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Choose the correct alternative regarding the ideas and...

Text for questions 1 to 4.


1 Hong Kong, synonymous with grand

skyscrapers and busy streets, also holds a secret—

the presence of "coffin homes." These tiny

4 dwellings, sometimes not even the size of a single

bed, have become synonymous with the city's dire

housing shortage. With land values spiraling out of

7 control and affordable housing in short supply,

many are forced to live in these small apartments.

But how is life inside these small flats, really?

10 Coffin homes, or "cage homes" and

"bedspace apartments," are sub-divided spaces in

older housing buildings. They are usually around 2-

13 5 square meters and barely large enough to fit a

bed and some personal items. In some cases, units

are surrounded by metal cages, with little

16 ventilation and privacy. Inexpensive, they are

rented out to those who need cheap

accommodation in one of the world's most costly

19 cities.

The unsanitary conditions of coffin homes

pose significant health risks. Residents are

22 susceptible to respiratory issues due to poor air

quality and lack of sunlight. Mental health

problems, including depression and anxiety, are

25 prevalent, stemming from the isolation and

discomfort associated with these living conditions.

The occupants of coffin homes tend to be

28 poor people, such as the elderly, migrant workers,

and those who cannot afford conventional housing.

Most of them take long shifts in the service sector

31 or other low-income sectors. The cost of living is too

high and public housing is not readily available, so

they are driven to these deplorable living

34 conditions. It is estimated that more than 200,000

individuals in Hong Kong reside in such close

quarters.

37 The government of Hong Kong has

recognised the magnitude of the housing crisis and

has taken steps to curb it. New laws require

40 subdivided units to be a certain size and have such

basic facilities such as windows and private toilets.

But these changes don't touch coffin homes, which

43 are still not well regulated. The government has

committed to constructing more public housing to

curb the shortage, but the shortage still outstrips

46 demand.


Would you stay in a coffin home? Life inside Hong Kong’s tiniest apartments. The Times of India. Nov. 7, 2025. Internet: <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com> (adapted).

Choose the correct alternative regarding the ideas and linguistic aspects of the text.


A

The word "short" (l. 7) describes a feature of coffin homes.


B

The adverb "sometimes" (l. 4) indicates how frequently the dwellings have become synonymous with the city's dire housing shortage.


C

The expression "rented out" (l. 17) means the same as sold.


D

Without changing the meaning of the text, the word "cannot" (l. 29) could be correctly replaced with couldn’t.


E

In the text, the words "apartments" (l. 8) and "flats" (l. 9) are used synonymously, which avoids repetition of vocabulary.