BRACU Admission Test

Ringo Starr celebrated his 86th birthday by receiving an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the University of Liverpool at a private ceremony in Los Angeles.

The Beatles legend, whose real name is Sir Richard Starkey, said he was "really honored" to receive the award, which was presented ahead of his annual Peace & Love birthday celebration at Beverly Hills Park.

Accepting the honorary degree, Starr reflected on his early decision to pursue music despite his family's reservations.

"I've been thinking back on my life a lot lately, and when I chose to become a drummer full time, my family discouraged me," he said. "They could have been right, but they weren't—it all worked out."

He also offered words of encouragement to the University's graduates in his hometown of Liverpool.

"Don't be afraid to follow your dreams, or take that right turn and see where it goes," Starr said. "It could lead to an honorary doctorate from the University of Liverpool."

Although he now lives in California, Starr said he would always have a deep affection for Liverpool.

The honorary degree was presented by University Chancellor Wendy Beetlestone, who praised Starr's extraordinary contribution to music and his role in enhancing Liverpool's global reputation through his work with The Beatles.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones said the award reflects the University's deep respect for Starr's lasting influence on music and his significant contribution to Liverpool's cultural heritage.

Here are several SAT Reading and Writing–style questions based on the passage.

Question 1: Central Idea

Which choice best states the main idea of the passage?

A. Ringo Starr plans to retire after celebrating his birthday in California.
B. Ringo Starr was honored by the University of Liverpool and encouraged graduates to pursue their dreams.
C. The University of Liverpool has begun awarding honorary degrees to musicians.
D. Ringo Starr regrets ignoring his family's advice to choose a different career.

Question 2: Evidence

Which quotation best supports the idea that Starr encourages others to take risks?

A. "I'm really honored."
B. "I've been thinking back on my life a lot lately."
C. "Don't be afraid to follow your dreams, or take that right turn and see where it goes."
D. "I will always love Liverpool."

Answer: C

Question 3: Vocabulary in Context

As used in the passage, the word "conferred" most nearly means:

A. Discussed
B. Presented
C. Requested
D. Questioned

Question 4: Inference

What can reasonably be inferred about Starr's family?

A. They strongly encouraged him to become a musician.
B. They were uncertain whether a career in music would succeed.
C. They worked in the music industry.
D. They attended the ceremony in Los Angeles.

Answer: B

Question 5: Author's Purpose

The author includes Starr's comments about his family's discouragement primarily to:

A. criticize his parents' decisions.
B. explain why he moved to California.
C. illustrate that perseverance can lead to success.
D. show that becoming a drummer was easy.

Question 6: Command of Evidence

Which detail best explains why the University of Liverpool awarded Starr an honorary degree?

A. He currently lives in California.
B. He celebrated his birthday in Beverly Hills Park.
C. His musical achievements and contributions helped shape Liverpool's identity and reputation.
D. He recently graduated from the University of Liverpool.

Answer: C

Question 7: Text Structure

The passage is organized primarily by:

A. comparing two musicians' careers.
B. presenting a chronological account of an event followed by reactions and explanations.
C. explaining the history of honorary degrees.
D. arguing against family influence on career choices.

Question 8: Best Summary

Which choice provides the most effective summary of the passage?

A. Ringo Starr celebrated his birthday with family and announced his retirement from music.
B. Ringo Starr received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the University of Liverpool, reflected on following his dreams despite early discouragement, and was praised for his contributions to music and Liverpool's cultural identity.
C. The University of Liverpool held its graduation ceremony in Los Angeles to honor all Beatles members.
D. Ringo Starr encouraged graduates to become musicians because it guarantees success.

Answer: B

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Bright Prep Credit Transfer Support between Brac University and University of Sydney Student: Expert advice on course equivalency, credit evaluation, articulation pathways and transfer application procedures to help students move smoothly between institutions

Researchers at the University of Sydney in collaboration with IBM have identified a major source of errors that limits the performance of today's quantum computers and demonstrated a practical way to reduce its impact. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, represent an important step toward making quantum computers more reliable and scalable.

Quantum computers have the potential to solve problems that are beyond the capabilities of classical computers, such as simulating complex molecules, designing new materials and drugs, and tackling difficult optimization tasks. However, the quantum bits (qubits) that perform these calculations are extremely fragile and easily disrupted by environmental noise.

To protect quantum information, quantum computers rely on quantum error correction, which continuously checks for errors during a computation. These checks require mid-circuit measurements, where special helper qubits are measured while the rest of the quantum system continues operating. Although essential, these measurements introduce an unexpected challenge: while the measurements are being performed, the remaining qubits must wait in an idle state, allowing additional noise to accumulate and increasing the likelihood of errors.

Using IBM's 156-qubit Quantum Heron r2 processor, the researchers investigated how these mid-circuit measurements affect quantum error correction. They found that the idle time associated with the measurements is one of the largest contributors to errors in current superconducting quantum computers.

Rather than changing the hardware, the team redesigned the error-correction circuits to reduce the amount of time qubits remain idle during measurements. This optimization increased the logical qubit survival rate from below 90% to more than 96% for each error-correction cycle, demonstrating a significant improvement in the reliability of quantum operations.

The study shows that measurement-related delays, rather than the measurements alone, are a major obstacle to fault-tolerant quantum computing. By identifying and quantifying this bottleneck, the researchers provide valuable guidance for future hardware and software improvements, including faster measurement systems, lower-latency control electronics, and more efficient error-correction protocols.

Overall, the work advances the understanding of how errors arise in quantum computers and demonstrates that thoughtful engineering of error-correction procedures can substantially improve performance. These findings bring the field one step closer to building large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of solving real-world scientific and industrial problems.

Bright Prep IELTS Reading Practice

1. What was the primary objective of the University of Sydney and IBM research?

A. To develop a new type of quantum processor
B. To identify major sources of errors in quantum computers and improve error correction
C. To replace superconducting qubits with classical bits
D. To eliminate the need for quantum error correction

2. According to the passage, why are quantum computers difficult to scale up?

A. They require too much electrical power.
B. Their qubits are highly susceptible to noise and instability.
C. They cannot perform chemical simulations.
D. They are slower than classical computers.

3. What is the purpose of mid-circuit measurements?

A. To stop quantum computations permanently
B. To convert all qubits into classical bits
C. To detect errors during computation while preserving the remaining quantum information
D. To reduce the number of qubits required

Bright Prep SAT Reading and Writing Practice

Question 1: Central Idea

Which choice best states the central idea of the passage?

A. Quantum computers are now reliable enough for commercial use.

B. Researchers identified a major source of errors in quantum computers and demonstrated a way to improve error correction.

C. Classical computers are becoming obsolete because of advances in quantum computing.

D. IBM has developed a completely new type of quantum processor.

Question 2: Evidence

Which detail from the passage best supports the claim that the researchers' approach improved quantum computing performance?

A. The study was published in Nature Communications.

B. The processor contained 156 qubits.

C. The redesigned error-correction circuit increased logical qubit survival rates from below 90% to more than 96%.

D. The collaboration began in 2024.

Question 3: Inference

What can reasonably be inferred about mid-circuit measurements?

A. They are unnecessary for quantum error correction.

B. They improve reliability without introducing any drawbacks.

C. They are essential but can indirectly increase errors by causing other qubits to remain idle.

D. They permanently collapse every qubit in the quantum computer.

Question 4: Vocabulary in Context

As used in the passage, the word "susceptible" most nearly means:

A. resistant

B. vulnerable

C. adaptable

D. identical

Question 5: Function of a Paragraph

The paragraph describing the redesign of the error-correction circuitry primarily serves to

A. explain how the researchers addressed a major source of errors.

B. criticize previous quantum computing research.

C. compare superconducting qubits with trapped-ion qubits.

D. introduce a competing theory of quantum error correction.

Question 6: Data Interpretation

According to the passage, which statement is supported by the reported results?

A. Every logical qubit survived all error-correction cycles.

B. The redesigned approach completely eliminated measurement noise.

C. The redesigned error-correction method significantly increased logical qubit survival rates.

D. Quantum computers no longer require error correction.

Question 7: Author's Purpose

Why does the author mention the collaboration between the University of Sydney and IBM?

A. To demonstrate how partnerships between academia and industry can advance quantum technology.

B. To argue that universities should replace private companies in quantum research.

C. To explain why IBM owns the University of Sydney.

D. To compare Australian and American research funding.

Answer: A

Question 8: Logical Completion

Which choice best completes the text?

The researchers found that while mid-circuit measurements are necessary for quantum error correction, they also introduce delays. Consequently, the team focused on __________.

A. eliminating quantum measurements entirely

B. replacing superconducting qubits with classical bits

C. redesigning the error-correction circuitry to reduce idle time

D. increasing the number of physical qubits without changing the circuitry

Answer: C

Question 9: Command of Evidence

A student claims that measurement noise is one of the primary limitations of current quantum computers.

Which quotation from the passage provides the strongest evidence for this claim?

A. "Quantum computers promise to solve certain classes of problems beyond the reach of conventional computers."

B. "The researchers also found that measurement noise is one of the dominant limitations affecting the reliability of quantum logic operations on present-day devices."

C. "The paper has been published in Nature Communications."

D. "Professor Bartlett is the director of Sydney Nano."

Answer: B

Question 10: Rhetorical Synthesis

A student wants to emphasize the practical significance of the study.

Which detail from the passage is most relevant?

A. The study involved an international talent exchange program.

B. The researchers used a 156-qubit IBM Quantum Heron r2 processor.

C. Improved quantum error correction could help enable future applications such as drug discovery, materials design, and optimization.

D. The research was conducted at the University of Sydney.

Answer: C

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Brac University Admission Style Cloze Test: Meta’s Commitment to India
Read the passage carefully and choose the correct option for each blank.

Meta and Reliance Industries have announced a major expansion of their strategic partnership through the development of an AI-enabled data center in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This investment reflects Meta’s commitment to India and supports the growing demand for advanced digital infrastructure required to deliver large-scale AI capabilities.

The facility, which will have a planned capacity of 168 MW in its first phase, will be built by Reliance and leased by Meta, with the option to ____ (1) capacity in the future.

According to Meta, the initiative is designed to strengthen its global infrastructure while serving India’s rapidly expanding digital economy, which is characterized by a large user base and strong technological ____ (2).

The data center will be powered by renewable energy and cooled using desalinated seawater. Meta will bear the full cost of energy and water consumption, making this investment both technologically advanced and environmentally ____ (3).

Jamnagar has been selected as a strategic location due to its access to large-scale energy resources, enabling the development of high-capacity AI-enabled infrastructure. This project also aligns with Meta’s broader efforts to enhance global connectivity through initiatives such as Project Waterworth, a subsea cable system aimed at improving internet ____ (4) and reliability.

Meta and Reliance have maintained a long-standing partnership, including earlier investments in Jio Platforms and joint ventures focused on AI technologies. The current agreement represents a shift toward physical infrastructure that supports next-generation AI ____ (5).

In addition, Meta has announced agreements to source nearly 1 GW of clean energy in India from multiple providers, reinforcing its commitment to reducing operational ____ (6) and supporting sustainable development.

Questions

1. The facility will be leased by Meta, with the option to ____ capacity in the future.
A. reduce
B. scale
C. restrict
D. freeze

2. India’s digital economy is characterized by a large user base and strong technological ____ .
A. resistance
B. stagnation
C. adoption
D. rejection

3. The project is environmentally ____ due to its use of renewable energy.
A. harmful
B. neutral
C. advanced
D. sustainable

4. Project Waterworth aims to improve internet ____ and reliability.
A. latency
B. connectivity
C. silence
D. distance

5. The agreement supports next-generation AI ____ .
A. failures
B. capabilities
C. delays
D. restrictions

6. Meta’s clean energy agreements help reduce operational ____ .
A. emissions
B. profits
C. users
D. devices

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QS World University Rankings 2027 include 184 U.S. universities, making the United States the most represented country in the rankings.

Complete list of all 184 U.S. universities in QS World University Rankings 2027:

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Among Ivy League schools the University of Pennsylvania reported the largest increase with lobbying expenditures rising nearly 744 percent. Dartmouth’s lobbying spending increased more than fivefold, while Cornell University also expanded its lobbying efforts.

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Cloze Test: Cats and the Power of Scent
Cats often leave their meals unfinished not only because they are full but also because they become accustomed to the (1) ________ of their food, according to a research team from Iwate University.

The team confirmed that cats’ appetites tend to (2) ________ once they get used to the smell of their food, while exposure to a new scent encourages them to eat again.

In the study, researchers conducted a 10-minute feeding period followed by a 10-minute (3) ________. This cycle was repeated six times after the cats had gone without food for 16 hours.

The research, conducted between January 2023 and February 2026, involved 12 healthy mixed-breed cats aged 3 to 15 years. The team examined how much the cats ate in relation to differences in food and (4) ________.

Researchers found that when cats were repeatedly given the same food, they consumed (5) ________ amounts over time, with many leaving part of their meals uneaten.

However, when different types of food were introduced, the cats showed an improvement in their waning appetites. Even the scent of a different food was enough to stimulate eating, despite the cats actually consuming the same food throughout the (6) ________.

The study, published in the journal Physiology & Behavior, suggests that cats' appetites decline when they become familiar with a food's smell and recover when exposed to new (7) ________.

The researchers believe this odor-driven mechanism may explain why cats often prefer to eat small and ( 8 ) ________ meals throughout the day.

Multiple-Choice Questions:

(1) ________
A. texture
B. scent
C. color
D. temperature

(2) ________
A. increase
B. disappear
C. wane
D. stabilize

(3) ________
A. interval
B. treatment
C. exercise
D. observation

(4) ________
A. behavior
B. age
C. weight
D. scent

(5) ________
A. larger
B. equal
C. smaller
D. unpredictable

(6) ________
A. publication
B. experiment
C. journey
D. survey

(7) ________
A. stimulation
B. restrictions
C. nutrients
D. environments

( 8 ) ________
A. expensive
B. infrequent
C. frequent
D. prepared

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Bright Prep GRE Practice
Desi Ivy and Brac University Admissions English Composition Writing Preparation Fall 2026
Standardized Testing Debate: A GRE style prompt and sample response

Sample Response: Standardized testing has long been a central component of university admissions. Proponents argue that tests such as the SAT and ACT provide a uniform and objective measure of academic readiness, while critics contend that they often reflect socioeconomic privilege rather than intellectual ability. Although standardized examinations can provide valuable information about student preparedness, I disagree with the claim that they constitute the most reliable measure of academic potential. Universities should instead evaluate applicants through multiple indicators, including grades, coursework and personal achievements.

One reason standardized tests remain useful is that they establish a common benchmark among students from vastly different educational backgrounds. High school grading standards vary considerably across schools, districts, and regions. A student with a high GPA at one school may not possess the same level of academic preparation as a student with an identical GPA elsewhere. Standardized exams help universities compare applicants on a shared scale. This function is particularly important in disciplines such as engineering, mathematics, and the physical sciences, where a strong foundation in quantitative reasoning is essential. Without some objective assessment, universities may struggle to identify students who are adequately prepared for rigorous coursework.

However, the usefulness of standardized tests should not be confused with reliability as a comprehensive measure of academic success. Academic achievement depends on far more than performance on a single examination. High school grades represent years of sustained effort, discipline, and mastery across multiple subjects. A student who consistently performs well over four years demonstrates qualities such as perseverance, time management, and intellectual curiosity—traits that a three-hour test cannot adequately capture. Moreover, standardized exams are vulnerable to external influences, including test anxiety, health conditions and familiarity with testing strategies.

Another limitation is the unequal access to preparation resources. Students from affluent families often benefit from private tutoring, specialized courses, and repeated opportunities to take practice exams. Consequently, test scores may reflect differences in financial resources as much as differences in academic ability. If universities rely too heavily on standardized testing, they risk overlooking talented students whose potential is not fully reflected in their scores. Such an outcome would undermine the broader educational mission of identifying and cultivating talent from diverse backgrounds.

At the same time, eliminating standardized testing entirely may create other problems. Universities must maintain academic standards and ensure that admitted students are capable of succeeding in demanding programs. Rather than treating test scores as either essential or irrelevant, institutions should incorporate them as one factor among many. A holistic admissions process can preserve the benefits of standardized assessment while reducing its shortcomings.

In conclusion, standardized tests provide useful information about academic preparedness, particularly in fields that require strong analytical skills. Nevertheless, they are not the most reliable measure of a student's potential or likelihood of success. A balanced admissions process that considers multiple indicators offers a more accurate and equitable evaluation of applicants.

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