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UNAM Mature Age Entry study materials
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UNAM Mature Age Entry practice questions

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Question 1English Test (Paper 1)

In the sentence 'The invigilator collected the scripts after the bell rang,' which word functions as the verb of the main clause?

  1. scripts
  2. collected Correct answer.
  3. after
  4. rang

Explanation

The main clause is 'The invigilator collected the scripts'; its predicate verb is 'collected'. 'Rang' belongs to the subordinate clause introduced by 'after', and 'scripts' is a noun object.

Question 2English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly for a UNAM mature entry candidate writing about several applicants?

  1. The applicants's forms were submitted on time.
  2. The applicants forms' were submitted on time.
  3. The applicant's forms were submitted on time, referring to many.
  4. The applicants' forms were submitted on time. Correct answer.

Explanation

A plural noun ending in -s forms the possessive by adding only an apostrophe after the s, giving 'applicants''. The apostrophe marks possession of the forms by more than one applicant.

Question 3English Test (Paper 1)

Choose the word that best completes the sentence: 'The registrar was ______ to approve late applications because the deadline had passed.'

  1. reluctance
  2. reluctant Correct answer.
  3. reluctantly
  4. reluct

Explanation

After the linking verb 'was', an adjective is required to describe the registrar, and 'reluctant' is the adjective. The other forms are a noun, an adverb, and a verb, none of which fits this slot.

Question 4English Test (Paper 1)

Which option correctly completes the sentence: 'Neither the tutor nor the students ______ aware of the timetable change.'

  1. is
  2. was
  3. were Correct answer.
  4. has been

Explanation

With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject, which is the plural 'students', so the plural past form 'were' is required. The past tense also fits the reported situation.

Question 5English Test (Paper 1)

In 'The candidate, who had studied for months, passed the entrance test,' what is the grammatical function of 'who had studied for months'?

  1. A non-defining relative clause Correct answer.
  2. A defining relative clause
  3. An adverbial clause of reason
  4. A noun clause acting as subject

Explanation

The clause is enclosed in commas and adds extra information about an already identified candidate, which makes it non-defining. A defining clause would not be set off by commas.

Question 6English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence expresses the idea with a correctly formed passive construction suitable for a formal notice?

  1. All answer scripts must have hand in before noon.
  2. All answer scripts must hand in before noon.
  3. All answer scripts must be handed in before noon. Correct answer.
  4. All answer scripts must be handing in before noon.

Explanation

The passive is formed with a modal plus 'be' plus the past participle, giving 'must be handed in'. The subject 'scripts' receives the action rather than performing it.

Question 7English Test (Paper 1)

Identify the sentence in which the tense sequence is correct for reported speech.

  1. The clerk said that the results had been released the previous day. Correct answer.
  2. The clerk said that the results were releasing the previous day.
  3. The clerk said that the results have been released the previous day.
  4. The clerk said that the results release the previous day.

Explanation

When the reporting verb is in the past ('said'), the past perfect 'had been released' correctly places the release before the reporting. The time marker 'the previous day' also signals backshift.

Question 8English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the correct conditional form to describe an unreal situation in the past?

  1. If the candidate applied earlier, she would secure a place.
  2. If the candidate would apply earlier, she had secured a place.
  3. If the candidate had applied earlier, she would have secured a place. Correct answer.
  4. If the candidate had applied earlier, she would secure a place.

Explanation

The third conditional pairs 'if' plus past perfect with 'would have' plus past participle to describe an unreal past condition and its imagined result. Both halves must use this pattern.

Question 9English Test (Paper 1)

Choose the pair of words that correctly completes the sentence: 'The examination was ______ difficult ______ many candidates ran out of time.'

  1. so ... that Correct answer.
  2. very ... that
  3. too ... to
  4. such ... that

Explanation

The 'so + adjective + that' pattern introduces a result clause, and 'difficult' is an adjective, so 'so ... that' fits. 'Such' would require a noun phrase after it.

Question 10English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence places the adverb 'hardly' correctly for formal written English?

  1. Hardly the examination had begun when the fire alarm sounded.
  2. Hardly had the examination begun when the fire alarm sounded. Correct answer.
  3. Hardly did the examination begun when the fire alarm sounded.
  4. The examination hardly had begun when the fire alarm sounded.

Explanation

When a negative adverb such as 'hardly' opens a sentence, subject and auxiliary invert, giving 'Hardly had the examination begun'. This is the standard formal inversion pattern.

Question 11English Test (Paper 1)

Which option correctly completes the sentence: 'The panel insisted that every applicant ______ a certified copy of the certificate.'

  1. submit Correct answer.
  2. is submitting
  3. submitted
  4. submits

Explanation

After verbs of demanding such as 'insist that', English uses the subjunctive, which takes the base form 'submit' regardless of the subject. This marks a required rather than factual action.

Question 12English Test (Paper 1)

Identify the sentence that uses a semicolon correctly according to standard written English, with 'however' immediately after the semicolon and correctly punctuated.

  1. The deadline was extended; and no new applications were accepted.
  2. The deadline was extended; however no new applications were accepted.
  3. The deadline was extended; however, no new applications were accepted. Correct answer.
  4. The deadline was extended; no new applications were accepted, however.

Explanation

A semicolon may join two independent clauses. When 'however' introduces the second clause immediately after the semicolon, it is followed by a comma. This sentence satisfies both requirements.

Question 13English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses a colon correctly in a formal examination report?

  1. The committee reached: one conclusion that the pass mark should rise.
  2. The committee reached one conclusion, namely: the pass mark should rise.
  3. The committee reached one conclusion; namely: the pass mark should rise.
  4. The committee reached one conclusion: the pass mark should rise. Correct answer.

Explanation

A colon introduces an explanation or elaboration of what precedes it, and here the clause after the colon explains the conclusion. The colon follows a complete clause, as required.

Question 14English Test (Paper 1)

In the sentence 'Having completed the test, the candidate left the hall,' what does the participial phrase modify?

  1. The hall
  2. The test
  3. The leaving
  4. The candidate Correct answer.

Explanation

A fronted participial phrase modifies the subject of the main clause, which is 'the candidate'. The candidate is the one who completed the test and then left.

Question 15English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence is free of a dangling modifier?

  1. After reading the instructions, the form required a signature.
  2. After reading the instructions, the form was signed by the applicant.
  3. After reading the instructions, signing the form was necessary.
  4. After reading the instructions, the applicant signed the form. Correct answer.

Explanation

The introductory phrase must modify the subject of the main clause. In this sentence the applicant is the one who read the instructions and signed, so the modifier is correctly attached.

Question 16English Test (Paper 1)

Choose the sentence in which the pronoun reference is clear and unambiguous.

  1. When the tutor met the candidate, he explained the admission rules.
  2. When the tutor met the candidate, it explained the admission rules.
  3. When the tutor met the candidate, the tutor explained the admission rules. Correct answer.
  4. When the tutor met the candidate, they explained the admission rules.

Explanation

Repeating the noun 'the tutor' removes any doubt about who explained the rules. A pronoun with two possible antecedents is ambiguous, so the full noun is preferred.

Question 17English Test (Paper 1)

Which word is the best synonym for 'meticulous' as used in 'The examiner kept meticulous records of every mark'?

  1. Superficial
  2. Scrupulous Correct answer.
  3. Reluctant
  4. Haphazard

Explanation

'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail, which 'scrupulous' closely matches in this context. The other options describe carelessness, shallowness, or unwillingness.

Question 18English Test (Paper 1)

In the sentence 'The results were surprisingly good,' what part of speech is 'surprisingly'?

  1. Adjective
  2. Conjunction
  3. Preposition
  4. Adverb Correct answer.

Explanation

'Surprisingly' modifies the adjective 'good', and words that modify adjectives or verbs are adverbs. It is formed with the -ly suffix typical of adverbs.

Question 19English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence correctly uses 'fewer' rather than 'less'?

  1. There were fewer candidates this year than last year. Correct answer.
  2. There were less candidates this year than last year.
  3. There was fewer time to prepare for the test.
  4. There was fewer information in the notice.

Explanation

'Fewer' is used with countable plural nouns such as 'candidates', while 'less' is used with uncountable nouns. Only this sentence pairs 'fewer' with a countable noun correctly.

Question 20English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the correct preposition after the verb?

  1. The committee congratulated the candidate for her success.
  2. The committee congratulated the candidate with her success.
  3. The committee congratulated the candidate on her success. Correct answer.
  4. The committee congratulated the candidate about her success.

Explanation

The verb 'congratulate' is followed by the preposition 'on' when naming the achievement. This is a fixed collocation in standard English.

Question 21English Test (Paper 1)

In 'The rules which govern admission are reviewed annually,' what is the function of 'which govern admission'?

  1. An adverbial clause of time
  2. A noun clause acting as object
  3. A defining relative clause identifying the rules Correct answer.
  4. A non-defining relative clause adding extra information

Explanation

The clause is not set off by commas and identifies which rules are meant, so it is defining. Removing it would change the meaning of the sentence.

Question 22English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses 'although' correctly to express contrast?

  1. Although the test was difficult, so most candidates finished it.
  2. Although the test was difficult, however most candidates finished it.
  3. Although the test was difficult, most candidates finished it. Correct answer.
  4. Although the test was difficult, but most candidates finished it.

Explanation

'Although' introduces a subordinate clause of concession, and the main clause follows without another connective. Using 'but', 'however', or 'so' as well would duplicate the contrast.

Question 23English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence correctly uses the infinitive or gerund after the verb?

  1. The candidate avoided make careless mistakes in the essay.
  2. The candidate avoided to make careless mistakes in the essay.
  3. The candidate avoided to making careless mistakes in the essay.
  4. The candidate avoided making careless mistakes in the essay. Correct answer.

Explanation

The verb 'avoid' takes a gerund rather than an infinitive, so 'avoided making' is correct. This is a fixed pattern for verbs such as 'avoid', 'enjoy', and 'consider'.

Question 24English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence best demonstrates a correctly formed comparative for a two-syllable adjective?

  1. This year's paper was more demanding than last year's. Correct answer.
  2. This year's paper was most demanding than last year's.
  3. This year's paper was more demanding that last year's.
  4. This year's paper was demandinger than last year's.

Explanation

Two-syllable adjectives such as 'demanding' typically form the comparative with 'more' plus the adjective, followed by 'than'. The other options use incorrect morphology or the wrong comparative word.

Question 25English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the modal verb to express the strongest degree of obligation?

  1. Candidates must present original identification at the gate. Correct answer.
  2. Candidates should present original identification at the gate.
  3. Candidates might present original identification at the gate.
  4. Candidates may present original identification at the gate.

Explanation

'Must' expresses strong obligation or requirement, which is the highest degree among these modals. 'Should' is weaker advice, while 'may' and 'might' express permission or possibility.

Question 26English Test (Paper 1)

In the sentence 'The invigilator, together with two assistants, was checking the admission slips at the gate,' why is the singular verb 'was' correct for the UNAM English paper?

  1. The verb agrees with 'slips', which is the object of the verb.
  2. The verb agrees with the singular subject 'invigilator'; the phrase 'together with two assistants' does not change the subject. Correct answer.
  3. The verb agrees with the nearer noun 'assistants' because it follows the subject.
  4. The verb agrees with 'gate', the final noun in the sentence.

Explanation

When a subject is followed by an interrupting phrase introduced by 'together with', 'as well as' or 'along with', the verb agrees with the original subject. The subject here is the singular 'invigilator', so 'was' is required. The intervening phrase is parenthetical and does not make the subject plural.

Question 27English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly in a formal statement about the examination?

  1. The candidates' scripts were collected before the invigilators' instructions were read. Correct answer.
  2. The candidate's' scripts were collected before the invigilators' instructions were read.
  3. The candidates scripts were collected before the invigilator's instructions were read.
  4. The candidate's scripts were collected before the invigilators instructions were read.

Explanation

Plural nouns ending in -s take an apostrophe after the s to show possession, so 'candidates'' and 'invigilators'' are both correct. The other versions either omit a required apostrophe or place it in a position that no English possessive rule allows.

Question 28English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence from a UNAM examination report uses the definite and indefinite articles correctly?

  1. A candidate who arrived late was asked to produce the identity card and a admission letter.
  2. A candidate who arrived late was asked to produce an identity card and the admission letter. Correct answer.
  3. Candidate who arrived late was asked to produce an identity card and admission letter.
  4. The candidate who arrived late was asked to produce a identity card and an admission letter.

Explanation

First mention of a countable singular noun normally takes 'a' or 'an', and 'an' is required before a vowel sound such as 'identity'. The definite 'the' suits the admission letter already specified in the regulations, so the mixed pattern in the correct option is coherent.

Question 29English Test (Paper 1)

In the sentence 'Neither the examiner nor the candidates were informed of the timetable change,' how should the verb be treated in formal written English?

  1. The verb agrees with the nearer subject 'candidates', so the plural 'were' is acceptable. Correct answer.
  2. The verb must always be singular with 'neither ... nor', so 'was' is the only correct form.
  3. The construction requires 'are' regardless of the number of either noun.
  4. The verb must agree with 'examiner' because it appears first, so 'was' is required.

Explanation

With correlative conjunctions 'either ... or' and 'neither ... nor', standard usage applies the principle of proximity: the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it. Since 'candidates' is nearest and plural, 'were' is defensible.

Question 30English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the past perfect tense appropriately in a narrative about an examination incident?

  1. By the time the supervisor arrived, the candidates had already sealed their answer booklets. Correct answer.
  2. By the time the supervisor arrived, the candidates seal their answer booklets already.
  3. By the time the supervisor arrived, the candidates have already sealed their answer booklets.
  4. By the time the supervisor arrived, the candidates were already sealing their answer booklets since an hour.

Explanation

The past perfect ('had sealed') marks an action completed before another past event ('arrived'). This sequencing is exactly what the past perfect exists to express in a narrative.

Question 31English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence correctly uses 'used to' to describe a past examination practice that has ended?

  1. Candidates are used to write their names on the cover sheet before the reading time began.
  2. Candidates used write their names on the cover sheet before the reading time began.
  3. Candidates were used to write their names on the cover sheet before the reading time began.
  4. Candidates used to write their names on the cover sheet before the reading time began. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Used to' plus the base verb expresses a discontinued past habit or state. The correct option follows this pattern exactly and keeps the time frame consistent with 'began'.

Question 32English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses a modal verb to express a logical deduction about a missing script?

  1. The script must to be misplaced during the transfer between centres.
  2. The script must be misplaced during the transfer between centres.
  3. The script must misplaced during the transfer between centres.
  4. The script must have been misplaced during the transfer between centres. Correct answer.

Explanation

To express a confident deduction about a past event, English uses 'must have' plus a past participle. 'Must have been misplaced' fits this pattern precisely.

Question 33English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence places the negative adverb 'never' correctly for emphasis in formal written English?

  1. Never the candidates have been permitted to leave before the scripts are collected.
  2. The candidates never have been permitted before the scripts are collected to leave.
  3. Never have the candidates been permitted to leave before the scripts are collected. Correct answer.
  4. The candidates have been permitted never to leave before the scripts are collected.

Explanation

When a negative adverb such as 'never' opens a formal sentence, subject-auxiliary inversion is required: 'Never have the candidates ...'. This produces the emphatic fronted structure typical of formal registers.

Question 34English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the gerund phrase correctly as the subject of a formal statement about examination conduct?

  1. Copying from another candidate's script is treated as a serious breach of regulations. Correct answer.
  2. To copying from another candidate's script is treated as a serious breach of regulations.
  3. Copied from another candidate's script is treated as a serious breach of regulations.
  4. Copy from another candidate's script is treated as a serious breach of regulations.

Explanation

A gerund phrase ('copying from another candidate's script') can serve as the subject of a sentence and takes a singular verb. The correct option uses this structure cleanly.

Question 35English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence correctly distinguishes 'lie' from 'lay' in a description of examination materials?

  1. The answer booklets lie on the desk where the invigilator had lied them.
  2. The answer booklets laid on the desk where the invigilator had lain them.
  3. The answer booklets lay on the desk where the invigilator had lied them.
  4. The answer booklets lay on the desk where the invigilator had laid them. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Lie' is intransitive, with past tense 'lay', while 'lay' is transitive, with past participle 'laid'. The booklets rest on the desk (intransitive 'lay'), and the invigilator placed them (transitive 'had laid').

Question 36English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses 'who' or 'whom' correctly in a statement about examination personnel?

  1. The officer whom the council appointed to supervise the examinations resigned last term. Correct answer.
  2. The officer who the council appointed him to supervise the examinations resigned last term.
  3. The officer who the council appointed to supervise the examinations resigned last term.
  4. The officer whom supervised the examinations resigned last term.

Explanation

'Whom' is the object form of the relative pronoun, and here it is the object of 'appointed'. The clause 'whom the council appointed' therefore requires 'whom', not 'who'.

Question 37English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence correctly uses a dash or parenthesis to add supplementary information in an examination notice?

  1. All scripts, including those written in the supplementary room, must returned to the chief examiner.
  2. All scripts including - those written in the supplementary room must be returned to the chief examiner.
  3. All scripts - including those written in the supplementary room, must be returned to the chief examiner.
  4. All scripts - including those written in the supplementary room - must be returned to the chief examiner. Correct answer.

Explanation

A pair of dashes or a matching pair of commas must enclose the parenthetical insertion. The correct option uses a matched pair of dashes around 'including those written in the supplementary room'.

Question 38English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the comma correctly with a non-defining relative clause about the examination board?

  1. The examinations board which meets in June, approves all question papers before printing.
  2. The examinations board, which meets in June approves all question papers before printing.
  3. The examinations board, which meets in June, approves all question papers before printing. Correct answer.
  4. The examinations board which, meets in June, approves all question papers before printing.

Explanation

A non-defining relative clause adds extra information and must be set off by a pair of commas. The correct option places one comma before 'which' and one after 'June', enclosing the clause.

Question 39English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence maintains parallel structure in a list of candidate instructions?

  1. Candidates must registering on time, bring valid identification, and sit in the assigned seat.
  2. Candidates must register on time, bring valid identification, and sit in the assigned seat. Correct answer.
  3. Candidates must register on time, bringing valid identification, and to sit in the assigned seat.
  4. Candidates must register on time, bring valid identification, and sitting in the assigned seat.

Explanation

Items in a coordinated list should share the same grammatical form. The correct option coordinates three bare infinitives after 'must': 'register', 'bring' and 'sit'.

Question 40English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence avoids a faulty comparison in a statement about examination results?

  1. The pass rate in the science faculty was higher than that in the arts faculty. Correct answer.
  2. The pass rate in the science faculty was more higher than the arts faculty.
  3. The pass rate in the science faculty was higher than the arts faculty.
  4. The pass rate in the science faculty was higher than the arts faculty's pass rate was higher.

Explanation

A comparison must set like against like, so a pass rate is compared with another pass rate, expressed by 'that in the arts faculty'. The other options compare a rate with a faculty or double the comparative.

Question 41English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the correct prepositional phrase to describe performance in the UNAM English paper?

  1. She was congratulated about her excellent performance in the comprehension section.
  2. She was congratulated on her excellent performance in the comprehension section. Correct answer.
  3. She was congratulated with her excellent performance in the comprehension section.
  4. She was congratulated for her excellent performance on the comprehension section.

Explanation

The verb 'congratulate' is followed by 'on', and performance is normally described as being 'in' a section or paper. The correct option combines both conventional collocations.

Question 42English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses a phrasal verb correctly in a formal report on examination irregularities?

  1. The committee will look up the allegations before the results are released.
  2. The committee will look into the allegations before the results are released. Correct answer.
  3. The committee will look after the allegations before the results are released.
  4. The committee will look for the allegations before the results are released.

Explanation

'Look into' means to investigate, which fits the formal context of examining allegations. The other phrasal verbs carry meanings such as caring for, searching for or consulting, none of which fits.

Question 43English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the passive voice most appropriately for an official examination regulation?

  1. Answer scripts are marked by two independent examiners before results are published. Correct answer.
  2. Two independent examiners mark answer scripts before they publish results.
  3. Answer scripts mark two independent examiners before results are published.
  4. Two independent examiners are marked by answer scripts before results are published.

Explanation

Official regulations often focus on the process rather than the agent, making the passive voice appropriate. The correct option keeps the agent in a 'by' phrase and preserves a logical meaning.

Question 44English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses 'so ... that' correctly to express a consequence in a comment on the examination timetable?

  1. The timetable was such crowded that several candidates had two papers on the same day.
  2. The timetable was so crowded for several candidates had two papers on the same day.
  3. The timetable was so crowded that several candidates had two papers on the same day. Correct answer.
  4. The timetable was so crowded, several candidates had two papers on the same day.

Explanation

The correlative pattern 'so + adjective + that' introduces a result clause. The correct option supplies the adjective 'crowded' and the conjunction 'that' before the consequence.

Question 45English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence correctly uses 'despite' in a formal comment on candidate performance?

  1. Despite the candidate had little time to revise, he answered every question.
  2. Despite having little time to revise, the candidate answered every question. Correct answer.
  3. Despite of having little time to revise, the candidate answered every question.
  4. Despite he had little time to revise, the candidate answered every question.

Explanation

'Despite' is a preposition and must be followed by a noun phrase or a gerund, not by a finite clause. The correct option supplies the gerund phrase 'having little time to revise'.

Question 46English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the word 'practice' or 'practise' correctly in a statement about preparation for the English paper?

  1. Candidates should practice past papers so that the practice become routine.
  2. Candidates should practise past papers so that the practise becomes routine.
  3. Candidates should practice past papers so that the practise becomes routine.
  4. Candidates should practise past papers so that the practice becomes routine. Correct answer.

Explanation

In British English, 'practise' is the verb and 'practice' is the noun. The correct option uses the verb form before 'past papers' and the noun form after 'the'.

Question 47English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the colon correctly in a formal statement of examination rules?

  1. Candidates must bring three items, a pen, a pencil and an identity card.
  2. Candidates must bring three items: a pen, a pencil and an identity card. Correct answer.
  3. Candidates must bring: a pen, a pencil and an identity card.
  4. Candidates must bring three items; a pen, a pencil and an identity card.

Explanation

A colon introduces an explanation, list or expansion after a complete clause. The correct option places the colon after the complete clause 'Candidates must bring three items' and before the list.

Question 48English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses the modal 'should' correctly in a formal recommendation about examination appeals?

  1. The board recommends that an appeal should be lodged within fourteen days of the results. Correct answer.
  2. The board recommends that an appeal should to be lodged within fourteen days of the results.
  3. The board recommends that an appeal should lodged within fourteen days of the results.
  4. The board recommends that an appeal should be lodging within fourteen days of the results.

Explanation

After a modal such as 'should', the bare infinitive is required; in the passive this is 'should be lodged'. The correct option supplies the full passive construction.

Question 49English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence uses 'amount' or 'number' correctly in a report on examination entries?

  1. A large amount of candidates registered, and a large amount of time was spent processing them.
  2. A large amount of candidates registered, and a large number of time was spent processing them.
  3. A large number of candidates registered, and a large number of time was spent processing them.
  4. A large number of candidates registered, and a large amount of time was spent processing them. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Number' is used with countable nouns such as candidates, while 'amount' is used with uncountable nouns such as time. The correct option applies each word to the appropriate noun.

Question 50English Test (Paper 1)

Which sentence correctly uses 'its' or 'it's' in a formal notice about the examination centre?

  1. The centre has confirmed it's new opening time, and it's expected that candidates will arrive early.
  2. The centre has confirmed it's new opening time, and its expected that candidates will arrive early.
  3. The centre has confirmed its new opening time, and it's expected that candidates will arrive early. Correct answer.
  4. The centre has confirmed its new opening time, and its expected that candidates will arrive early.

Explanation

'Its' is the possessive determiner, while 'it's' is the contraction of 'it is'. The correct option uses the possessive before 'new opening time' and the contraction before 'expected'.