Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct option that best fits eac...

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 1 to 10.

        Until relatively recently, newspapers were our primary source of daily news. [I] The internet is changing the way people get their news, leaving a dwindling audience willing to pay for their daily paper. But given that the form first emerged in early-17th-century Europe, it’s probably about time the medium got overhauled. Newspapers have witnessed an extraordinary era of change: from the evolution of democratic institutions and political parties to the reshaping of whole countries and continents. [II]

        By the end of the 19th century, newspapers were using a visual template not unlike those of today, and had become the source of not only large profits but also unaccountable political and social influence for their owners – a trend that has continued to the present day. Newspapers prospered in this form for more than 150 years, and in many countries, daily life would have been inconceivable without access to one. But in many places, the continuing existence of newspapers is under threat.

        Circulation figures for all types of newspapers, local, regional and national, bear out the fact that, in many Western nations at least, sales of printed newspapers had been falling for many years prior to the emergence of the internet. What is also beyond question, though, is that the arrival and exponential growth of the World Wide Web, leading to near-universal coverage, has accelerated this process greatly. [III] Observing the rapidity and extent of this process around the world provides a fascinating insight into social change.

        We now live in an age where speed and convenience have gained precedence over reliability and quality in most aspects of our existence. Regarding the former, newspapers only allow readers to get updated about events some considerable time after they have actually happened, while online users can access them more or less at the moment at which they occur. [IV] Printed newspapers, therefore, provide a less efficient source of news and, furthermore, do so in a less environmentally-friendly way than the internet, and at a direct cost to the consumer. Moreover, with news also available on tap through social media, consumers are continually bombarded from all sides, and therefore may not wish to have each story explained in great detail, as is the case in much of the printed media. Social media sites have also proven to be one of the most effective means of getting information out rapidly, and on a huge scale: news can now be tweeted before the mainstream media has even started its coverage.

(Adapted from Exam Booster)

Question 1. According to paragraph 1, what is said about newspapers?

        A. Digital news will never be able to overtake newspapers completely.

        B. They contributed to the reformation of whole countries and continents.

        C. They are now losing their position as a main source of daily news.

        D. News subscriptions continue to rise despite the emergence of the Internet.

Question 2. Which of the following best summarises paragraph 2?

A. Despite over a century of prosperity, newspapers today face a threat to their credibility in numerous locations.

B. 19th-century newspapers gained profits and influence; now their continuing existence is threatened.

C. Newspaper owners have always gained unaccountable political and social influence from their business.

D. Daily life in many countries would be impossible without access to a newspaper for information.

Question 3. Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

They must now compete, however, with online news, social media and television in a progressively digital age.

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

Question 4. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

        A. The shift in terms of how readers access news doesn’t speak volumes about social changes.

        B. Printed newspapers are considered more environmentally friendly than digital forms.

        C. It would have been difficult to envisage life without daily newspapers in many countries.

        D. Newspaper circulation figures in Western nations increased before the Internet emerged.

Question 5. The word “them” in paragraph 4 refers to ____________.

A. online users
B. newspapers
C. readers
D. events

Question 6. Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A. Although newspapers were once essential, they remain profitable and influential, with many consumers still appreciating their detailed reporting and reliability over the fast-paced nature of digital news.

B. Social media has rapidly replaced newspapers because it offers a higher level of credibility and accessibility, while printed media struggles to attract attention with outdated layouts and slower delivery.

C. Newspapers, once dominant, are now threatened by the rise of faster, cheaper digital media, especially social platforms, which reflect broader societal shifts in how we consume and prioritise news.

D. The rise of online news has made newspapers outdated, although their environmental impact, affordability, and reliability continue to make them the preferred source for many traditional readers.

Question 7. The phrase “beyond question” in paragraph 3 mostly means ____________.

A. impossible to achieve
B. difficult to explain

C. at risk
D. without doubt

Question 8. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

We now live in an age where speed and convenience have gained precedence over reliability and quality in most aspects of our existence.

A. Today’s world increasingly favours speed and convenience at the expense of the quality and reliability that used to guide our decisions.

B. With reliability and quality losing ground to speed and convenience, we are once again compelled to question the very basis of our existence.

C. When speed and convenience are prioritised in so many fields, we no longer depend on accuracy and quality to guide our choices.

D. Modern society attaches greater importance to speed and convenience because authenticity and quality no longer play a meaningful role in our perception.

Question 9. As stated in paragraph 2, newspapers’ long-standing dominance ____________.

A. has been eradicated
B. continues across regions

C. shapes daily routines
D. is now weakening

Question 10. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. If social media were not available, printed newspapers would still be the most efficient way to deliver breaking news.

B. Readers now prefer newspapers for their in-depth analysis and environmentally conscious production methods.

C. The speed and accessibility of online platforms have made traditional newspapers less appealing to modern consumers.

D. Newspapers remain more reliable than online sources, which often prioritise speed over factual accuracy.

Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 11 to 16.

When You Need Someone to Talk To

Feeling overwhelmed can be difficult, especially when you have few people to talk to. The article explains that reaching out for support is an important part of taking care of your emotional well-being.

Here are practical steps you can take:

● Start by thinking about one or two people who might (11) ____________ a friendly, supportive ear, such as a close friend or family member.

● If someone feels safe to approach, try to (12) ____________ them through a message, call, or quick meeting.

● You can also look for support in a (13) ____________ of situations, including community groups, clubs, or online spaces where people connect.

● If you prefer professional help, you can check out online therapy providers. (14) ____________ being more conducive to busy schedules, these options are sometimes more affordable.

● As you explore these choices, knowing what to expect can help take away any (15) ____________ about asking for support.

Making a move to seek support is (16) ____________, and simple efforts can help you feel more understood and less alone.

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

Question 11.
A. lend
B. fit
C. feel
D. meet

Question 12.
A. hand down to
B. look up to
C. face up to
D. reach out to

Question 13.
A. plenty
B. volume
C. variety
D. degree

Question 14.
A. In terms of
B. Irrespective of
C. In addition to
D. In contrast to

Question 15.
A. association
B. apprehension
C. hesitation
D. comprehension

Question 16.
A. encourage
B. courageous
C. courage
D. encouragingly

Read the following text and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 17 to 22.

        Heavy storms hit the south-central coast and Central Highlands of Việt Nam, creating a crisis (17) ____________ scale quickly surpassed all expectations, with entire communities flooded and transport links cut off. Early in the day, the Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held an online meeting to assess the situation and direct urgent support to the affected provinces. As conditions worsened, he held (18) ____________ meeting to adjust rescue plans and strengthen coordination. With the coordination of local civil defence authorities, rescue teams evacuated thousands of households and moved vulnerable residents (19) ____________ safer areas. Officials also activated (20) ____________ so isolated communities could stay connected with rescue centres. Many families, (21) ____________ by rising water, were guided to temporary shelters. When the floodwaters began to recede, residents and volunteers worked together to pick up the (22) ____________, repairing homes and salvaging belongings. Their fast, organised response shows how cooperation helps communities recover after severe floods.

(Adapted from https://vietnamnews.vn)

Question 17.
A. whose
B. where
C. whom
D. which

Question 18.
A. much
B. another
C. others
D. a little

Question 19.
A. from
B. with
C. to
D. of

Question 20. 

A. emergency communication systems
B. systems emergency communication

C. emergency systems communication
D. communication emergency systems

Question 21.
A. displacing
B. were displaced
C. displaced
D. displace

Question 22.
A. remains
B. pieces
C. debris
D. items

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 23 to 30.

        Many people say the brain is ‘like a muscle,’ but this comparison is only partly useful. You can feel your arm muscles strengthen after exercise, yet you cannot ‘work out’ your brain in the same direct way. Still, studies show that training the body also benefits the brain, and different forms of physical activity can shape brain structure in different ways. As researchers learn more, people may be able to choose exercises that support particular goals, such as improving memory performance. Scientists are also investigating why exercise helps the brain. Increased blood flow is one explanation, and another is the possible growth of new brain cells—something once believed impossible in adults but now seen as a realistic prospect.

        It is widely known that exercise can lift your mood. Runners often describe a ‘runner’s high,’ which many believe comes from endorphins in the bloodstream. However, researchers are unsure how many of them actually reach the brain. What is clear is that exercise strongly influences the hippocampus, a region vital for learning and memory. Experiments with children, adults, and older people show that the hippocampus grows as fitness improves, which helps explain why physical activity can boost memory.

        Exercise can also support the learning process in more immediate ways. Light activity—such as walking or cycling while studying—can make it easier to learn new information, including foreign vocabulary. Very intense workouts, however, may raise stress levels and harm memory. Short exercise breaks help students stay focused; in one study, a 20-minute session between lessons improved attention, and another study found that regular after-school sports increased children’s ability to ignore distractions and use new knowledge effectively.

        You don’t always need strenuous exercise to see benefits. Just ten minutes of coordination-based play, like bouncing two balls at once, can improve concentration. Walking has also been shown to enhance creative thinking. However, if you need to solve a single, precise problem, a relaxing walk might not help. Overall, physical activity clearly influences how well we think, learn, and remember—so staying active matters more than we often realise.

(Adapted from First for School B2)

Question 23. The word “prospect” in paragraph 1 can be best replaced by ____________.

A. solution
B. desire
C. pleasure
D. possibility

Question 24. The word “them” in paragraph 2 refers to ____________.

A. experiments
B. researchers
C. endorphins
D. runners

Question 25. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

“Very intense workouts, however, may raise stress levels and harm memory.”

        A. Strong workout routines can lower stress but improve someone’s memory skills greatly.

        B. Highly demanding exercise can increase stress and damage a person’s ability to remember.

        C. Extremely intense physical training can bring down stress levels and strengthen memory.

        D. Highly demanding exercise can ease tension but make memory function less effectively.

Question 26. As stated in paragraph 1, different types of exercise ____________.

A. can lead to increased blood flow
B. have a similar effect on the brain

C. affect the brain in different ways
D. help improve memory performance

Question 27. The word “strenuous” in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. challenging
B. adequate
C. irregular
D. gentle

Question 28. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?

        A. Taking part in daily sports activities can help strengthen children’s attention.

        B. Exercise physically changes the brain in a way that supports stronger memory.

        C. Coordination-based play is useful for tasks that require precise problem-solving.

        D. Though useful, a relaxing walk does not always support every type of thinking.

Question 29. Which paragraph mentions a limitation of walking?

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

Question 30. Which paragraph mentions an important part of the brain?

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

Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 31 to 35.

Question 31.

A.  Nam: Yes, I saw the smoke last week, and it spread across the whole valley.

B.  Linh: They say it’s the quickest way to clear fields, but it causes so much pollution.

C.  Linh: Have you noticed that some farmers in the rural districts are still burning crop residue after harvest?

D.  Linh: I believe that we need safer methods that protect both the environment and local communities.

e. Nam: True, and it also harms the soil, which makes farming harder in the long run.

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

Question 32.

A. As a result, many supermarkets now view CCTV not merely as a security tool but as an essential part of maintaining trust and accountability throughout the shopping space.

B. This technology allows managers to monitor high-risk areas more effectively, creating a safer environment without disrupting the customer experience.

C. Moreover, the footage provides reliable evidence when misunderstandings arise, helping stores handle incidents with greater fairness and transparency.

D. The installation of CCTV cameras in supermarkets has become a common strategy to strengthen security and protect both shoppers and staff.

e. While some people worry about excessive surveillance, the presence of CCTV cameras often deters theft and reduces the likelihood of disputes at checkout counters.

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

Question 33. 

Dear Mr. Harrison,

A. I have attached the receipt and all accompanying accessories, allowing your team to verify every detail with ease.

B. Because of this, I am requesting a full refund, as I believe it is the most reasonable solution to prevent further inconvenience.

C. Although your staff were helpful during the sale, the device’s repeated system failures show that the

product was not in an acceptable condition at the time of purchase.

D. I would appreciate your prompt assistance so that this matter can be resolved fairly.

e. The tablet I purchased from BrightWave Electronics last week has developed persistent faults, which have made it impossible for me to use it as intended.

Sincerely,

Diana Phil

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

Question 34.

A.  Minh: Yes, I do, especially in crowded places because the air quality hasn’t been great lately.

B.  Linh: Do you still wear a face mask when you go out, Minh?

C.  Linh: Same here, and I feel safer when I keep one with me.

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

Question 35.

A. The festival also gave me quiet moments of reflection when I witnessed locals offering water to elders, which added a layer of reverence to the otherwise lively atmosphere.

B. As the day went on, the rhythmic music and the crowds immersed in playful battles helped me understand why this tradition holds such cultural significance.

C. The water splashing from every direction created a shared excitement that drew strangers together, and it gradually made me forget the heat and focus on the joy of the celebration.

D. Taking part in the Songkran festival filled me with a sense of energetic chaos that unfolded the moment I stepped into the streets.

e. By the time I left Thailand, I felt a deep appreciation for how the event blends youthful fun with meaningful respect, forming a celebration that stays with you long after the streets dry.

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