Нерсисян 11. Reading Test (2nd Semester)

Read an article in which four people talk about environmental responsibility. For questions, choose from the paragraphs. The paragraphs may be chosen more than once.

DR. SIMON CLARKE, CLIMATE RESEARCHER

I have spent the last 20 years studying climate patterns, and what we are seeing now is not a natural fluctuation. The data clearly shows that human activity is accelerating global warming. I try to reduce my own carbon footprint by avoiding air travel unless absolutely necessary, but in my profession it is sometimes unavoidable. What concerns me most is the gap between scientific evidence and political action. We already have the technology to reduce emissions significantly, yet global cooperation is still weak. If we continue at this pace, some changes will become irreversible within decades.

ELLA MARTIN, SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT

In my work I help companies become more environmentally responsible. Many people assume sustainability is expensive, but in reality it often saves money in the long term. I personally follow a low-waste lifestyle: I buy second-hand clothes, avoid single-use plastics, and support local food producers. However, I also believe that individual action is not enough. Large corporations and governments must be held accountable, because they have the greatest impact on the environment. Still, I remain optimistic—innovation is happening quickly, especially in renewable energy.

TOM REYNOLDS, ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST

I became involved in activism during protests against deforestation in my region. We organized peaceful demonstrations and even set up camps in threatened forest areas. Living outdoors for weeks was challenging—constant rain, limited food, and no proper sanitation—but it strengthened our determination. Media attention helped our cause spread nationally. I believe direct action is sometimes the only way to force authorities to respond, especially when legal systems move too slowly. Without pressure from ordinary people, nothing would change.

NINA SHEVCHENKO, URBAN PLANNER

My job is to design cities that are more environmentally efficient. I work on projects that reduce traffic congestion, improve public transport, and increase green spaces. Personally, I no longer own a car because everything I need is within walking or cycling distance. Cities must adapt to climate realities—hotter summers, heavier rainfall, and growing populations. I believe the future of environmental protection depends on how we redesign urban life, not just on individual lifestyle changes.

• says that scientific facts are not leading to enough action?                  [Dr. Simon Clarke, Tom Reynolds, Nina Shevchenko, Ella Martin]

• mentions living outdoors in difficult conditions?                   [Dr. Simon Clarke, Tom Reynolds, Nina Shevchenko, Ella Martin]

• believes city design is key to solving environmental problems?                   [Dr. Simon Clarke, Tom Reynolds, Nina Shevchenko, Ella Martin]

• says that individual actions are not sufficient alone?                   [Dr. Simon Clarke, Tom Reynolds, Nina Shevchenko, Ella Martin]

• has stopped owning a car completely?                   [Dr. Simon Clarke, Tom Reynolds, Nina Shevchenko, Ella Martin]

• thinks environmental damage may soon become irreversible?                   [Dr. Simon Clarke, Tom Reynolds, Nina Shevchenko, Ella Martin]

• describes working with companies to improve sustainability?                   [Dr. Simon Clarke, Tom Reynolds, Nina Shevchenko, Ella Martin]

• took part in protests involving camping in nature?                   [Dr. Simon Clarke, Tom Reynolds, Nina Shevchenko, Ella Martin]

• believes technology can help solve environmental problems?                   [Dr. Simon Clarke, Tom Reynolds, Nina Shevchenko, Ella Martin]

• mentions media attention helping a campaign succeed?                   [Dr. Simon Clarke, Tom Reynolds, Nina Shevchenko, Ella Martin]

Match the headings with the paragraphs. There is one extra heading you do not need to use.

Read the text below and choose the correct answer.

THE IMPACT OF AI ON EVERYDAY LIFE

Artificial intelligence is no longer something from science fiction—it is already part of our daily lives. From voice assistants on smartphones to automated customer service systems, AI is changing how we work, communicate, and make decisions. However, many people are still unaware of how deeply this technology is integrated into modern society.

In a recent experiment in Japan, an AI-generated customer service agent was used in a large retail company. Customers were informed that they might be speaking to either a human or an AI assistant, but many were unable to tell the difference. The AI was able to respond naturally, understand emotional tone, and even adjust its language depending on the customer’s mood. Some customers reported that the experience felt surprisingly human-like.

So how does this technology work? Modern AI systems are trained using enormous amounts of data, including text conversations, recorded speech, and behavioral patterns. The system learns to predict the most appropriate response based on previous examples. The more data it receives, the more accurate and natural its responses become. In voice-based systems, AI also analyses tone, rhythm, and pronunciation to imitate human speech convincingly.

However, the rise of AI raises important ethical questions. One concern is that people may not always know whether they are interacting with a human or a machine. This could lead to manipulation in areas such as marketing, politics, or customer service. Another issue is job displacement, as many routine tasks can now be performed by AI systems faster and more cheaply than humans.

Despite these concerns, AI also offers significant benefits. In healthcare, for example, AI can help doctors diagnose diseases more quickly and accurately. In education, it can provide personalized learning experiences for students. Businesses also use AI to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Experts believe that AI will continue to evolve rapidly. While some fear that machines may eventually replace humans in many roles, others argue that AI will mainly support human decision-making rather than replace it. What is certain is that society will need to adapt to a world where human and artificial intelligence work closely together.

What does the text suggest about AI in daily life?