Adventure Tourism and Mobile Phones

Over the past two decades, there has been a boom in the adventure tourism industry. From mountain biking to mountain climbing, scuba diving to sky diving, more and more Americans have turned to interactive adventure as a means of entertainment. In doing so, they spend millions of dollars on equipment, lessons, outings and guides for a chance to experience the thrill of real danger, however short or unreal. Many people crave this adventure as it provides a chance to experience the gratifying emotional benefits of risk-taking not usually provided in the real world. However, as the adventure tourism industry grows, it proves that recreation is just about fun and games – in fact, it raises serious questions about the purpose of leisure and the condition of the social environment. Nevertheless, there is no need to be overly concerned. Adventure tourism may be manufactured for profit, but it offers more than a typical product. Its emotional significance makes it more valuable than physical goods, giving it symbolic and essential meaning in life.

What is the author's attitude towards adventure tourism?

• positive

• doubtful

• negative

• neutral

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Mobile cell phones are ubiquitous and ‘smartphones’ in particular are becoming increasingly prevalent. Recent surveys indicate that at least 85% of people in the United States have cell phones, and that over 50% of these users now have smartphones (Duggan & Rainie, 2012; Nielsen, 2013; Smith, 2012; Time Mobility Poll, 2012). Overall, users note that mobile technology has changed their lives, with most indicating it has helped them maintain or enhance their relationships with friends and family. Aside from calling, it is texting that has become the predominant use of the cell phone, followed by email and social networking. Indeed, in the 10 years since 2002, text-messaging in the United States alone has gone from 31 million per day to 6 billion (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, 2012).

Which statement best summarises the main idea of the paragraph?

• mobile phones are now an integral part of many people’s lives

• people in the United States own the most phones or smartphones

• social networking is one of the most common activities conducted on cell phones

• most users think their phone interferes with time spent on friends and family

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Read the following sentences and put them in the correct order to make a coherent paragraph.

• To combat air pollution, governments and organizations are implementing various strategies such as promoting public transportation and reducing industrial emissions.

• This increased exposure can lead to numerous health problems, including respiratory issues and cardiovascular diseases.

• As cities grow and industrial activities increase, the levels of pollutants in the air also rise.

• Air pollution has become a significant concern in many urban areas around the world.

• Reducing air pollution not only improves public health but also helps in mitigating climate change.

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There are many traditional methods to sell products including advertising, product placement in movies, and organising supermarkets into zones which achieve an optimal effect. Additionally, newer selling techniques, such as the use of scents, are increasingly popular due to a better understanding of how shoppers make choices. Although shoppers claim that they make rational decisions about what to buy based on price, selection, or convenience, emotions and memories also play a role. Traditionally, scientists assumed that emotion and rationality were opposite to each other, but neuroscience research has found that those who lose their ability to feel emotions due to brain injury find it difficult to make any decisions at all. Thus, these types of injuries seriously affect their ability to shop.

New selling techniques ___________

• rely more on making rational decisions

• consider aspects like price, selection or convenience

• are based on understanding how shoppers make decisions

• rely more on focus groups

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There are many traditional methods to sell products including advertising, product placement in movies, and organising supermarkets into zones which achieve an optimal effect. Additionally, newer selling techniques, such as the use of scents, are increasingly popular due to a better understanding of how shoppers make choices. Although shoppers claim that they make rational decisions about what to buy based on price, selection, or convenience, emotions and memories also play a role. Traditionally, scientists assumed that emotion and rationality were opposite to each other, but neuroscience research has found that those who lose their ability to feel emotions due to brain injury find it difficult to make any decisions at all. Thus, these types of injuries seriously affect their ability to shop.

Neuroscientists have discovered that _________

• losing the ability to perceive or experience emotions causes brain injuries

• shopping and decision-making help to improve brain injuries

• those with brain injuries should not be allowed to shop

• injuries to emotional areas of the brain can also affect decision-making

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There are many traditional methods to sell products including advertising, product placement in movies, and organising supermarkets into zones which achieve an optimal effect. Additionally, newer selling techniques, such as the use of scents, are increasingly popular due to a better understanding of how shoppers make choices. Although shoppers claim that they make rational decisions about what to buy based on price, selection, or convenience, emotions and memories also play a role. Traditionally, scientists assumed that emotion and rationality were opposite to each other, but neuroscience research has found that those who lose their ability to feel emotions due to brain injury find it difficult to make any decisions at all. Thus, these types of injuries seriously affect their ability to shop.

Which statement best summarises the main idea of this paragraph?

• Traditional selling techniques are no longer effective.

• Emotions and memories play a significant role in shoppers' decisions.

• Shoppers make decisions purely based on rational factors like price and convenience.

• Brain injuries that affect emotions do not impact decision-making abilities.

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Women over 45 are one of the fastest-growing groups of people who are homeless in Australia. Considering the shortage of affordable housing, an ageing population and the lifelong economic disadvantage that women experience, this problem requires a speedy solution. A simple solution for older women facing homelessness is to provide them with access to appropriate, safe and affordable homes for the long term. Recent examples include “pop-up” or “meanwhile use” accommodation in vacant aged-care facilities and tiny houses. While both types provide good short-term options, they do not create long-term housing that meets older women’s needs to age in place and have secure tenure and a sense of belonging. Perhaps a more suitable solution is a model based on the Chinese siheyuan courtyard housing, which provides safe, affordable and private living spaces while maintaining a sense of community. It has potential for adapting existing buildings for re-use in Australia in a way that makes financial, social and environmental sense.

Which of the following ideas are NOT mentioned in the text (choose THREE).

• Females older than 45 are the fastest-growing group of Australians without homes

• Examples of short-term housing options for older women are available small houses and elderly care facilities

• Older women demand government housing that is safe and large enough to hold all of their belongings

• The Chinese Siheyuan courtyard house is the most suitable solution for older Australian homeless women

• The Chinese Siheyuan courtyard house provides community-based safe, financially viable, and private living areas for its occupants

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