Talent-Q Elements Verbal Test: Free Practice & Top Tips 2024

Wild species of bees are said by researchers to be responsible for pollinating around one-third of the world's crop production, performing an important role in preventing world starvation. Pollinating crops would be very costly without them. Lately, there has been great concern across Europe about the collapse of bee populations.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) scientists have identified a number of risks posed to bees by neonicotinoid chemicals used in pesticides. Neonicotinoid pesticides are nicotine-like chemicals and act on the nervous systems of insects. The EFSA has found that these pesticides have acute and chronic effects on bee colony survival and development.

Although the European Commission is adamantly pushing towards restricting the use of neonicotinoid chemicals for crops not attractive to bees and other pollinators, and in some countries such restrictions are already in place, many farmers and crop experts argue that there is insufficient data to make such drastic restrictions that might harm food production. They argue that the report published by the EFSA last January specifically stated that in some cases it was ‘unable to finalise the assessments due to shortcomings in the available data’ since many of the studies it reviewed were conducted in a lab, and that other possible causes of colony collapse, such as the parasitic varroa mite, viruses that attack bees and neglect of hives, were not considered in the report.

A solution to this dispute may be found when examining the general principles of risk management. Apparently, in cases of action being taken under the precautionary principle, the producer/manufacturer may be required to prove the absence of danger from using their product, rather than waiting until hard evidence of the contrary has come to light.

Adapted from BBC News

Which two of the following are definitely correct in light of the text?

The current generation of young Europeans is the first to have grown up in a largely borderless and peaceful Europe, with all that implies in terms of mobility, multilingualism, and new cultural and economic opportunities. Whereas their parents and grandparents defined themselves along national lines, many young people today have added a European dimension to that description.

The EU’s Youth in Action programme aims to inspire a sense of active European citizenship, solidarity and tolerance, as there is still a certain measure of political disengagement among young Europeans. The programme promotes non-formal learning and intercultural dialogue among European youth, as well as the inclusion of all young people, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds. Its main goal is to bring young Europeans closer to the EU decision-shaping process by backing activities that encourage a sense of active European citizenship amongst them. Another important goal is promoting mutual understanding, by giving young people from different countries the opportunity to meet and learn from one another through intercultural youth exchanges. In addition, The Youth in Action programme encourages young people’s mobility within and beyond the EU borders, thus giving them the opportunity to expand their horizons and gain valuable life and work experiences.

Adapted from europa.eu

Which one of the following does the passage suggest about the older generation?

The Upholstered Furniture Regulations (1983) impose requirements in relation to domestic furniture. All upholstered furniture sold in the UK must meet fire resistance standards. New furniture must be permanently labelled. Any second-hand furniture made after 1950 must be fire resistant. This includes sofas, beds, garden furniture, cushion fillings and all other types of upholstered household furniture.

The standards all furniture must adhere to are: (a) filling materials must meet standards so they don’t catch fire easily; (b) upholstery must be cigarette resistant; (c) covers must be match resistant; (d) a permanent label must be fitted to every item of new furniture.

The UK Fire Safety Advice centre advises that should a piece of furniture not meet the fire safety standards, this furniture should not be used anymore. If a proof of purchase such as a receipt or credit card receipt is available, a complaint should be made to the trader. In the complaint, it should be stated that this item isn't fit for purpose under the Sale of Goods Act. A refund or other goods that do meet the standards should be supplied.If a piece of furniture isn't fire resistant for certain, a report should be filed to Trading Standards against the trader.

These Regulations apply to all persons in the business supply chain from the supply of materials for use in furniture, through to the supply of the finished article as well as re-upholstery and re-covering. They affect all persons who supply furniture, furnishings or re-upholstery services including manufacturers, retailers and importers, and they also apply to persons who hire out furniture in the course of a business.

As manufacturers and importers are exposed to consumers’ complaints, they need to retain the information about the relevant ignitability test for a period of five years from the date on which the furniture is supplied to the retailer.

Adapted from legislation.gov.uk

Which of the below is NOT mentioned as required to meet fire resistance standards?