Bruno Mars has once again taken the global music scene by storm with his latest hit song, "APT." Dominating the charts, (1) __________. The song has captivated audiences worldwide, achieving remarkable success on various music charts.

"APT." has secured its position at the top of the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts for an impressive seven consecutive weeks. (2) __________. The track's success is driven by a combination of strong streaming numbers and robust sales data, (3) __________.

In the competitive arena of global music charts, "APT." stands out not only for its own success but also for its ability to coexist with classic hits. This holiday season, traditional favorites have made a significant impact, reclaiming positions in the top 10. Notably, songs like Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and Wham's "Last Christmas" have reemerged, adding a nostalgic touch to the current chart landscape. Additionally, Lady Gaga and Mars' collaboration, "Die with a Smile", (4) __________, having previously held the top spot for several weeks.

The streaming figures for "APT." are nothing short of exceptional, demonstrating its widespread appeal. Throughout different weeks in 2024, the song has consistently achieved high streaming numbers. (5) __________. As the song continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it remains a testament to Mars' ability to create music that resonates across diverse listener demographics.

(Adapted from https://www.royaltyexchange.com/blog/rose-bruno-mars-apt)

Choosing a career is a significant decision (1) __________. With so many options available, finding the right path can feel overwhelming. However, by considering key factors such as interests, skills, job market trends, and financial stability, you can make a well-informed choice.

First, it is important to reflect on your interests and passions. Think about what activities bring you joy and what topics naturally attract your attention. When you pursue a career that aligns with your passions, work becomes more enjoyable and rewarding. For example, someone fascinated by technology (2) __________.

In addition to interests, understanding your skills and strengths can help guide your decision. Consider what tasks you excel at and what comes naturally to you. (3) __________, careers in finance, engineering, or data science might be a great fit. Recognizing your strengths allows you to choose a career where you can thrive and achieve success.

Beyond personal preferences, researching job market trends is essential. (4) __________. In recent years, careers in technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainability have been on the rise, offering promising opportunities.

Finally, financial security is a key consideration. While following your passion is important, (5) __________. Understanding salary expectations, job benefits, and advancement opportunities can help you make a practical decision.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a career path that not only aligns with your passions and skills but also ensures long-term stability and success.

Drink, Blink and Rest

Not many people realise how much strain modern life can put on their eyesight. Working on a computer, watching television and driving at night are just some of the things that can affect your eyes. (1) __________, even sunlight can be damaging to your eyes if you do not wear sunglasses to protect them from ultraviolet light.

It was traditionally believed that being long-sighted or short-sighted was a condition that was inherited. But recent studies have shown that this is not always the case. One study in Spain has shown that there has been an increase in eye problems among schoolchildren. Another in America suggests that up to 80 per cent of children may be short-sighted. It appears that (2) __________.

New problems, such as the massive increase in the number of people using computers at work, (3) __________. Using a computer means that the eye works in a different way, and it has to work harder. And the problems become worse the longer you spend in front of a screen. Experts have estimated that (4) __________.

Office workers suffer from additional problems because of central heating and air conditioning. The trouble here is that the eye becomes dry, (5) __________. One recommended way of combating this problem is to close the eyes for one minute every hour, to rest them and keep them moist. There are also many eye exercises that can help reduce the symptoms of eye strain.

Why don't we get our drinking water from the ocean?

If you're stuck at sea and thirsty, drinking seawater might seem like an option, but it's dangerous. Seawater is much saltier than your blood, (1) __________, making you more dehydrated. Your kidneys try to get rid of the extra salt, but they need fresh water to do that. Without enough fresh water, drinking seawater can lead to salt poisoning, causing serious damage to your cells and organs.

To survive in this situations, you need to find or create a source of freshwater. In the 4th century BCE, a philosopher described two ways of turning seawater into drinkable water: thermal desalination and reverse osmosis. Thermal desalination, an ancient method, (2) __________. Reverse osmosis uses pressure to push seawater through a membrane that filters out the salt. Both methods are still used today to make seawater drinkable, though each has its challenges. In terms of their efficiency, reverse osmosis is more energy-efficient and less wasteful than thermal desalination. (3) __________.

An alternative source of freshwater is wastewater. Reverse osmosis can purify wastewater more easily than seawater, as it contains less salt and fewer contaminants. By producing safe, drinkable water with reduced energy consumption, (4) __________.

In a survival situation at sea, drinking your urine or eating protein-rich foods is not a good idea, as it can make you more dehydrated. (5) __________. In extreme cases, people have resorted to drinking blood from animals as an emergency hydration source, though this is far from ideal and should only be used if necessary.

(Adapted from https://www.ted.com)

In recent years, the landscape of education has undergone a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and innovative methodologies. Traditional classroom learning is no longer the only option. Varied and interactive methods that make studying more engaging and accessible (1) __________. One prominent development is the rise of online platforms, which offer flexible and accessible learning opportunities. These platforms enable learners to engage with interactive content, participate in virtual discussions, and access resources from anywhere in the world.

Another emerging trend is personalized learning, (2) __________. This approach ensures that learners progress at their own pace, fostering a deeper understanding of the material. Gamification has also gained traction, as it incorporates game-like elements such as rewards and challenges to make learning more engaging and motivating. (3) __________.

Collaborative learning has evolved as well, with tools like video conferencing and shared digital workspaces facilitating teamwork and communication, regardless of geographical barriers. (4) __________.

Additionally, microlearning breaking down information into small, manageable chunks has proven effective for busy individuals seeking to acquire knowledge in short, focused sessions.

These innovative methods not only enhance the learning experience but also equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Making use of these new approaches, (5) __________.