THE DECLINE OF TRADITIONAL RETAIL: question 34 (According to the text, what is one reason online shopping is more competitive than traditional retail?)

B: It operates with significantly lower costs than physical stores.

THE DECLINE OF TRADITIONAL RETAIL: question 35 (What does the author suggest is critical for the survival of traditional retail?)

C: Combining digital innovation with unique in-store experiences.

Reading answers with explanations

Multilevel · Part 5 · Real Exam Multilevel Test 4 (2026)

THE DECLINE OF TRADITIONAL RETAIL: Reading answers

Answers to questions 30–35 (6 in all), each with why it is right.

Sit it first, then check

Read the whole passage and answer in the exam interface, timed as on the day.

Practise this part

The passage opens

Over the past decade, the retail landscape has undergone dramatic transformation, with traditional brick-and-mortar stores struggling to maintain their foothold in the market. The rapid rise of e-commerce has fundamentally altered consumer behavior, with convenience, variety, and competitive pricing driving customers to online shopping platforms. While some retailers have adapted by embracing digital technologies, others have faltered, leading to the closure of countless high-street stores. One significant factor contributing to this decline is the evolving expectations of consumers. Modern-day shoppers prioritize efficiency, often opting for the ability to browse and purchase items from…

Answers 30–35

30
e-commerce Note completion
The note’s “advance of” paraphrases the “rapid rise of” e-commerce, which has changed consumer behavior.
“The rapid rise of e-commerce has fundamentally altered consumer behavior”
31
efficiency Note completion
The note’s “expect” paraphrases the passage’s statement that shoppers “prioritize efficiency.”
“Modern-day shoppers prioritize efficiency”
32
rent Note completion
The passage names rent and employment as costs of maintaining physical stores; “staffing costs” paraphrases employment.
“The cost of maintaining physical stores, including rent and employment, adds a financial burden”
33
immediacy Note completion
The passage says click-and-collect combines convenience with immediacy, matching the note’s description of in-store benefits.
“combining convenience with immediacy”
34
According to the text, what is one reason online shopping is more competitive than traditional retail?
B: It operates with significantly lower costs than physical stores. Multiple choice
The passage says online retailers have much lower overheads than physical stores, making them more competitive. This supports option B.
“online retailers operate with much lower overheads”
35
What does the author suggest is critical for the survival of traditional retail?
C: Combining digital innovation with unique in-store experiences. Multiple choice
The author recommends combining digital convenience with in-store experiences that online platforms cannot replicate. This matches option C.
“finding ways to integrate the best of both worlds”

THE DECLINE OF TRADITIONAL RETAIL: Reading answers

The passage opens

Answers 30–35

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