I. Read the following news and mark the letter A, B, C and D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that...

Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

How to Manage Your Time Wisely

Do you often feel overwhelmed by your daily tasks? Many people fail to organise their time properly, and as a result they (7) ____________ missing deadlines or feeling permanently stressed. First of all, set a fixed schedule every day: for example, devote one hour in the morning to plan your tasks. Then, allocate (8) ____________ of time to each task rather than trying to do everything at once. Use tools such as a calendar or planner and write down your tasks - this will help you stick to the plan and avoid unnecessary (9) ____________.

(10) ____________, try to block out time for important goals like studying, work, or self-care — and don’t forget to rest. Instead of jumping from one task to (11) ____________, work steadily and complete one thing before you begin the next. Finally, focus on long-term (12) ____________ rather than immediate comfort: good time-management brings you lasting achievement and peace of mind.

        (Adapted from “How to Manage Your Money Wisely” - general advice on budgeting and planning finances.)

Question 7. A. bring up
B. end up
C. grow up
D. take up

Question 8. A. a large quantity
B. a great deal                

C. a considerable volume
D. a certain amount

Question 9. A. procrastinationB. interruption
C. confusion
D. preparation

Question 10. A. Therefore
B. Furthermore
C. However
D. Meanwhile

Question 11. A. the other
B. others
C. other
D. another

Question 12. A. benefits
B. plans
C. goals
D. profits

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 13 to 17.

Question 13.

A. The uncertainty is further compounded by the fear of committing to a path that may no longer align with who I become in the future.

B. I often find myself caught between a rock and a hard place, torn between pursuing passion and meeting expectations set by my family and society.

C. On the one hand, I am drawn to subjects that genuinely spark my curiosity, yet on the other, I cannot ignore practical concerns such as employability and long-term financial stability.

D. Choosing a university major has been weighing heavily on my mind, as the decision feels far more permanent than it once did.

e. Still, I am gradually learning that a well-considered choice does not require absolute certainty, but rather the courage to take responsibility for the direction I choose.

A. c-a-d-b-e
B. d-b-c-a-e
C. b-c-d-a-e
D. d-c-b-a-e

Question 14.

A.  Anna: Have you ever had a public figure you genuinely admire, not just because they’re famous but because of what they stand for?

B.  Anna: I feel the same way. What impresses me most is how she uses her global influence responsibly, turning personal hardship into a powerful voice for social change rather than seeking attention.

C.  Ben: Definitely. I really admire Malala Yousafzai. Despite facing life-threatening danger, she never gave up her fight for girls’ education, and I find her courage and determination truly inspiring.

A. b-c-a
B. c-a-b
C. a-c-b
D. c-b-a

Question 15.

A.  Linh: Exactly. My mum keeps saying I should focus more on “real life,” but she doesn’t realise that online and offline life are pretty much mixed now.

B.  Nick: All the time. Especially when it comes to social media - they think it’s a waste of time, while it’s actually how we stay connected.

C.  Linh: Do you ever feel like your parents just don’t get how things work these days?

D.  Linh: Yeah, I get that. Maybe if we explained things more calmly - and they listened without judging - the gap wouldn’t feel so big.

e. Nick: True, but I guess from their point of view, they worry we’re spending too much time staring at screens instead of building real skills.

A. d-e-a-b-c
B. c-e-d-b-a
C. c-b-a-e-d
D. d-b-a-e-c

Question 16.

A. Although challenges remain - particularly around data privacy and equitable access - Singapore’s experience demonstrates how coordinated policy, public-private collaboration, and citizen engagement can create a resilient and integrated smart urban ecosystem.

B. A significant milestone was the launch of the Smart Nation Initiative in 2014, which set clear goals for integrating technology into urban systems such as transport, healthcare, and public services.

C. By 2020, over 90% of Singaporean households had access to high-speed fibre broadband and sensor networks were deployed in key districts like Marina Bay and Punggol to collect real-time data on traffic, energy use, and environmental quality.

D. Singapore’s development into a smart city has been a long-term process rooted in strategic planning and heavy investment in digital infrastructure since the early 2000s.

e. Alongside this, the government introduced digital identity services and cashless payment platforms that now support more than 1,600 public services, making everyday transactions more efficient for citizens.

A. d-b-c-e-a
B. d-e-a-b-c
C. d-c-a-b-e
D. d-b-e-c-a

Question 17.

Dear Ms Nguyen,

A. It covers tuition fees and provides financial assistance to help with living expenses during your course of study.

B. We are pleased to confirm that you have been awarded a full academic scholarship to study at the University of Oxford based on your outstanding academic achievements and personal statement.

C. Should you require any further information or official documentation, feel free to contact our admissions office.

D. Please note that the award is conditional upon your successful enrolment and compliance with university regulations.

e. This scholarship is offered to support your admission to our university for the upcoming academic year in the United Kingdom.

Yours sincerely,

Admissions Office

A. a-d-b-c-e
B. b-d-a-e-c.
C. b-e-a-d-c
D. a-c-d-b-e

Read the following passage about “đi bão” phenomenon in Vietnam and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

Street Euphoria After Vietnam’s 3–2 Victory Over Thailand

The final whistle had barely blown when Vietnam’s major cities erupted into scenes of spontaneous celebration. Following a dramatic 3–2 victory over Thailand in the SEA Games final, thousands of Vietnamese fans poured into the streets, transforming ordinary roads into rivers of red flags and jubilant chants. Motorbikes moved slowly through packed avenues, (18) ____________. The atmosphere was loud, vibrant, and unmistakably festive.

What made the celebration remarkable was not only its scale but also its inclusiveness. Families, students, workers, and elderly residents joined the crowds, many waving national flags or wearing red shirts bearing the golden star. This collective outpouring of joy, often referred to as “đi bão,” (19) ____________, where football victories are experienced as shared national moments

Having witnessed countless international tournaments, foreign observers have noted that Vietnamese street celebrations possess a rare sense of unity. People who had never met before exchanged smiles and gestures of solidarity, united by the same emotional surge. (20) ___________. The streets, which usually symbolize daily routines and social divisions, became spaces of temporary equality.

One striking feature was the discipline shown amid the excitement, with most participants celebrating peacefully and dispersing gradually as the night went on. This behaviour challenges common assumptions that large crowds inevitably lead to disorder. (21) ____________. The crowds eventually thinned, leaving the city calm once again. Viewed from a cultural perspective, (22) ____________..

(Adapted from Vietnam News)

Question 18.

A. each of which was filled with cheers, flags, and streams of celebrating supporters

B. every one of them filled cheers, flags, and streams of celebrating supporters

C. which filled with cheers, flags, and streams of celebrating supporters

D. where cheers, flags, and streams of celebrating supporters were filled

Question 19.

A. to reflect deeply rooted cultural responses to sporting success

B. being reflecting deeply rooted cultural response to sporting success

C. reflects a deeply rooted cultural response to sporting success

D. having reflected the deeply rooted cultural response to sporting successes

Question 20.

A. This unity is rarely observed during major sporting events elsewhere

B. By contrast, a rare unity is observed people elsewhere

C. This rarely observed people unite during sporting events

D. Elsewhere, people are rarely observed unity

Question 21.

A. While such scenes are often associated with chaos, this occasion proved otherwise

B. Because such scenes are associated with chaos, this occasion proved it

C. Such scenes associated with chaos, this occasion proved otherwise

D. This occasion proved otherwise, associated with chaos

Question 22.

A. people can clearly see how sport continues to function as a powerful social glue in modern Vietnam.

B. sport itself continues to serve as a powerful social glue within modern Vietnamese society.

C. they reveal how sport actively brings people together across different social backgrounds in Vietnam today.

D. such scenes illustrate how sport continues to serve as a powerful social glue in modern Vietnam.

Read the following passage about Cybersecurity and Privacy in the Digital Age and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Cybersecurity and Privacy in the Digital Age

In recent years, the world has witnessed a marked increase in cyber-attacks and large-scale data breaches as more individuals and organisations rely on digital platforms. According to a global survey, fewer than two per cent of companies have fully implemented cyber-resilience strategies, while the average cost of a serious data breach now exceeds 3.3 million US dollars. This worrying figure illustrates how many institutions remain vulnerable, often because they lack strong security frameworks or fail to invest sufficiently in protective measures.

The challenge has become even greater with the rapid rise of cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI). While these technologies provide efficiency and flexibility, they also broaden the “attack surface”. Cloud-based threats, third-party breaches, and sophisticated leak-and-hack operations are among the key concerns for security specialists in 2025. As organisations race to make use of digital tools, many overlook the need to secure confidential information, leaving personal data - from financial records to private messages - increasingly exposed.

The risks are not limited to the private sector. In areas such as banking and finance, digital transformation has created serious privacy challenges. Recent research suggests that although banks seek to modernise their services through cloud, AI, and blockchain, many still struggle to ensure both privacy protection and cybersecurity. Customers’ confidence can be seriously damaged if institutions fail to safeguard their data, especially in a world that depends heavily on digital financial services.

The constantly evolving nature of cyber threats makes the task even more complex. Experts warn that AI itself, although useful in defence, may also become a tool for criminals. In several regions, security authorities predict an increase in more advanced, AI-driven attacks, including supply-chain intrusions and cloud-native vulnerabilities. As a result, data privacy is no longer only a technical matter but also one of trust, ethics, and institutional responsibility.

                                (Adapted from “Global Digital Trust Insights 2025”)

Question 23. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

A. As customers rely less on digital financial platforms, they often doubt institutions that attempt to protect their personal information more strictly.

B. Although digital financial services are becoming less important, customers still trust institutions that fail to secure their personal data effectively.

C. When organisations cannot ensure proper protection of personal information, customers may lose faith in them, particularly as modern financial activities rely so strongly on digital systems.

D. When financial institutions request greater digital access from customers, people tend to become less confident, even though these services are not widely used in today’s world.

Question 24. The word “sophisticated” in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. systematic
B. comprehensive
C. rudimentary
D. deliberate

Question 25. In which paragraph does the writer discuss the prediction of future AI-driven cyber-attacks?

A. Paragraph 2
B. Paragraph 1
C. Paragraph 4
D. Paragraph 3

Question 26. Which of the following sentence is TRUE according to the passage?

        A. AI-based attacks are rare because security authorities tightly control digital platforms.

        B. Most banks have completely solved the challenges of data privacy in the digital age.

        C. Organisations no longer need to worry about third-party breaches or cloud threats.

        D. The rapid growth of digital tools has made it harder to fully secure personal information.

Question 27. In which paragraph does the writer mention the impact of digital transformation on the banking sector?

A. Paragraph 3
B. Paragraph 4
C. Paragraph 1
D. Paragraph 2

Question 28. What does the word “many” in paragraph 3 refers to?

A. banks
B. customers
C. services
D. researchers

Question 29. The word “vulnerable” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to ____________.

A. uninterested
B. unprepared
C. unrestricted
D. unprotected

Question 30. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of the major cybersecurity concerns in 2025?

        A. Large-scale phishing campaigns aiming to steal personal credentials

        B. Third-party breaches involving external service providers

        C. Sophisticated leak-and-hack operations used by cyber criminals

        D. Cloud-based threats that target online storage services

Read the following passage about the urban employment and the Gig Economy and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

URBAN EMPLOYMENT AND THE RISE OF THE GIG ECONOMY

In many major cities, the labour market has undergone a marked shift as traditional full-time jobs give way to short-term, task-based work. This transformation is largely driven by digital platforms that match service providers with customers in real time. [I]. As urban populations continue to swell, the number of people turning to gig work - whether as their primary occupation or as a supplementary source of income - has grown significantly.

For many urban residents, gig work represents an attractive alternative to conventional employment. It allows individuals to organise their time freely, avoid long commutes, and pursue multiple income streams. [II]. Students, carers, and migrants in particular are drawn to the autonomy that platform-based work promises. Yet this sense of freedom can be misleading. Workers remain subject to platform algorithms that determine visibility, pay rates, and customer access, often without transparency or recourse. [III]. As a result, gig workers may find themselves competing intensely for tasks, accepting lower fees, or working unsociable hours to maintain financial stability.

The implications of this trend extend beyond individual livelihoods. As gig work expands, concerns over employment rights, social protection, and the long-term health of urban labour markets have intensified. Many gig workers lack access to essential benefits such as sick pay, holiday leave, or pension contributions - protections that are commonly associated with traditional employment contracts. Without these safeguards, they are more vulnerable to economic shocks, illness, or unexpected expenses. Policymakers and labour advocates argue that cities relying heavily on gig labour risk deepening inequalities unless regulatory frameworks catch up with technological change.

[IV]. Despite these challenges, the gig economy continues to embed itself in the fabric of urban life. Demand for services such as food delivery, ride-hailing, and freelance digital work shows little sign of slowing. Some cities have begun experimenting with reforms, including minimum pay standards and portable benefit schemes, in an attempt to balance innovation with worker welfare. Whether these measures will be sufficient remains uncertain, but it is clear that the future of urban employment will be shaped, in no small part, by how societies choose to manage and support the growing gig workforce.

(Adapted from World Bank 2023; ILO 2021; OECD 2019)

Question 31. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a consequence of limited legal protection for gig workers?

        A. A widening gap between different groups of workers

        B. A decline in technological innovation across digital platforms

        C. Increased vulnerability to financial hardship during unexpected shocks

        D. Highly variable income dependent on market demand

Question 32. What is the word “drawn to” in paragraph 2 closest in meaning to?

A. dependent on
B. attracted to
C. controlled by
D. engaged in

Question 33. Which sentence best summarises paragraph 2?

A. Although gig work expands employment choices, the platforms’ reliance on data-driven mechanisms often empowers workers’ ability to control their own economic outcomes.

B. Digital platforms present themselves as innovative job providers, yet they depend heavily on automated tools that manage workers’ activity and determine task distribution.

C. Although marketed as providing autonomy, platform labour is shaped by opaque algorithmic systems that regulate access to tasks and influence earnings patterns unpredictably.

D. Despite offering flexible scheduling, platform-based work exposes workers to algorithmic structures that regulate opportunities while creating stable earning conditions.

Question 34. Which statement best summarises the entire passage?

A. Urban economies increasingly embrace platform labour because it ensures stable income flows, extensive worker protections, and efficient technology-driven systems.

B. Urban governments have largely implemented comprehensive reforms that guarantee stable working conditions for individuals participating in platform-based labour.

C. Platform-mediated labour has reshaped urban employment, providing flexibility and extra income while exposing workers to volatility and regulatory gaps that cities are only starting to address.

D. Most digital platforms have disrupted conventional labour markets by replacing standard jobs with temporary tasks, compelling workers to seek alternative career routes.

Question 35. Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

While such systems offer flexibility and immediate access to income, they also expose workers to fluctuating demand and unstable earnings

A. [IV]
B. [I]
C. [II]
D. [III]

Question 36. Which statement is NOT entirely TRUE according to the passage?

A. The lack of algorithmic transparency means workers can never anticipate any aspect of their prospective earnings.

B. The reforms introduced so far have not yet proven effective in reducing the instability linked to algorithm-dependent work.

C. The continuing growth of platform labour requires governance to prevent deepening disparities in urban labour markets.

D. Some metropolitan authorities have begun piloting policies intended to stabilise gig workers’ economic situations.

Question 37. What can be inferred about policymakers’ stance toward technological development?

A. They worry that rapid technological expansion will ultimately undermine the sustainability of digital labour markets.

B. They assume that technological systems will naturally evolve toward more equitable labour outcomes.

C. They believe innovation can progress indefinitely without introducing updated labour protections.

D. They acknowledge that without adapting regulations, technological advances will outpace existing labour frameworks.

Question 38. The pronoun “they” in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.

A. traditional employers
B. urban policymakers

C. digital platforms
D. gig workers

Question 39. Which word is OPPOSITE in meaning to “embed” in paragraph 4?

A. institutionalize
B. dislodge
C. implant
D. establish

Question 40. Which option best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

A. To enhance their productivity, workers typically negotiate higher fees and decline offers requiring them to operate beyond standard work periods.

B. Workers often choose to reduce their rates and work irregular schedules because these decisions substantially raise their long-term income potential.

C. To preserve even minimal financial stability, many workers are driven to perform low-paid assignments or labour during hours that conflict with their personal routines.

D. Financially secure workers generally avoid tasks with reduced remuneration or time slots that interfere with established commitments.