10 July 2025 Real exam Passages:
🏢 Reading Passage 1: The Architecture of Utility — The Case for Boring Buildings
A
In the age of architectural spectacle, where buildings often resemble sculptures or gravity-defying marvels, it may come as a surprise that some of the most important urban structures remain intentionally uninspiring. Termed colloquially as “boring buildings,” these unembellished constructions—typically windowless, symmetrical, and stark—are designed with function as the primary goal. These structures are not overlooked because they lack importance, but because their purpose necessitates anonymity. They house infrastructure: electricity substations, water pumping stations, telecommunication hubs, and increasingly, massive data centres. What they lack in aesthetic appeal, they make up for in operational indispensability.
B
Functionality drives their design. The absence of windows in data centres is not merely an aesthetic choice; it contributes to insulation, security, and temperature control. Since these facilities generate heat from hundreds of continuously operating servers, cooling becomes paramount. Windowless designs reduce heat infiltration and make internal climate systems more efficient. Similarly, the symmetrical layout and concrete façades of electricity substations allow easy access for maintenance teams while minimizing structural risks. They are engineered not to stand out, but to remain unnoticed.
C
Despite their functional design, boring buildings are not without critics. Urban designers often argue that their monotonous repetition creates dull streetscapes. When entire districts feature these opaque structures, a sense of sterility can dominate the environment. This lack of architectural character can erode civic pride and weaken emotional connections to place. Yet, architects working in the realm of utility argue that expressive design often introduces inefficiencies or complicates essential maintenance protocols.
D
Interestingly, some cities have begun reimagining how utilitarian architecture can serve dual purposes. In Tokyo, several water-pumping stations are disguised as community centres. London has incorporated ventilation shafts into sculptural street art, blending infrastructure into the aesthetic fabric of the city. Even data centres are receiving facelifts, with companies installing vertical gardens or LED art on exteriors to mitigate visual monotony without affecting performance.
E
The psychology of design also lends support to boring buildings. Research in environmental psychology suggests that overly stimulating urban environments can contribute to cognitive fatigue. While landmark buildings may attract tourists, the everyday commuter may benefit from predictability in their surroundings. Visual simplicity allows the mind to filter distractions and reduces mental overload—particularly in high-density urban zones where stimuli are abundant.
F
Still, the debate persists. Should function always trump form in urban planning? As cities grow more complex and interconnected, the demand for functional buildings increases. But many argue that innovation in materials and construction techniques could allow for structures that are both practical and visually engaging. Advocates of “integrated urbanism” suggest that even the most ordinary utility buildings can enhance the public realm if approached creatively.
📝 Questions 1–13
🔹 Questions 1–5: Matching Information
Match the statements below with the correct paragraph, A–F.
1. A reference to cities integrating infrastructure into public art
2. Mention of a psychological benefit to simple visual design
3. Discussion of how a building’s appearance enhances or harms emotional identity
4. A suggestion that modern engineering could allow for both function and design
5. An example of buildings deliberately constructed to blend into the background
🔹 Questions 6–9: TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN
6. Most data centres are located underground to save space in urban zones.
7. Ventilation shafts in London have been turned into artworks.
8. Tokyo's utility buildings are designed exclusively for aesthetics.
9. Cognitive overload can be reduced by removing complex visuals in city design.
🔹 Questions 10–13: Complete the summary below
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
Boring buildings, often described as plain and uninviting, serve essential functions like housing utilities and technology hubs. Their (10)________ designs prioritize safety and internal systems, especially in energy-intensive environments like data centres. Though they may lack architectural flair, some cities have tried to make them more visually pleasing through (11)________ strategies, including greenery and integrated art. Critics say such buildings harm the city’s visual character, while others argue that these structures help combat (12)________ by providing a predictable and calming presence. The debate continues over whether cities should prioritise function or strive for more (13)________ solutions in future planning.
🐦 Reading Passage 2: The Intricacies of Bird Migration Patterns
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A
Each year, countless bird species undertake epic journeys spanning thousands of kilometres, crossing continents and oceans. This phenomenon, known as avian migration, is an intricate survival strategy shaped by evolution. Birds migrate primarily to find food and optimal breeding conditions. However, contrary to earlier assumptions that migration was purely instinctual, studies now confirm that it’s guided by a combination of genetic wiring, environmental signals, and social behaviour.
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B
Historically, it was believed that birds relied solely on the Sun and stars for orientation. But researchers have found evidence that many species possess an internal magnetic compass, possibly located in the eye or brain, which allows them to detect the Earth’s magnetic field. For instance, when scientists exposed migratory birds to altered magnetic fields, many changed direction mid-flight, indicating they were responding to invisible geomagnetic shifts rather than visual cues alone.
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C
Weather plays an equally vital role in the timing and success of migration. Birds often postpone departure if strong headwinds or storms are predicted, waiting instead for tailwinds to conserve energy. Some even adjust flight altitude mid-air to ride more favourable currents. Interestingly, these behaviours are not entirely instinctive. Juveniles in species like cranes and geese follow experienced adults to learn the safest routes and landmarks — a clear indication of cultural transmission in non-human species.
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D
Although migration offers clear benefits, it’s fraught with hazards. Birds face habitat destruction, especially at stopover sites where they rest and refuel. Wetlands, forests, and coastal areas critical to migration are increasingly being converted for agriculture or urban development. In addition, light pollution and man-made structures like skyscrapers disrupt orientation, often leading to fatal collisions. These mounting threats have placed certain migratory species at risk of extinction.
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E
To mitigate these dangers, scientists now employ cutting-edge technologies. Lightweight GPS trackers, sometimes as small as a paperclip, are attached to birds to gather detailed data on their flight paths, speeds, and rest patterns. The collected data has revealed surprising insights: some birds fly non-stop for days, while others break their journey into multiple segments, selecting areas rich in food and water. Conservation groups use this data to advocate for protected flyways and habitat preservation across borders.
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📝 Questions 14–26
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🔹 Questions 14–18: List of Headings
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph (A–E).
14. Paragraph A
15. Paragraph B
16. Paragraph C
17. Paragraph D
18. Paragraph E
List of Headings:
i. Technological advances aiding conservation
ii. Hazards linked with human activity
iii. Birds’ ability to sense magnetic fields
iv. How birds respond to climate and leadership
v. Origins and nature of migration
vi. Comparing short- and long-distance migration
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🔹 Questions 19–22: Multiple Choice (Choose ONE option)
19. What did early theories suggest about bird migration?
A. It was a learned behaviour
B. It was mainly based on instinct
C. It evolved recently
D. It only occurred in tropical species
20. Why do birds prefer tailwinds?
A. It helps them navigate magnetic fields
B. It allows them to fly higher
C. It reduces energy use during flight
D. It improves flock coordination
21. What is implied about juvenile birds?
A. They can migrate independently from birth
B. They rely heavily on elders to learn routes
C. They don’t face threats during migration
D. They only migrate once per year
22. What has GPS tracking revealed?
A. All birds stop frequently
B. Birds never change routes
C. Migration distances are shrinking
D. Birds vary in their migration strategies
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🔹 Questions 23–26: Matching Features
Match each feature with the correct description (A–D).
Write the correct letter next to questions 23–26.
Features
23. Magnetic compass
24. Light pollution
25. Stopover sites
26. Cultural transmission
Descriptions
A. Taught from older to younger birds
B. Allows detection of directional cues
C. Can disrupt flight paths and cause death
D. Areas where birds pause to rest and eat
📚 Reading Passage 3: The Value of Handwriting in the Digital Age
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A
With the rise of laptops, tablets, and voice-to-text software, handwriting is becoming less common in both educational and professional contexts. Many schools now prioritize keyboard skills over cursive or print writing. Yet, psychologists and neuroscientists argue that handwriting has cognitive benefits that digital typing lacks. Writing by hand activates more areas of the brain, including those linked to memory, attention, and emotion.
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B
A study conducted at a university in Norway found that students who took notes by hand retained conceptual knowledge better than those who typed their notes. The theory is that handwriting encourages the brain to summarise and process information in real-time, whereas typing often leads to verbatim transcription without full comprehension. This phenomenon is sometimes called “desirable difficulty” — the idea that slightly harder tasks result in deeper learning.
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C
However, critics argue that typing offers undeniable speed and accessibility, especially for individuals with learning differences such as dysgraphia. In inclusive classrooms, keyboards level the playing field. Moreover, some researchers claim the cognitive edge of handwriting is overstated and depends on individual preferences and learning styles. They caution against reintroducing penmanship drills at the expense of digital literacy.
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D
Beyond education, handwriting plays a symbolic role in communication. A handwritten letter often conveys thoughtfulness and emotional depth that digital messages lack. Marketing experts even exploit this perception—using fonts that mimic handwriting to make advertising seem more personal. Yet ironically, many of these impressions are now digitally manufactured, raising questions about authenticity in a time when “handwritten” doesn’t always mean written by hand.
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E
Ultimately, the debate reflects broader tensions in society’s relationship with technology. While some advocate preserving analog practices for their depth and tradition, others prioritize efficiency and adaptability. Perhaps the key lies in a hybrid approach: promoting handwriting when it aids cognition or expression, while embracing typing for its convenience and inclusivity.
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📝 Questions 27–40 (13 questions)
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🔹 Questions 27–31: Matching Views
Match the opinions below with the correct person or group.
You may use any letter more than once.
A. Psychologists
B. Critics of handwriting
C. Teachers supporting inclusive learning
D. Marketing professionals
27. Handwriting triggers brain activity that typing does not.
28. Typing can benefit students with writing difficulties.
29. The emotional appeal of handwritten messages is used commercially.
30. Writing by hand improves how much we process information.
31. Handwriting doesn’t always mean it was done by hand.
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🔹 Questions 32–36: Yes / No / Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer?
32. Most students prefer taking notes by hand rather than typing.
33. Desirable difficulty refers to the idea that easier tasks lead to better learning.
34. The brain retains typed content more efficiently than handwritten content.
35. Font styles that look handwritten are used to influence consumers.
36. The article suggests eliminating typing from schools.
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🔹 Questions 37–40: Sentence Endings
Complete the sentences below using the correct ending A–F.
There are more endings than you need.
37. Some neuroscientists believe handwriting...
38. The study from Norway showed that handwriting...
39. Inclusive classrooms often favour typing...
40. The debate between handwriting and typing...
Endings
A. …is linked to better understanding of complex ideas.
B. …is no longer relevant in the digital age.
C. …helps in motor coordination more than typing.
D. …activates memory and emotional networks.
E. …for students who face physical or learning challenges.
F. …mirrors deeper tensions between old and new technologies.
✅ Answer Key with Band 9 Explanations
Questions 1–5: Matching Information
Q Ans Explanation
1 D Para D: “London has incorporated ventilation shafts into sculptural street art.”
2 E Para E: “Visual simplicity allows the mind to filter distractions and reduces mental overload.”
3 C Para C: “Lack of architectural character… erode civic pride… weaken emotional connection.”
4 F Para F: “Innovation in materials… allow for structures that are both practical and visually engaging.”
5 A Para A: “They are engineered not to stand out, but to remain unnoticed.”
Questions 6–9: T/F/NG
Q Ans Explanation
6 FALSE No mention of underground locations; Para B says data centres are built to avoid attention.
7 TRUE Para D: “ventilation shafts into sculptural street art.”
8 FALSE Tokyo disguises pumping stations as community centres—not for aesthetics alone.
9 TRUE Para E: “Visual simplicity… reduces mental overload.”
Questions 10–13: Summary Completion
Q Ans Explanation
10 functional Para B: “Functionality drives their design…”
11 aesthetic Para D: “LED art… vertical gardens… to mitigate visual monotony…”
12 cognitive fatigue Para E: “overly stimulating… contributes to cognitive fatigue.”
13 integrated Para F: “advocates of ‘integrated urbanism’…”
14–18: List of Headings
Q Ans Explanation
14 v Para A: Discusses the evolutionary and behavioural roots of migration.
15 iii Para B: Focuses on magnetic orientation and experimental findings.
16 iv Para C: Wind + learning from elders = response to environment & leadership.
17 ii Para D: Threats from humans like habitat loss and collisions.
18 i Para E: GPS and tech helping bird conservation.
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19–22: MCQs
Q Ans Explanation
19 B Para A: It was “earlier assumed to be purely instinctual.”
20 C Para C: “Tailwinds conserve energy.”
21 B Para C: Juveniles learn routes by following adults.
22 D Para E: Birds show variation in migration styles.
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23–26: Matching Features
Q Ans Explanation
23 B Para B: Magnetic compass helps sense Earth's magnetic field.
24 C Para D: Light pollution causes fatal disorientation.
25 D Para D: Sites used for rest and refuelling.
26 A Para C: Young birds learn migration routes from older ones.
27–31: Matching Views
Q Ans Explanation
27 A Para A: "activates more areas of the brain..." = psychologists.
28 C Para C: “...for individuals with learning differences...”
29 D Para D: “marketing experts... mimic handwriting…”
30 A Para B: psychologists found handwritten notes aid learning.
31 D Para D: “handwritten fonts are digitally manufactured…”
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32–36: Yes / No / Not Given
Q Ans Explanation
32 NOT GIVEN The passage doesn’t mention preference, only effectiveness.
33 NO It says harder tasks aid learning — not easier.
34 NO It says the opposite — handwritten notes result in better memory.
35 YES Para D clearly states this use in marketing.
36 NO The author supports a hybrid model, not elimination.
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37–40: Sentence Endings
Q Ans Explanation
37 D Para A: neuroscientists say handwriting activates memory/emotion areas.
38 A Para B: Norway study showed better concept retention.
39 E Para C: inclusive classrooms use typing for learning support.
40 F Para E: debate mirrors the tension between tradition and tech.
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