Questions 16 to 18 are based on the recording you have just heard.

Directions: In this section, you will hear three recordings of lectures or talks followed by three or four questions. The recordings will be played only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.
    16.
  • A They encourage international cooperation.
  • B They lay stress on basic scientific research.
  • C They place great emphasis on empirical studies.
  • D They favour scientists from its member countries.
    17.
  • A They encourage international cooperation.
  • B They lay stress on basic scientific research.
  • C They place great emphasis on empirical studies.
  • D They favour scientists from its member countries.
    18.
  • A It requires mathematicians to work independently.
  • B It is faced with many unprecedented challenges.
  • C It lags behind other disciplines in collaboration.
  • D It calls for more research funding to catch up.