3　 Read each passage and choose the best answer from among the four choices for each question. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and mark your answer.

The Colonial History of Britain

The British Empire, at its height in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, spanned over a quarter of the globe, earning it the title “the empire on which the sun never sets.” Colonization allowed Britain to extract vast resources, control global trade routes, and expand its political influence. Colonized regions, such as India and parts of Africa, were often reorganized to suit the economic interests of Britain. While some infrastructure developments, such as railways and administrative systems, are cited as benefits of colonization, these were primarily designed to facilitate resource extraction rather than to serve the local populations.

The impact of British rule on colonized societies remains a subject of heated debate. Advocates argue that the British brought modernization, including legal systems and education. However, critics highlight the exploitation, cultural suppression, and systemic inequalities imposed on native populations. Movements for independence, which gained momentum in the early 20th century, often highlighted the devastating effects of British policies, such as famines exacerbated by colonial economic strategies.

Today, former colonies are grappling with the legacies of British rule, from economic disparities to unresolved territorial disputes. Efforts to confront this past include reparations and the return of cultural artifacts, though such initiatives often face resistance. The ongoing discussion reflects the complex and often painful history of colonialism, with its effects still visible in the modern world.

25) What was one reason Britain expanded its empire, according to the            passage?

• To support local economies in colonized regions.    
• To gain access to resources and control global trade routes.    
• To establish cultural unity across the empire.    
• To promote industrialization in rural areas.

(26) How did Britain justify its presence in colonized regions, as           described in the passage?

• By claiming to modernize local societies through infrastructure and education.    
• By focusing on developing agricultural exports for local benefit.    
• By highlighting its efforts to reduce global economic inequality.    
• By prioritizing cultural preservation in colonized societies.

(27) What does the passage suggest about the effects of British policies           on colonized regions?

• They promoted widespread prosperity and stability.    
• They led to systemic inequalities and cultural suppression.    
• They resulted in immediate independence for colonized nations.    
• They eliminated territorial disputes in former colonies.

The Space Race

The Space Race, which unfolded during the Cold War, was a symbolic and technological contest between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Soviets gained an early advantage with the 1957 launch of Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite, and Yuri Gagarin’s historic orbit in 1961. However, the U.S. achieved its defining moment in 1969 when NASA’s Apollo 11 mission landed humans on the moon, a feat that captured global attention and solidified America’s leadership in space exploration.

While the Space Race drove rapid advancements in technology, it also sparked debates about the allocation of resources. Critics argued that the billions spent on space exploration could have been better used to address pressing social issues such as poverty and healthcare. Supporters, however, emphasized the long-term benefits, including innovations in communication technology and scientific knowledge that have since transformed everyday life.

The legacy of the Space Race continues to shape modern space exploration. International collaborations, such as the International Space Station, have replaced the fierce competition of the Cold War. Yet, the emergence of private space companies and new national space programs suggests that the spirit of rivalry in space is far from over.

(28) What was one early achievement of the Soviet Union during the   Space Race?

• Landing the first humans on the moon.    
• Launching the first artificial satellite, Sputnik.    
• Developing communication technology for everyday use.    
• Establishing the first international space station.

(29) What argument did critics make about the Space Race?

• It delayed advancements in communication technology.    
• It diverted resources from addressing social issues on Earth.    
• It lacked scientific significance compared to other projects.    
• It hindered international cooperation in space exploration.

(30) How has space exploration evolved since the Space Race, according          to the passage?

• It has shifted toward international collaboration and private sector involvement.    
• It has focused entirely on scientific research without political influence.    
• It has eliminated competition between nations in space exploration.    
• It has reduced the role of private companies in technological innovation.

(31) What does the passage suggest about the future of space   exploration?

• Competition between nations and private companies is likely to increase.    
• Governments will completely withdraw from space exploration efforts.    
• Space exploration will focus exclusively on environmental research.    
• The public will lose interest in space-related projects.