1. Choose the correct answer

23. The effect of loud noise, as stated in the
Passage
A) is not always noticed before it has already
damaged the ear
B) is greater as people become older
C) caused by commercial jets is irreparable
D) is more damaging for the ear than anything else


24. The normal process of hearing loss …
A) can start at any age, depending upon the
condition of the person's ears
B) can be sped up by the harm done by loud noise
C) occurs if the person is frequently subjected to
loud noise
D) is noticed only when irreplaceable hair cells in
the inner ear have been killed


25. Unable to hear the music their child is
listening to through a headset, parents … .
A) are advised not to buy one for their child
B) can't easily understand what kind of music he is
interested in
C) are advised to take the child to the doctor more
frequently to have his ears checked
D) don't have the opportunity to control the
intensity of the sound
26. The word “insidious” in the text is closest in
meaning to …
A) simple B) low C) obvious D) dangerous
Read the text and answer the questions.
We started our hike at the Usk Bridge. From there,
we walked around Park Farm and then a short
distance along the Monmouthshire and Brecon
Canal until we reached the old miners' path. We
took this path and began to ascend the steep hillside.
The path led to the summit and to a pillar of rock,
known locally as "Lonely Shepherd." From this
point, we had a wonderful view over the Usk valley.
After eating a hearty lunch, we descended back into
the valley by the forest trail. Suddenly the black
clouds overhead, which had been menacing us with
rain all day, rattled with thunder and the heavens
opened. As the rain was torrential, we took shelter
in an old shepherd's hut. Saturated with rain, we sat
round chatting and waiting for the rain to ease, but
it continued falling heavily. Having no other option,
we continued our hike, looking forward to a warm
fire and a hot drink at the end.