Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer...

Read the following 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 10.

        A substantial share of the global workforce may need to move into new occupations within the next decade, while all workers will have to update their skills in response to rapid technological change. Automation, often linked to embodied arti ficial intelligence (AI), is only one aspect of this transformation; equally important are algorithmic systems built into digital infrastructures. (I). This is especially visible in the knowledge economy, where data-driven roles are increasingly shaped by algorithms that can carry out tasks once dependent on human judgement, including analysing documents, interpreting complex data, and generating strategic insights with greater accuracy.

        While such systems can optimise efficiency, curtail operational costs, and facilitate ostensibly objective decision-making, they simultaneously engender profound challenges for professional development. Traditional ways of gaining expertise, based o n observation, apprenticeship, and gradual involvement, may weaken as routine cognitive tasks become automated. This raises important questions about how advanced skills will be developed without continuous human guidance, making it necessary to design new approaches to training and intellectual growth. (II)

        Another concern is the growing role of algorithmic management within organisations. In some cases, algorithms determine the nature and timing of employee interactions, replacing forms of judgement that were previously based on experien ce. As key knowledge becomes embedded in these systems, workers may become too dependent on algorithmic outputs, which could limit creativity and reduce willingness to explore new ideas. (III). Moreover, instances of data manipulation to satisfy performance metrics underscore the unintended ramifications and ethical ambiguities inherent in algorithm-driven management structures.

        Looking ahead, the future of work is likely to involve flexible and non-linear career paths, marked by continuous reskilling and regular transitions rather than a fixed progression from education to retirement. (IV). This shift in career patterns suggests that long-term job stability can no longer be taken for granted. Instead, retraining happens across the life course, and multiple jobs and no job happen by choice at different stages. Importantly, employment outcomes are influenced not only by technology but also by policies and institutional decisions. Historical precedents suggest that judiciously designed social policies encompassing retraining initiatives and legislative reform can ameliorate disruption while fostering job security, equitable income distribution, and a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

(Adapted from Cambridge IELTS 16)

Question 1. According to paragraph 1, algorithmic systems are considered as important as automation in shaping the future workforce because         ____________.

A. they can perform a wide range of tasks in all sectors with increasing levels of accuracy and consistency.

B. they mainly affect manual labour rather than knowledge-based occupations.

C. they reduce the need for workers to adapt their skills in response to technological change.

D. they are integrated into digital systems and can perform tasks that previously required human judgement.

Question 2. Which of the following is NOT stated as an example of tasks that algorithmic systems can perform in the knowledge economy?

A. clarifying sophisticated statistics
B. conducting face-to-face negotiations

C. examining written materials
D. formulating strategic recommendations

Question 3. The phrase “such systems” in paragraph 2, refers to ____________.

A. traditional training methods based on observation and experience.

B. decision-making processes based on human judgement.

C. communication tools used by workers in organisations.

D. algorithmic systems used in digital environments to support work tasks.

Question 4. What happens when performance figures are deliberately adjusted to meet evaluation standards?

A. It improves data accuracy and strengthens overall trust within algorithm-based management systems.

B. It standardises evaluation procedures and ensures consistency within algorithm-based management systems.

C. It supports managerial decisions and enhances efficiency within algorithm-based management systems.

D. It exposes hidden consequences and raises ethical concerns within algorithm-based management systems.

Question 5. Which of the following best summarises paragraph 2?

A. While organisations adopt algorithmic systems to enhance performance, they continue to rely on traditional training methods to ensure workers gain necessary expertise.

B. Algorithmic systems mainly benefit organisations by lowering costs and improving decision-making while having only a limited impact on how workers develop their skills.

C. While algorithmic systems improve efficiency and reduce costs, they also challenge traditional skill development and require new approaches to professional training.

D. As algorithmic systems replace routine tasks, workers no longer need traditional forms of training and can rely on technology to develop advanced skills.

Question 6. The word “embedded” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to:

A. artificially created
B. temporarily hidden

C. loosely connected
D. deeply integrated

Question 7. Which of the following can be logically inferred from the passage?

A. The widespread adoption of algorithmic systems will eliminate the necessity for human judgement in most fields.

B. Workers should rely entirely on algorithmic outputs to foster their own creative thinking and innovation in the workplace.

C. Algorithmic management ensures that employees are empowered to make more flexible, independent decisions at work.

D. Conventional ways to build expertise may gradually erode as automation takes over routine cognitive tasks.

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

A. Employment outcomes are mainly determined by technological progress rather than by policy or institutional influence

B. Policies and institutions have a greater impact on employment outcomes than technological innovation does

C. Employment results are shaped by both technological developments and the policies and institutions that regulate them

D. Technological change affects employment only when supported by strong institutional and policy frameworks

Question 9. Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

“Instead of inevitably causing widespread unemployment, technological innovation may encourage the creation of new types of jobs as well as the transformation of the existing ones.”

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

Question 10. Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A. The increasing use of algorithmic systems is transforming work structures, skill development, and career patterns, requiring both adaptation and policy responses.

B. The rapid development of automation technologies is improving efficiency in workplaces while gradually reducing the need for human involvement in most tasks.

C. The shift towards digital systems is changing organisational practices, although traditional career paths and training methods remain largely unchanged.

D. The future of employment is largely determined by technological innovation, with limited influence from education systems or government policies.

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 31 to 35.

Question 31. 

Dear Scholarship Committee,

A. I am writing to apply for the Academic Excellence Scholarship offered by your university for the 2026–2027 academic year.

B. This scholarship would significantly support my studies in Environmental Science, allowing me to focus on research projects and academic development.

C. Throughout my secondary education, I have consistently achieved top academic results and actively participated in science competitions and community projects.

D. If awarded this scholarship, I will contribute to campus research initiatives while maintaining high academic performance.

e. I would be grateful for the opportunity to be considered and am available for any further interviews required. Yours faithfully,

Linh Pham

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

Question 32. 

A. I realised that small, consistent efforts were far more effective than last-minute cramming, and this experience changed my study habits completely.

B. I remember feeling extremely anxious the night before my final English exam because I had not revised systematically.

C. However, instead of panicking, I decided to organise my notes and only focus on the most important topics.

D. During the exam preparation period, I often postponed revision until the last moment, believing I still had enough time.

e. This situation forced me to rethink the way I managed my time and priorities in learning.

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

Question 33. 

A. Consequently, the distinction between authentic identity and curated representation becomes increasingly blurred, making self-presentation a strategic act rather than a spontaneous expression.

B. A curated persona refers to the carefully constructed version of oneself that individuals present on social media and other digital platforms.

C. In many cases, users selectively highlight achievements, experiences, and emotions while omitting aspects that may appear ordinary or undesirable.

D. This shift reflects how digital environments encourage individuals to continuously manage impressions in order to gain approval, attention, or social validation.

e. Furthermore, the pressure to maintain a consistent online image often leads individuals to adjust their behaviour in offline contexts as well.

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

Question 34. 

A.  Miguel: Yes, and they learn to be more independent because they’re away from their home and families.

B.  Antonia: I think you can learn a lot about architecture and history and things like that.

C.  Antonia: Right. What about this sort of activity holiday in the mountains? I think it can give young people exciting experiences and adventures, things they don’t get in their everyday lives.

D.  Miguel: How do you think doing a sightseeing tour of a city might be good for students?

e. Miguel: Yes, and also you can visit somewhere very different and learn about other cultures.

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

Question 35. 

A.  Linda: Oh, I know, he taught me when I was quite young. He's got a beard and lots of black hair, hasn't he?

B.  David: I've just started learning the piano. I've got a really nice teacher. He's called Mr Hall.

C.  David: Well, the Mr Hall who teaches me hasn't got much hair and it's grey, but he does have a beard and wears glasses.

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

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 25 to 30.

Ninh Binh to Host 2026 SEA V.League Women’s Tournament

        Ninh Binh will host the first leg of the 2026 SEA V.League Women’s Tournament, (25) ____________ will take place from July 31 to August 2 and feature top teams from Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. The announcement, made by the General Secretary of the Vietnam Volleyball Federation, highlighted the province’s (26) ____________ to organise large-scale sporting events.

        The matches are expected to deliver (27) ____________ performances as regional talents compete at a high (28) ____________. The tournament will follow a single round-robin format, with the second leg (29) ____________ in Thailand from August 7-9.

        With its standardised facilities and the successful experience in organising the previous season, Ninh Binh Gymnasium (30) ____________ many other candidates to become the venue for regional talents.

        Join us in Ninh Binh to cheer for the women’s volleyball teams.

(Adapted from https://en.baoninhbinh.org.vn/)

Question 25.
A. which
B. where
C. who
D. whose

Question 26.
A. possibility
B. competence
C. capability
D. aptitude

Question 27.
A. impress
B. impressive
C. impression
D. impressively

Question 28.
A. level
B. number
C. range
D. amount

Question 29.
A. scheduled
B. to schedule
C. schedule
D. scheduling

Question 30.
A. took off at
B. caught up on
C. stood out from
D. looked down on

Read the following advertisement 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 11 to 16.

Fun and Resume-Boosting Summer Activities for High School Students

During a summer break, students can explore interests, gain real-world experience, and still enjoy this time

(11) ____________ from school. It is not just for de-stressing, but for getting ahead and (12) ____________ activities for college applications. Try these activities:

🌟 Interning: You can gain hands-on experience (13) ____________ developing practical skills.

 Working a Summer Job: (14) ____________ demonstrates a high-level responsibility on your resume.

🤝 Volunteering: Like with (15) ____________ activities, you should choose something genuinely meaningful and important to you.

🎨 Exploring a New Hobby: Hobbies can make you a more interesting and well-rounded student.

📚Taking Summer Classes: Many community colleges offer early-credit programs, allowing students to get a (16) ____________ start before the new school year begins.

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

Question 11.
A. off
B. about
C. on
D. in

Question 12.
A. stacking
B. backing
C. racking
D. breaking

Question 13.
A. meanwhile
B. whereas
C. while
D. whereby

Question 14. 

A. Experience real work
B. Real experience work

C. Work real experience
D. Real work experience

Question 15.
A. the other
B. other
C. others
D. another

Question 16.
A. leg
B. limb
C. hand
D. head

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.

        Urbanization, (36) ____________, has been a defining trend of the 21st century. While this phenomenon has brought about numerous benefits, including increased economic opportunities and improved access to services, it has also had a profound impact on local communities, often leading to their decline.

        The rapid growth of cities has led to a mass exodus from rural areas, (37) ____________. This migration has resulted in a brain drain from smaller communities, with young, educated individuals being the most likely to leave. As a result, many rural area s have older populations and fewer workers, making it difficult to support local economies and basic services.

        (38) ____________. As cities grow, they encroach upon surrounding rural areas, leading to the loss of farmland and green spaces. This (39) ____________, further eroding the character of rural communities.

        The rise of big-box stores and online shopping has dealt another blow to local communities. (40) ____________. This has led to the closure of many local shops, leaving once-vibrant main streets eerily quiet and diminishing the sense of community.

(Adapted from https://ielts.net)

Question 36.

A. the process by which rural areas become urbanized as a result of economic development and industrialization

B. which is the process of rural areas become urbanized by economic development and a result of industrialization

C. the result of economic development and industrialization by which the process of rural areas become urbanized

D. by which the process of rural areas become urbanized as a result of economic development and industrialization

Question 37.

A. this is because better prospects of jobs and higher life standards

B. as people seek better job prospects and higher standards of living

C. albeit with neither better job prospects nor higher standards of living

D. so that better job prospects can be sought here as well as higher standards of living

Question 38.

A. Moreover, the expansion of urban areas often comes at the expense of agricultural land and natural habitats

B. The expansion of agricultural land and natural habitats, by contrast, comes at the expense of urban areas

C. The expansion of urban areas, moreover, are the expense to come to agricultural land and natural habitats

D. Therefore, agricultural land and urban areas expands at the expense of natural habitats

Question 39.

A. affects food production and disrupts ecosystems and biodiversity

B. ecosystem and biodiversity affects and disrupts ecosystems.

C. food production is affected and disrupted by ecosystems and biodiversity

D. being affected food production and disrupted ecosystems and biodiversity

Question 40.

A. Once formed small businesses, the backbone of rural economies is now struggling to compete with large corporations and e-commerce giants

B. Small businesses, large corporations and e-commerce giants are now struggling to form the backbone of rural economies

C. The competition between large corporations and e-commerce giants against small businesses is forming the backbone of rural economies

D. Small businesses that once formed the backbone of rural economies are struggling to compete with large corporations and e-commerce giants