I. Choose the word/phrase/sentence (A, B, C, or D) that best fits the space or best answers the question given in each sentence. (3.5 pts)
1. Which word has the underlined part pronounced differently from that of the others?
| A. groups | B. loops | C. roads | D. hoops |
2. Which word has the underlined part pronounced differently from that of the others?
| A. colonel | B. effect | C. external | D. eternal |
3. Which word has a different stress pattern from that of the others?
| A. academic | B. hypnotic | C. automatic | D. problematic |
4. Which word has a different stress pattern from that of the others?
| A. significant | B. resident | C. president | D. confident |
5. Financial Advisor: By this time next year, our investors ______ nearly twenty million dollars into the emerging markets had our forecasts been accurate.
Executive: That’s precisely why we need a more sophisticated risk assessment model.
| A. would have channeled | B. will have been channeling |
| C. would be channeling | D. had been channeling |
6. Quantum Physicist: The particle behavior we observed contradicts our initial hypothesis.
Research Fellow: Was the anomaly detected ______ the quantum field boundaries or at the interaction points?
| A. within | B. amid | C. amongst | D. throughout |
7. Neuroscience Professor: Recent studies suggest that cognitive development is intrinsically linked ______ diverse sensory experiences during adolescence.
Doctoral Candidate: Indeed, my research also indicates that restricted environmental stimuli correlate with diminished neural pathway formation.
| A. to | B. with | C. by | D. for |
8. Neuroscience Lecturer: The ______ groundbreaking theory attempts to ______ consciousness as an emergent property of complex neural networks.
Doctoral Student: That’s fascinating, especially considering how it challenges conventional dualist paradigms.
| A. account for | B. fall back on | C. zero in on | D. flesh out |
9. IT Professional: The cybersecurity protocol ______ implementation requires specialized training has been mandated for all departments.
Department Manager: I’ll need to identify staff members ______ technical skills qualify them for the advanced certification.
| A. whose / whose | B. which / who |
| C. that / with whom | D. for which / that |
10. Employer: Why should we hire you for this position?
Applicant: I’m extremely ______ and always complete tasks thoroughly and on time.
| A. unreliable | B. reliable | C. careless | D. lazy |
11. Friend: I couldn’t attend the concert ______ I had to study for my exam.
Minh: That’s understandable. There will be other concerts.
| A. therefore | B. because | C. unless | D. although |
12. Science Teacher: Renewable ______ sources like solar and wind power are our future.
Student: How can we implement these technologies in our school?
| A. power | B. electricity | C. force | D. energy |
13. Coach: You’ve made great progress with your swimming technique.
Student: “________________________”
| A. Swimming pools are cold. |
| B. I still can’t swim well. |
| C. Thanks! I’ve been practicing a lot. |
| D. Progress is slow. |
14. Mai: “________________________”
Linh: I’d recommend the grilled fish. It’s their specialty.
| A. Have you been to this restaurant before? |
| B. What do you think I should order? |
| C. Would you like to share a dessert? |
| D. Do you know what time they close? |
II. Look at the sign or the notice. Choose the best answer (A, B, C, or D) for questions 15 and 16. (0.5 pt)
| 15. What does this prohibition sign indicate?
A. Planting flowers is not allowed in this area B. Watering or gardening activities are forbidden C. Picking or removing flowers is prohibited D. Taking photographs of flowers is not permitted |
|
| 16. What does this safety prohibition sign indicate?
A. No heavy luggage is permitted in this area B. Personal belongings must be checked at security C. Carrying backpacks or handbags is forbidden D. Do not leave flammables or explosives |
III. Choose the word (A, B, C, or D) that best fits each space in the following passage. (1.5 pts)
Dear Emma,
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to share something important with you about my basketball journey and personal growth. The (17) ______ and teamwork I’ve learned through sports have completely changed my perspective on life. My coach always emphasizes that perseverance is more valuable than winning trophies or medals. Playing basketball has made me more confident and responsible in daily (18) ______ at home and school. I’ve become incredibly patient and determined when facing difficult challenges in both academics and relationships. (19) ______ practice sessions, I learn to work under pressure effectively while maintaining focus.
Through countless failures, I discovered that success comes after persistent effort and dedication. Sports taught me valuable time management skills when balancing training (20) ______ with homework assignments. I’ve learned to communicate better with teammates, which helps me make friends easily at school. Most importantly, losing games taught me how to handle disappointment gracefully and (21) ______ back stronger. Basketball isn’t just about scoring points anymore. It’s about building character, developing leadership (22) ______, and preparing for real-world challenges ahead. These lessons will benefit me throughout my entire academic career and future profession.
Thank you for listening to my thoughts and experiences!
Your friend,
L.K
| 17. A. resilience | B. discipline | C. tenacity | D. composure |
| 18. A. activities | B. situations | C. experiences | D. routines |
| 19. A. During | B. Within | C. Throughout | D. Among |
| 20. A. sessions | B. commitments | C. requirements | D. schedules |
| 21. A. bounce | B. spring | C. fight | D. push |
| 22. A. skills | B. traits | C. qualities | D. abilities |
IV. Read the following leaflet Mastering the Clock Before It Masters You. Decide whether the statements from 23 to 26 are True or False and choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D) to complete the statements in the questions 27 and 28. (1.5 pts)
Time management has become increasingly crucial for students facing modern academic pressures. Research demonstrates that teenagers who effectively organize their schedules achieve 30% better results compared to those who struggle with planning. The foundation lies in prioritization techniques. Successful students create comprehensive daily lists, ranking tasks from urgent to less important matters. They allocate specific hours for studying different subjects, ensuring mathematics receives adequate attention during peak concentration periods. Additionally, they reserve weekends exclusively for reviewing previously learned materials rather than cramming unfamiliar information.
Technology provides valuable assistance through digital calendars and reminder applications. However, educational experts warn against over-dependence on electronic gadgets. Traditional physical planners encourage mindful thinking about upcoming deadlines and long-term commitments. Procrastination represents the greatest threat to productive time usage. Students frequently postpone challenging assignments until the final moments, creating unnecessary stress and producing significantly lower-quality work. Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable portions helps overcome this destructive tendency completely.
Effective time managers also recognize the critical importance of regular breaks. Scheduled intervals between intensive study sessions actually improve memory retention while preventing mental fatigue. They incorporate physical exercise and meaningful social activities into their structured routines, maintaining a healthy work-life balance throughout demanding periods. Poor time management inevitably leads to serious negative consequences: missed educational opportunities, incomplete assignments, increased anxiety levels, and damaged relationships with teachers and parents. Conversely, students who master this essential skill develop genuine confidence, significantly reduce stress levels, and create numerous opportunities for pursuing personal interests alongside academic responsibilities.
Ultimately, successful time management involves making conscious choices rather than allowing external circumstances to control your schedule.
23. Students who effectively manage their time show a 30% improvement in academic performance compared to poor planners.
| A. True | B. False |
24. Educational experts encourage students to rely completely on digital planning tools instead of traditional methods.
| A. True | B. False |
25. The passage suggests that procrastination primarily affects work quality rather than stress levels.
| A. True | B. False |
26. According to the text, effective time managers avoid taking breaks during study sessions to maximize productivity.
| A. True | B. False |
27. According to the passage, successful students reserve their weekends primarily for ______.
| A. Starting new challenging projects |
| B. Reviewing and reinforcing previously learned materials |
| C. Completing urgent assignments due Monday |
| D. Socializing without any academic focus |
28. All of the following are mentioned as negative consequences of poor time management EXCEPT ______.
| A. Missed educational opportunities |
| B. Damaged relationships with authority figures |
| C. Decreased physical fitness levels |
| D. Increased anxiety and stress levels |
V. Use the correct form of the word given in each sentence. (1.5 pts)
29. The ______ of quantum computing could revolutionize data security systems. (operationalize)
30. The philosophical ______ between determinism and free will remains unresolved. (dichotomous)
31. The ______ factors affecting biodiversity loss must be addressed holistically. (multitude)
32. The researcher’s ______ investigation into cellular mechanisms earned international recognition. (meticulously)
33. Modern societies are experiencing the ______ of traditional and digital communication methods. (converge)
34. The ______ nature of pandemic response requires international cooperation. (exigent)
VI. Look at the entry of the word ‘substantial’ in a dictionary. Use what you can get from the entry to complete the sentences with two or three words. (0.5 pt)
substantial (adjective)
/səbˈstænʃl/
large in amount, value or importance
SYNONYM: considerable
substantial sums of money
a substantial change
Substantial numbers of people support the reforms.
He ate a substantial breakfast.
There are substantial differences between the two groups.
Their share of the software market is substantial.
We were able to see a substantial improvement.
35. Maria noticed ______ between public and private schools when she transferred.
36. David’s math grades showed ______ after he started studying regularly.
VII. Rewrite each of the following sentences in another way so that it means almost the same as the sentence printed before it. (1.0 pt)
37. Learning Chinese is more challenging than learning Spanish.
→ Learning Spanish __________________________________________
38. Sarah started working on this project in January.
→ Sarah __________________________________________
39. The flight was canceled due to severe weather conditions.
→ The flight __________________________________________
40. After much consideration, we have decided not to proceed with the investment.
→ After much consideration, we have decided
THE END