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 current affairs magazine about a social issue they are passionate about. Read the texts and answer the questions below.

Rebecca

"I volunteer at a local food bank every Saturday. Before I started, I assumed that food insecurity mainly affected people without jobs. I quickly realised how mistaken I was. Many of the families we support have at least one full-time income, but rising living costs mean they still struggle to make ends meet. Although the work can be emotionally demanding, seeing the difference a small act of kindness can make keeps me motivated."

Daniel

"As a youth mentor, I spend my evenings supporting teenagers who have experienced difficult family circumstances. My role isn't to solve their problems but to provide stability and encouragement. I've learned that simply listening without judging can sometimes have a greater impact than offering advice. I hope more adults will consider volunteering because young people benefit enormously from having positive role models."

Fatima

"I work for an organisation that campaigns for accessible public transport. People often underestimate the challenges faced by those with physical disabilities. Something as ordinary as catching a bus can become stressful if stations or vehicles are poorly designed. Fortunately, public awareness has improved in recent years, although much more remains to be done before transport is genuinely inclusive."

Oliver

"I'm involved in a project that helps older people develop digital skills. Many assume that technology is only for younger generations, but that's simply not true. Once people gain confidence using smartphones or computers, they often feel less isolated because they can communicate more easily with friends and relatives. Watching someone make their first video call is always rewarding."

Who...

1. changed their opinion after gaining experience?

A. Rebecca
B. Daniel
C. Fatima
D. Oliver

2. believes emotional support can be more valuable than practical advice?

A. Rebecca
B. Daniel
C. Fatima
D. Oliver

3. works to improve services for people with disabilities?

A. Rebecca
B. Daniel
C. Fatima
D. Oliver

4. believes technology can reduce loneliness?

A. Rebecca
B. Daniel
C. Fatima
D. Oliver

5. hopes more people will volunteer?

A. Rebecca
B. Daniel
C. Fatima
D. Oliver

6. believes society has made some progress?

A. Rebecca
B. Daniel
C. Fatima
D. Oliver

7. supports families experiencing financial hardship?

A. Rebecca
B. Daniel
C. Fatima
D. Oliver

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 Growing Problem of Social Isolation

Social isolation has become an increasingly important issue in many countries. Although modern technology allows people to communicate more easily than ever before, many individuals report feeling disconnected from their communities.

8. 1)

Historically, families often lived close to one another and communities were built around shared workplaces, schools and local organisations. These close social networks naturally encouraged regular interaction.

9. 2)

Over time, changing lifestyles have altered these patterns. Greater mobility, longer working hours and increased use of digital communication have changed how people develop and maintain relationships.

10. 3)

Research suggests that prolonged social isolation can affect both physical and mental health. People who lack meaningful social connections may experience higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression.

11. 4)

Governments and charities have introduced a variety of initiatives to address the problem. Community centres, volunteering programmes and local events all encourage people to build stronger relationships.

12. 5)

Technology presents both opportunities and challenges. While social media and video calls can help people remain connected, excessive screen time may sometimes replace meaningful face-to-face interaction.

13. 6)

Experts increasingly argue that solutions must involve cooperation between individuals, communities and policymakers. No single organisation can solve the issue independently.

14. 7)

As populations continue to age and lifestyles evolve, tackling social isolation is likely to become an even greater priority. Building stronger communities may prove just as important as improving healthcare or economic wellbeing.

Headings

1. Working together to find solutions

2. The health consequences of loneliness

3. Communities in the past

4. Looking to the future

5. The changing nature of social relationships

6. Community initiatives

7. Technology: friend or enemy?

8. Financial inequality

03

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

The Importance of Volunteering

Volunteering plays an essential role in supporting communities around the world. Every year, millions of people dedicate their time to helping others without expecting financial reward.

Many volunteers contribute to charities that provide food, education or healthcare. Others support environmental projects or organise activities for older people. Regardless of the type of work involved, volunteers often have a 15) ________ impact on the lives of those they assist.

Research has also shown that volunteering benefits the volunteers themselves. Many develop new skills, improve their confidence and build stronger social networks. As a result, participation has continued to 16) ________ in many countries.

Nevertheless, charities often struggle to recruit enough volunteers. Busy lifestyles and increasing work commitments can make it difficult for people to find time. Organisations are therefore developing more 17) ________ opportunities that allow volunteers to contribute according to their availability.

Experts believe that volunteering should not replace government services. Instead, it should 18) ________ them by providing additional support where it is most needed.

Ultimately, strong communities depend upon citizens who are willing to help one another. Encouraging more people to volunteer remains a 19) ________ priority for many organisations.

Options

15.

A. insignificant

B. positive

C. temporary

16.

A. decline

B. increase

C. disappear

17.

A. flexible

B. expensive

C. traditional

18.

A. oppose

B. complement

C. replace

19.

A. minor

B. secondary

C. major

04

Read the two newspaper articles on the left about social media and society. 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

Social media has transformed the way people communicate. Supporters argue that it enables individuals to maintain friendships across long distances, organise community events and raise awareness of important social issues.

Critics, however, argue that excessive use may contribute to anxiety, misinformation and reduced face-to-face interaction. Consequently, the long-term effects of social media remain 20) ________ among researchers.

Some governments have introduced educational campaigns encouraging responsible online behaviour. Advocates believe that digital literacy represents an effective 21) ________ between unrestricted access and excessive regulation.

Article 2

Recent research suggests that the impact of social media depends largely on how people use it. Individuals who actively communicate with friends often report positive experiences, whereas passive scrolling has been linked to lower levels of wellbeing.

Many schools now teach students how to evaluate online information critically. These programmes aim to 22) ________ young people's ability to recognise misleading content and make informed decisions.

Experts also emphasise that parents, teachers and technology companies all have important responsibilities. Cooperation between these groups can 23) ________ healthier digital habits.

Although opinions continue to differ, most researchers agree that social media will continue to 24) ________ an important role in modern society. The challenge will be ensuring that its benefits 25) ________ the potential risks.

Options

20.

A. predictable

B. uncertain

C. complete

21.

A. compromise

B. obstacle

C. failure

22.

A. strengthen

B. reduce

C. ignore

23.

A. create

B. prevent

C. avoid

24.

A. avoid

B. play

C. abandon

25.

A. outweigh

B. replace

C. remove