PTE Fill in the Blanks (Drag and Drop) practice: 12 passages with answers

Starting in the mid-1890s, a competition unfolded among the merchant fleets of recently unified Germany, Britain, and France. The goal was to create the most opulent and swiftest ocean liners, beginning with the Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse, the first of fourteen four-stackers constructed between 1897 and 1921. The subsequent massive ships each aimed to surpass the last in scale and interior decoration. Employing many of the most renowned interior 1, every element of the new vessels was 'designed', from the silverware to the porcelain, from the furnishings to the wall coverings, and from the cabins to the promenade decks. Through Kronprinzessin Cecilie, Mauretania, Aquitania, Olympic, Titanic, Imperator, Vaterland, Ile de France, and Paris, the evolution and styling of the ships became increasingly magnificent and lavish. This trend persisted into the 1930s, with the Empress of Britain and the stunningly Art Deco Normandie, the most exquisite and costly liner ever constructed, intended as a display of all things French, along with the Queen Mary, a somewhat more conventional ship, but one, 2, which advanced design beyond the typical country house aesthetic of the Edwardian period. Each new ship introduced the finest interiors, ranging from the sumptuous and regal to the contemporary style of the era. Even now, the impact of these floating 3 is evident in ships like Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and the numerous new cruise ships, all competing for the public's attention and fondness. The grand liners were genuine floating palaces, and here, William H. Miller compiles a collection of stunning images of the most exceptional ships ever constructed, highlighting the sophistication and grace of an age when 'getting there was half the fun'.

Sociology is, in very basic terms, the study of human societies. In this respect, it is usually 1 as one of the social sciences (along with 2 like psychology) and was 3 as a subject in the late 18th century (through the work of people like the French writer Auguste Comte). However, the subject has only really gained 4 as an academic subject in the 20th century through the work of writers such as Emile Durkheim, Max Weber and Talcott Parsons (names that will be visited throughout this course). One name that you may have heard of-Karl Marx (the founder of modern Communism)-has probably done more to stimulate people’s interest in the subject than anyone else, even though he lived and wrote (1818-1884) in a period before sociology became fully established as an academic discipline. Sociology therefore, has a reasonably long history of development, (150-200 years) 5 in Britain it has only been in the last 30-40 years that sociology as an examined subject in the education system has achieved a level of importance equivalent to, or above, most of the other subjects it is possible to study.

The wrist watch works by 1 information such as a person's pulse or movement. When it 2 a change in a person's health, the watch sends information to a touchscreen hub 3 in the home. The hub then 4 pre-determined contacts and calls for help immediately.

A lie detector test includes a polygraph machine that records breathing rate, blood pressure and perspiration. More 1 machines include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Physiological responses to 2 and relevant questions are compared to 3 lies. The subject may be asked to intentionally lie to help the examiner 4 baseline values. The test typically requires one to three hours to complete.

Much of our food is increasingly 1 to be irresistible to us. Experts say this trend has long-term health consequences. Indulgent dishes 2 us with fat and sugar can feel impossible to avoid, especially during the holidays. Experts confirm it’s more than a feeling: Half a century of food trends has created an environment where more than half the food 3 by American adults is ultra-processed.

Orcas are known for being 1 eaters. They'll normally hunt fish, dolphins, seals, sea lions, whales, and even sharks. Whatever they grab, they normally 2 apart their food, devouring the most nutrient-dense parts. That's why scientists in Russia were 3 when they dissected a beached orca in 2020 and found not one, not two, but seven fully 4 sea otters in her gastrointestinal tract. She had probably 5 them whole.

The global supply chain has been 1 by recent geopolitical shifts and technological advancements. New trade routes have 2 as countries seek to reduce dependence on traditional corridors. Companies are now investing heavily in digital 3 to track goods in real time, making the entire process more 4 . However, challenges remain, particularly in the area of 5 , where port congestion and labor shortages continue to cause delays. To mitigate these issues, firms are adopting just-in-time 6 systems that balance cost with reliability. Meanwhile, ethical 7 has become a priority, with consumers demanding transparency about the origin of products. These changes are reshaping how goods move around the world, creating both opportunities and obstacles for businesses of all sizes. The evolution of supply chain management reflects broader economic trends, as companies adapt to fluctuating demand and regulatory shifts. In recent years, disruptions caused by natural disasters and political instability have forced organizations to rethink their strategies. Many have diversified their supplier base to avoid over-reliance on single regions. Technology plays a crucial role, with artificial intelligence and blockchain improving visibility and trust. Collaboration between stakeholders has also increased, leading to more resilient systems. As the global economy continues to integrate, the ability to manage complex supply chains becomes a key competitive advantage. Firms that invest in innovation and flexibility are better positioned to navigate uncertainty. The focus on sustainability further drives change, with pressure to reduce carbon footprints and waste. These developments highlight the dynamic nature of modern commerce and the need for continuous improvement.

Team Lab's digital mural at the entrance to Tokyo's Skytree, one of the world's monster skyscrapers, is 40 metres long and immensely detailed. But 1 massive this form of digital art becomes — and it's a form subject to rampant inflation — Inoko's theories about seeing are based on more modest and often pre-digital sources. An early devotee of comic books and cartoons (no surprises there), then computer games, he recognised when he started to look at traditional Japanese art that all those forms had something 2 : something about the way they captured space. In his discipline of physics, Inoko had been taught that photographic lenses, 3 the conventions of western art, were the logical way of transforming three dimensions into two, conveying the real world on to a flat surface. 4 Japanese traditions employed "a different spatial logic", as he said in an interview last year with j-collabo.org, that is "uniquely Japanese".

Choosing the right contractor for home renovation is crucial for a successful project. Begin by defining your renovation goals and budget to 1 clarity on the scope of work. Research potential contractors, focusing on their experience, customer reviews, and portfolio of past projects. Importantly, 2 up a detailed contract to avoid misunderstandings. Remember, a reliable contractor is key not just for quality work but for peace of 3 throughout the renovation journey.

As the modern workplace evolves, there is growing 1 of the importance of work-life balance for all employees. Both men and women are increasingly 2 responsibilities for household duties and child 3 . Consequently, many companies are 4 flexible work policies that support diverse roles to help employees balance professional and personal commitments.

Ponzi is an illegal business 1 . His original scheme was based on the legitimate arbitrage of international reply coupons for 2 stamps, but he soon began diverting new investors' money to make 3 to earlier investors as 4 .

Marie Curie, originally from Poland, made significant scientific strides in France. Her 1 work on radioactivity earned her the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903, a feat she repeated in Chemistry in 1911. Curie also applied her research 2 during World War I by developing mobile X-ray units. Despite facing challenges in the scientific community and health issues from 3 exposure to radiation, Curie's legacy as a trailblazer in science remains profound, inspiring 4 future scientists.