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, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions.

In the azure waters off Western Australia, coral reefs that once flourished — vivid, teeming underwater ecosystems — are now standing on a precipice. The Ningaloo Reef, a spectacle of biodiversity, has suffered dramatic losses: events such as low-oxygen “dead zones” and record-setting marine heat waves have decimated coral cover. What was once about 70 per cent coverage of coral on certain reef floors dropped to barely over one per cent in some sectors. This decline reveals how climate change — through elevated ocean temperatures and acidification — is undermining the intricate web of life supported by corals.

Central to coral survival is their partnership with microscopic algae, which supply essential nutrients via photosynthesis, while the coral itself provides a sheltered space and access to sunlight. Under thermal stress and acidified waters, this partnership unravels. Corals expel the algae, turning ghostly white in a phenomenon known as bleaching. Deprived of their primary energy source, bleached corals become vulnerable, often succumbing to disease or dying off altogether. [I] The collapse of such relationships not only affects the corals — the entire ecosystem, including fish, crustaceans, and other marine species, suffers reverberations.

Researchers are now attempting to tip the balance back in favour of resilience. Innovative strategies include selectively breeding corals to host more heat-tolerant algae, or introducing “heat-evolved symbionts” into juvenile corals to better endure high temperature spikes. [II] Parallel to this, studies of the coral microbiome — the community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in and around coral tissue— reveal that greater microbial diversity can buffer reefs against stress. [III] Experimental evolution in labs has already produced algae strains that survive under hotter conditions, and scientists are exploring ways to transplant them into vulnerable reef systems.

Yet all these scientific advances, promising though they are, are ultimately stopgaps unless global emissions are drastically reduced. Even with perfect technological interventions, climate models show that warming is already locked in to some extent, and reefs will continue to experience increasing stress. [IV] Success depends on combining innovation with robust policy and concerted efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Without that synergy, many of Earth’s coral reefs may cease to exist in the forms we recognise today.

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

Question 1: The word “unravels” in paragraph 2 mostly means         .

A. collapses
B. tolerates
C. depletes
D. adjusts

Question 2: The word “them” in paragraph 3 refers to         .

A. algae strains
B. hotter conditions

C. ways
D. scientists

Question  3: According to the passage, researchers are actively using biological and microbial strategies

        .

A. though ocean temperatures are rising at a steady rate

B. to increase coral resilience to rising temperatures

C. in case coral reefs are extinct due to climate change

D. so that corals can live independently from algae

Question 4: As stated in paragraph 1, the loss of coral cover         .

A. leads to a collapse of reef floors
B. is mostly exacerbated by acidification

C. decimates the entire reef ecosystem
D. is part of a larger chain reaction

Question 5: Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

“The window for preserving reefs before irreversible collapse is narrow.”

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

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

A. Coral reefs are in danger due to climate change, which causes bleaching; scientists are developing solutions, but their effectiveness depends on reducing global emissions.

B. Coral reefs off Western Australia are threatened by climate change, calling for drastic solutions from researchers who are attempting to develop heat-tolerant algae.

C. The decline of coral reefs from climate change-induced bleaching is prompting scientific innovations, but these are insufficient without clearer regulations on carbon emissions.

D. Coral reefs are dying due to climate change-induced bleaching, prompting researchers to develop solutions like heat-tolerant algae and microbial diversity to aid coral survival.

Question 7: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

“Yet all these scientific advances, promising though they are, are ultimately stopgaps unless global emissions are drastically reduced.”

A. Scientific breakthroughs are described as provisional remedies, yet the condition of severe emission cuts is missing.

B. Without drastic emission cuts, scientific advances, though encouraging, only serve as interim measures.

C. Despite their promise, scientific breakthroughs are not effective if further global emission reductions

are not made.

D. Though often regarded as encouraging, scientific advances are said to depend on severe emission cuts without stressing their provisional nature.

Question 8: Which of the following best summarize paragraph 1?

A. Western Australian coral reefs are facing a novel threat from climate change's heatwaves and dead zones.

B. Ningaloo Reef's coral is at risk due to climate change, causing significant losses in coral cover.

C. Rising ocean temperatures and acidification are causing small but gradual coral loss in Western Australian reefs.

D. Coral reefs around the world are suffering from low oxygen and heatwaves, decimating biodiversity.

Question 9: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Technological solutions alone are insufficient in putting an end to the dependence of coral reefs on algae for energy.

B. Coral reefs will be exempt from climate-change-related events if technological solutions are implemented widely.

C. Without genuine emission cuts, algae will vanish in no time, putting the entire marine ecosystem at risk.

D. The collapse of coral reefs can be averted only through a combination of innovation and emission reduction.

Question 10: According to paragraph 2, the survival of corals         .

A. can be at stake if they are deprived of vitality by algae

B. becomes vulnerable once acidified waters expel algae from them

C. is heavily dependent on their symbiotic relationship with algae

D. is threatened by both thermal stress and algae expulsion

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct arrangement of the sentence to make a meaningful paragraph/letter in each of the following questions.

Question 11:

1. Minh: I had my regular check-up today, and everything looks good!
2. Minh: Absolutely! I want to stay healthy and fit!
3. Minh: Yes, I feel more at ease knowing my health is in check.
4. Hoa: That's great news, Minh! It's always a relief to hear that.
5. Hoa: Are you planning to keep up with your exercise routine?

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

Question 12:

1. Mia: I sorted all the recyclables and threw away the rest!
2. Mia: Thanks! Every little bit helps to reduce waste!
3. Jake: Great job, Mia! It's important to keep our environment clean.

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

Question 13:

Dear Minh,

1. I just found out that "Venom: The Last Dance" is finally coming to theaters, and I have a feeling you're going to love it!
2. It's been quite a while since we've had a movie night, and this one seems like the perfect opportunity!
3. We could grab some delicious popcorn and enjoy the movie together, making it a fun outing.
4. Please let me know if you're up for it, and we can plan the details together!
5. Would you be interested in joining me this Saturday for the premiere? It stars Tom Hardy, and I've heard he gives an incredible performance.

Best, Hanh

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

Question 14:

1. In conclusion, the vastness of the Russian Federation plays a critical role in shaping its identity and geopolitical significance on the global stage.
2. The Russian Federation is the largest country in the world, covering an area of approximately 17.1 million square kilometers.
3. The immense size of Russia not only influences its climate and biodiversity but also poses unique challenges for transportation and infrastructure development.
4. This vast territory spans across eleven time zones and includes diverse landscapes, from tundras to mountain ranges, making it one of the most geographically varied nations.
5. Efforts to manage and protect its extensive natural resources are crucial for ensuring sustainable development and conservation.

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

Question 15:

1. Within this arrangement, parents often provide financial stability and emotional support, while their adult children gain time to reassess career paths or rebuild savings.
2. Rising housing costs and unstable job markets make maintaining a separate household increasingly difficult, leading some to view the family home as a practical safety net rather than a step backwards.
3. Despite these challenges, living together can strengthen family bonds and encourage mutual understanding, especially when both sides recognise the arrangement as temporary and purpose-driven rather than permanent.
4. The situation, however, can generate tension as routines and boundaries must be renegotiated between generations accustomed to autonomy.
5. In many societies, a growing number of young adults are returning to live with their parents after a period of independence, a decision shaped by economic pressure and shifting social expectations.

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

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

Discover the Beauty of Nature at Our Spectacular Garden!

A Visit You Won't Forget

Last weekend, I visited a (24)                  that left me absolutely (25)         . The garden was filled (26)          vibrant blooms in every shade imaginable, creating a stunning view. There were rows of flowers (27)                 in unique patterns, and each section seemed to have its own charm and character.

Capture the Moment

Seeing such beauty, I couldn't resist pulling out my camera to (28)         photos of the brilliant colors and intricate arrangements.

Plan Your Return Visit

I even started to consider (29)          back during different seasons to see how the garden changes. It was truly a place that inspired awe and creativity.

Question 24:

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.

Online shopping has become very popular among young people, especially on platforms like Shopee and TikTok. (30)         . As online shopping is made easier, (31)         . Young people (32)

         find it convenient to shop from home. With just a few clicks, they can compare prices and choose items they like without going to a store. This way of shopping allows them to save time and money, making it more appealing to younger generations. Additionally, many of their purchases (33)         .

In addition to discounts, social media influences how young people shop online. Seeing their friends and influencers sharing product recommendations, (34)         . They enjoy sharing their favorite finds with friends, creating a sense of community around their purchases. As online shopping continues to grow, it is clear that these platforms are changing how young people buy things today.

Question 30:

1. These websites offer great discounts and promotions that attract shoppers looking for cheap deals
2. Shopping online can be time-consuming, making it less appealing to young consumers today
3. Discounts and promotions are available primarily for clothing and accessories on these platforms
4. Many young shoppers prefer to visit physical stores for a more personal experience

Question 31:

1. most online shoppers are concerned about shipping costs and delivery times for their online orders
2. more and more young consumers are choosing to buy their products online instead of in physical stores
3. many young shoppers prefer to browse in physical stores for better quality and service
4. shopping online is becoming less popular on account of the rise of cheap and local markets and shops

Question 32:

1. whose they are constantly on the go and rely on digital platforms
2. that being constantly on the go and rely on digital platforms
3. are constantly on the go and rely on digital platforms
4. who are constantly on the go and rely on digital platforms

Question 33:

1. that are influenced by social media trends and online reviews
2. having been influenced by social media trends and online reviews
3. of which influences of social media trends and online reviews are understood
4. are influenced by social media trends and online reviews

Question 34:

1. adverts for new items have been seen by young shoppers
2. new items are advertised for young shoppers to try
3. young shoppers are encouraged to try new items
4. encouragement is given for young shoppers to try new items

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

Discover the Magic of Ha Long Bay What Makes Ha Long Bay Special?

Ha Long Bay is a beautiful place in Vietnam known for its stunning (35)         . Many tourists come here every year to enjoy the view and explore the area. They often go on a (36)                 on the water to see the famous limestone islands and caves. While traveling, visitors can (37)                         the fresh air and relax.

Things to Do in Ha Long Bay

(38)         the natural beauty, Ha Long Bay also offers (39)         activities for everyone. People can enjoy kayaking, swimming, or just walking along the beach. Many tourists visit on a regular (40)

        to experience the peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.