Aptis Advanced Reading 2
APTIS ADVANCED READING
Aptis Advanced Practice Test Reading
Instructions
Please do not write on the question paper. Use the answer paper.
Answer as many questions as you can.
Time yourself properly to finish all the tasks.
Reading (60 minutes)
01
Four professionals were interviewed for a magazine about a significant learning experience. Read the texts and answer the questions below.
Olivia
"Last year, my company sent me to Japan for a six-month training programme. At first, I worried that my limited language skills would be a serious obstacle. However, my colleagues were extremely supportive, and I gradually became more confident. The experience taught me that effective communication depends on patience as much as vocabulary. I returned home with new technical skills and a much broader understanding of international teamwork."
Daniel
"After losing my job during an industry downturn, I decided to retrain as a software developer. The transition was challenging because I had not studied formally for many years. There were moments when I considered giving up, particularly when balancing coursework with family responsibilities. Nevertheless, completing the programme was one of the proudest achievements of my life, and I now work in a field that genuinely excites me."
Mei
"I have always enjoyed learning independently, so I enrolled in an online master's degree while continuing to work full-time. The flexibility was invaluable, but staying motivated required careful planning. What surprised me most was the quality of the discussions with students from different countries. Those conversations exposed me to perspectives I would never have encountered in a traditional classroom near my home."
Carlos
"My most important learning experience came from a mistake. Early in my career, I managed a project that failed because I ignored feedback from my team. The disappointment was difficult to accept, but it forced me to rethink my approach to leadership. Since then, I have made a conscious effort to listen more carefully and encourage others to challenge my assumptions. That lesson has shaped every role I've held since."
Who...
1. studied while remaining employed?
A. Olivia B. Daniel C. Mei D. Carlos
2. learned primarily from a failure?
A. Olivia B. Daniel C. Mei D. Carlos
3. gained confidence during an overseas experience?
A. Olivia B. Daniel C. Mei D. Carlos
4. changed careers after a difficult event?
A. Olivia B. Daniel C. Mei D. Carlos
5. values international discussion with fellow students?
A. Olivia B. Daniel C. Mei D. Carlos
6. developed leadership skills through reflection?
A. Olivia B. Daniel C. Mei D. Carlos
7. improved both professionally and personally?
A. Olivia B. Daniel C. Mei D. Carlos
02
Read the passage quickly. Choose a heading for each numbered paragraph (1–7) from the list at the end of the text. There is one more heading than you need.
The History of Public Libraries
Public libraries are now considered an essential part of civic life, but their development was gradual and reflected changing attitudes towards education and access to information.
8. 1)
Collections of written materials existed in ancient civilisations, although access was generally restricted to rulers, priests, or scholars. Ordinary citizens rarely had the opportunity to consult these collections.
9. 2)
During the nineteenth century, rapid industrialisation created demand for a more educated workforce. Reformers argued that libraries could help people improve their knowledge and employment prospects.
10. 3)
Many early public libraries relied on donations from wealthy individuals and local communities. These contributions enabled towns and cities to establish collections that would otherwise have been unaffordable.
11. 4)
As libraries expanded, they introduced catalogues, classification systems, and trained staff. These innovations made it far easier for visitors to locate materials efficiently.
12. 5)
In the twentieth century, libraries began offering lectures, children's programmes, and cultural events. They increasingly served as community centres rather than simply repositories of books.
13. 6)
The arrival of computers and the internet transformed library services once again. Digital catalogues, electronic resources, and online access dramatically expanded the range of information available to users.
14. 7)
Today, librarians continue debating how best to balance traditional collections with emerging technologies. Despite these challenges, libraries remain committed to providing reliable information to everyone.
Headings
Community activities beyond books
Early restricted collections
Adapting to a digital age
Financial support from local benefactors
Organising information more effectively
Educational needs of a changing society
An uncertain future for libraries
Declining interest in reading
03
Read the article below. Choose the correct option to fill each gap.
The Growth of Urban Cycling
In many cities, cycling has become an increasingly popular form of transport. Rising fuel costs, environmental concerns, and a desire for healthier lifestyles have encouraged more people to travel by bicycle.
To support this trend, local authorities have invested heavily in dedicated cycle lanes and secure parking facilities. These measures are intended to make cycling both safer and more 15) ____ for commuters.
Employers have also begun introducing incentives such as bicycle storage, changing rooms, and financial assistance for purchasing equipment. As a result, participation rates are expected to 16) ____ in the coming years.
However, infrastructure alone is not sufficient. Experts emphasise that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians must all understand their responsibilities in order to reduce accidents and create a more 17) ____ environment.
Weather conditions, steep terrain, and concerns about personal safety continue to discourage some potential cyclists. Nevertheless, cities that have adopted comprehensive transport strategies have often experienced 18) ____ improvements in cycling numbers.
Researchers argue that the long-term benefits extend beyond transportation. Increased physical activity can improve public health, while reduced traffic congestion may contribute to cleaner air and a more 19) ____ urban environment.
Options
A. convenient B. expensive C. unpredictable
A. disappear B. decline C. rise
A. hostile B. cooperative C. competitive
A. negligible B. substantial C. temporary
A. polluted B. sustainable C. isolated
04
Read the two newspaper articles about online education. The articles were written by different authors. Choose the correct option to fill each gap.
Article 1
Online education has expanded rapidly over the past decade. Supporters argue that it increases access to learning for people who might otherwise be unable to attend traditional institutions. Students can often study at their own pace and combine education with work or family commitments.
Critics, however, question whether virtual classrooms can fully reproduce the social and collaborative aspects of face-to-face learning. Consequently, the overall impact of online education remains 20) ____ among some researchers.
Many universities have responded by introducing blended programmes that combine digital instruction with occasional in-person sessions. Advocates believe this approach represents a practical 21) ____ between flexibility and direct interaction.
Article 2
Recent studies suggest that the effectiveness of online education depends heavily on course design and student engagement. Well-structured programmes with regular feedback can produce outcomes comparable to those of traditional courses.
These findings have prompted many educators to 22) ____ earlier assumptions that online learning was inherently inferior. Nevertheless, challenges remain, particularly for students who lack reliable internet access or suitable study environments.
Some institutions are investing in additional support services, including mentoring, technical assistance, and virtual discussion groups. Proponents argue that such measures help to 23) ____ a stronger sense of community among learners.
Although opinions differ regarding the ideal balance between online and classroom instruction, most experts agree that digital education will continue to 24) ____ an important role in the future of learning. Universities are therefore likely to keep experimenting with new models until they identify approaches that best 25) ____ the needs of their students.
Options
A. predictable B. disputed C. irrelevant
A. compromise B. obstacle C. failure
A. reinforce B. overlook C. reconsider
A. weaken B. foster C. restrict
A. play B. avoid C. abandon
A. undermine B. satisfy C. postpone