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 people were interviewed for a science magazine about using technology to protect nature. Read the texts and answer the questions below.

Hannah

"I work for a conservation charity that uses drones to monitor protected forests. In the past, rangers often discovered illegal logging long after it had happened. Now we can inspect huge areas in just a few hours and identify suspicious activity almost immediately. Although operating the equipment requires specialist training, the greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that our work helps preserve habitats for endangered species. Next year, I'd like to expand the project to monitor wetlands as well."

Omar

"As an environmental engineer, I develop underwater sensors that measure pollution levels in rivers and lakes. The devices transmit information every few minutes, allowing authorities to react before contamination spreads. When I was studying engineering, I expected to work in manufacturing, so I never imagined I'd spend my career protecting ecosystems. Seeing fish return to rivers that were once heavily polluted has convinced me that technology really can make a difference."

Grace

"My role involves analysing satellite images using artificial intelligence. The software detects changes in forests, glaciers and coastlines far more quickly than humans could. Accuracy is essential because international organisations use our reports when deciding where conservation funding should be directed. Eventually, I hope the system will become sophisticated enough to predict environmental changes before they occur, rather than simply recording them afterwards."

Lucas

"I'm a wildlife ecologist studying large mammals. We attach lightweight GPS collars to selected animals so we can understand how they migrate across different landscapes. The process is carefully managed to minimise stress, and the information has helped governments establish wildlife corridors linking fragmented habitats. The technology has transformed conservation research, but it should always be used responsibly and never at the expense of animal welfare."

Who...

1. hopes to develop their project further?

A. Hannah
B. Omar
C. Grace
D. Lucas

2. sends environmental information continuously?

A. Hannah
B. Omar
C. Grace
D. Lucas

3. believes data must be extremely reliable?

A. Hannah
B. Omar
C. Grace
D. Lucas

4. studies how animals travel?

A. Hannah
B. Omar
C. Grace
D. Lucas

5. was surprised by the direction their career took?

A. Hannah
B. Omar
C. Grace
D. Lucas

6. mentions reducing disturbance to wildlife?

A. Hannah
B. Omar
C. Grace
D. Lucas

7. uses aircraft without pilots?

A. Hannah
B. Omar
C. Grace
D. Lucas

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.

Digital Technology and Wildlife Conservation

Technology has become one of the most valuable tools available to conservationists. From satellites orbiting the Earth to artificial intelligence analysing millions of images, modern innovations are helping scientists understand and protect the natural world more effectively than ever before.

8. 1)

For much of history, conservation depended almost entirely on direct observation. Scientists travelled to remote locations, recorded their findings manually and often spent years collecting enough information to understand a single ecosystem.

9. 2)

The arrival of satellite technology transformed environmental research. Scientists could suddenly monitor forests, oceans and ice sheets across entire continents without leaving their laboratories. Changes that once took years to discover became visible within days.

10. 3)

More recently, artificial intelligence has dramatically increased the speed at which environmental information can be processed. Computer systems are capable of recognising patterns in enormous datasets, allowing researchers to identify illegal deforestation, animal populations and habitat loss with remarkable accuracy.

11. 4)

Drones have also revolutionised fieldwork. Flying over dangerous mountains, dense forests and coastal wetlands, they collect detailed images while reducing both costs and risks. In many cases, they have replaced helicopter surveys that were once prohibitively expensive.

12. 5)

Despite these advances, technology has its limitations. Equipment can fail, satellite images may be obscured by cloud cover, and computer models are only as reliable as the information used to train them. Human judgement therefore remains essential.

13. 6)

Many conservation organisations now combine technological data with the knowledge of local communities. Residents often recognise subtle environmental changes long before they appear in satellite images, making this collaboration particularly valuable.

14. 7)

Looking ahead, experts expect conservation technology to become increasingly sophisticated. However, they emphasise that innovation alone cannot solve environmental problems without political commitment, public engagement and international cooperation.

Headings

1. The value of local knowledge

2. Looking towards tomorrow

3. Traditional methods of research

4. Artificial intelligence transforms conservation

5. Technology still has weaknesses

6. Observing Earth from space

7. Drones in difficult environments

8. Replacing scientists completely

03

Read the article on the left. Choose the correct option to fill each of the gaps from the lists below.

Smart Forests

Forests play a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate, supporting biodiversity and storing vast quantities of carbon. As environmental pressures increase, researchers are increasingly turning to advanced technology to improve forest management.

Networks of sensors installed throughout forests can measure temperature, humidity and soil conditions continuously. These systems allow scientists to detect environmental changes much more 15) ________ than traditional monitoring methods.

Artificial intelligence also assists researchers by analysing enormous quantities of satellite imagery. Instead of examining every image manually, computers can quickly identify areas where illegal logging or disease may be 16) ________.

Another important development is the use of autonomous drones. They can survey difficult terrain safely while producing highly detailed maps. This enables conservation teams to make more 17) ________ decisions when planning restoration projects.

Nevertheless, experts caution that technology should support rather than replace experienced field researchers. Digital systems provide valuable information, but interpreting complex ecosystems still requires considerable 18) ________.

As technology continues to develop, scientists believe forests will be monitored more efficiently than ever before. Combined with effective environmental policies, these innovations could play a 19) ________ role in protecting biodiversity.

Options

15.

A. rapidly

B. accidentally

C. cautiously

16.

A. spreading

B. disappearing

C. improving

17.

A. informed

B. random

C. delayed

18.

A. ignorance

B. expertise

C. uncertainty

19.

A. minor

B. crucial

C. temporary

04

Read the two newspaper articles on the left about technology and environmental protection. The articles were written by different authors. Choose the correct option to fill each of the gaps from the lists below. You will need to read both articles to fill all of the gaps.

Article 1

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to monitor endangered wildlife. Camera traps positioned throughout forests generate millions of photographs each year, far more than researchers could examine manually. AI systems can identify individual animals, estimate population sizes and detect unusual behaviour with impressive speed.

Supporters argue that this technology allows conservation organisations to react more quickly to emerging threats. However, critics question whether expensive digital systems are always practical for projects operating with limited budgets. The overall impact therefore remains 20) ________ in some parts of the world.

Many organisations are responding by sharing equipment and technical expertise. Advocates believe this represents a sensible 21) ________ between innovation and affordability.

Article 2

Modern conservation increasingly depends upon collaboration between scientists, governments and local communities. Although advanced technology provides valuable information, experienced researchers recognise that successful conservation also requires human knowledge and careful decision-making.

Recent projects have demonstrated that combining satellite data with local expertise often produces better results than relying on technology alone. Consequently, many conservation programmes have begun to 22) ________ partnerships with Indigenous communities and local residents.

Researchers also emphasise the importance of ethical standards when using technologies such as drones and GPS tracking devices. Wildlife should never be unnecessarily disturbed simply to obtain additional information. Responsible conservation aims to 23) ________ scientific understanding while protecting animal welfare.

Most experts agree that digital technology will continue to 24) ________ an increasingly important role in conservation. Ultimately, however, long-term success will largely 25) ________ upon governments, scientists and communities working together.

Options

20.

A. predictable

B. uncertain

C. permanent

21.

A. compromise

B. obstacle

C. criticism

22.

A. strengthen

B. abandon

C. postpone

23.

A. reduce

B. expand

C. ignore

24.

A. avoid

B. play

C. prevent

25.

A. focus

B. depend

C. insist