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Library

IH Reading Test B2 High Module 2

Last updated 8 months ago
13 questions

The Creative Touch of Artificial Intelligence


In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the world of art has sparked both fascination and controversy. While some see it as a breakthrough that redefines creativity, others worry it may diminish the value of human expression. AI-generated paintings, music, poetry, and even novels are becoming increasingly common, challenging our traditional understanding of what it means to create.

At the heart of this revolution are algorithms that can learn patterns from enormous datasets. These programs can analyze the styles of famous painters like Van Gogh or Picasso and then produce original works that imitate their techniques. In 2018, a portrait created by an AI called Edmond de Belamy was sold at auction for over $400,000, causing a stir in the art world.

Supporters of AI in the arts argue that these tools democratize creativity. Artists who may lack formal training or technical skills can now experiment with complex forms, guided by machine learning tools. Moreover, AI can serve as a source of inspiration, suggesting unusual combinations of colors, shapes, or sounds that a human artist might not have imagined.

However, critics raise several concerns. Firstly, they question the authenticity of AI art. If a machine generates a painting, can we truly say it has meaning? Secondly, there are ethical issues. For instance, when an AI is trained on the works of hundreds of artists, does it infringe on their intellectual property? And what happens when AI becomes so advanced that it’s difficult to distinguish between human and machine-made creations?

Educators, curators, and art institutions are beginning to adapt. Some museums have held exhibitions dedicated to AI art, while universities are offering courses that explore the role of technology in the creative process. Despite the debate, one thing is clear: the relationship between art and AI is only just beginning, and it may transform the way we view creativity in the years to come.
1

What is the main idea of the text?

1

What happened with the portrait Edmond de Belamy?

1

According to the text, what is one advantage of using AI in art?

1

What ethical issue is mentioned in the text?

1

What is suggested about the future of AI in art?

1

The word democratize in paragraph 3 most likely means:

Ethical Journalism in the Age of Speed


In our hyperconnected world, news spreads faster than ever. Social media platforms, 24-hour news channels, and online blogs have transformed how we access information. While this immediate access can empower citizens, it also puts pressure on journalists to deliver stories rapidly—sometimes at the expense of accuracy and integrity. This is where ethical journalism becomes more crucial than ever before.

At its core, ethical journalism is about truth, fairness, and accountability. Journalists are expected to report facts accurately, provide balanced perspectives, and avoid sensationalism. Unfortunately, in today’s media landscape, these principles are often sacrificed for speed and audience engagement. Eye-catching headlines and viral stories can attract clicks, but they can also distort the truth or mislead readers.

One of the key challenges faced by modern journalists is verifying sources. In the race to break the news, some media outlets rely on unconfirmed reports or anonymous tips without proper fact-checking. This can lead to misinformation spreading widely before corrections are issued—if they are issued at all. The damage, once done, is difficult to undo. A single false claim can shape public opinion, ruin reputations, or even influence elections.

Moreover, ethical journalism is about more than just reporting facts; it also involves how those facts are presented. For instance, language that stereotypes certain groups or fuels fear and division can have harmful social consequences. Journalists must be mindful not only of what they say, but of the impact their words may have on vulnerable communities.
Another pressing issue is the blurring line between opinion and reporting. While editorial sections allow for personal viewpoints, these should be clearly separated from factual news. Unfortunately, many online platforms blur this distinction, allowing biased opinions to masquerade as objective reporting. This not only misleads readers but also erodes trust in the media as a whole.

Despite these challenges, many journalists still hold firm to ethical standards. Organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and Reporters Without Borders advocate for responsible reporting and provide guidelines to ensure journalistic integrity. Educational institutions are also taking action by integrating ethics into journalism training programs.

However, ethics in journalism is not solely the responsibility of reporters. Audiences, too, have a role to play. Readers must become more critical consumers of information—asking where a story came from, whether it cites reliable sources, and whether it presents multiple perspectives. Media literacy is essential if we are to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.

In conclusion, while the pace of modern journalism is unlikely to slow down, the commitment to ethical reporting must remain strong. A free press is vital to any democratic society, but with freedom comes responsibility. Upholding the principles of ethical journalism is not just a professional obligation—it is a moral one that serves the public good.
1

Ethical journalism demands that all journalists avoid publishing political content.

1

The speed at which news is delivered today can sometimes lead to misinformation.

1

The article suggests that false claims in the media can be easily corrected without lasting damage.

1

Some online platforms make it difficult to tell the difference between news and opinion.

1

The author believes that ethical journalism is only the responsibility of trained professionals.

1

The article explains how to become a certified ethical journalist.

12
Read the following extract from a book. Six sentences have been removed from the text. Fill each gap with the correct sentence. There is one extra sentence that you do not need.

The Enchanted Library

Tucked away in a quiet corner of an old European city stands a library unlike any other. From the outside, it appears modest—just a small building with ivy climbing up its stone walls and a weathered wooden door. But once you step inside, the atmosphere changes entirely. The scent of old books, mixed with the faint aroma of lavender, wraps around you like a familiar memory. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The library’s main hall is circular, with shelves that stretch from floor to ceiling, filled with volumes of every size and age. A narrow spiral staircase connects the ground floor to a mezzanine level, and glass globes hang from above, casting a warm, golden glow. The silence isn’t empty—it’s alive with possibility. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Amazingly, the collection includes works in languages no longer spoken and scripts that haven’t been deciphered. While many libraries organise books by author or genre, this one follows a more mysterious logic. Books seem to shift positions overnight, almost as if they decide for themselves where they belong. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ According to local legend, the library was founded by a philosopher who believed that stories had souls. If a reader approached a book with genuine curiosity, it was said the book would respond—its contents revealing deeper truths than those on the surface. Visitors have claimed to find books that seem to answer unspoken questions or awaken long-forgotten dreams. __________________________________________________________________________________ One woman described opening a dusty travel journal and finding sketches of places she had only seen in her dreams. A young boy once insisted a book had taught him to read, even though he had never learned the alphabet. The staff never comment on such stories, but they keep records of them in a thick leather-bound ledger hidden behind the front desk. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The staff, who are few but deeply knowledgeable, operate more like caretakers than librarians. Dressed in plain robes, they move quietly through the halls, offering help only when absolutely necessary. It’s been said that they undergo years of training—not just in literature, but in philosophy, languages, and even meditation. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Whether these tales are fact or fiction, the library continues to attract those seeking not just books, but something more elusive: answers, inspiration, or perhaps a sense of belonging. It’s not just a place to read—it’s a place to feel transformed. And for those who find themselves truly open to its magic, the Enchanted Library never disappoints.
Other Answer Choices:
Their role, it seems, is not to manage the collection but to maintain the atmosphere of quiet wonder.
If it weren’t for the frequent tours, most people would never find the entrance at all.
Many visitors describe the experience not in terms of reading, but of being read by the books themselves.
What surprises most visitors is the sheer variety of books it contains, many of which have no official catalogue entry.
One might think the books are sorted by color, but that’s far from the truth.
Although there are many theories about the origins of the building, none of them have ever been confirmed.
This unique sense of life and movement is what sets the library apart from more conventional institutions.