English Proficiency Test

Section 1: Reading Comprehension (30 points)

Passage 1: The History of the Internet

The Internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, but few people know its fascinating history. The concept of the Internet began in the 1960s when the United States Department of Defense wanted to create a network that could withstand a nuclear attack. This led to the development of ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), which was the first operational packet-switching network.


In the 1970s, scientists Robert Kahn and Vint Cerf developed the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which is the fundamental communication protocol of the Internet. This allowed different computer networks to communicate with each other, laying the foundation for the global network we know today.


The 1980s saw the expansion of the Internet beyond the academic and military communities. Commercial Internet service providers (ISPs) began to emerge, making it possible for the general public to access the Internet. The World Wide Web, invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989, revolutionized the way we access and share information on the Internet. It introduced the concept of hypertext, which allows users to navigate between web pages using links.


Since then, the Internet has continued to evolve at a rapid pace. The development of broadband technology in the 1990s made it possible to transfer large amounts of data quickly, enabling activities such as online video streaming and high-speed downloads. In the 21st century, the rise of mobile devices and wireless networks has further transformed the Internet, allowing people to access it from anywhere at any time.


Questions:


  1. Why was ARPANET developed? (5 points)

  2. What did Robert Kahn and Vint Cerf develop in the 1970s, and why was it important? (10 points)

  3. How did the World Wide Web change the way we use the Internet? (10 points)

  4. Name one development in the 21st century that has transformed the Internet. (5 points)

Passage 2: The Benefits of Reading

Reading is a wonderful activity that offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it is an excellent way to expand our vocabulary. When we read, we encounter new words in context, which helps us understand their meaning and usage. This, in turn, improves our communication skills, both in writing and speaking.


Secondly, reading enhances our knowledge. Whether it's a fictional novel that takes us to different worlds or a non - fictional book on history, science, or any other subject, reading exposes us to new ideas and information. It broadens our horizons and allows us to see the world from different perspectives.


Moreover, reading is a great way to relax and reduce stress. Immersing ourselves in a good book can transport us away from our daily worries and problems. It gives our minds a break and helps us unwind.


Finally, reading can improve our cognitive abilities. It stimulates our brain, enhances our memory, and improves our concentration. Regular reading has been associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in later life.


Questions:


  1. List two ways in which reading benefits our language skills. (10 points)

  2. How does reading help us relax? (5 points)

  3. What is the long - term benefit of regular reading on our cognitive abilities? (5 points)

  4. Give an example of how reading can broaden our horizons. (10 points)

Section 2: Writing (30 points)

Task: Write an essay on the topic "The Impact of Social Media on Modern Society". Your essay should be at least 150 words and include the following points:


  1. The positive aspects of social media, such as connecting people, sharing information, and promoting businesses.

  2. The negative aspects of social media, such as cyberbullying, the spread of misinformation, and the impact on mental health.

  3. Your opinion on how we can make the best use of social media while minimizing its negative effects.

Section 3: Grammar and Vocabulary (40 points)

Part 1: Grammar (20 points)

Questions:


  1. Choose the correct form of the verb in the following sentence: "He (go/goes/went) to school every day." (2 points)

  2. Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition: "She is interested ______ learning French." (2 points)

  3. Rewrite the following sentence in the passive voice: "They built the house in 1990." (4 points)

  4. Correct the error in the following sentence: "I have went to the park yesterday." (4 points)

  5. Complete the following conditional sentence: "If it (rain) tomorrow, we (stay) at home." (4 points)

  6. Choose the correct relative pronoun (who/which/that) to complete the sentence: "The book ______ I read last night was very interesting." (2 points)

Part 2: Vocabulary (20 points)

Questions:


  1. Write a synonym for the word "big". (2 points)

  2. Write an antonym for the word "happy". (2 points)

  3. Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: "The ______ of the movie was very exciting." (plot/plan) (2 points)

  4. Define the word "innovation". (4 points)

  5. Use the word "challenge" in a sentence. (4 points)

  6. Give a word related to "transport" that starts with the letter "a". (2 points)

  7. Match the word "benefit" with its correct definition from the following options: a) a disadvantage; b) an advantage or profit; c) a problem (2 points)

  8. Write a word that is similar in meaning to "purchase". (2 points)