Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences...

Read the passage 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 1 to 8.

        The arrival of a major cruise liner in Hạ Long on January 1 marked a buoyant start to the 2026 cruise tourism season in Quảng Ninh Province, with thousands of overseas visitors stepping ashore on the first morning of the year. More than 3,000 international tourists aboard the Malta-flagged Celebrity Solstice docked at Hạ Long International Cruise Port, ushering in the New Year and opening the peak season for cruise tourism.

        The Party Secretary of Quảng Ninh Province, together with leaders of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, attended a welcoming ceremony and presented flowers to the visitors. The event created a cordial and welcoming environment to begin the year. Many tourists expressed admiration for the hospitality and said they were impressed by the province’s efforts to welcome international guests.

        A visitor from Spain described his experience as a memorable start to 2026, highlighting the breathtaking scenery of Hạ Long Bay, fresh air, and favorable climatic conditions. He praised Vietnam as a beautiful country with friendly people and distinctive cuisine. Visitors from Mexico also appreciated the bay’s remarkable natural beauty and noted that their stay had left lasting memories. During their two-day visit, tourists were scheduled to explore key attractions, including the Quảng Ninh Museum, Hạ Long Bay, and Yên Đức rural village. Some groups planned to continue travelling to other northern provinces, such as Hà Nội and Ninh Bình.

        The Celebrity Solstice sails on a regional itinerary linking Thailand, Phú Mỹ, Chân Mây, Hạ Long, and Hong Kong, accommodating passengers from Europe, the United States, and Asia. With a modern port system, abundant natural and cultural resources, and a strategic location on major maritime routes, Quảng Ninh is regarded as an appealing destination for both domestic and international cruise tourism. Cruise tourism is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting local culture, stimulating economic growth, and supporting sustainable tourism development in the province.

(Adapted from https://www.vietnamnews.vn)

Question 1. The word “docked” in paragraph 1 mostly means ____________.

A. arrived at and tied to a port
B. left the ship completely

C. remained on the ship
D. moved away from the port

Question 2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 2 as something that impressed visitors?

A. flowers and ceremony
B. warm reception

C. the province’s hospitality
D. the cruise itinerary

Question 3. The word “their” in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.

A. leaders
B. visitors
C. tour groups
D. local staff

Question 4. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Cruise tourism mainly brings short-term economic benefits and does not promote culture or sustainable development.

B. Cruise tourism helps enhance local culture, stimulate economic growth, and support long-term sustainable tourism in Quảng Ninh.

C. Quảng Ninh relies almost entirely on cruise tourism for quick profits, ignoring cultural and environmental aspects.

D. Developing sustainable tourism reduces the importance of cruise tourism in the province.

Question 5. The word “appealing” in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. engaging
B. dull
C. charming
D. inviting

Question 6. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Visitors spent over a week in Quảng Ninh, exploring not only Hạ Long Bay but also other attractions in the province.

B. Only European tourists travelled on the cruise ship, excluding visitors from other regions such as Asia and the United States.

C. Some visitors continued travelling to other northern provinces, including Hà Nội and Ninh Bình, during their short trip.

D. Cruise tourism in Quảng Ninh is organized throughout the entire year, attracting international visitors every month.

Question 7. Which paragraph mainly describes visitors’ feelings and impressions?

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

Question 8. Which paragraph provides information about the travel route of the cruise ship?

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

Read the following piece of news 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 9 to 14.

Endangered Penguin Species

        Penguins are the second-most threatened bird group worldwide due to climate change, overfishing, diseases, and habitat destruction. The (9) ____________ of penguins in the Southern Hemisphere is declining rapidly. African and Galápagos penguins are found north of the equator. Flightless penguins have evolved strong, dense bodies and waterproof feathers, allowing them (10) ____________ underwater and survive freezing waters. Their strong feet help them walk long distances on ice and swim (11) ____________.

        Penguins (12) ____________ a significant effect on marine biodiversity. Nine out of 18 penguin species have been deemed endangered and vulnerable due to warming oceans, pollution, and overfishing, while African penguins’ populations have declined by 70%. Over 90% of Emperor Penguins could be wiped out by 2100, caused by the rapid melting of sea ice, (13) ____________ is classified as one of the most serious threats to their survival. Conservation measures are continuously (14) ____________ to protect these charismatic aquatic birds and their habitats.

(Adapted from https://earth.org/biodiversity)

Question 9.
A. volume
B. amount
C. number
D. level

Question 10.
A. flying
B. to fly
C. fly
D. to flying

Question 11.
A. efficiency
B. inefficient
C. efficient
D. efficiently

Question 12.
A. have
B. take
C. make
D. give

Question 13.
A. who
B. which
C. when
D. that

Question 14.
A. gone out
B. taken out
C. carried out
D. kept out

Read the passage 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 20 to 29.

The Science Behind Digital Detox: Fact or Fashion?

        In recent years, the concept of a “digital detox”- a period during which an individual refrains from using electronic devices - has surged in popularity. From luxury retreats that confiscate guests’ smartphones to mobile applications designed to limit screen time, the market for “unplugging” is expanding. While the idea of resetting the brain by disconnecting from technology is appealing to many chronically connected users, researchers are now questioning whether this practice provides genuine psychological benefits or is merely a passing health trend.

        To understand the phenomenon, one must first define its scope. For some, a digital detox involves complete abstention from all digital tools for a week. For others, it is more targeted, such as silencing notifications or deleting a specific social media app that consumes excessive time. The primary motivations behind these efforts are usually to break compulsive habits, reclaim focus, and redirect energy toward more productive, real-world activities. Proponents of the practice claim that it reduces stress and improves mental clarity.

        However, the growing demand for these interventions does not necessarily guarantee their effectiveness. Much of the support for digital detoxing comes from anecdotal evidence and online testimonials. While these positive reviews can be persuasive, they are often biased. For instance, an individual who invests a significant amount of money in an expensive tech-free retreat may feel psychologically compelled to report a positive outcome to justify the expense. This is a common bias in self-reported wellness data.

        To determine if digital detoxing truly works, scientific scrutiny is essential. [I] Controlled experimental studies are needed to distinguish between the “placebo effect” of taking a vacation and the actual benefits of removing technology. [II] Early research suggests that while temporary disconnection can lower immediate anxiety, the effects often vanish once the individual returns to their normal routine.

        [III] Therefore, the long-term solution may not be a total detox, but rather the development of sustainable digital habits. [IV] As the debate continues, the focus is shifting from “quitting” technology to finding a healthier balance in an increasingly digital world.

(Adapted from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/digital-detox#benefits)

Question 20. The word “surged” in paragraph 1 mostly means ____________.

A. changed
B. increased
C. remained
D. decreased

Question 21. Which of the following is mentioned as one form of a digital detox?

A. Attending a retreat where personal smartphones are temporarily taken away.

B. Participating in therapy sessions focused on reducing workplace pressure.

C. Replacing digital communication with handwritten letters and journals.

D. Avoiding all modern technology for professional and academic purposes.

Question 22. According to paragraph 2, which of the following is mentioned as a primary motivation for engaging in a digital detox?

A. To regain concentration on meaningful activities

B. To strengthen one’s online influence and visibility

C. To increase efficiency in professional communication

D. To expand participation in digital social networks

Question 23. The word “abstention” in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. avoidance
B. withdrawal
C. balance
D. connection

Question 24. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of paragraph 3?

A. Anecdotal evidence supporting digital detox is often unreliable and biased.

B. Scientific studies have confirmed the benefits reported by detox participants.

C. Most digital detox programs are too expensive for the average person.

D. The effectiveness of digital detox is proven by user testimonials.

Question 25. The pronoun “they” in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.

A. interventions
B. proponents
C. reviews
D. testimonials

Question 26. Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

This suggests that the perceived benefits might be short-lived rather than transformative.

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

Question 27. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. The discussion about technology’s role is moving towards complete abandonment.

B. People are less concerned with stopping technology use and more with integrating it healthily.

C. A healthier balance in the digital world means completely avoiding technology.

D. The controversy around digital use is ending as everyone agrees to quit technology.

Question 28. What can be inferred about the future approach to digital wellness based on the passage?

A. Digital detox retreats may gradually lose appeal as doubts about their long-term impact increase.

B. Ongoing scientific research is likely to confirm the lasting psychological value of short detox periods.

C. Complete withdrawal from digital technology may become a widely accepted lifestyle choice.

D. Greater attention will be given to managing technology use in a balanced and sustainable way.

Question 29. Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A. Scientific discussions increasingly question whether digital detox practices can produce lasting psychological benefits beyond short-term relief.

B. Digital detox has gained widespread popularity due to strong evidence showing its effectiveness in reducing stress and improving mental well-being.

C. Although digital detox is widely promoted, its benefits remain uncertain, leading to a shift toward developing healthier long-term technology habits.

D. The rise of digital detox programs mainly reflects consumer willingness to invest in expensive retreats rather than genuine mental health concerns.

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 30 to 35.

HEALTHY LIVING: A GUIDE FOR TEENS

        Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for both physical and mental well-being during your high school years. (30) ____________, due to the heavy pressure of schoolwork and exams, many teenagers neglect their health, resulting (31) ____________ exhaustion and poor academic performance. Here are some simple steps to stay healthy and active:

• Make sure to drink enough water (32) ____________ day to keep your body hydrated.

• Consume (33) ____________ rich in vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system.

• Avoid (34) ____________ consumption of fast food and sugary drinks which can lead to obesity.

• Exercise regularly and get enough sleep to keep fit and stay in the (35) ____________ of health!

(Adapted from https://www.healthline.com)

Question 30.
A. Therefore
B. However
C. Moreover
D. Otherwise

Question 31.
A. from
B. of
C. in
D. at

Question 32.
A. all
B. many
C. much
D. every

Question 33.
A. balanced whole-grain food
B. food balanced whole-grain

C. whole-grain balanced food
D. balanced food whole-grain

Question 34.
A. excessive
B. passive
C. sensitive
D. positive

Question 35.
A. red
B. blue
C. pink
D. green

Read the following passage 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 36 to 40.

        Choosing a career from many possible professional paths is clearly a complex process, and personal goals often determine the final decision. Some individuals engage in a thorough analysis, where information is gathered regarding various industries, (36) ____________. Other candidates with little desire to explore different possibilities (37) ____________, usually for convenience rather than to ensure long-term job satisfaction. This approach is often called convenient career choice.

        Many job seekers also show a tendency to follow traditional paths, where career choices differ only slightly from what is commonly accepted. (38) ____________. Also, some graduates who have been influenced by their parents’ success may opt to follow in their footsteps without question.

        Finally, some young professionals will make career moves on impulse. (39) ____________. It is, in fact, a trend that is becoming increasingly noticeable – to the concern of employers, who then face higher turnover rates and fewer opportunities to build a stable workforce in the long run. (40) ____________, where “adaptability” needs to be prioritized, and this can be driven by the rapidly changing gig economy in particular.

(Adapted from The Modern Workplace Review)

Question 36.

A. each of which is carefully examined and compared with personal skills

B. every one of them undergoes examination and comparison with personal skills

C. when it is similarly examined and compared with personal skills

D. those with similarities to other jobs will be examined and compared carefully

Question 37.

A. be aware to limit themselves to a narrow range of options

B. being consciously limited themselves to fewer options

C. will consciously limit themselves to a narrow range of options

D. fewer options are consciously limited to themselves

Question 38.

A. Family traditions, by contrast, are common among these seekers

B. This is a common pattern among those following family traditions, for example

C. By contrast, a tradition-following pattern is seen among family seekers

D. This is a common example of families with tradition to a seeker pattern

Question 39.

A. The decisions involve little risk, which means they are better known and more preferred by typical employee

B. While this is more common in low-risk choices, it is by no means unusual among career builders

C. It does not matter whether choices are unknown, it is typical for builders to choose careers with little risk

D. In the meantime, careers with little risk are known to be choices usually preferred by many builders

Question 40.

A. Though such trait of flexible selection proves to be necessary

B. So necessary is such selection trait that it proves to be flexible

C. Such trait is so flexible that it proves to be necessary to employees

D. Such flexible selection proves to be a necessary trait, though