New EST practice Two Writing 2026

Questions 1-11 are based on the following passage

During the year 1916 the automobile industry in the United States entered the “billion dollar class,” and manufacturers who have membership in the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce which holds the (1)industry, as it were, in the hollow of its great hand, made no more ado over this significant, almost amazing development than to meet in the annual banquet and reiterate their statements that (2)the critic did not live who could predict, with certainty, the gain that might be made in 1917.

It was expected that the industry would climb into the billion dollar(3) fold, men said that the fourth industry in the country had the financial stage set for starring the “Big Billion,” and they never permit themselves to see a possibility of a recession unless steel becomes too great to be kept within bounds, in short material price is the only problem the venturesome automobile maker will put down for earnest discussion.

Accurate figures spread on the records of the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce indicate that retail sales of motor vehicles in 1916 totaled $1,068,028,273. This total includes a production of 1,525,578 cars and 92,130 trucks. The passenger cars were valued at $921,378,000 and the trucks were listed at $166,650,275. When the statisticians of the national organization compared figures and found the gain was 80 per cent, and paused long enough to find that the gain the year previous had been 36 per (4) cent : they talked about the complete automobilization of the country and the (5)sure to happen addition of more than 2,000,000 to the total of cars in operation in the United States.

Weight decreased, as the engineers had planned, and the average price of cars decreased in one year from $671 to $605. In the eight previous years the average price of automobiles had dropped from $2,125 to $814.

 Wall Street, which once had only the cold shoulder for the automobile producer, took a permanent seat at the table where daily the industry was dissected, analyzed, weighed, discussed and reviewed; and, as a result, it is as difficult to keep from the financial eyes of Wall Street the operations of the great automobile factories as it would be to hide the clearing house (6)reports and the keenest financial and commercial experts of the United States have learned to keep the motor car industry constantly under surveillance—not that they mistrust the manufacturers,(7) but they have found the industrial situation is so firmly linked to the dollars and cents program of the country’s economy that nothing may successfully act to deprecate the importance of the auto industry. Time was when General Motors sold as low as 40—what Stock Exchange expert would expect to see this stock sell for less than 105?—and if conditions were to become so chaotic that General Motors, with its prosperous units, were to break to a point or two under par, what financial student would not search for something akin to a Black Friday?

(8)Immutable laws work in the automobile industry. The maker daily takes a course in the University of Production, because an army of selling factors constantly is attending to the absorption facilities of the country’s markets and he rarely permits himself the task of figuring on the “probable saturation point.” It is a wonderfully important thing to the maker that the national Organization gets official reports, guides the policies of standardization, holds an indefinable influence over the engineers of the industry, and sits as the congress of the Republic of Motor Car Production. The auto industry of today is, perhaps, the most intricate thing in the country, and yet so responsive to the law of supply and demand that there is not an element of guesswork in it.

(9)Because more than two hundred automobile concerns that had entered the arena of business, developing from the “blue print stage” to manufacturing concerns of considerable output, had failed in the last twelve years, the automobile industry had been a big paying one.

Pioneers who remain and whose works annually pay dividends, accepted the failures as the necessary concomitant of a great business that only showed an output of 3,700 cars in 1899 and only 11,000 vehicles in 1903, the amount growing to 485,000 cars in the year 1913.

“Our house is a generally well ordered one,” the maker delighted in saying. “The industry is like a science. The engineer has brought standardization to almost finality, the matter of styles and body designs is an exact science, the tire companies have been keen rivals but beneath their terrific competition they have permitted the stream of co-operation in tire standardization to run smoothly, and the manufacturer has spent his money wisely in equipping his plant with plenty of large-quantity type of machinery and increased his plant to enable him to handle the large production. Increased production in economically managed plants spells the maximum of profit.”

Questions 1-11 are based on the following passage

During the year 1916 the automobile industry in the United States entered the “billion dollar class,” and manufacturers who have membership in the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce which holds the (1)industry, as it were, in the hollow of its great hand, made no more ado over this significant, almost amazing development than to meet in the annual banquet and reiterate their statements that (2)the critic did not live who could predict, with certainty, the gain that might be made in 1917.

It was expected that the industry would climb into the billion dollar(3) fold, men said that the fourth industry in the country had the financial stage set for starring the “Big Billion,” and they never permit themselves to see a possibility of a recession unless steel becomes too great to be kept within bounds, in short material price is the only problem the venturesome automobile maker will put down for earnest discussion.

Accurate figures spread on the records of the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce indicate that retail sales of motor vehicles in 1916 totaled $1,068,028,273. This total includes a production of 1,525,578 cars and 92,130 trucks. The passenger cars were valued at $921,378,000 and the trucks were listed at $166,650,275. When the statisticians of the national organization compared figures and found the gain was 80 per cent, and paused long enough to find that the gain the year previous had been 36 per (4) cent : they talked about the complete automobilization of the country and the (5)sure to happen addition of more than 2,000,000 to the total of cars in operation in the United States.

Weight decreased, as the engineers had planned, and the average price of cars decreased in one year from $671 to $605. In the eight previous years the average price of automobiles had dropped from $2,125 to $814.

 Wall Street, which once had only the cold shoulder for the automobile producer, took a permanent seat at the table where daily the industry was dissected, analyzed, weighed, discussed and reviewed; and, as a result, it is as difficult to keep from the financial eyes of Wall Street the operations of the great automobile factories as it would be to hide the clearing house (6)reports and the keenest financial and commercial experts of the United States have learned to keep the motor car industry constantly under surveillance—not that they mistrust the manufacturers,(7) but they have found the industrial situation is so firmly linked to the dollars and cents program of the country’s economy that nothing may successfully act to deprecate the importance of the auto industry. Time was when General Motors sold as low as 40—what Stock Exchange expert would expect to see this stock sell for less than 105?—and if conditions were to become so chaotic that General Motors, with its prosperous units, were to break to a point or two under par, what financial student would not search for something akin to a Black Friday?

(8)Immutable laws work in the automobile industry. The maker daily takes a course in the University of Production, because an army of selling factors constantly is attending to the absorption facilities of the country’s markets and he rarely permits himself the task of figuring on the “probable saturation point.” It is a wonderfully important thing to the maker that the national Organization gets official reports, guides the policies of standardization, holds an indefinable influence over the engineers of the industry, and sits as the congress of the Republic of Motor Car Production. The auto industry of today is, perhaps, the most intricate thing in the country, and yet so responsive to the law of supply and demand that there is not an element of guesswork in it.

(9)Because more than two hundred automobile concerns that had entered the arena of business, developing from the “blue print stage” to manufacturing concerns of considerable output, had failed in the last twelve years, the automobile industry had been a big paying one.

Pioneers who remain and whose works annually pay dividends, accepted the failures as the necessary concomitant of a great business that only showed an output of 3,700 cars in 1899 and only 11,000 vehicles in 1903, the amount growing to 485,000 cars in the year 1913.

“Our house is a generally well ordered one,” the maker delighted in saying. “The industry is like a science. The engineer has brought standardization to almost finality, the matter of styles and body designs is an exact science, the tire companies have been keen rivals but beneath their terrific competition they have permitted the stream of co-operation in tire standardization to run smoothly, and the manufacturer has spent his money wisely in equipping his plant with plenty of large-quantity type of machinery and increased his plant to enable him to handle the large production. Increased production in economically managed plants spells the maximum of profit.”

Questions 1-11 are based on the following passage

During the year 1916 the automobile industry in the United States entered the “billion dollar class,” and manufacturers who have membership in the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce which holds the (1)industry, as it were, in the hollow of its great hand, made no more ado over this significant, almost amazing development than to meet in the annual banquet and reiterate their statements that (2)the critic did not live who could predict, with certainty, the gain that might be made in 1917.

It was expected that the industry would climb into the billion dollar(3) fold, men said that the fourth industry in the country had the financial stage set for starring the “Big Billion,” and they never permit themselves to see a possibility of a recession unless steel becomes too great to be kept within bounds, in short material price is the only problem the venturesome automobile maker will put down for earnest discussion.

Accurate figures spread on the records of the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce indicate that retail sales of motor vehicles in 1916 totaled $1,068,028,273. This total includes a production of 1,525,578 cars and 92,130 trucks. The passenger cars were valued at $921,378,000 and the trucks were listed at $166,650,275. When the statisticians of the national organization compared figures and found the gain was 80 per cent, and paused long enough to find that the gain the year previous had been 36 per (4) cent : they talked about the complete automobilization of the country and the (5)sure to happen addition of more than 2,000,000 to the total of cars in operation in the United States.

Weight decreased, as the engineers had planned, and the average price of cars decreased in one year from $671 to $605. In the eight previous years the average price of automobiles had dropped from $2,125 to $814.

 Wall Street, which once had only the cold shoulder for the automobile producer, took a permanent seat at the table where daily the industry was dissected, analyzed, weighed, discussed and reviewed; and, as a result, it is as difficult to keep from the financial eyes of Wall Street the operations of the great automobile factories as it would be to hide the clearing house (6)reports and the keenest financial and commercial experts of the United States have learned to keep the motor car industry constantly under surveillance—not that they mistrust the manufacturers,(7) but they have found the industrial situation is so firmly linked to the dollars and cents program of the country’s economy that nothing may successfully act to deprecate the importance of the auto industry. Time was when General Motors sold as low as 40—what Stock Exchange expert would expect to see this stock sell for less than 105?—and if conditions were to become so chaotic that General Motors, with its prosperous units, were to break to a point or two under par, what financial student would not search for something akin to a Black Friday?

(8)Immutable laws work in the automobile industry. The maker daily takes a course in the University of Production, because an army of selling factors constantly is attending to the absorption facilities of the country’s markets and he rarely permits himself the task of figuring on the “probable saturation point.” It is a wonderfully important thing to the maker that the national Organization gets official reports, guides the policies of standardization, holds an indefinable influence over the engineers of the industry, and sits as the congress of the Republic of Motor Car Production. The auto industry of today is, perhaps, the most intricate thing in the country, and yet so responsive to the law of supply and demand that there is not an element of guesswork in it.

(9)Because more than two hundred automobile concerns that had entered the arena of business, developing from the “blue print stage” to manufacturing concerns of considerable output, had failed in the last twelve years, the automobile industry had been a big paying one.

Pioneers who remain and whose works annually pay dividends, accepted the failures as the necessary concomitant of a great business that only showed an output of 3,700 cars in 1899 and only 11,000 vehicles in 1903, the amount growing to 485,000 cars in the year 1913.

“Our house is a generally well ordered one,” the maker delighted in saying. “The industry is like a science. The engineer has brought standardization to almost finality, the matter of styles and body designs is an exact science, the tire companies have been keen rivals but beneath their terrific competition they have permitted the stream of co-operation in tire standardization to run smoothly, and the manufacturer has spent his money wisely in equipping his plant with plenty of large-quantity type of machinery and increased his plant to enable him to handle the large production. Increased production in economically managed plants spells the maximum of profit.”

Questions 1-11 are based on the following passage

During the year 1916 the automobile industry in the United States entered the “billion dollar class,” and manufacturers who have membership in the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce which holds the (1)industry, as it were, in the hollow of its great hand, made no more ado over this significant, almost amazing development than to meet in the annual banquet and reiterate their statements that (2)the critic did not live who could predict, with certainty, the gain that might be made in 1917.

It was expected that the industry would climb into the billion dollar(3) fold, men said that the fourth industry in the country had the financial stage set for starring the “Big Billion,” and they never permit themselves to see a possibility of a recession unless steel becomes too great to be kept within bounds, in short material price is the only problem the venturesome automobile maker will put down for earnest discussion.

Accurate figures spread on the records of the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce indicate that retail sales of motor vehicles in 1916 totaled $1,068,028,273. This total includes a production of 1,525,578 cars and 92,130 trucks. The passenger cars were valued at $921,378,000 and the trucks were listed at $166,650,275. When the statisticians of the national organization compared figures and found the gain was 80 per cent, and paused long enough to find that the gain the year previous had been 36 per (4) cent : they talked about the complete automobilization of the country and the (5)sure to happen addition of more than 2,000,000 to the total of cars in operation in the United States.

Weight decreased, as the engineers had planned, and the average price of cars decreased in one year from $671 to $605. In the eight previous years the average price of automobiles had dropped from $2,125 to $814.

 Wall Street, which once had only the cold shoulder for the automobile producer, took a permanent seat at the table where daily the industry was dissected, analyzed, weighed, discussed and reviewed; and, as a result, it is as difficult to keep from the financial eyes of Wall Street the operations of the great automobile factories as it would be to hide the clearing house (6)reports and the keenest financial and commercial experts of the United States have learned to keep the motor car industry constantly under surveillance—not that they mistrust the manufacturers,(7) but they have found the industrial situation is so firmly linked to the dollars and cents program of the country’s economy that nothing may successfully act to deprecate the importance of the auto industry. Time was when General Motors sold as low as 40—what Stock Exchange expert would expect to see this stock sell for less than 105?—and if conditions were to become so chaotic that General Motors, with its prosperous units, were to break to a point or two under par, what financial student would not search for something akin to a Black Friday?

(8)Immutable laws work in the automobile industry. The maker daily takes a course in the University of Production, because an army of selling factors constantly is attending to the absorption facilities of the country’s markets and he rarely permits himself the task of figuring on the “probable saturation point.” It is a wonderfully important thing to the maker that the national Organization gets official reports, guides the policies of standardization, holds an indefinable influence over the engineers of the industry, and sits as the congress of the Republic of Motor Car Production. The auto industry of today is, perhaps, the most intricate thing in the country, and yet so responsive to the law of supply and demand that there is not an element of guesswork in it.

(9)Because more than two hundred automobile concerns that had entered the arena of business, developing from the “blue print stage” to manufacturing concerns of considerable output, had failed in the last twelve years, the automobile industry had been a big paying one.

Pioneers who remain and whose works annually pay dividends, accepted the failures as the necessary concomitant of a great business that only showed an output of 3,700 cars in 1899 and only 11,000 vehicles in 1903, the amount growing to 485,000 cars in the year 1913.

“Our house is a generally well ordered one,” the maker delighted in saying. “The industry is like a science. The engineer has brought standardization to almost finality, the matter of styles and body designs is an exact science, the tire companies have been keen rivals but beneath their terrific competition they have permitted the stream of co-operation in tire standardization to run smoothly, and the manufacturer has spent his money wisely in equipping his plant with plenty of large-quantity type of machinery and increased his plant to enable him to handle the large production. Increased production in economically managed plants spells the maximum of profit.”

Questions 1-11 are based on the following passage

During the year 1916 the automobile industry in the United States entered the “billion dollar class,” and manufacturers who have membership in the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce which holds the (1)industry, as it were, in the hollow of its great hand, made no more ado over this significant, almost amazing development than to meet in the annual banquet and reiterate their statements that (2)the critic did not live who could predict, with certainty, the gain that might be made in 1917.

It was expected that the industry would climb into the billion dollar(3) fold, men said that the fourth industry in the country had the financial stage set for starring the “Big Billion,” and they never permit themselves to see a possibility of a recession unless steel becomes too great to be kept within bounds, in short material price is the only problem the venturesome automobile maker will put down for earnest discussion.

Accurate figures spread on the records of the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce indicate that retail sales of motor vehicles in 1916 totaled $1,068,028,273. This total includes a production of 1,525,578 cars and 92,130 trucks. The passenger cars were valued at $921,378,000 and the trucks were listed at $166,650,275. When the statisticians of the national organization compared figures and found the gain was 80 per cent, and paused long enough to find that the gain the year previous had been 36 per (4) cent : they talked about the complete automobilization of the country and the (5)sure to happen addition of more than 2,000,000 to the total of cars in operation in the United States.

Weight decreased, as the engineers had planned, and the average price of cars decreased in one year from $671 to $605. In the eight previous years the average price of automobiles had dropped from $2,125 to $814.

 Wall Street, which once had only the cold shoulder for the automobile producer, took a permanent seat at the table where daily the industry was dissected, analyzed, weighed, discussed and reviewed; and, as a result, it is as difficult to keep from the financial eyes of Wall Street the operations of the great automobile factories as it would be to hide the clearing house (6)reports and the keenest financial and commercial experts of the United States have learned to keep the motor car industry constantly under surveillance—not that they mistrust the manufacturers,(7) but they have found the industrial situation is so firmly linked to the dollars and cents program of the country’s economy that nothing may successfully act to deprecate the importance of the auto industry. Time was when General Motors sold as low as 40—what Stock Exchange expert would expect to see this stock sell for less than 105?—and if conditions were to become so chaotic that General Motors, with its prosperous units, were to break to a point or two under par, what financial student would not search for something akin to a Black Friday?

(8)Immutable laws work in the automobile industry. The maker daily takes a course in the University of Production, because an army of selling factors constantly is attending to the absorption facilities of the country’s markets and he rarely permits himself the task of figuring on the “probable saturation point.” It is a wonderfully important thing to the maker that the national Organization gets official reports, guides the policies of standardization, holds an indefinable influence over the engineers of the industry, and sits as the congress of the Republic of Motor Car Production. The auto industry of today is, perhaps, the most intricate thing in the country, and yet so responsive to the law of supply and demand that there is not an element of guesswork in it.

(9)Because more than two hundred automobile concerns that had entered the arena of business, developing from the “blue print stage” to manufacturing concerns of considerable output, had failed in the last twelve years, the automobile industry had been a big paying one.

Pioneers who remain and whose works annually pay dividends, accepted the failures as the necessary concomitant of a great business that only showed an output of 3,700 cars in 1899 and only 11,000 vehicles in 1903, the amount growing to 485,000 cars in the year 1913.

“Our house is a generally well ordered one,” the maker delighted in saying. “The industry is like a science. The engineer has brought standardization to almost finality, the matter of styles and body designs is an exact science, the tire companies have been keen rivals but beneath their terrific competition they have permitted the stream of co-operation in tire standardization to run smoothly, and the manufacturer has spent his money wisely in equipping his plant with plenty of large-quantity type of machinery and increased his plant to enable him to handle the large production. Increased production in economically managed plants spells the maximum of profit.”

Questions 1-11 are based on the following passage

During the year 1916 the automobile industry in the United States entered the “billion dollar class,” and manufacturers who have membership in the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce which holds the (1)industry, as it were, in the hollow of its great hand, made no more ado over this significant, almost amazing development than to meet in the annual banquet and reiterate their statements that (2)the critic did not live who could predict, with certainty, the gain that might be made in 1917.

It was expected that the industry would climb into the billion dollar(3) fold, men said that the fourth industry in the country had the financial stage set for starring the “Big Billion,” and they never permit themselves to see a possibility of a recession unless steel becomes too great to be kept within bounds, in short material price is the only problem the venturesome automobile maker will put down for earnest discussion.

Accurate figures spread on the records of the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce indicate that retail sales of motor vehicles in 1916 totaled $1,068,028,273. This total includes a production of 1,525,578 cars and 92,130 trucks. The passenger cars were valued at $921,378,000 and the trucks were listed at $166,650,275. When the statisticians of the national organization compared figures and found the gain was 80 per cent, and paused long enough to find that the gain the year previous had been 36 per (4) cent : they talked about the complete automobilization of the country and the (5)sure to happen addition of more than 2,000,000 to the total of cars in operation in the United States.

Weight decreased, as the engineers had planned, and the average price of cars decreased in one year from $671 to $605. In the eight previous years the average price of automobiles had dropped from $2,125 to $814.

 Wall Street, which once had only the cold shoulder for the automobile producer, took a permanent seat at the table where daily the industry was dissected, analyzed, weighed, discussed and reviewed; and, as a result, it is as difficult to keep from the financial eyes of Wall Street the operations of the great automobile factories as it would be to hide the clearing house (6)reports and the keenest financial and commercial experts of the United States have learned to keep the motor car industry constantly under surveillance—not that they mistrust the manufacturers,(7) but they have found the industrial situation is so firmly linked to the dollars and cents program of the country’s economy that nothing may successfully act to deprecate the importance of the auto industry. Time was when General Motors sold as low as 40—what Stock Exchange expert would expect to see this stock sell for less than 105?—and if conditions were to become so chaotic that General Motors, with its prosperous units, were to break to a point or two under par, what financial student would not search for something akin to a Black Friday?

(8)Immutable laws work in the automobile industry. The maker daily takes a course in the University of Production, because an army of selling factors constantly is attending to the absorption facilities of the country’s markets and he rarely permits himself the task of figuring on the “probable saturation point.” It is a wonderfully important thing to the maker that the national Organization gets official reports, guides the policies of standardization, holds an indefinable influence over the engineers of the industry, and sits as the congress of the Republic of Motor Car Production. The auto industry of today is, perhaps, the most intricate thing in the country, and yet so responsive to the law of supply and demand that there is not an element of guesswork in it.

(9)Because more than two hundred automobile concerns that had entered the arena of business, developing from the “blue print stage” to manufacturing concerns of considerable output, had failed in the last twelve years, the automobile industry had been a big paying one.

Pioneers who remain and whose works annually pay dividends, accepted the failures as the necessary concomitant of a great business that only showed an output of 3,700 cars in 1899 and only 11,000 vehicles in 1903, the amount growing to 485,000 cars in the year 1913.

“Our house is a generally well ordered one,” the maker delighted in saying. “The industry is like a science. The engineer has brought standardization to almost finality, the matter of styles and body designs is an exact science, the tire companies have been keen rivals but beneath their terrific competition they have permitted the stream of co-operation in tire standardization to run smoothly, and the manufacturer has spent his money wisely in equipping his plant with plenty of large-quantity type of machinery and increased his plant to enable him to handle the large production. Increased production in economically managed plants spells the maximum of profit.”

Questions from 12 – 23 are based on the following passage:

Frida Kahlo: The Art and Legacy of a Cultural Icon

Frida Kahlo, born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City, (12)remaining one of the most iconic and celebrated artists of the 20th century. Her life, marked by profound physical and emotional pain, served as a canvas for the deeply personal and vibrant works that have captivated audiences worldwide. Kahlo’s art, a fusion of surrealism, symbolism, and Mexican folk traditions, transcended cultural boundaries to speak to universal themes of identity, resilience, and self-expression.(13)

(14)Frida Kahlo grew up in the shadow of the Mexican Revolution, it shaped her profound connection to her country’s history and identity. At the age of six, she contracted polio, which left her right leg thinner and weaker than the left. Despite this setback, Kahlo was a spirited and determined child, excelling in academics and dreaming of a career in medicine.

Her life took a dramatic turn at 18 when a catastrophic bus accident shattered her spine, pelvis, and leg. This incident would result in lifelong medical issues and pain, confining her to bed for long periods. It was during this time that Kahlo began to paint, using art as both therapy and a means of expressing her innermost thoughts.

(15)Kahlo’s art is a vivid blend of the personal and the political, often exploring themes of pain, love, and identity. Her works are deeply autobiographical, reflecting her struggles with physical ailments, her tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera, and her exploration of Mexican heritage.

(16)Her self-portraits, which comprise a significant portion of her oeuvre, are among her most recognized works. Pieces like The Two Fridas and Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird reveal her ability to channel raw emotion through bold colors, intricate symbolism, and surreal imagery. Her use of indigenous motifs, such as traditional Tehuana dresses and pre-Columbian artifacts, underscores her pride in Mexican culture and serves as a counter-narrative to colonial influences.

(17)Frida Kahlo’s relationship with Diego Rivera, a prominent Mexican muralist, was as passionate as it was turbulent. The couple married in 1929, and their union was marked by mutual artistic admiration and frequent infidelities. Rivera’s encouragement played a significant role in Kahlo’s development as an artist, while her fierce individuality influenced his work as well.(18) However, they were separated, the bond between Kahlo and Rivera remained profound until her death.

During her lifetime, Kahlo’s art was overshadowed by Rivera’s fame, but her work gained significant recognition in the decades following her death in 1954. Today, she is celebrated not only as a groundbreaking artist but also as a feminist and cultural icon. Her unapologetic exploration of gender, identity, and social justice resonates with contemporary audiences, making her a symbol of empowerment and resilience.(19)

The Casa Azul, Kahlo’s childhood home in Coyoacán, now serves as the Museo Frida Kahlo,(20) attract visitors from around the world. Her image, with her distinctive unibrow and floral crowns, has become a global emblem of individuality and creative defiance.

(21)Frida Kahlo’s art is a testament to the power of self-expression and the resilience of the human spirit.

(22)Through her paintings, she transformed personal suffering into universal stories of strength and beauty, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and beyond. As her legacy continues to inspire new generations, Frida Kahlo remains an enduring symbol of courage, creativity, and cultural pride.(23)

Questions from 12 – 23 are based on the following passage:

Frida Kahlo: The Art and Legacy of a Cultural Icon

Frida Kahlo, born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City, (12)remaining one of the most iconic and celebrated artists of the 20th century. Her life, marked by profound physical and emotional pain, served as a canvas for the deeply personal and vibrant works that have captivated audiences worldwide. Kahlo’s art, a fusion of surrealism, symbolism, and Mexican folk traditions, transcended cultural boundaries to speak to universal themes of identity, resilience, and self-expression.(13)

(14)Frida Kahlo grew up in the shadow of the Mexican Revolution, it shaped her profound connection to her country’s history and identity. At the age of six, she contracted polio, which left her right leg thinner and weaker than the left. Despite this setback, Kahlo was a spirited and determined child, excelling in academics and dreaming of a career in medicine.

Her life took a dramatic turn at 18 when a catastrophic bus accident shattered her spine, pelvis, and leg. This incident would result in lifelong medical issues and pain, confining her to bed for long periods. It was during this time that Kahlo began to paint, using art as both therapy and a means of expressing her innermost thoughts.

(15)Kahlo’s art is a vivid blend of the personal and the political, often exploring themes of pain, love, and identity. Her works are deeply autobiographical, reflecting her struggles with physical ailments, her tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera, and her exploration of Mexican heritage.

(16)Her self-portraits, which comprise a significant portion of her oeuvre, are among her most recognized works. Pieces like The Two Fridas and Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird reveal her ability to channel raw emotion through bold colors, intricate symbolism, and surreal imagery. Her use of indigenous motifs, such as traditional Tehuana dresses and pre-Columbian artifacts, underscores her pride in Mexican culture and serves as a counter-narrative to colonial influences.

(17)Frida Kahlo’s relationship with Diego Rivera, a prominent Mexican muralist, was as passionate as it was turbulent. The couple married in 1929, and their union was marked by mutual artistic admiration and frequent infidelities. Rivera’s encouragement played a significant role in Kahlo’s development as an artist, while her fierce individuality influenced his work as well.(18) However, they were separated, the bond between Kahlo and Rivera remained profound until her death.

During her lifetime, Kahlo’s art was overshadowed by Rivera’s fame, but her work gained significant recognition in the decades following her death in 1954. Today, she is celebrated not only as a groundbreaking artist but also as a feminist and cultural icon. Her unapologetic exploration of gender, identity, and social justice resonates with contemporary audiences, making her a symbol of empowerment and resilience.(19)

The Casa Azul, Kahlo’s childhood home in Coyoacán, now serves as the Museo Frida Kahlo,(20) attract visitors from around the world. Her image, with her distinctive unibrow and floral crowns, has become a global emblem of individuality and creative defiance.

(21)Frida Kahlo’s art is a testament to the power of self-expression and the resilience of the human spirit.

(22)Through her paintings, she transformed personal suffering into universal stories of strength and beauty, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and beyond. As her legacy continues to inspire new generations, Frida Kahlo remains an enduring symbol of courage, creativity, and cultural pride.(23)

Questions from 12 – 23 are based on the following passage:

Frida Kahlo: The Art and Legacy of a Cultural Icon

Frida Kahlo, born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City, (12)remaining one of the most iconic and celebrated artists of the 20th century. Her life, marked by profound physical and emotional pain, served as a canvas for the deeply personal and vibrant works that have captivated audiences worldwide. Kahlo’s art, a fusion of surrealism, symbolism, and Mexican folk traditions, transcended cultural boundaries to speak to universal themes of identity, resilience, and self-expression.(13)

(14)Frida Kahlo grew up in the shadow of the Mexican Revolution, it shaped her profound connection to her country’s history and identity. At the age of six, she contracted polio, which left her right leg thinner and weaker than the left. Despite this setback, Kahlo was a spirited and determined child, excelling in academics and dreaming of a career in medicine.

Her life took a dramatic turn at 18 when a catastrophic bus accident shattered her spine, pelvis, and leg. This incident would result in lifelong medical issues and pain, confining her to bed for long periods. It was during this time that Kahlo began to paint, using art as both therapy and a means of expressing her innermost thoughts.

(15)Kahlo’s art is a vivid blend of the personal and the political, often exploring themes of pain, love, and identity. Her works are deeply autobiographical, reflecting her struggles with physical ailments, her tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera, and her exploration of Mexican heritage.

(16)Her self-portraits, which comprise a significant portion of her oeuvre, are among her most recognized works. Pieces like The Two Fridas and Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird reveal her ability to channel raw emotion through bold colors, intricate symbolism, and surreal imagery. Her use of indigenous motifs, such as traditional Tehuana dresses and pre-Columbian artifacts, underscores her pride in Mexican culture and serves as a counter-narrative to colonial influences.

(17)Frida Kahlo’s relationship with Diego Rivera, a prominent Mexican muralist, was as passionate as it was turbulent. The couple married in 1929, and their union was marked by mutual artistic admiration and frequent infidelities. Rivera’s encouragement played a significant role in Kahlo’s development as an artist, while her fierce individuality influenced his work as well.(18) However, they were separated, the bond between Kahlo and Rivera remained profound until her death.

During her lifetime, Kahlo’s art was overshadowed by Rivera’s fame, but her work gained significant recognition in the decades following her death in 1954. Today, she is celebrated not only as a groundbreaking artist but also as a feminist and cultural icon. Her unapologetic exploration of gender, identity, and social justice resonates with contemporary audiences, making her a symbol of empowerment and resilience.(19)

The Casa Azul, Kahlo’s childhood home in Coyoacán, now serves as the Museo Frida Kahlo,(20) attract visitors from around the world. Her image, with her distinctive unibrow and floral crowns, has become a global emblem of individuality and creative defiance.

(21)Frida Kahlo’s art is a testament to the power of self-expression and the resilience of the human spirit.

(22)Through her paintings, she transformed personal suffering into universal stories of strength and beauty, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and beyond. As her legacy continues to inspire new generations, Frida Kahlo remains an enduring symbol of courage, creativity, and cultural pride.(23)

Questions from 12 – 23 are based on the following passage:

Frida Kahlo: The Art and Legacy of a Cultural Icon

Frida Kahlo, born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City, (12)remaining one of the most iconic and celebrated artists of the 20th century. Her life, marked by profound physical and emotional pain, served as a canvas for the deeply personal and vibrant works that have captivated audiences worldwide. Kahlo’s art, a fusion of surrealism, symbolism, and Mexican folk traditions, transcended cultural boundaries to speak to universal themes of identity, resilience, and self-expression.(13)

(14)Frida Kahlo grew up in the shadow of the Mexican Revolution, it shaped her profound connection to her country’s history and identity. At the age of six, she contracted polio, which left her right leg thinner and weaker than the left. Despite this setback, Kahlo was a spirited and determined child, excelling in academics and dreaming of a career in medicine.

Her life took a dramatic turn at 18 when a catastrophic bus accident shattered her spine, pelvis, and leg. This incident would result in lifelong medical issues and pain, confining her to bed for long periods. It was during this time that Kahlo began to paint, using art as both therapy and a means of expressing her innermost thoughts.

(15)Kahlo’s art is a vivid blend of the personal and the political, often exploring themes of pain, love, and identity. Her works are deeply autobiographical, reflecting her struggles with physical ailments, her tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera, and her exploration of Mexican heritage.

(16)Her self-portraits, which comprise a significant portion of her oeuvre, are among her most recognized works. Pieces like The Two Fridas and Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird reveal her ability to channel raw emotion through bold colors, intricate symbolism, and surreal imagery. Her use of indigenous motifs, such as traditional Tehuana dresses and pre-Columbian artifacts, underscores her pride in Mexican culture and serves as a counter-narrative to colonial influences.

(17)Frida Kahlo’s relationship with Diego Rivera, a prominent Mexican muralist, was as passionate as it was turbulent. The couple married in 1929, and their union was marked by mutual artistic admiration and frequent infidelities. Rivera’s encouragement played a significant role in Kahlo’s development as an artist, while her fierce individuality influenced his work as well.(18) However, they were separated, the bond between Kahlo and Rivera remained profound until her death.

During her lifetime, Kahlo’s art was overshadowed by Rivera’s fame, but her work gained significant recognition in the decades following her death in 1954. Today, she is celebrated not only as a groundbreaking artist but also as a feminist and cultural icon. Her unapologetic exploration of gender, identity, and social justice resonates with contemporary audiences, making her a symbol of empowerment and resilience.(19)

The Casa Azul, Kahlo’s childhood home in Coyoacán, now serves as the Museo Frida Kahlo,(20) attract visitors from around the world. Her image, with her distinctive unibrow and floral crowns, has become a global emblem of individuality and creative defiance.

(21)Frida Kahlo’s art is a testament to the power of self-expression and the resilience of the human spirit.

(22)Through her paintings, she transformed personal suffering into universal stories of strength and beauty, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and beyond. As her legacy continues to inspire new generations, Frida Kahlo remains an enduring symbol of courage, creativity, and cultural pride.(23)

Questions from 12 – 23 are based on the following passage:

Frida Kahlo: The Art and Legacy of a Cultural Icon

Frida Kahlo, born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City, (12)remaining one of the most iconic and celebrated artists of the 20th century. Her life, marked by profound physical and emotional pain, served as a canvas for the deeply personal and vibrant works that have captivated audiences worldwide. Kahlo’s art, a fusion of surrealism, symbolism, and Mexican folk traditions, transcended cultural boundaries to speak to universal themes of identity, resilience, and self-expression.(13)

(14)Frida Kahlo grew up in the shadow of the Mexican Revolution, it shaped her profound connection to her country’s history and identity. At the age of six, she contracted polio, which left her right leg thinner and weaker than the left. Despite this setback, Kahlo was a spirited and determined child, excelling in academics and dreaming of a career in medicine.

Her life took a dramatic turn at 18 when a catastrophic bus accident shattered her spine, pelvis, and leg. This incident would result in lifelong medical issues and pain, confining her to bed for long periods. It was during this time that Kahlo began to paint, using art as both therapy and a means of expressing her innermost thoughts.

(15)Kahlo’s art is a vivid blend of the personal and the political, often exploring themes of pain, love, and identity. Her works are deeply autobiographical, reflecting her struggles with physical ailments, her tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera, and her exploration of Mexican heritage.

(16)Her self-portraits, which comprise a significant portion of her oeuvre, are among her most recognized works. Pieces like The Two Fridas and Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird reveal her ability to channel raw emotion through bold colors, intricate symbolism, and surreal imagery. Her use of indigenous motifs, such as traditional Tehuana dresses and pre-Columbian artifacts, underscores her pride in Mexican culture and serves as a counter-narrative to colonial influences.

(17)Frida Kahlo’s relationship with Diego Rivera, a prominent Mexican muralist, was as passionate as it was turbulent. The couple married in 1929, and their union was marked by mutual artistic admiration and frequent infidelities. Rivera’s encouragement played a significant role in Kahlo’s development as an artist, while her fierce individuality influenced his work as well.(18) However, they were separated, the bond between Kahlo and Rivera remained profound until her death.

During her lifetime, Kahlo’s art was overshadowed by Rivera’s fame, but her work gained significant recognition in the decades following her death in 1954. Today, she is celebrated not only as a groundbreaking artist but also as a feminist and cultural icon. Her unapologetic exploration of gender, identity, and social justice resonates with contemporary audiences, making her a symbol of empowerment and resilience.(19)

The Casa Azul, Kahlo’s childhood home in Coyoacán, now serves as the Museo Frida Kahlo,(20) attract visitors from around the world. Her image, with her distinctive unibrow and floral crowns, has become a global emblem of individuality and creative defiance.

(21)Frida Kahlo’s art is a testament to the power of self-expression and the resilience of the human spirit.

(22)Through her paintings, she transformed personal suffering into universal stories of strength and beauty, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and beyond. As her legacy continues to inspire new generations, Frida Kahlo remains an enduring symbol of courage, creativity, and cultural pride.(23)

Questions from 12 – 23 are based on the following passage:

Frida Kahlo: The Art and Legacy of a Cultural Icon

Frida Kahlo, born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico City, (12)remaining one of the most iconic and celebrated artists of the 20th century. Her life, marked by profound physical and emotional pain, served as a canvas for the deeply personal and vibrant works that have captivated audiences worldwide. Kahlo’s art, a fusion of surrealism, symbolism, and Mexican folk traditions, transcended cultural boundaries to speak to universal themes of identity, resilience, and self-expression.(13)

(14)Frida Kahlo grew up in the shadow of the Mexican Revolution, it shaped her profound connection to her country’s history and identity. At the age of six, she contracted polio, which left her right leg thinner and weaker than the left. Despite this setback, Kahlo was a spirited and determined child, excelling in academics and dreaming of a career in medicine.

Her life took a dramatic turn at 18 when a catastrophic bus accident shattered her spine, pelvis, and leg. This incident would result in lifelong medical issues and pain, confining her to bed for long periods. It was during this time that Kahlo began to paint, using art as both therapy and a means of expressing her innermost thoughts.

(15)Kahlo’s art is a vivid blend of the personal and the political, often exploring themes of pain, love, and identity. Her works are deeply autobiographical, reflecting her struggles with physical ailments, her tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera, and her exploration of Mexican heritage.

(16)Her self-portraits, which comprise a significant portion of her oeuvre, are among her most recognized works. Pieces like The Two Fridas and Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird reveal her ability to channel raw emotion through bold colors, intricate symbolism, and surreal imagery. Her use of indigenous motifs, such as traditional Tehuana dresses and pre-Columbian artifacts, underscores her pride in Mexican culture and serves as a counter-narrative to colonial influences.

(17)Frida Kahlo’s relationship with Diego Rivera, a prominent Mexican muralist, was as passionate as it was turbulent. The couple married in 1929, and their union was marked by mutual artistic admiration and frequent infidelities. Rivera’s encouragement played a significant role in Kahlo’s development as an artist, while her fierce individuality influenced his work as well.(18) However, they were separated, the bond between Kahlo and Rivera remained profound until her death.

During her lifetime, Kahlo’s art was overshadowed by Rivera’s fame, but her work gained significant recognition in the decades following her death in 1954. Today, she is celebrated not only as a groundbreaking artist but also as a feminist and cultural icon. Her unapologetic exploration of gender, identity, and social justice resonates with contemporary audiences, making her a symbol of empowerment and resilience.(19)

The Casa Azul, Kahlo’s childhood home in Coyoacán, now serves as the Museo Frida Kahlo,(20) attract visitors from around the world. Her image, with her distinctive unibrow and floral crowns, has become a global emblem of individuality and creative defiance.

(21)Frida Kahlo’s art is a testament to the power of self-expression and the resilience of the human spirit.

(22)Through her paintings, she transformed personal suffering into universal stories of strength and beauty, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and beyond. As her legacy continues to inspire new generations, Frida Kahlo remains an enduring symbol of courage, creativity, and cultural pride.(23)

Questions from 24 – 35 are based on the following passage:

Alexandria: A City Founded on Vision and Power

Founded in 331 BCE, Alexandria occupies a unique position in world history, serving as both a physical city and a lasting symbol of Alexander the Great’s imperial ambition. Situated along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, the city was strategically placed between Greece, Asia, and Africa. (24) Securing trade routes, Alexander had reasons. The city was designed to reflect Greek ideals of order and rationality, even as it incorporated Egyptian religious and cultural traditions.

After Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, Alexandria did not decline as many newly founded cities did. (25) Meanwhile, it failed to attract settlers, which transformed the city into a center of learning and governance. The construction of institutions such as the Library of Alexandria and the Mouseion reflected the rulers’ belief that knowledge was a form of power. Scholars from across the Mediterranean were invited to reside in the city, where they translated texts, conducted research, and debated philosophy.

The famous Library, although often romanticized, was not a single building but a complex network of collections. (26) These collections aimed to gather all known written works, regardless of language or origin. Ships entering Alexandria’s harbor were reportedly required to surrender books for copying, a practice that demonstrates the city’s aggressive pursuit of intellectual dominance. Such policies helped establish Alexandria as the foremost center of scholarship in the ancient world.

Alexandria’s layout further reinforced Alexander’s original vision. Broad avenues intersected at right angles, and public spaces were designed to encourage civic participation. (27) However, the city was not merely an abstract ideal imposed on the landscape. Its population was diverse, including Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and later Romans, whose interactions shaped Alexandria’s social character. Tensions among these groups occasionally erupted into conflict, revealing the challenges of governing a multicultural metropolis.

By the time Rome absorbed Egypt in 30 BCE, Alexandria had already outlived its founder by centuries. (28) Nevertheless, the city continued to embody Alexander’s legacy, blending military conquest with cultural exchange. Even as political control shifted, Alexandria remained a hub of commerce and learning, demonstrating how a city founded for strategic purposes could evolve into a lasting engine of civilization.

This continuity did not imply uniform harmony among the city’s inhabitants. (29) Although Alexandria’s population was remarkably diverse, including Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and Romans, interactions among these groups were often shaped by political privilege and social hierarchy. Periodic unrest revealed the difficulty of sustaining unity within a city built upon imperial ambition. Yet such tensions also underscored Alexandria’s role as a place where cultures encountered one another directly rather than remaining isolated.

The city’s pursuit of knowledge further reinforced its enduring influence. Ships entering Alexandria’s harbor (30) are reportedly required to surrender written works for copying, ensuring that texts from across the ancient world circulated within its scholarly institutions. This policy, while controversial, reflected the belief that intellectual accumulation strengthened political authority. Over time, the practice contributed to Alexandria’s reputation as the foremost center of learning in the ancient Mediterranean.

Alexandria’s urban design continued to shape daily life long after Alexander’s death. Broad avenues facilitated movement and trade, while public spaces encouraged civic engagement. (31) The city’s population was diverse, including multiple cultural groups whose customs and beliefs coexisted within a shared civic framework. Such diversity, though productive, demanded constant negotiation among communities.

Even as natural disasters, political instability, and administrative changes altered the city’s fortunes, Alexandria remained influential. Its endurance demonstrates how a city founded (32)to strategic dominance could evolve into a lasting cultural and intellectual center. (33) Alexander original vision, though conceived during a campaign of conquest, ultimately (34)gived rise to a city defined as much by learning and exchange as by power.(35)

Questions from 24 – 35 are based on the following passage:

Alexandria: A City Founded on Vision and Power

Founded in 331 BCE, Alexandria occupies a unique position in world history, serving as both a physical city and a lasting symbol of Alexander the Great’s imperial ambition. Situated along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, the city was strategically placed between Greece, Asia, and Africa. (24) Securing trade routes, Alexander had reasons. The city was designed to reflect Greek ideals of order and rationality, even as it incorporated Egyptian religious and cultural traditions.

After Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, Alexandria did not decline as many newly founded cities did. (25) Meanwhile, it failed to attract settlers, which transformed the city into a center of learning and governance. The construction of institutions such as the Library of Alexandria and the Mouseion reflected the rulers’ belief that knowledge was a form of power. Scholars from across the Mediterranean were invited to reside in the city, where they translated texts, conducted research, and debated philosophy.

The famous Library, although often romanticized, was not a single building but a complex network of collections. (26) These collections aimed to gather all known written works, regardless of language or origin. Ships entering Alexandria’s harbor were reportedly required to surrender books for copying, a practice that demonstrates the city’s aggressive pursuit of intellectual dominance. Such policies helped establish Alexandria as the foremost center of scholarship in the ancient world.

Alexandria’s layout further reinforced Alexander’s original vision. Broad avenues intersected at right angles, and public spaces were designed to encourage civic participation. (27) However, the city was not merely an abstract ideal imposed on the landscape. Its population was diverse, including Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and later Romans, whose interactions shaped Alexandria’s social character. Tensions among these groups occasionally erupted into conflict, revealing the challenges of governing a multicultural metropolis.

By the time Rome absorbed Egypt in 30 BCE, Alexandria had already outlived its founder by centuries. (28) Nevertheless, the city continued to embody Alexander’s legacy, blending military conquest with cultural exchange. Even as political control shifted, Alexandria remained a hub of commerce and learning, demonstrating how a city founded for strategic purposes could evolve into a lasting engine of civilization.

This continuity did not imply uniform harmony among the city’s inhabitants. (29) Although Alexandria’s population was remarkably diverse, including Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and Romans, interactions among these groups were often shaped by political privilege and social hierarchy. Periodic unrest revealed the difficulty of sustaining unity within a city built upon imperial ambition. Yet such tensions also underscored Alexandria’s role as a place where cultures encountered one another directly rather than remaining isolated.

The city’s pursuit of knowledge further reinforced its enduring influence. Ships entering Alexandria’s harbor (30) are reportedly required to surrender written works for copying, ensuring that texts from across the ancient world circulated within its scholarly institutions. This policy, while controversial, reflected the belief that intellectual accumulation strengthened political authority. Over time, the practice contributed to Alexandria’s reputation as the foremost center of learning in the ancient Mediterranean.

Alexandria’s urban design continued to shape daily life long after Alexander’s death. Broad avenues facilitated movement and trade, while public spaces encouraged civic engagement. (31) The city’s population was diverse, including multiple cultural groups whose customs and beliefs coexisted within a shared civic framework. Such diversity, though productive, demanded constant negotiation among communities.

Even as natural disasters, political instability, and administrative changes altered the city’s fortunes, Alexandria remained influential. Its endurance demonstrates how a city founded (32)to strategic dominance could evolve into a lasting cultural and intellectual center. (33) Alexander original vision, though conceived during a campaign of conquest, ultimately (34)gived rise to a city defined as much by learning and exchange as by power.(35)

Questions from 24 – 35 are based on the following passage:

Alexandria: A City Founded on Vision and Power

Founded in 331 BCE, Alexandria occupies a unique position in world history, serving as both a physical city and a lasting symbol of Alexander the Great’s imperial ambition. Situated along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, the city was strategically placed between Greece, Asia, and Africa. (24) Securing trade routes, Alexander had reasons. The city was designed to reflect Greek ideals of order and rationality, even as it incorporated Egyptian religious and cultural traditions.

After Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, Alexandria did not decline as many newly founded cities did. (25) Meanwhile, it failed to attract settlers, which transformed the city into a center of learning and governance. The construction of institutions such as the Library of Alexandria and the Mouseion reflected the rulers’ belief that knowledge was a form of power. Scholars from across the Mediterranean were invited to reside in the city, where they translated texts, conducted research, and debated philosophy.

The famous Library, although often romanticized, was not a single building but a complex network of collections. (26) These collections aimed to gather all known written works, regardless of language or origin. Ships entering Alexandria’s harbor were reportedly required to surrender books for copying, a practice that demonstrates the city’s aggressive pursuit of intellectual dominance. Such policies helped establish Alexandria as the foremost center of scholarship in the ancient world.

Alexandria’s layout further reinforced Alexander’s original vision. Broad avenues intersected at right angles, and public spaces were designed to encourage civic participation. (27) However, the city was not merely an abstract ideal imposed on the landscape. Its population was diverse, including Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and later Romans, whose interactions shaped Alexandria’s social character. Tensions among these groups occasionally erupted into conflict, revealing the challenges of governing a multicultural metropolis.

By the time Rome absorbed Egypt in 30 BCE, Alexandria had already outlived its founder by centuries. (28) Nevertheless, the city continued to embody Alexander’s legacy, blending military conquest with cultural exchange. Even as political control shifted, Alexandria remained a hub of commerce and learning, demonstrating how a city founded for strategic purposes could evolve into a lasting engine of civilization.

This continuity did not imply uniform harmony among the city’s inhabitants. (29) Although Alexandria’s population was remarkably diverse, including Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and Romans, interactions among these groups were often shaped by political privilege and social hierarchy. Periodic unrest revealed the difficulty of sustaining unity within a city built upon imperial ambition. Yet such tensions also underscored Alexandria’s role as a place where cultures encountered one another directly rather than remaining isolated.

The city’s pursuit of knowledge further reinforced its enduring influence. Ships entering Alexandria’s harbor (30) are reportedly required to surrender written works for copying, ensuring that texts from across the ancient world circulated within its scholarly institutions. This policy, while controversial, reflected the belief that intellectual accumulation strengthened political authority. Over time, the practice contributed to Alexandria’s reputation as the foremost center of learning in the ancient Mediterranean.

Alexandria’s urban design continued to shape daily life long after Alexander’s death. Broad avenues facilitated movement and trade, while public spaces encouraged civic engagement. (31) The city’s population was diverse, including multiple cultural groups whose customs and beliefs coexisted within a shared civic framework. Such diversity, though productive, demanded constant negotiation among communities.

Even as natural disasters, political instability, and administrative changes altered the city’s fortunes, Alexandria remained influential. Its endurance demonstrates how a city founded (32)to strategic dominance could evolve into a lasting cultural and intellectual center. (33) Alexander original vision, though conceived during a campaign of conquest, ultimately (34)gived rise to a city defined as much by learning and exchange as by power.(35)

Questions from 24 – 35 are based on the following passage:

Alexandria: A City Founded on Vision and Power

Founded in 331 BCE, Alexandria occupies a unique position in world history, serving as both a physical city and a lasting symbol of Alexander the Great’s imperial ambition. Situated along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, the city was strategically placed between Greece, Asia, and Africa. (24) Securing trade routes, Alexander had reasons. The city was designed to reflect Greek ideals of order and rationality, even as it incorporated Egyptian religious and cultural traditions.

After Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, Alexandria did not decline as many newly founded cities did. (25) Meanwhile, it failed to attract settlers, which transformed the city into a center of learning and governance. The construction of institutions such as the Library of Alexandria and the Mouseion reflected the rulers’ belief that knowledge was a form of power. Scholars from across the Mediterranean were invited to reside in the city, where they translated texts, conducted research, and debated philosophy.

The famous Library, although often romanticized, was not a single building but a complex network of collections. (26) These collections aimed to gather all known written works, regardless of language or origin. Ships entering Alexandria’s harbor were reportedly required to surrender books for copying, a practice that demonstrates the city’s aggressive pursuit of intellectual dominance. Such policies helped establish Alexandria as the foremost center of scholarship in the ancient world.

Alexandria’s layout further reinforced Alexander’s original vision. Broad avenues intersected at right angles, and public spaces were designed to encourage civic participation. (27) However, the city was not merely an abstract ideal imposed on the landscape. Its population was diverse, including Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and later Romans, whose interactions shaped Alexandria’s social character. Tensions among these groups occasionally erupted into conflict, revealing the challenges of governing a multicultural metropolis.

By the time Rome absorbed Egypt in 30 BCE, Alexandria had already outlived its founder by centuries. (28) Nevertheless, the city continued to embody Alexander’s legacy, blending military conquest with cultural exchange. Even as political control shifted, Alexandria remained a hub of commerce and learning, demonstrating how a city founded for strategic purposes could evolve into a lasting engine of civilization.

This continuity did not imply uniform harmony among the city’s inhabitants. (29) Although Alexandria’s population was remarkably diverse, including Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and Romans, interactions among these groups were often shaped by political privilege and social hierarchy. Periodic unrest revealed the difficulty of sustaining unity within a city built upon imperial ambition. Yet such tensions also underscored Alexandria’s role as a place where cultures encountered one another directly rather than remaining isolated.

The city’s pursuit of knowledge further reinforced its enduring influence. Ships entering Alexandria’s harbor (30) are reportedly required to surrender written works for copying, ensuring that texts from across the ancient world circulated within its scholarly institutions. This policy, while controversial, reflected the belief that intellectual accumulation strengthened political authority. Over time, the practice contributed to Alexandria’s reputation as the foremost center of learning in the ancient Mediterranean.

Alexandria’s urban design continued to shape daily life long after Alexander’s death. Broad avenues facilitated movement and trade, while public spaces encouraged civic engagement. (31) The city’s population was diverse, including multiple cultural groups whose customs and beliefs coexisted within a shared civic framework. Such diversity, though productive, demanded constant negotiation among communities.

Even as natural disasters, political instability, and administrative changes altered the city’s fortunes, Alexandria remained influential. Its endurance demonstrates how a city founded (32)to strategic dominance could evolve into a lasting cultural and intellectual center. (33) Alexander original vision, though conceived during a campaign of conquest, ultimately (34)gived rise to a city defined as much by learning and exchange as by power.(35)

Questions from 24 – 35 are based on the following passage:

Alexandria: A City Founded on Vision and Power

Founded in 331 BCE, Alexandria occupies a unique position in world history, serving as both a physical city and a lasting symbol of Alexander the Great’s imperial ambition. Situated along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, the city was strategically placed between Greece, Asia, and Africa. (24) Securing trade routes, Alexander had reasons. The city was designed to reflect Greek ideals of order and rationality, even as it incorporated Egyptian religious and cultural traditions.

After Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, Alexandria did not decline as many newly founded cities did. (25) Meanwhile, it failed to attract settlers, which transformed the city into a center of learning and governance. The construction of institutions such as the Library of Alexandria and the Mouseion reflected the rulers’ belief that knowledge was a form of power. Scholars from across the Mediterranean were invited to reside in the city, where they translated texts, conducted research, and debated philosophy.

The famous Library, although often romanticized, was not a single building but a complex network of collections. (26) These collections aimed to gather all known written works, regardless of language or origin. Ships entering Alexandria’s harbor were reportedly required to surrender books for copying, a practice that demonstrates the city’s aggressive pursuit of intellectual dominance. Such policies helped establish Alexandria as the foremost center of scholarship in the ancient world.

Alexandria’s layout further reinforced Alexander’s original vision. Broad avenues intersected at right angles, and public spaces were designed to encourage civic participation. (27) However, the city was not merely an abstract ideal imposed on the landscape. Its population was diverse, including Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and later Romans, whose interactions shaped Alexandria’s social character. Tensions among these groups occasionally erupted into conflict, revealing the challenges of governing a multicultural metropolis.

By the time Rome absorbed Egypt in 30 BCE, Alexandria had already outlived its founder by centuries. (28) Nevertheless, the city continued to embody Alexander’s legacy, blending military conquest with cultural exchange. Even as political control shifted, Alexandria remained a hub of commerce and learning, demonstrating how a city founded for strategic purposes could evolve into a lasting engine of civilization.

This continuity did not imply uniform harmony among the city’s inhabitants. (29) Although Alexandria’s population was remarkably diverse, including Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and Romans, interactions among these groups were often shaped by political privilege and social hierarchy. Periodic unrest revealed the difficulty of sustaining unity within a city built upon imperial ambition. Yet such tensions also underscored Alexandria’s role as a place where cultures encountered one another directly rather than remaining isolated.

The city’s pursuit of knowledge further reinforced its enduring influence. Ships entering Alexandria’s harbor (30) are reportedly required to surrender written works for copying, ensuring that texts from across the ancient world circulated within its scholarly institutions. This policy, while controversial, reflected the belief that intellectual accumulation strengthened political authority. Over time, the practice contributed to Alexandria’s reputation as the foremost center of learning in the ancient Mediterranean.

Alexandria’s urban design continued to shape daily life long after Alexander’s death. Broad avenues facilitated movement and trade, while public spaces encouraged civic engagement. (31) The city’s population was diverse, including multiple cultural groups whose customs and beliefs coexisted within a shared civic framework. Such diversity, though productive, demanded constant negotiation among communities.

Even as natural disasters, political instability, and administrative changes altered the city’s fortunes, Alexandria remained influential. Its endurance demonstrates how a city founded (32)to strategic dominance could evolve into a lasting cultural and intellectual center. (33) Alexander original vision, though conceived during a campaign of conquest, ultimately (34)gived rise to a city defined as much by learning and exchange as by power.(35)

Questions from 24 – 35 are based on the following passage:

Alexandria: A City Founded on Vision and Power

Founded in 331 BCE, Alexandria occupies a unique position in world history, serving as both a physical city and a lasting symbol of Alexander the Great’s imperial ambition. Situated along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, the city was strategically placed between Greece, Asia, and Africa. (24) Securing trade routes, Alexander had reasons. The city was designed to reflect Greek ideals of order and rationality, even as it incorporated Egyptian religious and cultural traditions.

After Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, Alexandria did not decline as many newly founded cities did. (25) Meanwhile, it failed to attract settlers, which transformed the city into a center of learning and governance. The construction of institutions such as the Library of Alexandria and the Mouseion reflected the rulers’ belief that knowledge was a form of power. Scholars from across the Mediterranean were invited to reside in the city, where they translated texts, conducted research, and debated philosophy.

The famous Library, although often romanticized, was not a single building but a complex network of collections. (26) These collections aimed to gather all known written works, regardless of language or origin. Ships entering Alexandria’s harbor were reportedly required to surrender books for copying, a practice that demonstrates the city’s aggressive pursuit of intellectual dominance. Such policies helped establish Alexandria as the foremost center of scholarship in the ancient world.

Alexandria’s layout further reinforced Alexander’s original vision. Broad avenues intersected at right angles, and public spaces were designed to encourage civic participation. (27) However, the city was not merely an abstract ideal imposed on the landscape. Its population was diverse, including Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and later Romans, whose interactions shaped Alexandria’s social character. Tensions among these groups occasionally erupted into conflict, revealing the challenges of governing a multicultural metropolis.

By the time Rome absorbed Egypt in 30 BCE, Alexandria had already outlived its founder by centuries. (28) Nevertheless, the city continued to embody Alexander’s legacy, blending military conquest with cultural exchange. Even as political control shifted, Alexandria remained a hub of commerce and learning, demonstrating how a city founded for strategic purposes could evolve into a lasting engine of civilization.

This continuity did not imply uniform harmony among the city’s inhabitants. (29) Although Alexandria’s population was remarkably diverse, including Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, and Romans, interactions among these groups were often shaped by political privilege and social hierarchy. Periodic unrest revealed the difficulty of sustaining unity within a city built upon imperial ambition. Yet such tensions also underscored Alexandria’s role as a place where cultures encountered one another directly rather than remaining isolated.

The city’s pursuit of knowledge further reinforced its enduring influence. Ships entering Alexandria’s harbor (30) are reportedly required to surrender written works for copying, ensuring that texts from across the ancient world circulated within its scholarly institutions. This policy, while controversial, reflected the belief that intellectual accumulation strengthened political authority. Over time, the practice contributed to Alexandria’s reputation as the foremost center of learning in the ancient Mediterranean.

Alexandria’s urban design continued to shape daily life long after Alexander’s death. Broad avenues facilitated movement and trade, while public spaces encouraged civic engagement. (31) The city’s population was diverse, including multiple cultural groups whose customs and beliefs coexisted within a shared civic framework. Such diversity, though productive, demanded constant negotiation among communities.

Even as natural disasters, political instability, and administrative changes altered the city’s fortunes, Alexandria remained influential. Its endurance demonstrates how a city founded (32)to strategic dominance could evolve into a lasting cultural and intellectual center. (33) Alexander original vision, though conceived during a campaign of conquest, ultimately (34)gived rise to a city defined as much by learning and exchange as by power.(35)