Read the following text:

Telling the truth may be a virtue, but isn't it more important to know how to tell lies? Any idiot can tell the truth, but lying is a skill, a science, an art. Fortunately, schools, with the unrealistic expectations that they have of young people, provide early training in the art of lying. For example, is it realistic to expect a 15-year-old to write a 250-word composition and spend six hours watching television in the same evening? So we watch television and tell the teacher we did our homework but that the dog/ cat/ baby ate it. Then, later in life, when the really uncomfortable questions come, like “I know you're 18 years old now, but wouldn't it be nice if we all went on a family holiday together, with grandma and grandpa?”, we know better than to say that would be our idea of hell. Instead, we say we're really sorry we can't come, but we've got that project to finish for school, plus football training, piano practice, or even English grammar exercises.

Obviously, modern civilized societies couldn't exist if everybody lied all the time. But wouldn't it be equally disastrous if everyone always told the truth? How many families depend for their stability on the little white lie? How much unhappiness and conflict is avoided simply because people have the good taste to hide the dislike or contempt they feel for other people? It seems to me that lying is an essential skill, so schools are quite right to teach it. And if my editor wonders why this article reached her so late this week, please note that I did in fact write it on time, but unfortunately the dog, the cat and the baby gathered together, stole it and hid it in the garden.

1. Answer both subsections in this question. (2.5 points)

1.1. Indicate whether the following statements are True, False or the information is Not Given in the text (T/F/NG). In true and false cases, copy the part of the text which justifies your answer. (1.5 points)

1. The text suggests that it is more difficult to tell a lie than to tell the truth.
2. Schools generally demand too much from students.
3. An 18-year-old person can easily make up excuses so as not to go on holiday with their family.
4. In Western countries, people are more used to telling lies than in Eastern countries.
5. If people sometimes don't say what they really think is because they want to be offensive.
6. The writer's editor is a male.

1.2. Find a synonym for each of the following words. (1 point)

1. talent
2. give
3. catastrophic
4. disdain
5. covered it up

2. Answer both subsections in this question. (2.5 points)

2.1. Write a NEW sentence that has the same meaning as the given one(s). Use the word or expression in brackets. (1.5 points)

1. Is it realistic to expect a 15-year-old to write a composition and watch television in the same evening? (the writer wondered)
2. Lying is an essential skill, so schools are quite right to teach it. (because)
3. People tell the teacher they did their homework but that the dog ate it. (eaten)
4. A modern civilized society wouldn't exist if everybody lied all the time. (there couldn't)
5. We are given too much homework and I never have time to finish it. (if)
6. I work until very late every evening but I never manage to finish my homework. (no matter)

2.2. Answer the following questions about pronunciation. (1 point)

1. Which word does NOT have the same vowel sound as the letter underlined in "scary"? far, fair, fare, pear.
2. In which word are the underlined letters pronounced differently from the letters in the other words? school, fool, tool, wool.
3. In which word is the letter "u" pronounced in the same way as in "lunch"? buddy, burn, bush, butcher.
4. In which two words is the ending "-ed" pronounced /t/, as in "knocked"? smiled, aided, stayed, passed, laughed, demanded, welcomed, closed.

3. In this text, fill in the gaps with the most suitable option from the four options given for each gap. (2.5 points)

Predicting what life will be like in twenty years is both fascinating and challenging. Based on 1.________ trends, we can expect several key developments in technology, lifestyle, and the environment that will shape the future.

1. future / fashionable / current / shaping

One of the most significant changes will 2.________ be in the field of technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are expected to play a larger role in daily life. AI will probably be integrated into many aspects of our work and personal activities. Machines may 3.________ repetitive tasks, allowing people to focus on more creative or complex problems.

2. often / likely / seldom / rather
3. take over / forget about / remind / look up

Additionally, the way we communicate 4.________ be transformed by virtual and augmented reality, making it easier to interact with others across the world in real time, as if we 5.________ in the same room. The rise of smart cities, with advanced infrastructure and automated systems, will also change how we live in urban environments.

4. could / would / should / must
5. will be / were / seating / talk

The environment will also be a critical factor in shaping life in the future. Climate change will continue to impact our planet, with 6.________ temperatures, changing weather patterns, and more frequent natural disasters.

6. heat / rising / bearable / raising

Governments and businesses may invest more in renewable energy sources, 7.________ solar and wind power, to reduce carbon emissions.

7. so as to / some / such as / more like

However, with these advancements come challenges. The increase in automation could lead to job displacement. This might require people to constantly learn new skills to remain 8.________ in the job market.

8. competitive / bored / earns / allowed

Additionally, as we 9.________ more connected digitally, protecting personal information will become even more important.

9. deal / born / travel / become

In conclusion, life in twenty years will probably be a blend of technological progress, environmental responsibility, and social change. 10.________ many of these developments will bring new opportunities, they will also require us to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

10. Since / While / In spite of / In addition

4. Answer ONE of the following subsections. (2.5 points)

4.1. Write an opinion article about this topic: Is telling lies culturally accepted in your society? Do you think that is a good thing? Why/why not? (120 words)

4.2. Write an e-mail to a media blog editor telling him/her about a TV series that you have enjoyed a lot and would like to recommend. (120 words)