SOAL TKA BAHASA INGGRIS

TAHUN PELAJARAN 2025/2026

Why Passion Projects Are Transforming Student Learning

In recent years, Indonesian students have increasingly engaged in

“passion projects” — self
Initiated activities outside the classroom that combine personal interests with
social contribution
From digital art campaigns to climate action clubs, these projects have
empowered youth to explore their identities while addressing real-world
problems. According to a 2024 study by the National.
Youth Council, 67% of senior high school students reported feeling more
motivated in school when their personal interests were acknowledged.
Despite some challenges—such as time management and lack of school
support—many students persist. “My community gardening project helped
me connect science with service,” said Nadira, a Grade 11 student in
Yogyakarta. “It changed how I think about learning.” The rise of such
initiatives suggests a broader shift toward student agency and project-based
learning.

1. What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Students face challenges managing time for school projects.
B. Passion projects are increasing stress among Indonesian youth.
C. Schools are pressuring students to participate in extracurriculars.
D. Passion projects help students combine interests with social impact.
E. Science-based projects are more popular than art-based projects.
2. Based on the passage and the figure, what can be inferred about student
motivation and tone?
A. The author uses a pessimistic tone to describe the limits of passion
projects.
B. Passion projects are portrayed as a burden for students with academic
stress.
C. The tone is hopeful, showing that passion projects enhance student
engagement.
D. The author neutrally presents data without expressing any opinion.
E. Students are motivated equally by all types of projects.

3. What is the writer’s opinion about passion projects, and which sentence
best supports it?
A. Passion projects are a waste of academic time; “students face time
management issues.”
B. They are transforming learning; “these projects have empowered youth.”
C. They help schools control student behaviour; “schools now demand more.”
D. Students enjoy gardening; “My community gardening project helped
me…”
E. Passion projects are only popular in urban areas.

Read the transcript from a role-play at a youth leadership workshop

below to answer questions number
4–5. Choose one correct answer.

Facilitator : In a friendly debate, remember that non-verbal communication is

as important as what you say. For example, if someone crosses their arms
and avoids eye contact, how mightyou feel?
Student A : Probably that they’re annoyed or not interested.
Facilitator : Exactly. Now think of tone. Saying “Fine!” with a harsh pitch
sounds different from
“Fine…” with a sigh.
Student B : It’s not just what we say — how we say it and our body language
matter too.
Facilitator : Yes! Good communicators use gestures, facial expressions, and
voice tone to
4. Why are non-verbal cues important in spoken communication?
A. They help speakers deliver long speeches effectively.
B. They can replace words in formal presentations.
C. They confuse the listener if not used often.
D. They provide extra meaning beyond words.
E. They are only necessary for professional settings.
5. During the workshop, a peer shares an idea and looks uncertain. Which is
the most appropriate response to sustain a friendly conversation?
A. “That doesn’t make sense. You should rethink it.”
B. “Interesting, but I completely disagree.”
C. Smiles and says, “Thanks for sharing. Can you tell me more?”
D. “Whatever. Let’s move on.”
E. Says nothing and checks phone.
Read the excerpt from a student Instagram post and dialogue
transcript below to answer questions
number 6–8. Choose one correct answer.
Instagram Post by Arif (Grade 12)
“It’s not always easy ending a conversation with a teacher, especially when
they’re mid-sentence!
Last Friday, I had to catch my school bus, but Mr. Darmawan was still giving
me tips for my speech..
I smiled, nodded, and said, ‘Thank you so much, Sir. I’ll definitely think about
it – may I continue this with you after school?’ It worked. He smiled and said
we could talk again later. I realized that polite but clear signals help both
people.”
Transcript of Student Dialogue
A: “So, we’ve agreed that the school cafeteria needs healthier options,
right?”
B: “Yes, but I wonder, how can we convince students who prefer fried food?”
A: “Good question. What if we surveyed their preferences first and offered
alternatives?”
B: “That sounds fair. And maybe get opinions from parents too?”
A: “Nice! Do you think parents would support a price increase for healthier
meals?”
B: “Hmm, let’s ask that during our presentation.”
6. What is the most effective strategy for closing a casual conversation with a
teacher based on Arif’s
blog post?
A. Say nothing and walk away if the teacher keeps talking.
B. Look away and pretend to be busy.
C. Say “Sorry, I’m late!” and leave immediately.
D. Acknowledge the teacher’s point and suggest continuing later.
E. Tell the teacher you are not interested in continuing the discussion.

7. Which statement in the dialogue is an example of an open-ended

question?
A. “We’ve agreed that the school cafeteria needs healthier options, right?”
B. “Do you think parents would support a price increase for healthier meals?”
C. “Can we convince students who prefer fried food?”
D. “What if we surveyed their preferences first?”
E. “That sounds fair.”
8. Suppose the dialogue continues with Student A saying, “I think we need to
understand that not every
family can afford expensive meals.”
What makes this opinion culturally sensitive?
A. It criticizes the school for ignoring parents.
B. It reflects personal bias without evidence.
C. It recognizes differences in economic background respectfully.
D. It shows disagreement in a rude way.
E. It supports government regulation of school lunches.
Read the text below to answer questions number 9–10. Choose one
correct answer.
Teen Mental Health in Indonesia
Teenagers today face multiple stressors, from academic pressure to social
media comparisons.
While mental health is often discussed online, many teens feel isolated when
struggling in real life. Experts recommend schools create supportive
environments, including peer support groups and trained counsellors.
Increasing mental health awareness can reduce stigma and encourage
students to speak up. A survey revealed the following data:

9. What is the main idea of the informative text?

A. Social media should be banned in schools.
B. Students do not care about their mental health.
C. Schools must play a role in supporting teen mental health.
D. Teens should rely only on their families for mental health help.
E. eer groups are more important than counsellors.

10. What is the primary purpose of the informative text?

A. To persuade teens to avoid social media completely
B. To inform the public about the causes of teenage anxiety
C. To entertain the reader with teen stories
D. To inform readers about mental health challenges and suggest school-
based solutions
E. To argue against using counselors in schools
Read the text below to answer questions number 11–12. Choose one
correct answer.
Why Public Speaking Is Not Just a Soft Skill
TIn today’s hyper-connected world, the ability to speak publicly is more than
a bonus—it’s
a necessity. Schools that treat it as optional undermine students’ capacity to
lead, persuade, and
participate in civic life. A 2023 study published by the Southeast Asian
Education Review found that graduates who had formal training in public
speaking were 36% more likely to secure leadership roles within five years
Still, critics argue that not all students are naturally outgoing. But confidence
isn’t a prerequisite—it’s a product of practice. When institutions avoid
discomfort to preserve short-term ease, they sacrifice students’ long-term
resilience. Public speaking builds composure, logical structuring of ideas, and
the courage to fail forward. This is not merely an extracurricular activity—it is
a cornerstone of future readiness.
11. Which sentence most strongly reinforces the author’s main argument that
public speaking should be
integral to education?
A. “Public speaking builds composure, logical structuring of ideas, and the
courage to fail forward.”
B. “Still, critics argue that not all students are naturally outgoing.”
C. “Confidence isn’t a prerequisite—it’s a product of practice.”
D. “When institutions avoid discomfort to preserve short-term ease…”
E. “Schools that treat it as optional undermine students’ capacity to lead,
persuade, and participate
in civic life.”

12. Which sentence most directly reveals the author’s evaluative stance on
current school practices?
A. “Confidence isn’t a prerequisite—it’s a product of practice.”
B. “This is not merely an extracurricular activity—it is a cornerstone of future
readiness.”
C. “Public speaking builds composure, logical structuring of ideas, and the
courage to fail forward.”
D. “Still, critics argue that not all students are naturally outgoing.”
E. “Schools that treat it as optional undermine students’ capacity…”
13. Your school wants to launch a new digital orientation guide for incoming
students. The goal is to clearly explain how to download, log in, and navigate
the official student mobile app, which includes class schedules, assignments,
and a live school announcement board. You are tasked with drafting the
content that will appear on the app’s welcome screen.
Given the context and user needs, which of the following would be the most
effective and inclusive text type for the onboarding module?
13. A. A first-person blog describing a student's day using the app, focusing
on their experiences.
B. A persuasive essay arguing that school apps reduce stress and improve
learning.
C. A bullet-pointed user manual embedded with screenshots and interactive
tips.
D. A news article about the app’s development process, featuring teacher
interviews.
E. A short fictional story showing two students learning to use the app
incorrectly, followed by
corrections.
14. Read the following fictional short story excerpt on fantasy genre. What is
the most likely motive behind Niko’s decision to activate the Core Gear
despite the risk?
The Clockmaker’s Apprentice
In the city of Aeromar, time was not measured by the sun but by the Sky
Clock—a floating
above the Council Tower that pulsed with blue light. Only the High
Clockmaker and his apprentice could repair it.
When the Sky Clock dimmed unexpectedly one evening, panic spread like
wildfire. People stumbled through frozen minutes, unsure if it was morning or
midnight.
Inside the Tower, Niko, the apprentice, examined the gears with trembling
hands. The High Clockmaker was away in the Northern Isles, unreachable by
wind messenger. Niko had trained for five years but had never touched the
Core Gear.
As thunder cracked across the skies, he removed the protective seal and
whispered, “Forgive me, Master.” He inserted the tool he was never meant to
use alone. A blinding flash of light swallowed the chamber.
When it faded, the orb above the tower beat once more—bright and steady.
Niko stood quietly, one hand on the restored gear, the other clutching a
small, charred feather that hadn’t been there before.
14. A. He wanted to prove he was more skilled than the High Clockmaker.
B. He believed the Sky Clock would permanently collapse if he did nothing.
C. He wanted the Council to reward him with the title of High
Clockmaker.
D. He had secretly damaged the Sky Clock and wanted to fix his
mistake.
E. He had received instructions through the feather from a magical
creature.
15. Study the following digital advertisement. What is the most deeply
implied message of the advertisement?
A. Peer advice often solves mental health issues.
B. Smiling is a sign that someone is emotionally healthy.
C. Mental health apps should be colourful to attract teenagers.
D. Social pressure can silence emotional struggles, but safe spaces
help.
E. Teenagers often exaggerate emotional problems for attention.