C) A business model where companies profit from keeping users engaged. D) An economic theory regarding how humans manage their time.

3. Cal Newport suggests that modern app design is... A) too complex for older generations to understand. B) deliberately engineered to exploit human psychology. C) designed to help people focus on their work. D) failing to generate enough dopamine to keep users interested.

4. What is the primary goal of the 30-day declutter mentioned in paragraph three? A) To prove to friends that you can survive without a phone. B) To learn how to use a computer instead of a smartphone. C) To eliminate digital tools that aren't strictly necessary. D) To save money on monthly internet subscriptions.

5. Which word best describes the initial experience of adopting digital minimalism, according to the text? A) Unsettling B) Relaxing C) Profound D) Impossible

Part 2: The Magic of Bioluminescence

Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only ONE word in each gap.

One of nature's most captivating phenomena is bioluminescence—the production and emission of light (6) a living organism. While we occasionally see fireflies lighting up a summer evening, the vast majority of bioluminescent creatures live in the ocean, particularly in the deep sea (7) sunlight cannot penetrate.

Marine animals use this biological light for several vital reasons. For some, it is a mechanism to lure prey towards their mouths in the pitch-black water. For others, it serves (8) a defence strategy. For instance, some species of squid eject a cloud of glowing liquid instead of dark ink to confuse predators, giving the squid time to escape.

Scientists have been studying these chemical reactions for decades. They have discovered that the light is created when a light-emitting molecule called luciferin reacts with oxygen. What makes this process so remarkable is that it generates 'cold light', meaning that almost (9) of the energy is wasted as heat. This level of efficiency is something human engineers have only recently (10) able to replicate in modern LED technology.

Instructions for Part 2:

At B2 level, this section tests your grammatical mastery of prepositions, relative pronouns, quantifiers, and auxiliary verbs. Type your answers directly into the text on the left. Spelling must be exact.

Part 3: The Science of Sleep

Read the text below and choose the correct word for each gap on the right.

Despite spending nearly a third of our lives doing it, the exact biological purpose of sleep remains one of science's greatest mysteries. Historically, researchers believed that the brain simply (11) ______ down to rest, much like a machine being turned off. However, modern neuroscience has revealed that the sleeping brain is incredibly active.

During deep sleep, the brain begins a process of consolidation. It sorts through the immense volume of information gathered during the day, (12) ______ useless data and strengthening important memories. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that the brain physically flushes out toxic proteins while we sleep. If these toxins are allowed to (13) ______ up over time, they are believed to contribute to neurological diseases.

Unfortunately, chronic sleep deprivation has become an epidemic in modern society. People routinely sacrifice sleep in order to work longer hours or consume digital media. The consequences are severe; a lack of sleep severely (14) ______ cognitive function, reaction times, and emotional regulation. Health professionals warn that we must stop treating sleep as a luxury and start recognising it as a fundamental biological (15) ______.

11. A) shut B) closed C) turned D) broke

12. A) avoiding B) declining C) discarding D) denying

13. A) build B) rise C) gather D) grow

14. A) hurts B) impairs C) drops D) ruins

15. A) necessity B) demand C) urgency D) request

Paper 2: Listening

Audio Length: ~30 Minutes • Total Marks: 10

Listen to the recording to answer all parts.

AUDIO SCRIPT: [Extract 1: Radio Podcast Promo] "Are you tired of the same old recipes? Join us this Thursday on 'Culinary Horizons' where we explore the forgotten spices of the Silk Road. We originally planned to interview Chef Marco Rossi about his new London restaurant, but due to a scheduling conflict, that episode has been pushed to next week. Instead, food historian Dr. Amina Khan will be taking us through the history of saffron. Don't miss it, right after the 6 o'clock news." [Extract 2: Interview with a Chef] Interviewer: Joining me today is Julia, a head chef who recently transitioned her restaurant to a entirely plant-based menu. Julia, was that a terrifying financial risk? Julia: Absolutely. We lost a few regular customers initially who were upset they couldn't get their usual steak. But honestly, the biggest challenge wasn't the customers; it was retraining the kitchen staff. They had to learn entirely new techniques to extract deep, savoury flavours without relying on meat or dairy. Interviewer: And has it paid off? Julia: Beyond my wildest dreams. We're now booked solid for three months. People are genuinely curious about innovative vegan cuisine, not just looking for a healthy option. [Extract 3: Conversation about a Book] Tom: I finally finished reading 'The Glass Horizon' that you recommended. Sarah: Oh, fantastic! What did you think? I know you usually prefer historical non-fiction. Tom: Well, you were right about the world-building; the author's description of the dystopian city was incredibly vivid. However, I felt the dialogue was a bit unnatural at times. People just don't speak in long, philosophical paragraphs during an action sequence. Sarah: I actually liked that! It gave the characters more depth. But I will agree with you that the pacing in the middle of the book was far too slow. It dragged on for chapters without anything actually happening.

Extract 1: Radio Announcement

Listen to a promo for a radio show and answer questions 1–3.

1. What topic will this Thursday's show cover? A) A new restaurant in London B) The history of a specific spice C) The daily news headlines

2. Why is Chef Marco Rossi NOT on this week's show? A) He cancelled the interview completely. B) His restaurant is not open yet. C) There was an issue with his schedule.

3. When does the podcast air? A) At exactly 6:00 PM B) Immediately following the news C) Next week

Extract 2: The Plant-Based Chef

Listen to an interview with Chef Julia and answer questions 4–7.

4. What was the biggest challenge when Julia changed her menu? A) Losing her regular customers B) Finding the right plant-based ingredients C) Teaching her staff new cooking methods

5. How did some regular customers react initially? A) They were angry about the high prices. B) They were annoyed they couldn't order meat. C) They were excited to try healthy options.

6. How is the restaurant doing now? A) It is struggling financially. B) It is extremely busy and fully booked. C) It has returned to serving some dairy.

7. Why are people coming to her restaurant now, according to Julia? A) Because they want to eat food that is good for their health. B) Because they are intrigued by creative vegan cooking. C) Because the restaurant is famous on television.

Extract 3: Book Review

Listen to Tom and Sarah discussing a book. Answer questions 8–10.

8. What genre of books does Tom usually prefer to read? A) Science fiction B) Action thrillers C) Historical non-fiction

9. What was Tom's main criticism of the book? A) The descriptions of the city were boring. B) The way the characters spoke was unrealistic. C) The main characters lacked emotional depth.

10. On what point do Tom and Sarah agree? A) The middle part of the story was too slow. B) The philosophical dialogue was well written. C) The world-building was confusing.

Paper 3: Writing

Recommended Time: 40 Minutes • Required length: 140-190 words

Task 1: Discursive Essay

In your English class, you have been discussing the impact of modern technology on human relationships. Now, your teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Topic: "Does social media make us more connected or more isolated?"

Notes to include:
Write about:
1. Staying in touch with people far away.
2. The quality of face-to-face interactions.
3. (Your own idea).

Write your essay in 140–190 words. You must structure your writing with clear paragraphs and use formal or semi-formal academic language.

Word count: 0

Paper 4: Speaking

Simulated Oral Examination • 14 Minutes

At the B2 level, examiners look for your ability to express opinions, compare subjects, and maintain a conversation with complex vocabulary. Press Record Answer to begin.

Part 1: Interview

1. How do you usually keep up with the news, and why do you prefer that method?

2. If you had the opportunity to learn a completely new skill, what would it be?

3. Do you think people today have less free time than they did in the past? Why?

Part 2: Long Turn (Comparing & Speculating)

Imagine I have given you two photographs. One shows a person working on a laptop at a kitchen table. The other shows a bustling corporate office with many people in suits.

Compare the two photographs. What might be the advantages and disadvantages for the people working in these two different environments?

Part 3: Discussion

Many cities are trying to reduce pollution by banning cars from the city centre.

Discuss the benefits and problems of this idea. Do you think it is the best way to protect the environment?