CAT BA NATIONAL PARK – THE GREEN LUNG OF HAI PHONG

Discover Nature – Experience Adventure!

Nestled on Cat Ba Island, Cat Ba National Park is a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve and one of Vietnam's largest special-use forests. Covering over 17,000 hectares, it offers (1) _______ unique ecosystems - from lush forests and mangroves to vibrant marine habitats - making it a true haven for nature lovers. The park is (2) _______ to hundreds of plant and animal species, including the rare Cat Ba langur. Visitors can immerse themselves (3) _______ a rich natural environment, where towering ancient trees, hidden caves, and crystal-clear waters bring nature to life. Whether you choose to venture into primary forests, paddle through mangroves, or dive into coral-rich waters, each experience offers a chance to (4) _______ the beauty of nature.

(5) _______ its beauty, the park is also a living laboratory of biodiversity and a place where conservation takes centre stage. Visitors (6) _______ to travel responsibly and help preserve this unique ecosystem.

☞ Plan your trip today and be part of nature!

(Adapted from https://visitvietnam.org.vn/en/experiences)

Read the following announcement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 12 to 17.

THE OFFBEAT SARI EXHIBITION

We are pleased to announce the opening of “The Offbeat Sari”. This exhibition (12) _______ a long-held assumption of the traditional and uncomfortable sari because it offers a new perspective on one of South Asia’s oldest garments. (13) _______ proposed by Priya Khanchandani, the exhibition explores how the 5,000-year-old sari has been reinvented as a powerful symbol of cultural pride and social change.
The sari’s flexible form, (14) _______ is traditionally an unstitched drape, has enabled it to change and reflect different cultural influences over time. Today, designers are experimenting with (15) _______ materials such as steel and recycled fabrics, giving the garment a more modern character.
(16) _______ 54 saris by India’s most renowned designers, the exhibition is organized into three sections: Transformations, Identity and Resistance, and New Materialities. These works reveal how the sari is not just clothing, but a way to express ideas about society. Far from passive or uncomfortable, the sari has emerged as dynamic, modern, and central to (17) _______.
Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
Now showing until August 30
(Adapted from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-29/)

Read the following announcement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 12 to 17.

THE OFFBEAT SARI EXHIBITION

We are pleased to announce the opening of “The Offbeat Sari”. This exhibition (12) _______ a long-held assumption of the traditional and uncomfortable sari because it offers a new perspective on one of South Asia’s oldest garments. (13) _______ proposed by Priya Khanchandani, the exhibition explores how the 5,000-year-old sari has been reinvented as a powerful symbol of cultural pride and social change.
The sari’s flexible form, (14) _______ is traditionally an unstitched drape, has enabled it to change and reflect different cultural influences over time. Today, designers are experimenting with (15) _______ materials such as steel and recycled fabrics, giving the garment a more modern character.
(16) _______ 54 saris by India’s most renowned designers, the exhibition is organized into three sections: Transformations, Identity and Resistance, and New Materialities. These works reveal how the sari is not just clothing, but a way to express ideas about society. Far from passive or uncomfortable, the sari has emerged as dynamic, modern, and central to (17) _______.
Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
Now showing until August 30
(Adapted from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-29/)

Read the following announcement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 12 to 17.

THE OFFBEAT SARI EXHIBITION

We are pleased to announce the opening of “The Offbeat Sari”. This exhibition (12) _______ a long-held assumption of the traditional and uncomfortable sari because it offers a new perspective on one of South Asia’s oldest garments. (13) _______ proposed by Priya Khanchandani, the exhibition explores how the 5,000-year-old sari has been reinvented as a powerful symbol of cultural pride and social change.
The sari’s flexible form, (14) _______ is traditionally an unstitched drape, has enabled it to change and reflect different cultural influences over time. Today, designers are experimenting with (15) _______ materials such as steel and recycled fabrics, giving the garment a more modern character.
(16) _______ 54 saris by India’s most renowned designers, the exhibition is organized into three sections: Transformations, Identity and Resistance, and New Materialities. These works reveal how the sari is not just clothing, but a way to express ideas about society. Far from passive or uncomfortable, the sari has emerged as dynamic, modern, and central to (17) _______.
Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
Now showing until August 30
(Adapted from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-29/)

Read the following announcement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 12 to 17.

THE OFFBEAT SARI EXHIBITION

We are pleased to announce the opening of “The Offbeat Sari”. This exhibition (12) _______ a long-held assumption of the traditional and uncomfortable sari because it offers a new perspective on one of South Asia’s oldest garments. (13) _______ proposed by Priya Khanchandani, the exhibition explores how the 5,000-year-old sari has been reinvented as a powerful symbol of cultural pride and social change.
The sari’s flexible form, (14) _______ is traditionally an unstitched drape, has enabled it to change and reflect different cultural influences over time. Today, designers are experimenting with (15) _______ materials such as steel and recycled fabrics, giving the garment a more modern character.
(16) _______ 54 saris by India’s most renowned designers, the exhibition is organized into three sections: Transformations, Identity and Resistance, and New Materialities. These works reveal how the sari is not just clothing, but a way to express ideas about society. Far from passive or uncomfortable, the sari has emerged as dynamic, modern, and central to (17) _______.
Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
Now showing until August 30
(Adapted from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-29/)

Read the following announcement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 12 to 17.

THE OFFBEAT SARI EXHIBITION

We are pleased to announce the opening of “The Offbeat Sari”. This exhibition (12) _______ a long-held assumption of the traditional and uncomfortable sari because it offers a new perspective on one of South Asia’s oldest garments. (13) _______ proposed by Priya Khanchandani, the exhibition explores how the 5,000-year-old sari has been reinvented as a powerful symbol of cultural pride and social change.
The sari’s flexible form, (14) _______ is traditionally an unstitched drape, has enabled it to change and reflect different cultural influences over time. Today, designers are experimenting with (15) _______ materials such as steel and recycled fabrics, giving the garment a more modern character.
(16) _______ 54 saris by India’s most renowned designers, the exhibition is organized into three sections: Transformations, Identity and Resistance, and New Materialities. These works reveal how the sari is not just clothing, but a way to express ideas about society. Far from passive or uncomfortable, the sari has emerged as dynamic, modern, and central to (17) _______.
Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
Now showing until August 30
(Adapted from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-29/)

Read the following announcement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 12 to 17.

THE OFFBEAT SARI EXHIBITION

We are pleased to announce the opening of “The Offbeat Sari”. This exhibition (12) _______ a long-held assumption of the traditional and uncomfortable sari because it offers a new perspective on one of South Asia’s oldest garments. (13) _______ proposed by Priya Khanchandani, the exhibition explores how the 5,000-year-old sari has been reinvented as a powerful symbol of cultural pride and social change.
The sari’s flexible form, (14) _______ is traditionally an unstitched drape, has enabled it to change and reflect different cultural influences over time. Today, designers are experimenting with (15) _______ materials such as steel and recycled fabrics, giving the garment a more modern character.
(16) _______ 54 saris by India’s most renowned designers, the exhibition is organized into three sections: Transformations, Identity and Resistance, and New Materialities. These works reveal how the sari is not just clothing, but a way to express ideas about society. Far from passive or uncomfortable, the sari has emerged as dynamic, modern, and central to (17) _______.
Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
Now showing until August 30
(Adapted from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-29/)

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.
SNACK-SIZED WORKOUTS: SMALL EFFORTS, BIG GAINS?
For many people, finding time to exercise has become an ongoing challenge. Busy schedules, long working hours, and constant digital distractions mean that traditional hour-long gym sessions often feel unrealistic. In response, a growing number of fitness experts are promoting what they call “snack-sized workouts”- short bursts of activity spread throughout the day. This shift (18) ______. Consequently, even those with demanding routines may find it easier to remain physically active.
Instead of following fixed workout plans, individuals are stimulated to take advantage of small opportunities to move. Climbing a few flights of stairs, stretching between tasks, or completing brief cardio exercises can all contribute to daily activity levels. (19) ______. Over time, these small actions can accumulate into meaningful behavioural change.
Researchers have found that even short periods of physical activity can improve heart health, support metabolism, and help regulate blood sugar levels. (20) ______. In other words, modest efforts, when repeated consistently, may still produce noticeable benefits. Equally important are the psychological effects. Many people feel discouraged by the idea of committing to long workouts, but shorter sessions tend to feel more manageable. This simplicity can lower the barrier to getting started, (21) ______.
Of course, not everyone is convinced. Some critics argue that brief, scattered workouts may not be sufficient for achieving higher levels of fitness. Still, most experts agree that doing something is better than remaining inactive. Ultimately, the real question is (22) ______.
(Adapted from https://health-insights.org/micro-workouts)

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.
SNACK-SIZED WORKOUTS: SMALL EFFORTS, BIG GAINS?
For many people, finding time to exercise has become an ongoing challenge. Busy schedules, long working hours, and constant digital distractions mean that traditional hour-long gym sessions often feel unrealistic. In response, a growing number of fitness experts are promoting what they call “snack-sized workouts”- short bursts of activity spread throughout the day. This shift (18) ______. Consequently, even those with demanding routines may find it easier to remain physically active.
Instead of following fixed workout plans, individuals are stimulated to take advantage of small opportunities to move. Climbing a few flights of stairs, stretching between tasks, or completing brief cardio exercises can all contribute to daily activity levels. (19) ______. Over time, these small actions can accumulate into meaningful behavioural change.
Researchers have found that even short periods of physical activity can improve heart health, support metabolism, and help regulate blood sugar levels. (20) ______. In other words, modest efforts, when repeated consistently, may still produce noticeable benefits. Equally important are the psychological effects. Many people feel discouraged by the idea of committing to long workouts, but shorter sessions tend to feel more manageable. This simplicity can lower the barrier to getting started, (21) ______.
Of course, not everyone is convinced. Some critics argue that brief, scattered workouts may not be sufficient for achieving higher levels of fitness. Still, most experts agree that doing something is better than remaining inactive. Ultimately, the real question is (22) ______.
(Adapted from https://health-insights.org/micro-workouts)

Read the following passage about the current energy crisis and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 32.

ENERGY SHOCK FALLOUT: WHICH ECONOMIES ARE MOST AT RISK?
In many developing countries, the latest Gulf war has set off a scramble for energy. In Nepal, long queues for cooking gas have forced the government to limit supplies. In Sri Lanka, firms have been urged to shut on Wednesdays to conserve fuel. In Pakistan, schools have been closed and universities moved online. Households and governments are preparing for what the head of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, has called “the unthinkable”.
When global energy supply is squeezed, poorer countries suffer most. As Europe subsidised energy to shield households, demand held up and prices stayed higher for longer. This, in turn, has shifted the burden onto importers with fewer reserves and less budget flexibility. The result is a crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz all but closed, the latest hit could be worse. (I)
Pakistan and Egypt are among the most affected countries. (II) Pakistan spends some 4% of GDP on oil and gas imports, sourcing nearly 90% from the Middle East. Egypt spends about 3% of GDP and gets nearly half its supplies from the region. Both countries also rely heavily on remittances from the Gulf, which are worth around 5–6% of GDP. These inflows could fall if the war disrupts labour markets or forces migrant workers to return home. (III) A higher fuel bill can eventually tip into a financial crisis.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also look vulnerable despite having less direct exposure. Bangladesh’s reserves barely cover three months of imports, and it is already on an IMF programme. Sri Lanka only recently emerged from its debt crisis in 2022, and its financial reserves remain limited. India, by contrast, is better placed to weather the storm. Its reserves cover about seven months’ imports, and it is more flexible in diversifying its energy imports. (IV)
Even if countries avoid a macroeconomic crisis, the human toll could still be severe. Nitrogen fertiliser, made from natural gas, is becoming more expensive, raising the cost of food production across poor countries. The World Food Programme warned this week that the number of people facing hunger could reach record levels in 2026 if the conflict does not end soon. Stabilising currencies and paying for imports may help countries avoid a financial crisis. Keeping food affordable is another matter.
(Adapted from https://www.economist.com)

Read the following passage about the current energy crisis and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 32.

ENERGY SHOCK FALLOUT: WHICH ECONOMIES ARE MOST AT RISK?
In many developing countries, the latest Gulf war has set off a scramble for energy. In Nepal, long queues for cooking gas have forced the government to limit supplies. In Sri Lanka, firms have been urged to shut on Wednesdays to conserve fuel. In Pakistan, schools have been closed and universities moved online. Households and governments are preparing for what the head of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, has called “the unthinkable”.
When global energy supply is squeezed, poorer countries suffer most. As Europe subsidised energy to shield households, demand held up and prices stayed higher for longer. This, in turn, has shifted the burden onto importers with fewer reserves and less budget flexibility. The result is a crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz all but closed, the latest hit could be worse. (I)
Pakistan and Egypt are among the most affected countries. (II) Pakistan spends some 4% of GDP on oil and gas imports, sourcing nearly 90% from the Middle East. Egypt spends about 3% of GDP and gets nearly half its supplies from the region. Both countries also rely heavily on remittances from the Gulf, which are worth around 5–6% of GDP. These inflows could fall if the war disrupts labour markets or forces migrant workers to return home. (III) A higher fuel bill can eventually tip into a financial crisis.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also look vulnerable despite having less direct exposure. Bangladesh’s reserves barely cover three months of imports, and it is already on an IMF programme. Sri Lanka only recently emerged from its debt crisis in 2022, and its financial reserves remain limited. India, by contrast, is better placed to weather the storm. Its reserves cover about seven months’ imports, and it is more flexible in diversifying its energy imports. (IV)
Even if countries avoid a macroeconomic crisis, the human toll could still be severe. Nitrogen fertiliser, made from natural gas, is becoming more expensive, raising the cost of food production across poor countries. The World Food Programme warned this week that the number of people facing hunger could reach record levels in 2026 if the conflict does not end soon. Stabilising currencies and paying for imports may help countries avoid a financial crisis. Keeping food affordable is another matter.
(Adapted from https://www.economist.com)

Read the following passage about the current energy crisis and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 32.

ENERGY SHOCK FALLOUT: WHICH ECONOMIES ARE MOST AT RISK?
In many developing countries, the latest Gulf war has set off a scramble for energy. In Nepal, long queues for cooking gas have forced the government to limit supplies. In Sri Lanka, firms have been urged to shut on Wednesdays to conserve fuel. In Pakistan, schools have been closed and universities moved online. Households and governments are preparing for what the head of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, has called “the unthinkable”.
When global energy supply is squeezed, poorer countries suffer most. As Europe subsidised energy to shield households, demand held up and prices stayed higher for longer. This, in turn, has shifted the burden onto importers with fewer reserves and less budget flexibility. The result is a crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz all but closed, the latest hit could be worse. (I)
Pakistan and Egypt are among the most affected countries. (II) Pakistan spends some 4% of GDP on oil and gas imports, sourcing nearly 90% from the Middle East. Egypt spends about 3% of GDP and gets nearly half its supplies from the region. Both countries also rely heavily on remittances from the Gulf, which are worth around 5–6% of GDP. These inflows could fall if the war disrupts labour markets or forces migrant workers to return home. (III) A higher fuel bill can eventually tip into a financial crisis.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also look vulnerable despite having less direct exposure. Bangladesh’s reserves barely cover three months of imports, and it is already on an IMF programme. Sri Lanka only recently emerged from its debt crisis in 2022, and its financial reserves remain limited. India, by contrast, is better placed to weather the storm. Its reserves cover about seven months’ imports, and it is more flexible in diversifying its energy imports. (IV)
Even if countries avoid a macroeconomic crisis, the human toll could still be severe. Nitrogen fertiliser, made from natural gas, is becoming more expensive, raising the cost of food production across poor countries. The World Food Programme warned this week that the number of people facing hunger could reach record levels in 2026 if the conflict does not end soon. Stabilising currencies and paying for imports may help countries avoid a financial crisis. Keeping food affordable is another matter.
(Adapted from https://www.economist.com)

Read the following passage about the current energy crisis and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 32.

ENERGY SHOCK FALLOUT: WHICH ECONOMIES ARE MOST AT RISK?
In many developing countries, the latest Gulf war has set off a scramble for energy. In Nepal, long queues for cooking gas have forced the government to limit supplies. In Sri Lanka, firms have been urged to shut on Wednesdays to conserve fuel. In Pakistan, schools have been closed and universities moved online. Households and governments are preparing for what the head of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, has called “the unthinkable”.
When global energy supply is squeezed, poorer countries suffer most. As Europe subsidised energy to shield households, demand held up and prices stayed higher for longer. This, in turn, has shifted the burden onto importers with fewer reserves and less budget flexibility. The result is a crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz all but closed, the latest hit could be worse. (I)
Pakistan and Egypt are among the most affected countries. (II) Pakistan spends some 4% of GDP on oil and gas imports, sourcing nearly 90% from the Middle East. Egypt spends about 3% of GDP and gets nearly half its supplies from the region. Both countries also rely heavily on remittances from the Gulf, which are worth around 5–6% of GDP. These inflows could fall if the war disrupts labour markets or forces migrant workers to return home. (III) A higher fuel bill can eventually tip into a financial crisis.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also look vulnerable despite having less direct exposure. Bangladesh’s reserves barely cover three months of imports, and it is already on an IMF programme. Sri Lanka only recently emerged from its debt crisis in 2022, and its financial reserves remain limited. India, by contrast, is better placed to weather the storm. Its reserves cover about seven months’ imports, and it is more flexible in diversifying its energy imports. (IV)
Even if countries avoid a macroeconomic crisis, the human toll could still be severe. Nitrogen fertiliser, made from natural gas, is becoming more expensive, raising the cost of food production across poor countries. The World Food Programme warned this week that the number of people facing hunger could reach record levels in 2026 if the conflict does not end soon. Stabilising currencies and paying for imports may help countries avoid a financial crisis. Keeping food affordable is another matter.
(Adapted from https://www.economist.com)

Read the following passage about the current energy crisis and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 32.

ENERGY SHOCK FALLOUT: WHICH ECONOMIES ARE MOST AT RISK?
In many developing countries, the latest Gulf war has set off a scramble for energy. In Nepal, long queues for cooking gas have forced the government to limit supplies. In Sri Lanka, firms have been urged to shut on Wednesdays to conserve fuel. In Pakistan, schools have been closed and universities moved online. Households and governments are preparing for what the head of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, has called “the unthinkable”.
When global energy supply is squeezed, poorer countries suffer most. As Europe subsidised energy to shield households, demand held up and prices stayed higher for longer. This, in turn, has shifted the burden onto importers with fewer reserves and less budget flexibility. The result is a crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz all but closed, the latest hit could be worse. (I)
Pakistan and Egypt are among the most affected countries. (II) Pakistan spends some 4% of GDP on oil and gas imports, sourcing nearly 90% from the Middle East. Egypt spends about 3% of GDP and gets nearly half its supplies from the region. Both countries also rely heavily on remittances from the Gulf, which are worth around 5–6% of GDP. These inflows could fall if the war disrupts labour markets or forces migrant workers to return home. (III) A higher fuel bill can eventually tip into a financial crisis.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also look vulnerable despite having less direct exposure. Bangladesh’s reserves barely cover three months of imports, and it is already on an IMF programme. Sri Lanka only recently emerged from its debt crisis in 2022, and its financial reserves remain limited. India, by contrast, is better placed to weather the storm. Its reserves cover about seven months’ imports, and it is more flexible in diversifying its energy imports. (IV)
Even if countries avoid a macroeconomic crisis, the human toll could still be severe. Nitrogen fertiliser, made from natural gas, is becoming more expensive, raising the cost of food production across poor countries. The World Food Programme warned this week that the number of people facing hunger could reach record levels in 2026 if the conflict does not end soon. Stabilising currencies and paying for imports may help countries avoid a financial crisis. Keeping food affordable is another matter.
(Adapted from https://www.economist.com)

Read the following passage about a new payment technology and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 33 to 40.
THE RISE OF PALM PAYMENT TECHNOLOGY
Amazon One is an advanced payment method using palm recognition to identify customers. This biometric system scans both surface lines and vein patterns beneath the skin, creating a unique identification for each person. Users can register through their smartphones, connecting palm data to their accounts. Once enrolled, they can make purchases by simply holding their hands above scanners, eliminating the need for wallets or phones. The technology promises to transform how people shop in busy environments.
Currently operating in over four hundred stores nationwide, including Whole Foods Markets, this solution extends beyond Amazon's own establishments. Various venues like sports arenas, airports, and dining establishments have begun implementing these scanners. The corporation emphasizes speed and efficiency as primary benefits, particularly in crowded locations where traditional checkout methods create bottlenecks. Additionally, potential applications include building entry systems, membership verification, and medical facilities, suggesting broader uses beyond retail transactions.
Nevertheless, serious concerns surround this advancement. Security experts highlight fundamental risks with biometric information storage since compromised biological data remains permanent, unlike changeable passwords. Cloud-based storage amplifies vulnerability to cyberattacks, while questions about corporate surveillance persist. Many consumers lack a complete understanding of future data usage, creating transparency issues that regulatory frameworks have not adequately addressed yet.
This palm-scanning innovation reflects movement toward touchless interactions and automated services. Success depends on balancing customer convenience against privacy protection requirements. While adoption continues growing, debates about ethical implications intensify. The outcome will likely influence how businesses handle personal identification going forward, potentially establishing precedents for biometric authentication standards across industries worldwide.
(Adapted from https://retail-innovation.com/a1)

Read the following passage about a new payment technology and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 33 to 40.
THE RISE OF PALM PAYMENT TECHNOLOGY
Amazon One is an advanced payment method using palm recognition to identify customers. This biometric system scans both surface lines and vein patterns beneath the skin, creating a unique identification for each person. Users can register through their smartphones, connecting palm data to their accounts. Once enrolled, they can make purchases by simply holding their hands above scanners, eliminating the need for wallets or phones. The technology promises to transform how people shop in busy environments.
Currently operating in over four hundred stores nationwide, including Whole Foods Markets, this solution extends beyond Amazon's own establishments. Various venues like sports arenas, airports, and dining establishments have begun implementing these scanners. The corporation emphasizes speed and efficiency as primary benefits, particularly in crowded locations where traditional checkout methods create bottlenecks. Additionally, potential applications include building entry systems, membership verification, and medical facilities, suggesting broader uses beyond retail transactions.
Nevertheless, serious concerns surround this advancement. Security experts highlight fundamental risks with biometric information storage since compromised biological data remains permanent, unlike changeable passwords. Cloud-based storage amplifies vulnerability to cyberattacks, while questions about corporate surveillance persist. Many consumers lack a complete understanding of future data usage, creating transparency issues that regulatory frameworks have not adequately addressed yet.
This palm-scanning innovation reflects movement toward touchless interactions and automated services. Success depends on balancing customer convenience against privacy protection requirements. While adoption continues growing, debates about ethical implications intensify. The outcome will likely influence how businesses handle personal identification going forward, potentially establishing precedents for biometric authentication standards across industries worldwide.
(Adapted from https://retail-innovation.com/a1)

Read the following passage about a new payment technology and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 33 to 40.
THE RISE OF PALM PAYMENT TECHNOLOGY
Amazon One is an advanced payment method using palm recognition to identify customers. This biometric system scans both surface lines and vein patterns beneath the skin, creating a unique identification for each person. Users can register through their smartphones, connecting palm data to their accounts. Once enrolled, they can make purchases by simply holding their hands above scanners, eliminating the need for wallets or phones. The technology promises to transform how people shop in busy environments.
Currently operating in over four hundred stores nationwide, including Whole Foods Markets, this solution extends beyond Amazon's own establishments. Various venues like sports arenas, airports, and dining establishments have begun implementing these scanners. The corporation emphasizes speed and efficiency as primary benefits, particularly in crowded locations where traditional checkout methods create bottlenecks. Additionally, potential applications include building entry systems, membership verification, and medical facilities, suggesting broader uses beyond retail transactions.
Nevertheless, serious concerns surround this advancement. Security experts highlight fundamental risks with biometric information storage since compromised biological data remains permanent, unlike changeable passwords. Cloud-based storage amplifies vulnerability to cyberattacks, while questions about corporate surveillance persist. Many consumers lack a complete understanding of future data usage, creating transparency issues that regulatory frameworks have not adequately addressed yet.
This palm-scanning innovation reflects movement toward touchless interactions and automated services. Success depends on balancing customer convenience against privacy protection requirements. While adoption continues growing, debates about ethical implications intensify. The outcome will likely influence how businesses handle personal identification going forward, potentially establishing precedents for biometric authentication standards across industries worldwide.
(Adapted from https://retail-innovation.com/a1)

Read the following passage about a new payment technology and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 33 to 40.
THE RISE OF PALM PAYMENT TECHNOLOGY
Amazon One is an advanced payment method using palm recognition to identify customers. This biometric system scans both surface lines and vein patterns beneath the skin, creating a unique identification for each person. Users can register through their smartphones, connecting palm data to their accounts. Once enrolled, they can make purchases by simply holding their hands above scanners, eliminating the need for wallets or phones. The technology promises to transform how people shop in busy environments.
Currently operating in over four hundred stores nationwide, including Whole Foods Markets, this solution extends beyond Amazon's own establishments. Various venues like sports arenas, airports, and dining establishments have begun implementing these scanners. The corporation emphasizes speed and efficiency as primary benefits, particularly in crowded locations where traditional checkout methods create bottlenecks. Additionally, potential applications include building entry systems, membership verification, and medical facilities, suggesting broader uses beyond retail transactions.
Nevertheless, serious concerns surround this advancement. Security experts highlight fundamental risks with biometric information storage since compromised biological data remains permanent, unlike changeable passwords. Cloud-based storage amplifies vulnerability to cyberattacks, while questions about corporate surveillance persist. Many consumers lack a complete understanding of future data usage, creating transparency issues that regulatory frameworks have not adequately addressed yet.
This palm-scanning innovation reflects movement toward touchless interactions and automated services. Success depends on balancing customer convenience against privacy protection requirements. While adoption continues growing, debates about ethical implications intensify. The outcome will likely influence how businesses handle personal identification going forward, potentially establishing precedents for biometric authentication standards across industries worldwide.
(Adapted from https://retail-innovation.com/a1)