RLA RTest 2.0
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Important Instructions
Please read and answer 22 Questions carefully within
TIME LIMIT 100(45+10+45) min : 45 min for Section 1, 10 min for a break and another 45 min for Section 2 - ER.
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Tips
- You should not spend too much time on a question if you are not certain of the answer; answer it the best you can, and go on to the next question.
- If you are not certain of the answer to a question, you can mark your answer for review and come back to it later.
- Wishing you all the best.
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.
Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, he told me, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.
Gatsby’s mansion, a shimmering beacon amid the restless hum of West Egg, stood proud against a summer sky, its lights a promise of dazzling nights and whispered secrets. Every weekend, the estate burst into life with extravagant parties where laughter mingled with the strains of jazz, and the air was perfumed with the scent of hope and elusive dreams.
Amid the swirling throng of glittering guests and enigmatic figures, I caught a glimpse of Gatsby himself—his eyes alight with a quiet longing, as if each smile masked a hidden sorrow. He stood aloof, detached from the whirlwind of revelry around him, yet impossibly magnetic. It was as if the entire world moved in sync for a moment, offering him the dream he sought, yet he remained out of reach. Everyone admired him, yet nobody truly knew him.
I watched as he moved through the crowd, always with an air of mystery, always surrounded by people who didn’t know where they stood with him but felt bewitched by his power. His soirées, his elaborate feasts — these were his way of holding on to something intangible, something he was desperately trying to recreate. There was something tragic in every glass clink, every cheerful greeting, as if they were echoes of someone else's best moments. His mansion, grander than anything I had ever imagined, had become a stage for a life that could never be lived.
At night, the parties gave way to hazy reflections in the pool, an empty ballroom full of unanswered questions. Gatsby would gaze out at the green light on the far end of the bay, an eternal beacon of something that was forever distant. I only now understood the depth of his longing – an ache so powerful, it consumed not just his future, but his past as well.
And as the seasons changed and the glitz of West Egg dulled, so too, did the shimmer of Gatsby’s dream. Beneath the surface of the opulence, there was a quiet despair settling over the mansion. His mansion might have stood as a monument to what was permanently lost — a symbol of ambition untethered from reality, a dream that flickered out like a candle caught in an autumn wind.
As the epicenter of his social scene, Gatsby personified the hope of a generation that believed all things were just within their grasp. Yet, in the end, his grasp was too short, his dreams too bound by the limits of time, and the harshness of reality came crashing down. Perhaps, it wasn't in the grand parties or the sparkling lights that one kneels to live, but in the quiet ache of those tales untold, dreams unrealized. The mansion, the dreams, the parties, seemed like a chorus of illusions fading in the quiet light of reality—it wasn’t enough.
Agenda Item 7: Renewable Energy and Solar Panel Installations
John Evergreen, resident
March 15
1.In the early decades of Evergreen’s founding, our community prized the natural bounty and self-reliance that came from harnessing renewable resources. Back then, local innovators built small-scale windmills and watermills to power our daily needs.
2.However, as our city expanded, reliance on conventional fossil fuels grew, leading to increased air pollution and higher energy costs. Over time, the promise of a cleaner, more sustainable future was overshadowed by the convenience of established energy sources.
3.Today, we stand at a crossroads. I propose a revitalization of our original vision by launching a comprehensive solar panel installation program on municipal buildings and incentivizing private adoption of renewable energy. This initiative is designed not only to reduce our carbon footprint but also to stabilize long-term energy expenses for our citizens.
4.Admittedly, the transition will require an initial investment. However, federal grants and state subsidies are available to help offset these costs. By partnering with reputable renewable energy firms, we can also create new local jobs and stimulate economic growth throughout Evergreen.
Excerpt: Evergreen City Council Meeting TranscriptAgenda Item 7: Renewable Energy and Solar Panel Installations
Maria Green, resident
March 15
5.Good evening. Having called Evergreen home for over forty years, I have witnessed the city’s many transformations. While the push for renewable energy is exciting, we must proceed with caution and thorough planning.
6.Mr. Evergreen’s proposal, though forward-thinking, raises important questions about the reliability of solar power during our extended winter months. Many residents remain concerned about potential energy shortfalls when sunlight is scarce.
7.Moreover, our current budget is already stretched thin by essential services. Redirecting significant funds toward renewable installations could risk underfunding critical areas such as public safety and education.
8.It may be wiser to adopt a phased approach that gradually incorporates solar technology while upgrading our existing power grid. This balanced strategy would allow us to assess performance in real-time without overwhelming our financial resources.
9.Community education is another key element. By informing residents about both the benefits and limitations of renewable energy, we can foster a more nuanced public dialogue that supports sustainable decision-making.
10.In addition to solar projects, I advocate for complementary energy efficiency initiatives. Retrofitting older buildings and promoting the use of energy-saving appliances can collectively reduce demand and make our transition to renewables smoother.
11.Collaboration with local universities and research institutions can further enhance our efforts. These partnerships might yield innovative, climate-specific solutions while unlocking additional funding and technical expertise for our projects.
12.Ultimately, while I support the vision of a greener Evergreen, we must implement these changes in a deliberate, comprehensive manner that safeguards both our community’s economic stability and its environmental future. Thank you.
from Economic Perspectives Monthly's February issue
1 This month's reader essays respond to this question: "Should governments implement a Universal Basic Income (UBI) to safeguard citizens' well-being and stimulate innovation in an ever-changing economic landscape?"
ProDr. Emma Rodriguez, noted economist and social policy expert
2 As automation and digital technologies reshape the workforce, Universal Basic Income emerges as a promising solution to provide a reliable financial safety net. Guaranteeing a modest income for all citizens, UBI can help cushion the impact of job displacement while offering individuals the freedom to pursue education, entrepreneurial ventures, or creative projects.
3 Pilot programs across various regions have revealed that a steady cash flow fosters not only economic resilience but also enhanced community well-being. Participants report reduced financial stress, improved mental health, and a heightened sense of security—factors that contribute to stronger local economies and a more engaged citizenry.
4 While some critics contend that UBI might reduce the incentive to work, emerging evidence from these trials suggests otherwise. With the basic financial burden lifted, many recipients have taken the opportunity to upskill, transition into more fulfilling employment, or launch their own businesses, thereby contributing to job creation and economic diversification.
5 In addition to empowering individuals, UBI offers a streamlined approach to social welfare. By replacing multiple overlapping assistance programs with one universal payment, governments can reduce administrative complexities and costs, ensuring that support reaches those in genuine need without bureaucratic delays.
6 Beyond individual and administrative benefits, Universal Basic Income paves the way for a more innovative society. With basic survival less of a concern, citizens are more likely to engage in creative problem-solving, invest in community projects, and drive local entrepreneurial efforts—all of which contribute to a dynamic and forward-thinking economy.
7 In conclusion, adopting a Universal Basic Income represents a bold and progressive policy initiative that addresses both economic inequality and the challenges posed by rapid technological change. While potential drawbacks merit careful consideration, the overarching benefits—from enhanced individual well-being to the stimulation of innovation—strongly suggest that UBI could be a cornerstone in building a more resilient and inclusive future.
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