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 21 to 25.

The Miss Universe competition, recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious events in the world, (21) ________. In recent years, the competition has placed greater emphasis on personal achievements, advocacy work, and the ability to inspire, providing a unique opportunity for women (22) ________. This fosters a sense of unity and purpose among diverse cultures while also enabling them to enjoy the benefits of global travel and international recognition.
Driven by a commitment to diversity and inclusion, (23) _______. This crowning moment serves not only as a celebration but also as a powerful affirmation of the values and accomplishments the competition seeks to promote. (24) _______.
As Miss Universe continues to evolve, it serves as a powerful reminder that the concept of beauty encompasses far more than mere physical appearance. (25) _______. This significant shift encourages contestants to prioritize making a meaningful difference in their communities rather than solely focusing on traditional notions of beauty.
(Adapted from VOX)

Question 24:

Question 38.

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 36 to 40.

Urbanization, (36) _______, has been a defining trend of the 21st century. While this phenomenon has brought about numerous benefits, including increased economic opportunities and improved access to services, it has also had a profound impact on local communities, often leading to their decline.
The rapid growth of cities has led to a mass exodus from rural areas, (37) _______. This migration has resulted in a brain drain from smaller communities, with young, educated individuals being the most likely to leave. As a result, many rural areas have older populations and fewer workers, making it difficult to support local economies and basic services.
(38) _______. As cities grow, they encroach upon surrounding rural areas, leading to the loss of farmland and green spaces. This (39) _______, further eroding the character of rural communities.
The rise of big-box stores and online shopping has dealt another blow to local communities. (40) _______. This has led to the closure of many local shops, leaving once-vibrant main streets eerily quiet and diminishing the sense of community.
(Adapted from https://ielts.net)

Question 39. This (39) _______, further eroding the character of rural communities.

Question 40.

(36) ________

Question 21.

Read the following passage about the risks of digital spending 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.

BACK TO BASICS

Employees these days, who are expected to meet higher demands from their employers compared to the past, (18) ________. This drive stems from a society increasingly focused on consumption and material wealth. And even when we don't have the physical cash to pay for our purchases, we can satisfy our desire to have the latest products by virtue of our trusty credit cards, (19) ________.
However, the only problem with this is that many people are being driven into serious debt by an over-reliance on credit. The Internet has made it even easier for us to purchase expensive goods from the comfort of our sitting-room sofa. Driven by such convenience, (20) ________. Banks and other financial institutions also facilitate our spending urges, and for doing this, they are very much at fault. Getting credit has become remarkably easy for consumers in today's market. (21) ________.
Once you've fallen into the trap of indebtedness, it is incredibly difficult to extract yourself from this unpleasant financial situation. It is not only banks and credit card companies to blame; we engage in self-destructive behavior. Working long hours and accumulating debt is not a path to happiness. (22) ________. People need to evaluate their actions and shift their focus from materialism to the values of the past. What truly matters is not material possessions but our relationships with family and friends. In the end, it's not material things but the love of family and friends that defines real wealth.

(Adapted from Succeed in IELTS reading and vocabulary)

Question 22.