C1 NYELVVIZSGA – MINTAFELADATSOR (DIFFICULT LEVEL)

1. OLVASOTT SZÖVEG ÉRTÉSE

The paradox of progress

Technological and social progress has long been regarded as an unequivocal force for improvement in human life. From the industrial revolution to the digital age, each major leap forward has been accompanied by promises of increased efficiency, convenience, and prosperity. Yet, beneath this narrative of linear advancement lies a more complex and often contradictory reality.

In contemporary society, the very tools designed to liberate individuals from repetitive labour have, in many cases, introduced new forms of dependency and cognitive overload. The constant connectivity enabled by digital devices, for instance, has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life to such an extent that many individuals report a persistent sense of being “always on.”

Moreover, while automation and artificial intelligence have undoubtedly streamlined numerous industries, they have also contributed to a growing sense of professional insecurity. Roles once considered stable are now subject to rapid transformation or outright redundancy, forcing workers to continuously reskill in order to remain relevant.

At a societal level, the acceleration of information flow has created what some scholars describe as a “paradox of choice”: an abundance of options that paradoxically leads to decision fatigue and decreased satisfaction. Rather than feeling empowered, individuals often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of possibilities available to them.

Thus, progress, while still fundamentally beneficial, can no longer be viewed in purely optimistic terms. It demands a more nuanced understanding—one that acknowledges both its liberating potential and its unintended consequences.

1. True / False / Not stated (15)

1. Progress is always completely positive according to the text.

2. Industrial revolution is mentioned as a historical example.

3. Digital tools have made work-life separation clearer.

4. Many people feel constantly available for work.

5. Automation has eliminated all jobs.

6. Some jobs are changing rapidly.

7. Workers do not need to adapt anymore.

8. Information overload can reduce satisfaction.

9. Having more choices always improves happiness.

10. People sometimes feel overwhelmed by options.

11. Progress has no negative side effects.

12. AI has simplified many industries.

13. Job security is increasing globally.

14. Continuous learning is important.

15. The text suggests a balanced view of progress.

2. Reading comprehension (15)

1. How has progress traditionally been viewed?

2. What contradiction does the text introduce?

3. How has digital connectivity affected daily life?

4. What does “always on” mean in context?

5. What has automation contributed to besides efficiency?

6. Why is job security weaker today?

7. What is required from workers today?

8. What does “reskilling” mean?

9. What is meant by “paradox of choice”?

10. How can too many options affect decision-making?

11. What emotional effect can information overload cause?

12. Why is modern life described as complex?

13. What does the text say about optimism and progress?

14. What does “nuanced understanding” imply?

15. Summarise the main argument in one sentence.

 

2. NYELVTAN ÉS SZÓKINCS (15)

1. Had I known earlier, I ___ differently.
   A) would act B) would have acted C) will act

2. She insisted on ___ immediately.
   A) leaving B) to leave C) leave

3. It’s high time we ___ something about it.
   A) do B) did C) have done

4. Hardly ___ arrived when it started raining.
   A) we had B) had we C) we have

5. He behaves as if he ___ everything.
   A) knows B) knew C) has known

6. The report needs ___.
   A) to rewrite B) rewriting C) rewritten

7. Not only ___ late, but he also forgot the documents.
   A) he was B) was he C) he is

8. I wish I ___ more time.
   A) have B) had C) will have

9. She is said ___ abroad.
   A) to live B) living C) live

10. The more you practise, ___ you become.
    A) better B) the better C) best

11. He denied ___ the money.
    A) steal B) stealing C) to steal

12. The meeting was postponed ___ the weather.
    A) because B) due to C) since

13. I’d rather you ___ that again.
    A) don’t do B) didn’t do C) won’t do

14. No sooner ___ the station than the train left.
    A) we reached B) had we reached C) we reach

15. The project is expected ___ next year.
    A) to complete B) to be completed C) completing

 

3. SZÓKÉPZÉS (15 – C1 nehézség)

1. The situation became increasingly ___. (COMPLEX)

2. His argument lacked ___. (COHERENT)

3. The decision was highly ___. (CONTROVERSY)

4. She showed remarkable ___. (RESILIENT)

5. There is growing ___ about climate issues. (AWARE)

6. The results were completely ___. (PREDICT)

7. His explanation was rather ___. (AMBIGUOUS)

8. The policy is not ___. (SUSTAIN)

9. The company underwent major ___. (RESTRUCTURE)

10. There was a noticeable ___ in behaviour. (CHANGE)

11. The system is highly ___. (EFFICIENCY)

12. His reaction was totally ___. (EXPECT)

13. The article was highly ___. (INFORM)

14. There is widespread ___ of the decision. (REJECT)

15. The theory remains ___. (CONTROVERSY)

 

4. MAGYARRÓL ANGOLRA (C1 – hosszú szöveg)

Az utóbbi években egyre többen kezdték el megkérdőjelezni azt, hogy a folyamatos technológiai fejlődés valóban kizárólag pozitív hatással van-e az életünkre. Bár kétségtelen, hogy számos területen jelentős kényelmet és hatékonyságot hozott, sokan úgy érzik, hogy ezzel párhuzamosan újfajta stressz és bizonytalanság is megjelent.

A munka világában például a korábban stabilnak tekintett állások egy része mára megszűnt vagy teljesen átalakult. Az embereknek folyamatosan új készségeket kell elsajátítaniuk, ha versenyképesek szeretnének maradni. Ez sokak számára nyomasztó lehet, különösen azoknak, akik nehezebben alkalmazkodnak a gyors változásokhoz.

Emellett a digitális eszközök állandó jelenléte miatt sokan azt érzik, hogy soha nem tudnak באמת kikapcsolódni. A munka és a magánélet közötti határ egyre inkább elmosódik, ami hosszú távon kiégéshez vezethet.

 

5. ANGOLRÓL MAGYARRA (C1 – hosszú szöveg)

Many experts argue that modern society is experiencing an unprecedented level of cognitive overload due to the constant influx of information. People are required to process vast amounts of data on a daily basis, much of which is irrelevant or misleading. This can lead to decision fatigue, where individuals struggle to make even simple choices.

At the same time, social expectations have become increasingly complex. Success is no longer defined solely by financial stability, but also by lifestyle, visibility, and personal fulfilment. As a result, many people feel pressure to constantly present an idealised version of their lives, particularly on social media.

While these developments have created new opportunities for self-expression, they have also raised concerns about mental well-being and authenticity in modern society.

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