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HAVO Engels practice questions

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Question 1Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this short text: 'When the school library introduced a book club on Thursday afternoons, the number of borrowed novels rose by forty per cent within two months. The librarian, however, warns that the rise may be temporary.' What is the librarian's main point?

  1. The increase in borrowed novels might not continue. Correct answer.
  2. The book club has clearly caused a lasting change in reading habits.
  3. Thursday afternoons are the busiest time in the library.
  4. Students prefer novels to any other kind of book.

Explanation

The word 'however' signals a contrast, and the librarian explicitly says the rise 'may be temporary'. That means she doubts whether the increase will last, which is exactly what option 1 states. The other options either overstate the effect or focus on details the text does not support.

Question 2Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Farmer Jansen has sold his dairy cows and now grows pumpkins. He says the drought of recent summers made milking too expensive.' Why did the farmer change his business?

  1. He no longer enjoys working with animals.
  2. Dry summers made dairy farming too costly. Correct answer.
  3. Pumpkins fetch a higher price than milk.
  4. His cows were affected by a disease.

Explanation

The text gives one explicit reason: the drought made milking too expensive. Option 2 restates that cause directly. The other options introduce reasons that are not mentioned in the passage at all.

Question 3Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The new bicycle lane was supposed to make the town centre safer. Yet in its first month, three cyclists were injured at the same crossing, where the lane meets a busy road.' What does the word 'Yet' show about the writer's view?

  1. The writer thinks the crossing was already dangerous before.
  2. The writer thinks the lane has not fully achieved its aim. Correct answer.
  3. The writer is certain the injuries were the cyclists' fault.
  4. The writer believes the lane should be removed immediately.

Explanation

'Yet' introduces a contrast with the stated aim of making the centre safer, so the writer is pointing out that the aim has not been fully met. Option 0 captures that contrast without going further than the text allows. The passage gives no recommendation, no blame, and no comparison with the past.

Question 4Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Although the festival was moved indoors because of rain, organisers reported record visitor numbers.' Which statement is true according to the text?

  1. The festival was cancelled and rescheduled.
  2. The festival is normally held indoors.
  3. The rain caused fewer people to attend.
  4. Visitor numbers were higher than ever before. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Record visitor numbers' means the attendance was the highest ever recorded, which matches option 2. The contrast word 'although' shows the rain did not reduce attendance. Cancellation and the festival's usual location are not stated.

Question 5Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Many people assume that learning a language as an adult is hopeless. Research suggests otherwise: adults can reach high levels, provided they practise regularly and are not afraid of making mistakes.' What is the writer's attitude towards adult language learners?

  1. Sympathetic but doubtful about their chances.
  2. Critical of adults who start learning late.
  3. Convinced that only children can succeed.
  4. Encouraging, while stressing the need for regular practice. Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase 'research suggests otherwise' rejects the hopeless view, and the writer then gives conditions for success. That combination of optimism plus practical conditions matches option 1. The remaining options contradict the positive message of the passage.

Question 6Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The council plans to plant 500 trees along the ring road. A spokesperson explained that the trees will absorb noise and provide shade, but admitted that maintenance costs will be significant.' Which disadvantage is mentioned?

  1. The trees will block the view of the road.
  2. The trees may damage the road surface.
  3. Looking after the trees will cost a lot. Correct answer.
  4. The trees will take up parking space.

Explanation

The spokesperson 'admitted that maintenance costs will be significant', which means looking after the trees will be expensive. Option 2 restates this disadvantage. The other drawbacks are not mentioned anywhere in the text.

Question 7Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'My grandfather still writes letters by hand. He claims that email is faster, but that a letter shows the sender cared enough to slow down.' What does the grandfather value most about letters?

  1. The speed of delivery.
  2. The effort and care they show. Correct answer.
  3. The low cost of paper.
  4. The chance to practise handwriting.

Explanation

The grandfather says a letter shows the sender 'cared enough to slow down', so he values the effort and care behind it. Option 1 captures that idea. Speed is mentioned only to say email is faster, and cost and handwriting practice are not raised.

Question 8Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Volunteers cleaned the beach last Sunday. They collected 300 kilograms of waste, most of it plastic bottles. The organiser said the amount was shocking but not surprising.' What does 'shocking but not surprising' suggest?

  1. The organiser expected the beach to be dirty. Correct answer.
  2. The organiser thinks the clean-up was unnecessary.
  3. The organiser was angry at the volunteers.
  4. The organiser had never seen plastic bottles before.

Explanation

If the amount is 'not surprising', the organiser already expected a lot of waste, even though the size still shocks. Option 0 captures that expectation. The phrase says nothing about anger, inexperience or the value of the clean-up.

Question 9Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The museum's new app lets visitors scan paintings to hear a short explanation. It was designed for teenagers, but the museum reports that most downloads come from visitors over sixty.' What does this show?

  1. Teenagers do not own smartphones.
  2. The explanations in the app are too difficult.
  3. The app is more popular with older visitors than expected. Correct answer.
  4. The app failed to attract any young people.

Explanation

The app was aimed at teenagers, yet most downloads come from people over sixty, so the actual audience differs from the plan. Option 1 states this surprising popularity. The text does not say no teenagers use it, only that most users are older.

Question 10Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Ordering groceries online saves time, but the delivery vans add to traffic jams in the city centre. Some supermarkets now use electric cargo bikes instead.' Why do supermarkets use cargo bikes?

  1. They help reduce traffic problems in the centre. Correct answer.
  2. They can carry more groceries than vans.
  3. They are required by city law.
  4. They are cheaper to buy than vans.

Explanation

The text links delivery vans to traffic jams and then introduces cargo bikes as an alternative, implying they ease that problem. Option 2 reflects this cause-and-effect relationship. Cost, capacity and legal requirements are not mentioned.

Question 11Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Dear residents, the lift in building B will be out of order from Monday to Wednesday for urgent repairs. We apologise for the inconvenience and ask elderly residents to contact the office if they need help with stairs.' What is the purpose of this message?

  1. To announce that building B will be closed.
  2. To warn residents about a lift that is dangerous to use.
  3. To inform residents about repairs and offer help. Correct answer.
  4. To ask residents to pay for the repairs.

Explanation

The message gives practical information about the lift closure and adds an offer of help for elderly residents. Option 1 covers both purposes. The lift is being repaired rather than described as dangerous, and no payment or closure is mentioned.

Question 12Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'In the 1950s, almost every household in this village kept chickens. Today only two families do. Supermarkets made eggs cheap and convenient, and younger people moved to the cities for work.' What is the main cause of the decline described?

  1. The village banned keeping animals.
  2. A disease killed most of the village's chickens.
  3. Cheap shop-bought eggs and migration to cities. Correct answer.
  4. Chickens became more expensive to keep.

Explanation

The text names two causes: cheap, convenient supermarket eggs and young people leaving for city jobs. Option 2 combines both. Higher costs, disease and a ban are not part of the passage.

Question 13Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The company says its new packaging is fully recyclable. Environmental groups point out, however, that few recycling plants can process this type of plastic.' What are the environmental groups doing?

  1. Asking the company to lower its prices.
  2. Praising the company's recycling efforts.
  3. Questioning how useful the recyclable packaging really is. Correct answer.
  4. Proving that the packaging is not recyclable at all.

Explanation

The groups accept the material's technical recyclability but highlight that few plants can process it, so in practice recycling is limited. Option 1 captures this questioning of real-world usefulness. They do not deny recyclability outright, nor do they praise the company or discuss prices.

Question 14Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The article states: "Critics argue that the new motorway will merely shift the traffic jam five kilometres to the north."' What do the critics mean?

  1. The problem will move rather than disappear. Correct answer.
  2. Traffic jams only happen in the north.
  3. The motorway will solve the traffic problem completely.
  4. The motorway is five kilometres too short.

Explanation

'Merely shift' means the jam is moved to another location instead of being solved. Option 1 expresses that idea. The critics are sceptical, so they do not claim a complete solution, and the 'five kilometres' refers to distance, not length or location of all jams.

Question 15Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Booking a holiday online is quick, but reading the small print matters. Some cheap offers exclude luggage and charge extra for seat selection.' What advice does the writer give?

  1. Avoid booking holidays online altogether.
  2. Travel without any luggage.
  3. Always choose the most expensive offer.
  4. Check the conditions before booking a cheap offer. Correct answer.

Explanation

The writer warns that cheap offers may exclude luggage and add charges, so reading the small print, i.e. checking conditions, is important. Option 2 restates this advice. The writer does not reject online booking, recommend expensive offers, or suggest travelling without luggage.

Question 16Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The council's decision to close the swimming pool on Sundays has upset many families. A petition with 2,000 signatures has been handed over, and the council has promised to reconsider.' What has the council agreed to do?

  1. Reopen the pool immediately.
  2. Extend the pool's opening hours.
  3. Ignore the petition completely.
  4. Look again at its decision. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Promised to reconsider' means the council will review its decision, which matches option 1. It has not yet reopened the pool or changed opening hours, and it certainly has not ignored the petition.

Question 17Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Some psychologists claim that background music helps students concentrate. Others warn that lyrics interfere with reading tasks.' What is the relationship between these two views?

  1. Both views focus on the volume of the music.
  2. They agree that music always helps concentration.
  3. Both views reject the use of any music while studying.
  4. They disagree about the effect of music on concentration. Correct answer.

Explanation

The first view says music can help, the second warns it can interfere, so the two are in conflict about the effect of music. Option 1 describes that disagreement. Neither view is about volume, and only the second is negative.

Question 18Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The restaurant's menu says: "Our vegetables are grown on our own farm, just outside town."' What does this information emphasise?

  1. The number of staff employed.
  2. The low prices of the dishes.
  3. The freshness and origin of the ingredients. Correct answer.
  4. The size of the restaurant.

Explanation

Mentioning that vegetables are grown on the restaurant's own nearby farm highlights where the food comes from and suggests freshness. Option 0 captures this emphasis. Prices, restaurant size and staff numbers are not mentioned.

Question 19Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The documentary was praised for its beautiful images but criticised for ignoring the scientific evidence.' What is the reviewer's overall view of the documentary?

  1. It looks good but is weak on facts. Correct answer.
  2. It is excellent in every respect.
  3. It should never have been made.
  4. It is scientifically accurate but ugly.

Explanation

The review balances praise for the images against criticism of the missing scientific evidence, so the overall view is visually strong but factually weak. Option 1 captures both halves. The other options ignore one side of the balanced judgement.

Question 20Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The text says: "The new bridge, which took four years to build, was opened by the mayor."' What does the relative clause 'which took four years to build' tell us?

  1. Why the bridge was needed.
  2. How long the construction lasted. Correct answer.
  3. When the bridge was opened.
  4. Who paid for the bridge.

Explanation

The relative clause adds information about the construction period, namely four years. Option 1 states this directly. The opening time, the funding and the reason for the bridge lie outside the clause.

Question 21Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Sales of electric cars rose sharply last year. Nevertheless, many buyers remain hesitant, citing the limited number of charging points.' What does 'Nevertheless' indicate?

  1. The second sentence repeats the first.
  2. The second sentence gives an example of the first.
  3. The second sentence supports the first.
  4. The second sentence contrasts with the first. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Nevertheless' is a contrast marker: rising sales would suggest growing acceptance, yet many buyers still hesitate. Option 1 correctly identifies this contrast. The sentence does not support, illustrate or repeat the first one.

Question 22Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'A study found that people who walk to work arrive more alert. The researchers stress, however, that the walkers in the study also tended to sleep longer.' Why do the researchers add this remark?

  1. To prove that walking is bad for health.
  2. To suggest the alertness may have another cause. Correct answer.
  3. To encourage people to sleep less.
  4. To show that the study was completely useless.

Explanation

By noting that walkers also slept longer, the researchers hint that better sleep, not the walk itself, might explain the alertness. Option 0 captures this caution. They do not condemn walking, advise less sleep, or dismiss the whole study.

Question 23Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The letter reads: "I am writing to express my disappointment with the service I received at your hotel on 3 May. Despite booking a quiet room, I was placed next to the lift."' What is the writer's purpose?

  1. To book a quiet room for a future stay.
  2. To thank the hotel for its good service.
  3. To complain about a problem during a hotel stay. Correct answer.
  4. To recommend the hotel to friends.

Explanation

The writer explicitly states disappointment and describes a specific problem: not getting the quiet room that was booked. Option 1 summarises this complaint. The letter is not a booking, a thank-you or a recommendation.

Question 24Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The city wants fewer cars in the centre. It has therefore raised parking fees and improved bus services.' How are these two measures connected?

  1. Both aim to earn money for the bus company.
  2. Both increase the number of parking spaces.
  3. Both aim to make driving in the centre less attractive. Correct answer.
  4. Both make it harder to use public transport.

Explanation

Higher parking fees make driving less appealing, while better buses offer an alternative, so both measures serve the goal of fewer cars. Option 0 captures this shared aim. Earning money, hindering public transport and adding parking spaces are not the stated purposes.

Question 25Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The author describes her first job as a newspaper delivery girl: "The rain, the dogs, the angry customers - I loved every minute of it."' How should this statement be understood?

  1. She is complaining about the weather.
  2. She regrets taking the job.
  3. She found the job extremely unpleasant.
  4. She is being humorous about hardships she actually enjoyed. Correct answer.

Explanation

The list of hardships followed by 'I loved every minute of it' creates a humorous contrast, showing she enjoyed the job despite its difficulties. Option 1 captures this tone. The statement is positive overall, so the negative readings miss the joke.

Question 26Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The town library has extended its opening hours to 9 p.m. on weekdays. Staff say the change follows a survey in which 68% of visitors asked for later closing times. The extra hours will initially run for six months, after which the council will review the results." What is the main reason given for the longer opening hours?

  1. Local schools requested more study space.
  2. The council wants to reduce staff costs.
  3. A majority of visitors asked for later closing times. Correct answer.
  4. The library building has recently been enlarged.

Explanation

The passage states the change follows a survey in which 68% of visitors asked for later closing times. That survey result is presented as the reason for the new hours. The other details are not mentioned as causes.

Question 27Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The festival was moved from the market square to the riverside park this year. Organisers said the square had become too small for the growing crowds, and the park offers more space and shade. Some traders, however, complain that the new location attracts fewer shoppers." What do the traders' complaints suggest?

  1. Organisers ignored the traders' advice about shade.
  2. The market square should be closed permanently.
  3. The park is too far from the town centre for visitors.
  4. Moving the festival has had a negative effect on their sales. Correct answer.

Explanation

The traders say the new location attracts fewer shoppers, which implies their sales have suffered. The complaint is about customer numbers, not distance or shade. The passage does not discuss closing the square.

Question 28Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "Our bakery now uses paper bags instead of plastic ones. It costs us more, but customers have responded positively, and several have said they chose us because of the change. We believe the extra cost is worth it." How does the bakery view the switch to paper bags?

  1. As a worthwhile change despite the higher cost. Correct answer.
  2. As an expensive mistake they regret.
  3. As a financial burden with no benefits.
  4. As something forced upon them by law.

Explanation

The bakery admits the bags cost more but calls the change worth it because customers responded positively. This shows they see it as a worthwhile trade-off. There is no mention of regret, law, or a lack of benefits.

Question 29Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The number of cyclists in the city has doubled since the new bike lanes opened. Accident figures, however, have stayed roughly the same. Traffic experts warn that this does not prove the lanes are dangerous, because more cyclists normally means more chances of an accident." What point are the traffic experts making?

  1. The new bike lanes have made cycling more dangerous.
  2. Accident numbers should be ignored completely.
  3. Cyclists should avoid the new bike lanes.
  4. The unchanged accident figures do not by themselves show the lanes are unsafe. Correct answer.

Explanation

The experts caution against a simple conclusion: with twice as many cyclists, a stable accident count does not automatically mean the lanes are dangerous. They are questioning an interpretation, not declaring the lanes unsafe.

Question 30Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "When the museum introduced free entry on Sundays, visitor numbers tripled. The director calls the policy a success. Critics, though, note that many of the new visitors are tourists who would have come anyway, and that the museum now earns less from tickets." What is the critics' main objection to the director's conclusion?

  1. The museum is no longer popular with tourists.
  2. Higher visitor numbers do not necessarily mean the policy achieved its goal. Correct answer.
  3. Free entry should be offered every day of the week.
  4. The museum should charge tourists more than locals.

Explanation

The critics argue the rise in visitors is misleading, since many would have come regardless, and income has fallen. They are challenging whether the policy truly succeeded, not proposing new prices or schedules.

Question 31Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "Dear Mr Bakker, Thank you for your email of 12 June about the delayed delivery of your sofa. We understand your frustration. Unfortunately, the model you ordered is currently out of stock at our supplier. We expect new stock within three weeks and will contact you as soon as it arrives. Kind regards, Customer Service, Meubelhuis" What is the purpose of this email?

  1. To ask Mr Bakker to return the sofa he received.
  2. To cancel Mr Bakker's order.
  3. To offer Mr Bakker a discount on a different sofa.
  4. To explain a delay and outline what happens next. Correct answer.

Explanation

The email apologises for a delayed delivery, explains the cause (out of stock) and states that the company will contact him when stock arrives. That is an explanation plus a next step, not a cancellation or a new offer.

Question 32Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "Many people assume that learning a language as an adult is hopeless. Research tells a different story. Adults generally learn grammar faster than children, but they struggle more with pronunciation. Children, by contrast, often pick up an accent effortlessly." What does the passage say about adult language learners?

  1. They have an advantage in grammar but find pronunciation harder. Correct answer.
  2. They can never achieve a native accent.
  3. They learn faster than children in every area.
  4. They usually learn grammar more slowly than children.

Explanation

The passage contrasts adults, who learn grammar faster, with children, who pick up accents more easily. So adults have an advantage in grammar but struggle with pronunciation. The text does not claim adults can never succeed.

Question 33Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The new supermarket opened last month on the site of the old cinema. Many residents had campaigned to save the cinema, which had stood there for seventy years. The supermarket's manager says the store will create forty local jobs." What does the passage suggest about local feelings towards the supermarket?

  1. All residents warmly welcomed the supermarket.
  2. Some residents may feel unhappy because the cinema was lost. Correct answer.
  3. The supermarket replaced a building nobody cared about.
  4. Residents are mainly concerned about job losses.

Explanation

The passage notes that many residents campaigned to save the cinema, which suggests attachment to the old building and possible resentment about its replacement. It does not say everyone welcomed the store or that job losses were the concern.

Question 34Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the sentence: "The volunteers, who had worked all day in the rain, were finally offered hot soup." What does the relative clause "who had worked all day in the rain" tell the reader?

  1. It identifies which volunteers were offered soup.
  2. It gives extra information about the volunteers. Correct answer.
  3. It states that the volunteers refused the soup.
  4. It explains why it was raining.

Explanation

The clause sits between commas, which in English marks it as non-defining: it adds information about the volunteers rather than identifying a particular group. The soup is offered to them all, and the clause describes their effort.

Question 35Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "Sales of second-hand clothing have grown rapidly. Platforms that let people resell their old clothes report record numbers of users. Environmental groups welcome the trend but point out that shipping individual items across the country still produces emissions." What is the environmental groups' position?

  1. They support the trend but see a remaining problem. Correct answer.
  2. They reject second-hand clothing as useless.
  3. They believe reselling clothes causes no pollution.
  4. They want all clothing platforms to close.

Explanation

The groups welcome the trend, showing support, but also point out emissions from shipping, showing a remaining concern. Their position is balanced, not a rejection or an unqualified endorsement.

Question 36Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The company announced that it will close its factory in the north of the country, where 200 people work. Production will move to a larger site in the south. The company says the northern factory is too old to modernise." What reason does the company give for the closure?

  1. The government ordered the factory to close.
  2. The northern factory is too old to modernise. Correct answer.
  3. Workers in the north demanded higher wages.
  4. Demand for the company's products has fallen.

Explanation

The passage states directly that the company calls the northern factory too old to modernise. No other reason, such as wages, demand, or government orders, is given.

Question 37Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "Some schools have banned smartphones during breaks. Teachers report that pupils talk to each other more and that playground arguments have decreased. A few parents, however, worry that they can no longer reach their children during the school day." Which two groups are shown to have different views?

  1. Teachers and pupils.
  2. Pupils and the school board.
  3. Teachers and some parents. Correct answer.
  4. Parents and the school board.

Explanation

Teachers report benefits such as more conversation and fewer arguments, while some parents worry about reaching their children. The contrast is between teachers and those parents. Pupils' and the school board's views are not given.

Question 38Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The documentary claims that the ancient city was abandoned after a single earthquake. Most archaeologists, however, reject this idea. They argue that the city was already declining for decades, and that the earthquake was merely the final blow." What do most archaeologists believe?

  1. The city was never abandoned.
  2. The earthquake was the only cause of the abandonment.
  3. The documentary's evidence is completely reliable.
  4. The city was already declining before the earthquake. Correct answer.

Explanation

The archaeologists argue the city had been declining for decades and the earthquake was only the final blow. This means they see earlier decline as the main background, not a single sudden cause.

Question 39Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The mayor promised to make the city centre car-free within five years. Since the announcement, two large car parks have closed and three bus routes have been extended. Not all promises, however, have been kept: the planned tram line has been postponed indefinitely." What does the passage indicate about the mayor's promise?

  1. It was never taken seriously by anyone.
  2. It has been abandoned completely.
  3. Some steps have been taken, but progress is mixed. Correct answer.
  4. It has been fully achieved ahead of schedule.

Explanation

The passage lists measures that have been carried out, such as closing car parks and extending buses, but also notes a postponed tram line. This shows partial, mixed progress rather than full success or total failure.

Question 40Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "Order your Christmas gifts before 15 December to guarantee delivery in time. Orders placed after this date will still be processed, but we cannot promise they will arrive before 25 December. Delivery is free on orders over €50." What happens to orders placed after 15 December?

  1. They are processed but may arrive late. Correct answer.
  2. They are delivered for free regardless of price.
  3. They are refused by the shop.
  4. They are automatically cancelled on 25 December.

Explanation

The passage says late orders will still be processed but delivery before 25 December cannot be promised. They are therefore accepted with a risk of arriving late. Refusal, automatic cancellation, and free delivery are not stated for these orders.

Question 41Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The author of the study warns that her findings should not be overinterpreted. The sample was small, she notes, and all participants were students at a single university. Further research, she says, is needed before any general conclusions can be drawn." What is the author's attitude towards her own findings?

  1. She believes the research should be stopped.
  2. She is cautious about how far they can be generalised. Correct answer.
  3. She is confident they apply to everyone.
  4. She thinks the sample was too large.

Explanation

The author warns against overinterpretation, notes a small sample from one university, and calls for further research. All of this shows caution about generalising the results. She does not dismiss the research entirely.

Question 42Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The village post office was due to close in March. After a campaign by residents, however, the council agreed to keep it open for another two years. The post office will now share its building with a small café, which helps pay the rent." How was the post office saved?

  1. Residents campaigned and the council agreed to keep it open. Correct answer.
  2. A private company bought the building.
  3. The post office moved to a larger building.
  4. The government ordered it to stay open permanently.

Explanation

The passage says residents campaigned and the council agreed to keep the post office open for two more years. Sharing with a café helps with rent but is not presented as the reason it was saved.

Question 43Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The article states: 'Far from reducing congestion, the new ring road has attracted more traffic to the area.'" What does the phrase "Far from reducing congestion" imply?

  1. The ring road was built far away from the city.
  2. The ring road had the opposite effect to what was intended. Correct answer.
  3. Congestion was never a problem in the area.
  4. The ring road reduced congestion exactly as planned.

Explanation

"Far from reducing" signals a contrast: instead of the intended reduction, the road brought more traffic. The phrase therefore implies the opposite of the expected effect. It is not about distance or the original level of congestion.

Question 44Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "Our hotel offers a shuttle bus to the airport every thirty minutes. The service is free for guests. Please note that the last bus leaves at 10 p.m., and reservations are required for groups of more than six people." What must a group of eight guests do to use the shuttle bus?

  1. Take a taxi instead of the bus.
  2. Make a reservation in advance. Correct answer.
  3. Pay a fee for each passenger.
  4. Wait for the bus after 10 p.m.

Explanation

The passage states that reservations are required for groups of more than six people, so a group of eight must book. The bus is free for guests, and the last departure is 10 p.m., so paying or waiting later is not required.

Question 45Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "Critics praised the novel for its vivid descriptions of the countryside. They were less impressed by the plot, which several described as predictable. The book has nevertheless sold over a million copies." What is the critics' overall view of the novel?

  1. They admired the descriptions but found the plot weak. Correct answer.
  2. They disliked everything about it.
  3. They refused to review the book.
  4. They thought the plot was the best part.

Explanation

The critics praised the descriptions but called the plot predictable, giving a mixed view with admiration for style and criticism of plot. Their opinion is not wholly negative, and they did review the book.

Question 46Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "Many cities are turning empty office buildings into apartments. This solves two problems at once: it provides housing and prevents unused buildings from falling into decay. Converting a building, however, is often more expensive than building new homes on empty land." What disadvantage of conversions does the passage mention?

  1. They are often more expensive than new construction. Correct answer.
  2. They take longer than building on empty land.
  3. They cause office buildings to become empty.
  4. They cannot provide enough housing.

Explanation

The passage ends by noting that converting a building is often more expensive than building new homes on empty land. That is the stated disadvantage. Time, housing quantity, and the cause of empty offices are not discussed.

Question 47Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The scientist's claim that the lake is safe for swimming has been questioned. Local doctors point to a rise in skin complaints among swimmers. The scientist responds that other factors, such as the hot summer, may explain the complaints." How does the scientist defend her claim?

  1. She says the doctors are not qualified.
  2. She suggests other causes for the complaints. Correct answer.
  3. She blames the swimmers for ignoring warnings.
  4. She admits the lake is unsafe.

Explanation

The scientist defends her claim by proposing alternative explanations, such as the hot summer, for the skin complaints. She does not concede that the lake is unsafe, attack the doctors' qualifications, or blame the swimmers.

Question 48Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The council has installed sensors in 200 rubbish bins. The sensors tell the collection team when a bin is nearly full, so trucks only visit bins that need emptying. The council expects this to cut fuel costs and reduce traffic in narrow streets." How do the sensors help the collection team?

  1. They stop residents from filling bins too quickly.
  2. They show which bins need to be emptied. Correct answer.
  3. They reduce the amount of rubbish produced.
  4. They sort the rubbish automatically.

Explanation

The sensors report when a bin is nearly full, so trucks visit only bins that need emptying. They support scheduling, not sorting, preventing filling, or reducing waste itself.

Question 49Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "The report concludes that remote working has benefits for employees, such as saving time on commuting, but warns that it can weaken team spirit. It recommends a hybrid model, with staff in the office two or three days a week." What does the report recommend?

  1. That all staff work from home permanently.
  2. That team spirit is no longer important.
  3. That employees stop commuting entirely.
  4. That staff combine office and home working. Correct answer.

Explanation

The report recommends a hybrid model with staff in the office two or three days a week, which means combining office and home working. It does not favour fully remote work or dismiss team spirit.

Question 50Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read the passage: "Visitors often describe the castle as 'romantic', but historians are quick to point out that it was built as a fortress. Its thick walls and narrow windows were designed for defence, not decoration. The towers, now admired for their beauty, once served as lookout points." What is the historians' point?

  1. The castle was built to attract tourists.
  2. Visitors are correct to call the castle romantic.
  3. The castle is not actually very old.
  4. The castle's features had practical purposes rather than decorative ones. Correct answer.

Explanation

The historians stress that the walls, windows, and towers were designed for defence and lookout, not beauty. Their point is that the features served practical purposes, even if visitors now see them as romantic.