B. READING
In this section of the test, you will read FOUR different passages, each followed by 10 questions about it. For questions 1-40, you are to choose the best answer to each question. Answer all questions following a passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in that passage.
You have 60 minutes to answer all the questions.
Passage 1:
In recent years, the concept of a “digital detox” - a period during which an individual refrains from using electronic devices - has surged in popularity. From luxury retreats that confiscate guests’ smartphones to mobile applications designed to limit screen time, the market for “unplugging” is expanding. While the idea of resetting the brain by disconnecting from technology is appealing to many chronically connected users, researchers are now questioning whether this practice provides genuine psychological benefits or is merely a passing health trend.
To understand the phenomenon, one must first define its scope. For some, a digital detox involves complete abstention from all digital tools for a week. For others, it is more targeted, such as silencing notifications or deleting a specific social media app that consumes excessive time. The primary motivations behind these efforts are usually to break compulsive habits, reclaim focus, and redirect energy toward more productive, real-world activities. Proponents of the practice claim that it reduces stress and improves mental clarity.
However, the growing demand for these interventions does not necessarily guarantee their effectiveness. Much of the support for digital detoxing comes from anecdotal evidence and online testimonials. While these positive reviews can be persuasive, they are often biased. For instance, an individual who invests a significant amount of money in an expensive tech-free retreat may feel psychologically compelled to report a positive outcome to justify the expense. This is a common bias in self-reported wellness data.
To determine if digital detoxing truly works, scientific scrutiny is essential. Controlled experimental studies are needed to distinguish between the “placebo effect” of taking a vacation and the actual benefits of removing technology. Early research suggests that while temporary disconnection can lower immediate anxiety, the effects often vanish once the individual returns to their normal routine.
Therefore, the long-term solution may not be a total detox, but rather the development of sustainable digital habits. As the debate continues, the focus is shifting from “quitting” technology to finding a healthier balance in an increasingly digital world.
(Adapted from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/digital-detox#benefits)