Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions. 

     Researchers in the field of psychology have found that one of the best ways to make an important decision, such as choosing a university to attend or a business to invest in, involves the utilization of a decision worksheet. Psychologists who study optimization compare the actual decisions made by people to theoretical ideal decisions to see how similar they are. Proponents of the worksheet procedure believe that it will yield optimal results, that is, the best decisions. Although there are several variations on the exact format that worksheets can take, they are all similar in their essential aspects. Worksheets require defining the problem in a clear and concise way and then listing all possible solutions to the problem. Next, the pertinent considerations that will be affected by each decision are listed, and the relative importance of each consideration or consequence is determined. Each consideration is assigned a numerical value to reflect its relative importance. A decision is mathematically calculated by adding these values together. The alternative with the highest number of points emerges as the best decision. 

     Since most important problems are multifaceted, there are several alternatives to choose from, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. One of the benefits of a pencil and paper decision-making procedure is that it permits people to deal with more variables than their minds can generally comprehend and remember. On average, people can keep about seven ideas in their minds at once. A worksheet can be especially useful when the decision involves a large number of variables with complex relationships. A realistic example for many college students is the question “What will I do after graduation?” A graduate might seek a position that offers specialized training, pursue an advanced degree, or travel abroad for a year. 

     A decision-making worksheet begins with a succinct statement of the problem that will also help to narrow it. It is important to be clear about the distinction between long-range and immediate goals because long-range goals often involve a different decision than short-range ones. Focusing on long-range goals, a graduating student might revise the question above to “What will I do after graduation that will lead to a successful career?” 

What does the passage mainly discuss? 

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions. 

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions. 

     The generation gap that was so in evidence during the 60s has resurfaced, but a 2009 study showed that it was not the disruptive force. The Pew Research Center study found that 79% of Americans see major differences between younger and older adults in the way they look at the world. In 1969, a Gallup Poll found that a smaller percentage, 74%, perceived major differences. 

     Today, however, although more Americans see generational differences, most do not see them as divisive. That is partly because of the areas of difference. The top areas of disagreement between young and old people, according to the Pew Research Study, are the use of technology and taste in music. Grandparents are likely to have observed these differences in their grandchildren who are tweens, teens, and young adults. 

     If large differences between the generations exist, why don't they spawn conflict? The answer is twofold.  First, the two largest areas of difference - technology and music - are less emotionally charged than political issues. The older generation is likely to be proud of the younger generation's prowess in technology rather than to view it as a problem. As for the musical differences, each generation wants its own style of music, and the older generation generally can relate to that desire. Second, in the other areas of difference, the younger generation tends to regard the older generation as superior to their own generation – clearly a difference from the 1960s with its rallying cry of "Don't trust anyone over thirty!". According to the Pew study, all generations regard older Americans as superior in moral values, work ethics and respect for others. 

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions. 

At present, I have to work and study at the same time, so I often have to burn the midnight oil. 

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best completes each of the following exchanges. 

It can be inferred from the paragraph 2 that __________. 

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct word that best fits each of the numbered blanks. 

     Culture beliefs differ as to whether directness or indirectness is considered positive. In the mainstream American culture, the ideal (37) _______ of communication includes being direct rather than indirect (“ideal" here means that the culture values this style, although not everyone speaks directly). There are several expressions in English (38) _______ emphasize the importance of being direct: “Get to the point!  Don't beat around the bush! Let's get down to business!". These sayings all indicate the importance of dealing directly with issues rather than avoiding them. One way to determine whether a culture favours a direct or indirect style in communication is to find out how the people in that culture express disagreement or how they say “No”. In Japan, there are at least fifteen ways of saying "No", without actually saying the word. (39) _______, in some countries, there are different ways to express disagreement. For example, it would be considered rude to say directly “I disagree with you!” or “You're wrong!". 

     (40) _______ Americans believe that honesty is the best policy, and their communication style reflects this. Honesty and directness in communication are strongly related. It is not a(n) (41) _______ then, to find out that cultural groups misjudge each other based on different beliefs about directness and honesty in communication. 

 In the mainstream American culture, the ideal (37) _______ of communication includes being direct rather

He put on a large hat and glasses as a disguise and hoped no one would _______ him.

Of the following steps, which occurs before the others in making a decision worksheet?