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1. Seldom ______ such a compelling argument against the proposition been presented to the board.

2. The research team, ______ with limited funding, still managed to produce groundbreaking results.

3. If the government ______ stricter environmental regulations years ago, the ecological damage might have been averted.

4. The professor's lecture was so ______ that it clarified several complex theories for the students.

5. The initial data suggested a positive correlation; ______, subsequent analysis revealed a more nuanced relationship.

6. It ______ that a new policy addressing digital privacy will be announced before the end of the fiscal quarter.

7. Despite the compelling evidence presented, the board remains ______ about the viability of the project.

8. Dr. Anya Sharma, ______ work on quantum computing is internationally acclaimed, will deliver the keynote address.

9. By the time the international conference concludes next week, we ______ our findings to a global audience.

10. The defendant's passport was confiscated ______ he attempt to leave the country.

11. The economic downturn had a ______ effect on small businesses, many of which were forced to close.

12. Not only ______ the new software streamline the workflow, but it also improved data security.

13. The journalist was accused of fabricating the story, ______ she vehemently denied.

14. His fingerprints were at the scene of the crime. He ______ been there at some point.

15. ______ all the necessary data, the researchers began the arduous process of analysis.

16. The company's failure can be ______ to a number of factors, including poor management and a lack of innovation.

17. I would rather you ______ me the truth about what happened yesterday.

18. Urban sprawl continues to encroach ______ natural habitats, threatening biodiversity.

19. The committee is comprised ______ experts from various academic disciplines.

20. ______ the rise of remote work, traditional office spaces are being fundamentally rethought.

21. The two studies reached ______ different conclusions, despite using similar methodologies.

22. Under no circumstances ______ employees share their security credentials with anyone.

23. She has a ______ for languages, having achieved fluency in five of them.

Bài đọc hiểu

The Ethics of Algorithmic Decision-Making

Algorithmic decision-making is increasingly ubiquitous in modern society, influencing everything from loan applications to parole hearings. Proponents argue that these systems, devoid of human emotion and bias, can offer a level of objectivity unattainable by human judges. They point to the potential for increased efficiency and consistency in decision-making processes. However, this perspective is not without its detractors. Critics raise significant ethical concerns, primarily centered on the concepts of transparency and accountability. An algorithm's 'black box' nature, where its internal logic is often inscrutable even to its creators, poses a formidable challenge. How can a decision be appealed if the rationale behind it cannot be fully understood? Furthermore, algorithms trained on historical data may inadvertently perpetuate and even amplify existing societal biases. For instance, if past loan approval data reflects a bias against certain demographics, an AI model trained on this data will learn and replicate that same prejudice, cloaking it in a veneer of computational impartiality. Therefore, a robust regulatory framework is paramount to ensure these powerful tools are deployed equitably and ethically.

1. What is the primary purpose of the passage?

2. The word 'ubiquitous' in the first sentence is closest in meaning to:

3. According to the passage, what is a major concern related to the 'black box' nature of algorithms?

4. What does the author suggest about algorithms trained on historical data?

5. The author uses the phrase 'veneer of computational impartiality' to suggest that algorithms:

6. What does the author conclude is necessary for the future deployment of AI decision-making tools?

Urban Reforestation and its Societal Impact

Urban reforestation, the practice of planting and maintaining trees in metropolitan environments, is gaining traction as a vital strategy for sustainable urban development. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, urban forests provide a plethora of ecological benefits, including air quality improvement, stormwater management, and reduction of the urban heat island effect, where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. These environmental advantages are well-documented. However, recent research has begun to illuminate the profound social and psychological benefits as well. Studies have consistently shown a correlation between increased tree canopy cover and improved public health outcomes, such as lower rates of asthma and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, green spaces foster community cohesion by providing venues for social interaction and recreation. There are, nevertheless, challenges to implementation. A significant concern is 'green gentrification', where the addition of green amenities increases property values, potentially displacing long-term, lower-income residents. Equitable planning is therefore crucial, ensuring that the benefits of urban forests are accessible to all demographics within the city, rather than exacerbating existing socio-economic divides. A holistic approach that integrates community input is essential for the long-term success and equity of these initiatives.

1. What is the main topic of the passage?

2. The phrase 'plethora of' is closest in meaning to:

3. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT an ecological benefit of urban forests?

4. What is 'green gentrification'?

5. What can be inferred about the author's stance on urban reforestation?

6. According to the passage, a successful urban reforestation initiative requires:

7. The passage suggests that the social benefits of urban trees are:

The Shift Towards Competency-Based Education

Traditional educational models have long been structured around the 'seat time' paradigm, where student progress is measured by the number of hours spent in a classroom. However, a pedagogical shift is gaining momentum: competency-based education (CBE). In a CBE framework, advancement is contingent upon the mastery of specific skills and competencies, irrespective of the time taken to achieve them. This approach offers tailored learning pathways, allowing students to accelerate through material they already understand and devote more time to challenging areas. Proponents argue that CBE fosters a deeper, more durable understanding and better prepares students for the workforce by focusing on demonstrable skills rather than abstract grades. On the other hand, implementing CBE is not without its hurdles. It requires a significant overhaul of curriculum design, assessment methods, and instructional roles. Critics express concern over the standardization of competencies, which they fear could stifle creativity and neglect the holistic development of the student. Furthermore, ensuring rigorous and consistent evaluation of mastery across different contexts presents a substantial logistical challenge. For CBE to fulfill its potential, educational institutions must invest heavily in professional development for educators and develop robust systems to validate and track student competencies effectively.

1. What is the main difference between traditional education and CBE as described in the passage?

2. The word 'contingent' in the passage is closest in meaning to:

3. According to proponents, what is a key advantage of CBE?

4. Which of the following is mentioned as a challenge for implementing CBE?

5. What concern do critics have regarding the 'standardization of competencies'?

6. The author's tone in this passage can best be described as:

7. What does the author conclude is necessary for CBE to succeed?