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VMBO GL/TL Engels study materials
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VMBO GL/TL Engels practice questions

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Question 1Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this short text: 'Many Dutch schools now start lessons later on Mondays so that teenagers can sleep longer. Researchers say this helps pupils concentrate better in the first hours.' What is the main reason for the later start?

  1. To allow teachers to meet
  2. To give teenagers more sleep Correct answer.
  3. To shorten the school week
  4. To reduce bus costs

Explanation

The text states the later start is meant to let teenagers sleep longer and that this improves concentration. The other ideas are not mentioned anywhere in the passage, so only the sleep reason is supported by the text.

Question 2Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The new library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, but closes at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.' A visitor wants to come on Sunday afternoon. What should she know?

  1. The library is open until 8 p.m.
  2. The library is closed that day Correct answer.
  3. The library closes at 5 p.m.
  4. The library opens at 9 a.m.

Explanation

The passage says the library is closed on Sundays, so a Sunday afternoon visit is impossible. The other times given apply to weekdays or Saturdays, not to Sunday, so they do not answer her question.

Question 3Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Our school canteen has stopped selling fizzy drinks. Instead, it now offers water, milk and fresh juice. The manager says pupils have responded well to the change.' What change was made in the canteen?

  1. The canteen now opens later
  2. Prices of all drinks went up
  3. Only teachers can buy drinks
  4. Fizzy drinks were replaced by healthier options Correct answer.

Explanation

The text explains that fizzy drinks are no longer sold and that water, milk and juice are offered instead. This is a direct replacement with healthier choices, which matches the first option.

Question 4Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Booking a holiday online is quick, but always read the small print. Some cheap offers do not include luggage or airport transfers, which can make the final price much higher than it first appears.' What warning does the writer give?

  1. Holidays should be booked by phone
  2. Luggage is never allowed on planes
  3. Online booking is always unsafe
  4. Cheap offers may hide extra costs Correct answer.

Explanation

The writer warns that low prices sometimes exclude luggage or transfers, so the real cost ends up higher. This is a warning about hidden extra costs, not about safety or booking methods.

Question 5Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The festival was cancelled after heavy rain flooded the main field. Organisers hope to reschedule the event for next month.' Why was the festival cancelled?

  1. A lack of visitors
  2. Flooding caused by heavy rain Correct answer.
  3. A problem with the band
  4. Rising ticket prices

Explanation

The passage directly links the cancellation to heavy rain flooding the main field. The other reasons are not stated, so flooding is the only cause supported by the text.

Question 6Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Please note that the gym will be closed for repairs from 3 to 10 June. Members can use the sports hall at the community centre free of charge during this period.' What can gym members do while the gym is closed?

  1. Enter the gym through a side door
  2. Use the community centre sports hall for free Correct answer.
  3. Get a full refund of their membership
  4. Attend classes at another gym for a fee

Explanation

The notice says members may use the sports hall at the community centre at no cost during the repairs. This free alternative is the only option that matches the information given.

Question 7Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'In the survey, 60% of pupils said they feel tired at school. Of these, most blamed late-night phone use. Only a small group said homework was the cause.' What did most tired pupils say caused their tiredness?

  1. Doing too much homework
  2. Eating too little at breakfast
  3. Using their phone late at night Correct answer.
  4. Starting school too early

Explanation

The text says most of the tired pupils blamed late-night phone use, while only a small group named homework. The other causes are not given as the main reason in the survey.

Question 8Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The museum offers a family ticket for two adults and two children at a lower price than buying four separate tickets.' What is the advantage of the family ticket?

  1. It includes a free guidebook
  2. It lets you skip the queue
  3. It is valid for a whole year
  4. It costs less than four separate tickets Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage states the family ticket is cheaper than buying four individual tickets. This saving is the only advantage described, and the other benefits are not mentioned.

Question 9Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Switching to a reusable water bottle saves money over time and reduces plastic waste. However, some bottles are made of materials that are hard to recycle.' What is the writer's overall message?

  1. Recycling is impossible in most countries
  2. Reusable bottles are useful but not perfect Correct answer.
  3. Reusable bottles always save the most money
  4. Plastic bottles are better than reusable ones

Explanation

The writer presents both a benefit (saving money, less waste) and a drawback (some materials are hard to recycle). A balanced message that reusable bottles help but have limits fits both parts of the text.

Question 10Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'When the new bike lane opened, cycling to school rose by 25%. The council now plans to build two more lanes.' What can you conclude about the council's view of the bike lane?

  1. They want to close it again
  2. They believe few people use it
  3. They think it was too expensive
  4. They see it as a success worth repeating Correct answer.

Explanation

Because cycling increased and the council plans more lanes, they clearly regard the first lane as successful. Wanting to repeat the project shows a positive view of its results.

Question 11Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Although the app is free, it shows advertisements between levels. Users can pay a one-time fee to remove them.' What does the passage suggest about the free version?

  1. It stops working after a week
  2. It has fewer levels than the paid one
  3. It is interrupted by advertising Correct answer.
  4. It contains no advertisements

Explanation

The text says the free app shows advertisements between levels, meaning gameplay is interrupted by ads. The paid fee only removes those ads; it does not change the number of levels.

Question 12Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Dear Mr Bakker, Thank you for your application. Unfortunately, we have chosen another candidate whose experience better matches our needs. We will keep your details on file.' What is the purpose of this letter?

  1. To invite him for a second interview
  2. To ask him for more references
  3. To offer him a different position
  4. To inform him he did not get the job Correct answer.

Explanation

The letter thanks the applicant but says another candidate was chosen, which is a polite rejection. The mention of keeping details on file does not change the main purpose of informing him of the outcome.

Question 13Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The word "sustainable" is often used in adverts, but its meaning varies. For some companies it means using less energy; for others it means using recycled materials.' What point is the writer making about the word 'sustainable'?

  1. It is only used by small companies
  2. Its meaning is used inconsistently Correct answer.
  3. It should be banned in adverts
  4. It always refers to energy use

Explanation

The writer shows that different companies attach different meanings to the same word, so it is used inconsistently. The text describes this variation rather than calling for a ban or limiting the word to one meaning.

Question 14Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Volunteers cleaned the beach last Saturday. They collected over 200 bags of rubbish, mostly plastic bottles and fishing nets. Organisers say the next clean-up is planned for September.' Which detail shows the clean-up was effective?

  1. The clean-up took place on Saturday
  2. Volunteers worked near fishing boats
  3. The next event is in September
  4. Over 200 bags of rubbish were collected Correct answer.

Explanation

The large amount of rubbish removed is evidence that the clean-up achieved results. The day, location and next date are factual details but do not by themselves show effectiveness.

Question 15Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Many students revise by rereading their notes. Studies suggest, however, that testing yourself on the material leads to better long-term memory than rereading does.' What does the text recommend?

  1. Studying only the night before a test
  2. Rereading notes several times a day
  3. Testing yourself instead of only rereading Correct answer.
  4. Avoiding notes completely

Explanation

The passage contrasts rereading with self-testing and says testing gives better long-term memory. The recommendation is therefore to test yourself rather than rely on rereading alone.

Question 16Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The shop advertises "up to 50% off". A closer look at the labels shows that only a few items are reduced by 50%, while most have smaller discounts.' What is the writer pointing out about the advert?

  1. It ends earlier than advertised
  2. It can mislead shoppers about savings Correct answer.
  3. It applies only to online orders
  4. It is completely false and illegal

Explanation

The writer shows that the maximum discount applies to only a few items, so the advert may give a misleading impression of overall savings. This is a caution about how such wording can mislead, not a claim that the advert is illegal.

Question 17Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Our hotel is a two-minute walk from the beach and offers free breakfast. Rooms on the top floor have sea views, but there is no lift.' A guest with difficulty climbing stairs should know that...

  1. breakfast is not included in the price
  2. the top-floor rooms are reached by stairs only Correct answer.
  3. the beach is far from the hotel
  4. all rooms have sea views

Explanation

The text says top-floor rooms have sea views but there is no lift, so those rooms can only be reached by stairs. This is the key fact for a guest who struggles with stairs.

Question 18Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Sales of electric cars grew sharply last year. Charging points, however, have not increased at the same pace, and some drivers now wait in long queues.' What problem does the text describe?

  1. A drop in electric car sales
  2. Too few charging points for the number of cars Correct answer.
  3. Charging points being removed
  4. Electric cars being too expensive

Explanation

The passage contrasts fast growth in electric cars with slower growth in charging points, leading to queues. This shows a shortage of charging facilities relative to demand.

Question 19Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The article argues that school uniforms reduce pressure to buy expensive brands, but adds that uniforms can be costly for families and that some pupils dislike them.' How does the writer treat the topic?

  1. By refusing to give any opinion
  2. By strongly supporting uniforms only
  3. By ignoring the cost for families
  4. By presenting both benefits and drawbacks Correct answer.

Explanation

The writer gives a benefit (less brand pressure) and drawbacks (cost, pupils' dislike), which is a balanced two-sided treatment. The text is not one-sided because it includes the disadvantages as well.

Question 20Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The council says the new parking rules will reduce traffic in the centre. Shop owners, however, fear that customers will go to out-of-town centres instead.' What is the disagreement about?

  1. When the rules will be introduced
  2. Whether the rules will help or harm local business Correct answer.
  3. Who wrote the new rules
  4. How much parking will cost per hour

Explanation

The council expects less traffic while shop owners worry about losing customers, so they disagree about the effect on local business. Cost, timing and authorship are not the points of conflict.

Question 21Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The writer notes that "fast fashion" offers cheap clothes, yet says the low prices hide environmental and social costs. She calls on readers to buy less and choose better.' What is the writer's attitude towards fast fashion?

  1. Confused about the topic
  2. Supportive of its low prices
  3. Critical of its hidden costs Correct answer.
  4. Neutral and uninterested

Explanation

The writer points to hidden environmental and social costs and urges readers to buy less, which shows a critical attitude. Support or neutrality would not lead to a call to change buying habits.

Question 22Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'Although the study found a link between screen time and poor sleep, the researchers warn that a link does not prove that one causes the other.' What are the researchers careful to point out?

  1. A connection does not prove causation Correct answer.
  2. Screen time always causes bad sleep
  3. Sleep has no effect on health
  4. The study should be ignored

Explanation

The researchers distinguish between a link and a cause, warning that correlation alone does not prove causation. This caution is the main point they want readers to keep in mind.

Question 23Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The company claims its new packaging is "100% recyclable". Critics reply that this is true only if special facilities are available, which most towns lack.' What is the critics' main objection?

  1. The claim depends on facilities few places have Correct answer.
  2. The packaging is not made of plastic
  3. Recycling is bad for the environment
  4. The company should stop selling products

Explanation

The critics accept that the material can be recycled but argue the claim is misleading because the needed facilities are rare. Their objection is about the conditions behind the claim, not about recycling itself.

Question 24Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Text: 'The author describes the village festival as "a small event that quietly holds the community together". She contrasts it with large commercial festivals that, in her view, leave little lasting connection.' What does the author value most?

  1. The size and fame of festivals
  2. The community bond created by local events Correct answer.
  3. The money made from tickets
  4. The commercial sponsors of events

Explanation

By praising the small festival for holding the community together and criticising large commercial ones, the author shows she values community connection. Size, profit and sponsors are linked to the events she views less positively.

Question 25Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The school library now opens at 7:30 a.m., an hour earlier than last year, so pupils can study before lessons. The librarian says the early opening is popular with pupils who take the bus.' What is the main reason for the earlier opening time?

  1. To give pupils a quiet place to study before school starts Correct answer.
  2. To allow the librarian to finish work earlier in the day
  3. To make room for a new collection of books
  4. To reduce the number of pupils using the library at break

Explanation

The text directly states the library opens earlier 'so pupils can study before lessons'. The early hour is presented as a service for pupils who arrive early, especially those travelling by bus. No other purpose is mentioned.

Question 26Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The city's bike-sharing scheme started with 50 bicycles. Within six months there were 400, and the company plans to add another 200 next year.' What does the text say about the number of bicycles?

  1. It has grown quickly and will keep growing Correct answer.
  2. It will be limited to 400 bicycles
  3. It has stayed the same since the start
  4. It was reduced because of maintenance costs

Explanation

The numbers rise from 50 to 400, and the company plans to add 200 more, which shows fast growth that is set to continue. The reader must combine the figures with the stated plan to reach this conclusion.

Question 27Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'Dear Sam, Thanks for lending me your camera. I dropped it on the stairs, but it still works. I have booked a repair check for Friday just to be safe. See you then, Lisa.' What is Lisa's main purpose in writing?

  1. To invite Sam to come along on Friday
  2. To tell Sam about an accident with his camera Correct answer.
  3. To complain about the quality of the camera
  4. To ask Sam whether she can borrow his camera

Explanation

Lisa opens by thanking Sam for the loan and then reports that she dropped the camera. The whole message is an honest update about the accident and what she has arranged, which is the writer's purpose.

Question 28Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'Free Wi-Fi is available in the main hall. In the study rooms, however, the signal is weak, so please use a cable connection there.' What should a pupil do to get a good internet connection in a study room?

  1. Use a cable connection Correct answer.
  2. Wait until the signal becomes stronger
  3. Move to the main hall only at lunchtime
  4. Ask staff to restart the Wi-Fi

Explanation

The text states that the Wi-Fi signal in study rooms is weak and advises using a cable connection there. This is a practical instruction the reader must apply to the situation described.

Question 29Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The word "natural" on food labels is not strictly controlled. It may simply mean that a product contains no artificial colours, even if it is high in sugar.' What does the text suggest about the label "natural"?

  1. It is only used on drinks
  2. It can be misleading for shoppers Correct answer.
  3. It guarantees a healthy product
  4. It is banned by law

Explanation

The text explains that 'natural' is not strictly controlled and may hide high sugar content. This means shoppers can be misled by the label, which is the point the writer makes.

Question 30Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'Our drama club meets on Tuesdays. This term we are preparing a play for the winter show. New members are welcome, but you must be able to attend rehearsals every week.' What is required to join the drama club?

  1. Bringing your own costume
  2. Paying a membership fee
  3. Having acted in a play before
  4. Attending rehearsals every week Correct answer.

Explanation

The text states that new members are welcome 'but you must be able to attend rehearsals every week'. The word 'must' marks this as the condition for joining.

Question 31Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The cafeteria has replaced plastic cups with paper ones. Some pupils say the paper cups go soft, but the school says the change removes thousands of plastic cups each month.' What is the school's reason for the change?

  1. It makes the cups last longer
  2. It makes drinks taste better
  3. It saves money on cleaning
  4. It cuts down on plastic waste Correct answer.

Explanation

The school's argument is that the change removes thousands of plastic cups each month, which is a reduction in plastic waste. The complaint about soft cups comes from pupils, not the school.

Question 32Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The poster shows a smiling family next to a new car. In small print at the bottom it says: "Image for illustration only. Model shown includes optional extras."' What does the small print warn the reader about?

  1. The car is not yet for sale
  2. The family in the picture owns the car
  3. The price includes all extras
  4. The car in the picture may differ from the standard model Correct answer.

Explanation

The small print says the picture is for illustration and that the model shown includes optional extras. This warns buyers that the advertised image may not match the basic car they purchase.

Question 33Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'Many people believe that goldfish have a three-second memory. Research, however, shows they can remember things for months and can even be trained to respond to sounds.' What is the writer doing in this text?

  1. Describing the best food for goldfish
  2. Correcting a common belief with research findings Correct answer.
  3. Comparing goldfish with other pet fish
  4. Explaining how to train a goldfish at home

Explanation

The text sets up a popular belief and then contrasts it with research evidence. The word 'however' signals that the writer is challenging the belief rather than supporting it.

Question 34Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The new sports centre was supposed to open in May. Building work was delayed by bad weather, and the opening has now been moved to September.' What can you conclude about the sports centre?

  1. It is already fully booked
  2. It was cancelled completely
  3. It opened on time in May
  4. It is not yet open to the public Correct answer.

Explanation

The opening has been moved from May to September, so at the time described the centre is not yet open. The reader must infer this from the change of date rather than read it directly.

Question 35Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The writer describes the town's market as "the beating heart of the community". She notes that traders know their customers by name and that older residents meet there every Saturday.' What does the writer emphasise about the market?

  1. Its low prices compared with shops
  2. Its long history in the region
  3. Its social importance to local people Correct answer.
  4. Its popularity with tourists

Explanation

The phrase 'beating heart of the community' and the details about traders knowing names and residents meeting there both stress social bonds. The writer's focus is on people and connection, not commerce.

Question 36Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'Cycling to school has clear benefits for fitness. Parents, however, often worry about busy roads. The council has therefore produced a map of quiet routes and offers free cycling lessons at weekends.' What problem does the council try to solve?

  1. Pupils' lack of interest in fitness
  2. The shortage of parking spaces
  3. Parents' concern about road safety Correct answer.
  4. The cost of buying bicycles

Explanation

The text identifies parents' worry about busy roads and then describes two council measures that address it. The word 'therefore' links the measures directly to that concern.

Question 37Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The report found that pupils who ate breakfast scored slightly higher in morning tests. It warned, though, that other factors such as sleep and home routines might also play a part.' How does the report treat its own findings?

  1. It rejects the test results entirely
  2. It is cautious about drawing firm conclusions Correct answer.
  3. It recommends skipping breakfast
  4. It claims breakfast is the only factor

Explanation

The report notes a small effect and then warns that other factors may also play a part, which shows caution. The word 'though' signals that the writer is limiting the conclusion.

Question 38Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'Our app helps you plan meals for the week. It suggests recipes based on what is already in your fridge and creates a shopping list automatically. A free version is available; the full version costs €3 a month.' What is the app mainly designed to do?

  1. Compare prices in different supermarkets
  2. Deliver groceries to users' homes
  3. Teach users how to cook professionally
  4. Save users time when planning meals Correct answer.

Explanation

The app suggests recipes from what is in the fridge and builds a shopping list automatically, both of which save effort in meal planning. This is the central service the text describes.

Question 39Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The museum's new exhibition is free for under-18s but costs €12 for adults. On Sundays, entry is free for everyone. The exhibition closes at 5 p.m. on weekdays and at 8 p.m. at weekends.' A family of two adults and one child wants to visit on a Saturday afternoon. What will they pay?

  1. €12
  2. €24 Correct answer.
  3. Nothing
  4. €36

Explanation

On a Saturday the free-Sunday rule does not apply. The child is under 18 and goes free, while each adult pays €12, giving a total of €24. The reader must apply two separate rules to the situation.

Question 40Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'Dear residents, From Monday, the rubbish collection will move from Wednesday to Thursday. Please put your bins out on Wednesday evening, as collections start early on Thursday morning.' What are residents asked to do?

  1. Put their bins out on Wednesday evening Correct answer.
  2. Leave their bins out all week
  3. Bring their bins inside on Thursday
  4. Call the council to book a collection

Explanation

The notice asks residents to place bins outside on Wednesday evening because the Thursday collection starts early. This is a direct instruction that the reader must follow.

Question 41Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The company says its trainers are made from recycled bottles. A recent check found that only the upper part uses recycled material, while the sole is made of new plastic.' What criticism does the check make?

  1. The trainers are too expensive
  2. The recycling claim is only partly true Correct answer.
  3. The trainers are uncomfortable
  4. The recycled bottles are unsafe

Explanation

The check shows that recycled material is used only in the upper part, not the sole, so the general claim about recycled bottles is only partly accurate. The reader must compare the claim with the finding.

Question 42Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'Volunteering at the animal shelter was harder than I expected. The work was tiring and often dirty. Still, I would do it again without hesitation.' What does the writer suggest about the experience?

  1. It was a mistake she regrets
  2. It was easier than she expected
  3. It was too dirty to enjoy at all
  4. It was worthwhile despite the difficulties Correct answer.

Explanation

The writer admits the work was tiring and dirty, but says she would do it again 'without hesitation'. The word 'still' shows that the positive view outweighs the complaints.

Question 43Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'Some shops now charge 10 cents for a paper bag. Supporters say this cuts waste. Critics argue that many people simply buy the bag and throw it away, so the charge does not change habits.' What is the critics' point?

  1. A small charge may not change behaviour Correct answer.
  2. Shops keep the money for themselves
  3. Paper bags cause more harm than plastic
  4. Bags should always be free

Explanation

The critics argue that people buy the bag and throw it away anyway, meaning the charge fails to change habits. Their point is about behaviour, not about the material itself.

Question 44Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The village fete raised €2,000 for the local hospice. The organisers had hoped for more, but they note that heavy rain kept visitors away for most of the afternoon.' How do the organisers view the result?

  1. Confused about the final total
  2. Angry with the hospice
  3. Completely satisfied with the amount
  4. Disappointed but understanding of the cause Correct answer.

Explanation

The organisers 'had hoped for more', which shows disappointment, but they explain the result by pointing to the heavy rain, which shows understanding. Both elements must be combined.

Question 45Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The advice to "drink eight glasses of water a day" is repeated everywhere, yet it has no strong scientific basis. Needs vary with body size, activity and climate, and much of our water comes from food.' What is the writer's attitude towards the eight-glass rule?

  1. Angry at people who drink little
  2. Sceptical of its scientific value Correct answer.
  3. Supportive of its simplicity
  4. Uncertain about what water is

Explanation

The writer says the rule 'has no strong scientific basis' and points to varying needs, which shows scepticism. The contrast word 'yet' signals that the popular advice is being questioned.

Question 46Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The council claims the new bus route "serves every neighbourhood". In fact, it stops only at the edge of three districts, leaving residents of the fourth with a twenty-minute walk.' How does the writer challenge the council's claim?

  1. By giving a concrete example that contradicts it Correct answer.
  2. By quoting a council official in detail
  3. By comparing the route with train services
  4. By describing the cost of the new route

Explanation

The writer uses the word 'in fact' and then provides specific details about where the bus stops, showing that the claim is inaccurate. A concrete counter-example is the method used.

Question 47Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The article argues that banning mobile phones in schools improves concentration. It admits that some pupils use phones for learning, but concludes that the distraction outweighs the benefit.' What is the article's overall position?

  1. Phones should be allowed for all lessons
  2. Phones have no effect on concentration
  3. The ban would be impossible to enforce
  4. The drawbacks of phones outweigh their benefits in school Correct answer.

Explanation

The article acknowledges a benefit but concludes that distraction outweighs it, which supports a ban. Its position is a balanced judgement rather than a one-sided claim.

Question 48Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The author notes that "fast fashion" offers cheap clothes, yet says the low prices hide environmental and social costs. She stops short of calling for a boycott, urging shoppers instead to buy less and wear clothes longer.' What advice does the author give?

  1. Boycott all clothing shops
  2. Buy fewer clothes and use them for longer Correct answer.
  3. Buy only the cheapest clothes
  4. Avoid reading about fashion

Explanation

The author explicitly urges shoppers to buy less and wear clothes longer, and she does not call for a boycott. The advice is about changing habits rather than stopping shopping entirely.

Question 49Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The study found that pupils who walked to school arrived more alert than those who came by car. The researchers caution that families who walk may also have healthier routines at home, which could explain part of the difference.' Why do the researchers add this caution?

  1. To prove that cars are better for pupils
  2. To criticise the pupils who were studied
  3. To show that walking may not be the only cause Correct answer.
  4. To encourage families to buy cars

Explanation

The caution introduces an alternative explanation, namely healthier home routines, which means the effect cannot be credited to walking alone. This is a standard limitation in interpreting research.

Question 50Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The school library is changing its opening hours. From next month it will open at 8 a.m. instead of 8.30 a.m., so pupils can study before lessons. It will now close at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, an hour earlier than before, because staff have a meeting.' What is the main reason the library will close earlier on Wednesdays?

  1. Pupils have sports lessons
  2. Staff have a meeting Correct answer.
  3. Fewer pupils come on Wednesdays
  4. The building needs repairs

Explanation

The text states directly that the earlier Wednesday closing is 'because staff have a meeting'. A reading question asking for a reason should be answered with the cause the text itself gives, not with a guess about pupil numbers or buildings.