Read the leaflet about Autumn Fair 2026 and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the...

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 1 to 5.

Question 1.

A. Freed from the constraints of office work, these individuals combine exploration with remote work, using technology to stay connected from virtually anywhere.

B. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed the emergence of a new category of global travellers, commonly referred to as digital nomads.

C. Taken together, this once seemingly temporary trend has proven to have lasting appeal, bringing substantial benefits across diverse regions and economies.

D. Consequently, digital nomad visa schemes have been implemented across nearly half of the world’s destinations, as evidenced by countries such as Portugal, Thailand, and Estonia.

e. Such initiatives aim to entice geographically mobile workers with the promise of beautiful landscapes, rich cultures and stable internet access.

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

Question 2. 

Dear Professor Kim,

A. Session registration and abstract submission are now open through our online portal at www.research-summit.org.

B. We cordially invite you to present at the Asia-Pacific Research Summit 2026, scheduled for April 15-17 in Singapore.

C. Selected speakers will receive complimentary conference access, meals, and one night’s accommodation at the Grand Plaza Hotel.

D. The submission deadline is January 31st, and all abstracts undergo peer review with results announced by Feb. 15th.

e. For technical support or presentation guidelines, email speakers@research.org or call 6789-4321 during office hours.

Kind regards,        Academic Conference Committee

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

Question 3.        

A.  Richard: Yes, I have. There have been a lot of problems these days.

B.  Lan: I find cyberbullying the most serious issue though. Many people post, or share negative content about others.

C.  Lan: Hi Richard, have you been following the news about issues on social media in Viet Nam?

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

Question 4.

A.  Thu: I’m planning to take notes in lectures as much as I can. When I cram for exams, I will memorise key points.

B.  Thu: Yes, I am. Never have I been away from home for so long. But I’m also excited to learn new things.

C.  Jenny: That’s a good start, but memorising isn’t the best way to learn in Australia. You should read extensively. Don’t be afraid to ask your new friends and teachers, and use their electronic library.

D.  Jenny: Thu, I heard that you’re going to study in Australia. That’s exciting! Are you nervous?

e. Jenny: That’s great. Do you have any ideas about how you will study in a new country like Australia?

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

Question 5.        

A. Despite being imprisoned for 27 years, Mandela never abandoned his ideals or his determination to bring about political change.

B. His life story serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance and moral courage can overcome even the most deeply rooted injustice.

C. Nelson Mandela is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern history due to his role in ending apartheid in South Africa.

D. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality earned him global admiration and ultimately led to his election as South Africa’s first Black president in 1994.

e. Even after his release, he continued to advocate for reconciliation, helping to unify a deeply divided nation.

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

Read the following passage about the workforce of the future 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 6 to 13.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PROCRASTINATION

        Most people have experienced procrastination — the act of delaying tasks despite knowing the negative consequences. While it’s often viewed as laziness or poor time management, recent research suggests it may be more deeply rooted in emotional regulation and neurobiology. This emotional explanation of procrastination challenges the traditional notion that it stems solely from disorganization. In fact, procrastination is increasingly recognized as a failure to manage negative feelings associated with certain tasks — such as boredom, anxiety, or self-doubt.

        From a neurological perspective, procrastination involves a tug-of-war between the limbic system (the brain’s emotion center) and the prefrontal cortex (responsible for planning and self-control). When a person anticipates that a task will be unpleasant or difficult, the limbic system may override rational thought, prompting them to seek temporary mood repair — like watching a video or scrolling social media. This tendency to prioritize immediate emotional relief over long-term goals is known as "present bias."

        Interestingly, some studies indicate that chronic procrastinators often have heightened sensitivity to failure. They may avoid starting tasks not because they’re lazy, but because they fear being judged or performing poorly. Ironically, by delaying action, they create conditions (e.g., rushed work or missed deadlines) that reinforce their fear of incompetence. This self-defeating cycle is referred to as the procrastination feedback loop.

        Fortunately, researchers have proposed strategies to break this loop. Techniques such as “temporal distancing” -imagining how completing the task will benefit one’s future self - and “implementation intentions”- making specific when-where-how plans - have been shown to significantly reduce procrastination. However, as psychologist Dr. Tim Urban argues, breaking free of procrastination often requires more than tactics; it involves reworking one's mindset about discomfort, risk, and self-worth.

Question 6. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a negative emotional states linked to procrastination?

A. A lack of interest in the task
B. Feelings of worry or nervousness

C. Doubts about one’s own abilities
D. A sense of frustration caused by others

Question 7. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Procrastination is mainly caused by poor time management and lack of discipline.

B. The limbic system helps individuals focus on long-term goals and make rational decisions.

C. Chronic procrastinators may delay tasks due to fear of being judged or failing.

D. Strategies like temporal distancing have little impact on reducing procrastination.

Question 8. In which paragraph does the writer describe a cycle in which delaying tasks exacerbates a sense of inadequacy?

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

Question 9. In which paragraph does the writer discuss practical strategies to overcome procrastination and mentions expert opinion?

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

Question 10. The word “significantly” in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. substantially
B. marginally
C. considerably
D. dramatically

Question 11. The word “override” in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by ____________.

A. dominate
B. surrender
C. stimulate
D. complement

Question 12. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

A. This pattern reflects a preference for short-term emotional comfort at the expense of long-term objectives.

B. This behavior shows that individuals are capable of balancing immediate and future goals effectively.

C. This tendency indicates that people are indifferent to emotional outcomes when making decisions.

D. This behaviour demonstrates a consistent focus on long-term achievements rather than short-term satisfaction.

Question 13. The word “they” in paragraph 3 refers to:

A. negative feelings
B. chronic proscrastinators
C. certain tasks
D. researchers

Read the following announcement 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 14 to 19.

Heatwave in Southern Vietnam

        Southern Vietnam is bracing for a continued streak of (14) ____________ weather, with temperatures in several provinces forecast to climb beyond 37°C . According to the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center, the region is currently gripped by a heatwave that shows (15) ____________ sign of relenting.

        Localities including Ho Chi Minh City and its neighbor Dong Nai are expected to bear the brunt of the conditions, with many areas likely to experience severe heat. Daily maximums are projected to hover between 35°C and 37°C, though localized peaks will frequently exceed the 37 degrees (16) ____________ coming days.

        Meteorologists attribute this extreme weather to a (17) ____________ system shifting eastward, paired with the southeastward expansion of a western low-pressure heat zone. This is further complicated by a low-pressure trough at northern latitudes and a stable subtropical system at higher altitudes. Local authorities have issued warnings regarding the increased risk of residential and forest fires (18) ____________ the combination of intense heat and low humidity. On a personal health level, prolonged exposure to these conditions (19) ____________ a serious risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

Question 14.
A. sweltering
B. blustery
C. superb
D. temperate

Question 15.
A. much
B. few
C. several
D. little

Question 16.
A. in
B. for
C. on
D. during

Question 17.
A. high-pressure weakening continental
B. continental weakening high-pressure

C. weakening continental high-pressure
D. high-pressure weakening continental

Question 18. 

A. notwithstanding
B. with regard to
C. due to
D. in lieu of

Question 19.
A. triggers
B. poses
C. minimizes
D. yields

Read the following passage about Urban Slums 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 20 to 24.

        Urban slums, characterized by substandard housing and a lack of essential infrastructure, (20) ____________. The relentless number of individuals migrating from rural regions in search of improved economic prospects often overwhelms city resources. As a result, city authorities frequently fail to provide adequate housing, (21) ____________.

        The implications of urban slums are complex and severe. High population density, coupled with deficient sanitation and limited access to healthcare, fosters the rapid spread of communicable diseases. (22) ____________. Schools serving these are often overcrowded, poorly equipped, or situated at considerable distances, deterring regular attendance. This educational deprivation prevents individuals’ ability to secure gainful employment, thereby creating a generational cycle of poverty that is difficult to address.

        Resolving the slum crisis necessitates a multi-dimensional approach. (23) ____________. Equally important are inclusive social policies for underprivileged communities. Local initiatives—such as community programs offering skill development, career counseling, and financial literacy—can also empower residents to improve their socio-economic standing.

        In summary, confronting the slum issue requires unified action. The joint efforts of governmental bodies, urban developers, and community organizations are essential (24) ____________.

Question 20. 

A. are no longer a pressing issue in global metropolises.

B. having become an increasingly serious issue in major cities worldwide.

C. are an escalating concern in metropolises around the globe.

D. which are giving rise to growing concerns in major urban hubs.

Question 21. 

A. leading to densely populated neighborhoods with unstable living conditions.

B. densely populated areas emerge where living conditions remain unstable.

C. causes overcrowded communities with low-quality living conditions.

D. contributed to the proliferation of overcrowded areas with deteriorating living conditions

Question 22. 

A. In contrast, some urban areas have witnessed significant economic growth in recent years.

B. Still, access to both education and employment remains severely constrained.

C. Consequently, there is a slight improvement in educational and career opportunities.

D. Furthermore, educational and employment opportunities are significantly limited.

Question 23. 

A. Rapid rural-to-urban migration continues to accelerate the expansion of informal settlements.

B. Governments and urban planners must prioritize the development of low-cost housing through state investment.

C. Urban development should focus less on affordable housing and more on commercial expansion.

D. Policymakers and planners could facilitate housing development without financial commitment..

Question 24. 

A. they alleviate entrenched poverty and facilitating sustainable progress in slum areas..

B. while they contribute to reducing poverty and supporting improvements in slum communities.

C. because they help break down poverty’s cycle and foster sustainable improvement in slum areas.

D. since they are often insufficient to improve harsh living conditions in slum areas.

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 31 to 40.

        In many countries, a growing number of people in their twenties are turning to social media in the hope of finding work. [I] Services like the social networking site Twitter and the professional networking site LinkedIn offer the chance for more direct contact with would-be employers than has previously been the case. But with greater access comes a greater chance to make mistakes.

        Take the case of a young jobseeker in the US who contacted a senior marketing executive via LinkedIn. The marketing executive in question had an impressive list of influential people in her contact list; people whom the young jobseeker felt could help him land a job. The marketing executive, however, had other ideas. Indignant at the suggestion that she would willingly share a list of contacts painstakingly built up over many years with a complete stranger who’d done nothing to deserve such an opportunity, she not only rejected his contact request but sent a vicious and heavily sarcastic rejection note that has since gone viral. [II] But if the incident makes young people think more carefully about how they use social media in a professional capacity, she may have actually ended up doing them a favour. She has drawn attention to an unfortunate truth. Social media is a potentially dangerous tool for job hunters who don’t know how to use it. And a worrying number are getting it wrong.

        There’s a horrible irony here, because in many countries, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have been the bread and butter of twenty-somethings’ social lives for years. [III] It was a cyberextension of the playground pecking order - a place to impress, to embellish and experiment. However, when it comes to using social media for professional networking, our very knowledge and experience of sites like Facebook may actually be a hindrance.

        Using social media in a professional capacity is a completely different ball game, but for some twenty-somethings, the division is not clear-cut. We first earned our online presence by being bold and overconfident, which could explain why some of us still come across like this. Just because a lot of people ‘liked’ your posts on Facebook, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to use LinkedIn to show potential employers that you’re someone worth employing. [IV] We need to realise that what we learned about social networking as teenagers no longer applies, and we must live up to employers’ standards if we want to get on in the world of work.

Question 31. The word “land” in paragraph 2 could be best replaced ____________.        

A. supervise
B. cover
C. compete
D. secure

Question 32. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

A. Surprisingly, familiarity with platforms such as Facebook can act as an obstacle when we attempt to build career-related connections online.

B. Having a lot of experience on Facebook is essential for young people to avoid making common mistakes in professional networking.

C. Despite the popularity of Facebook, the lack of technical knowledge among twenty-somethings is preventing them from finding work.

D. People who have used social media for years are generally more successful at navigating the complexities of professional platforms like LinkedIn.

Question 33. According to paragraph 2, when contacted by the job seeker, the senior marketing executive felt ____________.

A. annoyed by the timing of his message
B. regretful that she had to reject his request

C. surprised that he offered nothing in return
D. furious at his assumption of her cooperation

Question 34. The word “they” in paragraph 2 refers to ____________.

A. contacts
B. young people
C. job hunters
D. mistakes

Question 35. Which of the following best summarises the main idea of paragraph 4?

A. Young people should continue using the bold and overconfident online style that earned them popularity on personal social media to impress potential employers.

B. While Facebook and LinkedIn are both social networking sites, LinkedIn is far more effective for gaining 'likes' and building a professional reputation.

C. Due to their early habits on personal sites, young people may struggle to distinguish between social and professional networking, necessitating a shift to meet workplace standards.

D. The majority of employers now use Facebook and LinkedIn to evaluate whether twenty-somethings possess the necessary skills for the modern world of work.

Question 36. The word “sarcastic” in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. disrespectful
B. complimentary
C. cynical
D. mocking

Question 37. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?

A. Professional networking sites are more popular than traditional CVs and cover letters for job applications.

B. Younger generations may misuse social media because they grew up seeing it as a casual social space.

C. A marketing executive’s strong reaction went viral after she refused a stranger’s contact request.

D. Some young job seekers may not understand professional boundaries when using social media.

Question 38. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Teenagers should limit their use of social media platforms to avoid difficulties in their future professional lives.

B. Employers often evaluate job applicants solely through what they post on networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

C. Casual online habits formed during adolescence may shape how young people present themselves in professional settings.

D. Many people in their twenties across countries have already adjusted their social media behaviour to fit professional expectations.

Question 39. Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are revolutionary tools that have completely replaced traditional job-hunting methods for people in their twenties.

B. Using social media for job seeking offers direct access to employers but carries significant risks if young people fail to adapt their personal online habits to professional standards.

C. The viral story of a US jobseeker and a marketing executive serves as a warning that senior professionals are often unwilling to help strangers on networking sites.

D. Twenty-somethings are increasingly successful in their careers because the overconfident online presence they developed as teenagers is highly valued by modern employers.

Question 40. Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

“When my generation was teenagers, social media was our escape from the prying eyes of parents and teachers.”

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