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.
One morning in 1945, a crowd of 5,000 people jammed the entrance of Gimbels Department Store in New York. The day before, Gimbels had placed a full-page advertisement in the New York Times for a wonderful new invention, the ballpoint pen. The advertisement described the pen as 'fantastic' and 'miraculous'. Although they were expensive, $12.50 each, all 10,000 pens in stock were sold on the first day.
In fact, this 'new' pen was not new at all. In 1888, John Loud, a leather manufacturer, pioneered the invention of a pen featuring a reservoir of ink and a rolling ball mechanism. Despite this innovative design, his pen was never mass-produced, and subsequent attempts by various individuals to create a commercially viable version also met with failure. The primary challenge lay with the ink itself: if the ink was too thin, it would leak uncontrollably from the pen, while ink that was too thick would render the pen unusable, as it wouldn't flow at all.
Nearly fifty years later, in 1935, a newspaper editor in Hungary grew frustrated with the time-consuming task of constantly refilling his fountain pens. Determined to create a more efficient writing instrument, he enlisted the help of his brother, a skilled chemist. Together, they developed a groundbreaking ballpoint pen that effectively solved the leakage issue by preventing ink from escaping when the pen was not in use. This editor, Ladislas Biro, would become synonymous with the ballpoint pen, forever altering the landscape of writing instruments and paving the way for a new era of convenient and reliable writing.
By chance, Biro met Augustine Justo, the Argentinian president. Justo was so impressed with Biro's revolutionary invention that he invited him to establish a factory in Argentina. In 1943, the first Biro pens were produced. However, these initial models did not gain widespread popularity, as users had to hold the pen in a vertical position for the ink to flow properly, which wasn’t exactly convenient. That wasn’t going to fly for most people, though, so Biro set to work redesigning the pen, incorporating a more effective ball mechanism. By 1944, the improved product was available for purchase throughout Argentina.
It was a North American, Milton Reynolds, who introduced the ballpoint pen to the USA. He successfully adapted Biro's design and introduced his version at Gimbels, a well-known department store, where it quickly became a bestseller. Another American, Patrick Frawley, saw the potential for further enhancements and launched his own version, the Papermate, in 1950. This innovative pen was met with immediate acclaim, and within just a few years, millions of Papermate pens were being sold worldwide, cementing the ballpoint pen's place as a staple writing instrument in everyday life.

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.
Easter eggs, also known as Paschal eggs in some parts of the world, are special eggs that are often given to celebrate Easter or springtime. The practice of decorating eggshells dates back thousands of years. Ostrich eggs with engraved decorations that are 60,000 years old have been found in Africa. As far as historians know, the act of egg decoration did not have any religious origin and was primarily decorative. In Persian culture, eggs were sometimes painted by the whole family as they sat together preparing for the arrival of spring and their New Year. Even today, people enjoy painting eggs without any religious connotations.
Eventually, eggs, which frequently symbolize spring, became intertwined with the celebration of Easter. In Europe, it was customary to use dyed and painted chicken eggs during Easter festivities, but contemporary practices often involve substituting chocolate eggs or plastic eggs filled with confections such as jelly beans. Easter eggs are a widely recognized emblem of new life in Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, and other Central European nations, where they are hidden in gardens for children to discover. Queen Victoria of Britain was renowned for her enthusiasm for egg hunts, orchestrating them for her children within Kensington Palace in London, thus popularizing the tradition in the UK. Eggs, in general, have long been regarded as symbols of fertility and rebirth. In various magical rituals today, eggs are frequently employed to promote fertility, restore vitality (both physical and mental), and to gain insights into the future.
The Easter Bunny is a widely recognized symbol of Easter, though its origins remain somewhat ambiguous. Some theorists suggest that the association stems from the shared symbolism of eggs and rabbits, both of which are often linked to fertility and renewal. Others propose that the Easter Bunny originated in Germany, where it was viewed as a judge of children's behavior leading up to the holiday. This "naughty or nice" theme parallels the tradition surrounding Santa Claus at Christmas. Today, in numerous countries, the Easter Bunny is entrusted with the delightful task of delivering Easter eggs to children.
In Russia, the incredible Peter Carl Faberge took the concept of eggs as decoration to another level. Between 1885 and 1916, he crafted 50 Imperial Easter Eggs, each a masterpiece of artistry. These exquisite creations were fashioned from gold, silver, and various other materials, adorned with pearls and precious gems, making each egg a unique marvel. Sadly, many of them have since disappeared from the world—a great loss to the world of art.

Complete the text below with the correct form of the words in capitals.
The Hanoi Liberation, which occurred on October 10, 1954, is a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s history, marking the end of French colonial rule in the capital city. After nearly a century of (28) ________, the Vietnamese people, led by the Viet Minh under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh, fought (29) ________ for independence. The
event is celebrated as a symbol of resilience and determination, showcasing the spirit of the Vietnamese in their quest for freedom. Following a prolonged struggle that included the famous battle of Dien Bien Phu, the Vietnamese forces successfully entered Hanoi, greeted by (30) ________ crowds celebrating their long-awaited liberation. This day not only signifies the political shift in power but also represents the beginning of a new era for the country. As citizens of Hanoi and the broader nation reflect on this historic achievement, they commemorate the sacrifices made by (31) ________ individuals who contributed to the fight for independence. The Hanoi Liberation continues to inspire generations, reminding them of the importance of (32) ________ and perseverance in achieving national sovereignty.