Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct word that best fits each of the numbered blanks. Culture beliefs differ as to whether directness or indirectness is considered positive. In the mainstream American culture, the ideal (37) _______ of communication includes being direct rather than indirect (“ideal" here means that the culture values this style, although not everyone speaks directly). There are several expressions in English (38) _______ emphasize the importance of being direct: “Get to the point! Don't beat around the bush! Let's get down to business!". These sayings all indicate the importance of dealing directly with issues rather than avoiding them. One way to determine whether a culture favours a direct or indirect style in communication is to find out how the people in that culture express disagreement or how they say “No”. In Japan, there are at least fifteen ways of saying "No", without actually saying the word. (39) _______, in some countries, there are different ways to express disagreement. For example, it would be considered rude to say directly “I disagree with you!” or “You're wrong!". (40) _______ Americans believe that honesty is the best policy, and their communication style reflects this. Honesty and directness in communication are strongly related. It is not a(n) (41) _______ then, to find out that cultural groups misjudge each other based on different beliefs about directness and honesty in communication.

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions

The critical issue is whether genuine artificial intelligence can ever be truly realized

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best completes each of the following exchanges

Claudia is being interviewed by the manager of the company she's applied for.

- Manager: “____________” 

- Claudia: "I work hard and I enjoy working with other people." 

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions

: At present, I have to work and study at the same time, so I often have to burn the midnight oil

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that is closest in meaning to each of the following questions

It's optional for students to learn French in this school

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that best combines each pair of sentences in the following questions

Lan went to the airport. She then realized that she had forgotten the passport

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that best combines each pair of sentences in the following questions

My secretary is away from the office. I really need his help now. 

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

     The generation gap that was so in evidence during the 60s has resurfaced, but a 2009 study showed that it was not the disruptive force. The Pew Research Center study found that 79% of Americans see major differences between younger and older adults in the way they look at the world. In 1969, a Gallup Poll found that a smaller percentage, 74%, perceived major differences. 

     Today, however, although more Americans see generational differences, most do not see them as divisive. That is partly because of the areas of difference. The top areas of disagreement between young and old people, according to the Pew Research Study, are the use of technology and taste in music. Grandparents are likely to have observed these differences in their grandchildren who are tweens, teens, and young adults. 

     If large differences between the generations exist, why don't they spawn conflict? The answer is twofold.  First, the two largest areas of difference - technology and music - are less emotionally charged than political issues. The older generation is likely to be proud of the younger generation's prowess in technology rather than to view it as a problem. As for the musical differences, each generation wants its own style of music, and the older generation generally can relate to that desire. Second, in the other areas of difference, the younger generation tends to regard the older generation as superior to their own generation – clearly a difference from the 1960s with its rallying cry of "Don't trust anyone over thirty!". According to the Pew study, all generations regard older Americans as superior in moral values, work ethics and respect for others. 

The word “prowess” in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to _______.