Read the leaflet about EcoCity Tours: Discover a Greener Future and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answe...

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

        According to the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global demand for meat has increased over 500 percent in the past 50 years. Two things explain this: the Earth's population is rising rapidly, and people with higher incomes tend to consume more meat.

        If meat production rises to match demand, the consequences could be catastrophic for the planet. Thirty percent of Earth's entire land surface – a massive 70 percent of all land available for agricultural use – is used for raising livestock.

        Fortunately, food scientists have been anticipating this need for change. They are working on some interesting alternatives to current methods of meat production. A group of Dutch scientists are engineering meats that can be grown in laboratories. This involves using cells taken from cows to grow "muscle" that can be mixed with other things to make beef. They say that this process could reduce the amount of energy and land needed to raise cattle by about 40 percent. Twenty other scientists from the United States and China are working to create "meaty" flavors from mushrooms, which could be used to flavor foods. They feel people can detect chemical flavors, and that natural flavors are better for the body.

        For now, lab-grown meat is not a threat to traditional farming. Although scientists say that their beef could be ready for testing (and eating) soon, large-scale manufacturing won't be possible for another ten years. It's far too exorbitant to develop in large quantities – the Dutch team will spend over $200,000 making enough meat for one burger – and not everyone will be keen on the idea of eating lab-grown meat. While the general public isn't quite ready to accept "fake" meat, the day will come when we may not have a choice.

Question 1. In paragraph 2, the word "catastrophic" is closest in meaning to:

A. beneficial
B. unnecessary
C. unattractive
D. disastrous

Question 2. In paragraph 4, the word "exorbitant" is opposite in meaning to:

A. extortionate
B. affordable
C. prohibitive
D. efficient

Question 3. In the first line of paragraph 3, the word "they" refers to:

A. scientists
B. methods
C. consequences
D. incomes

Question 4. Which of the following best paraphrases the final sentence of the text?

A. The general public may currently accept "fake" meat; however, a time could arrive when no alternative remains.

B. "Fake" meat is widely accepted by the public, so the future may force us to adopt it whether we like it or not.

C. Because people are not yet fully prepared to embrace so-called "fake" meat, there is less likelihood that it becomes unavoidable.

D. Even if consumers are hesitant about "fake" meat now, they might one day find themselves with no other option.

Question 5. Based on the text, which of the following statements can be inferred?

A. Global meat demand is driven primarily by cultural shifts in Western nations.

B. Natural mushroom flavorings are considered safer than laboratory-grown cells.

C. Environmental stability is incompatible with current meat production trends.

D. Technological advancements have already made factory farming obsolete today.

Question 6. Which paragraph discusses the specific percentage of land used for animal agriculture?

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

Question 7. Which paragraph mentions the specific financial cost of producing a single lab-grown burger?

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

Question 8. According to paragraph 3, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a focus of scientific research?

A. Developing new plant-based feed to make traditional cows grow faster.

B. Creating natural flavorings from mushrooms to mimic the savour of meat.

C. Using bovine cells to grow muscle tissue in a controlled lab environment.

D. Reducing the energy requirements for cattle raising by almost a half.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to choose the word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

Hanoi Taxis to Go Electric by 2030

Hanoi has announced a plan to replace all gasoline and diesel taxis with green-energy vehicles by 2030. The city aims to reduce air pollution and improve environmental (9) ____________. According to the plan, specific targets are set for each year before reaching full conversion in 2030.

Authorities will carry (10) ____________ the transition in phases and provide financial support for taxi operators. Businesses (11) ____________ electric taxis will receive incentives such as registration fee exemptions. The policy, which was approved by the People's Council, also includes (12) ____________ to restrict high-emission vehicles in certain areas.

Hanoi currently has more than 14,300 taxis, many of (13) ____________ are already electric. Only a small (14) ____________ of gasoline-powered taxis remain and will be replaced in the coming years.

Question 9.
A. protect
B. protective
C. protector
D. protection

Question 10.
A. on
B. over
C. out
D. off

Question 11.
A. operate
B. operating
C. operated
D. to operate

Question 12.
A. methods
B. tips
C. means
D. measures

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

Question 14.
A. amount
B. level
C. number
D. deal

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

        In September of last year, I joined a tour group and visited several Kenyan national parks on a tour that lasted about two weeks. It was an absolutely exhilarating experience. The awe-inspiring wildlife, pristine natural settings, and warm interactions with the local people seemed to affect everyone, even the most jaded of tourists. [I]

        We saw an impressive array of wildlife at the Maasai Mara National Reserve–lions, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, giraffes, elephants, and many more. [II] Most of us were initially rather apprehensive to be in such close proximity to the animals, but slowly grew to appreciate the intimate experience. A woman screamed when a large lion came up to our minibus and started to lick the window. Our driver just laughed and said we had nothing to worry about–the lion was just offering his car-wash services. This calmed the woman down and she giggled along with the rest of us at his jokes.

        At Amboseli National Park, we had our first encounter with the Maasai people. [III] This famous warrior tribe still lives a semi-nomadic lifestyle, meaning they move around from time to time in search of food, water, and grazing land for their cattle. We were invited to one of their villages to learn more about their traditional culture and practices, and to browse and buy handmade jewelry made from small colorful glass beads. The villagers were exceptionally friendly and gregarious, and we were made to feel very welcome.

        On our last day in Amboseli, our tour guide had a special surprise–a group of Maasai were to perform traditional dances and songs for us. They sang without the accompaniment of any musical instruments and created wonderfully intricate music just by harmonizing their voices. The Maasai dances were very vigorous, with the men leaping high in the air. These dances are considered a ritual among the men to display their strength: the higher the jump, the stronger the warrior. Some people in our group joined in, dancing and leaping with the Maasai, but of course none of us could jump as high as them! The memory of the wonderful performance stayed with us long after the trip. [IV]

Question 21. In paragraph 2, the word "apprehensive" is closest in meaning to:

A. intimidated
B. aggressive
C. deceptive
D. exhausted

Question 22. In paragraph 3, what does the word "they" refer to?

A. local villagers
B. national parks
C. natural settings
D. the Maasai people

Question 23. Based on the entire text, which of the following sentences can be inferred?

A. The tour group spent the majority of their two-week trip in Maasai villages.

B. The Maasai people rely on modern instruments for their musical performances.

C. The lions in Maasai Mara are trained to interact safely with tourist vehicles.

D. Close encounters with wildlife eventually replaced fear with appreciation.

Question 24. Which of the following provides the best summary of paragraph 2?

A. A story about a woman who was terrified by a lion licking a minibus window.

B. A reflection on how intimate animal encounters shifted the group's perspective.

C. An account of how a driver used humor to ease the group's fear of wild animals.

D. A description of the various wildlife species found in the Maasai Mara Reserve.

Question 25. Which is the best paraphrase for the underlined sentence in the text?

A. Suspiciously warm and sociable, the local residents ensured that we felt completely at home during our stay.

B. The villagers embraced us with open arms, demonstrating a level of sociability and kindness that made us feel instantly uncanny.

C. We were treated with such immense warmth by the outgoing villagers that a sense of belonging was felt immediately.

D. A spirit of insincerity featured the village, where the residents' lively nature translated into a remarkably hostile reception for us.

Question 26. What can be inferred about the Maasai lifestyle from the details in the text?

A. Their survival is closely tied to the health and movement of their livestock.

B. They have abandoned their nomadic roots to build permanent tourist centers.

C. Their traditional music is designed to mimic the sounds of the African bush.

D. Their culture is strictly isolated from any form of modern international tourism.

Question 27. Based on paragraph 4, what distinguished the Maasai musical performance?

A. The slow and rhythmic pacing
B. The absence of instrumentation

C. The high-pitched vocal solos
D. The complex use of percussion

Question 28. What can be reasonably inferred about the overall impact of the tour guide's attitude on the travelers' experience?

A. The guide deliberately exaggerated dangers to heighten excitement and make the safari appear more adventurous.

B. The guide's humor and reassurance gradually reduced anxiety and encouraged tourists to appreciate close wildlife encounters.

C. The guide prioritized strict safety protocols, hindering tourists from interacting closely with animals or local communities.

D. The guide remained largely indifferent, allowing visitors to form their own opinions about wildlife and local culture.

Question 29. Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

"We all emerged from the safari radiant with joy and inspiration."

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

Question 30. Which of the following best summarizes the passage?

A. The writer describes an adventurous journey through several Kenyan parks, focusing mainly on dangerous wildlife encounters and the travelers' constant fear of unexpected animal attacks.

B. The passage primarily explains the ecological importance of Kenyan national parks and the traditional lifestyle of the Maasai, emphasizing conservation challenges and cultural preservation efforts.

C. The text discusses how tourism in Kenya has transformed Maasai culture and wildlife habitats, highlighting the economic benefits and cultural tensions caused by increasing numbers of visitors.

D. The author recounts a Kenyan safari featuring remarkable wildlife encounters, meaningful interactions with the Maasai people, and memorable cultural performances that left a lasting impression on the travelers.

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.

        What enables a seed to press through a fissure in stone, an eagle to maintain its course in turbulent skies, or a horse to run unrestrained? The answer is confidence—often the decisive catalyst of success. Without it, even highly capable people (31) ____________.

        A familiar illustration is Richard Nixon. In 1972, Nixon was seeking re-election as U.S. President, campaigning energetically nationwide. Many assumed he would secure a comfortable victory, given the accomplishments of his first term. Yet Nixon was burdened by insecurity. Haunted by the prospect of defeat, he made a grave misjudgment: he ordered his team to break into the Watergate Hotel to spy on his opponent. Once exposed, (32) ____________. The scandal escalated rapidly and culminated in his resignation, despite the fact that he had already won the election. (33) ____________.

        By contrast, Madame Curie exemplified the power that confidence can generate. In her pursuit of radium, she worked in a poorly equipped laboratory and endured harsh conditions. Many ridiculed her, yet she remained steadfast in her belief in her own ability. She famously insisted, "We must have perseverance, especially confidence!" (34) ____________. As a result of her pioneering accomplishments, she received two Nobel Prizes and became an enduring inspiration to generations that followed.

        Confidence equips us to confront adversity and pursue meaningful achievement. Ultimately, it is only those (35) ____________. Let us cultivate confidence and unlock the fullest measure of our potential.

Question 31.

A. encountering substantial obstacles while working towards success

B. who are liable to find it arduous to accomplish their aims

C. may still falter when striving to attain their objectives

D. encountered formidable impediments in the pursuit of their aspirations

Question 32.

A. accountability was evaded by means of suppressing the facts

B. the facts were suppressed in an effort to evade accountability

C. he attempted to suppress the facts and evade accountability

D. he endeavoured to unmask the facts and confront accountability

Question 33.

A. His insecurity triggered errors that effectively ended his political trajectory

B. His deficit of confidence precipitated his downfall and tarnished his standing

C. His miscalculations derailed both his public career and private life

D. His dread of losing drove him into recklessness and cost him everything

Question 34.

A. Her accomplishments mirrored the outlook that shaped her entire scientific career

B. The hardships she endured underscore the role of single-minded determination

C. Her life story stands as a testament to relentless perseverance and unwavering self-belief

D. These words encapsulate the outlook that guided her throughout her scientific journey

Question 35.

A. working inattentively and remaining focused invariably achieves success

B. who trust in their own abilities can turn aspirations into reality

C. whose determination is manifested can retain barriers in their path

D. never relinquishing their efforts are hesitantly able to realise their aims

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, letter or text in each of the following questions.

Question 36.

A.  Ann: That's awesome! I think we'll make a real difference together.

B.  Ann: I'm so excited about the upcoming community clean-up event! Have you signed up yet?

C.  Nga: Yes, I signed up last week! It feels good to contribute to our neighborhood.

A. c–b–a
B. b–c–a
C. a–b–c
D. c–a–b

Question 37.

A.  Susan: Yes, there's one near my office that offers flexible hours.

B.  Minh: That's a good idea. Staying active is important. Do you have a gym in mind?

C.  Susan: I think I'm going to sign up for a gym membership. I really want to work out more regularly.

D.  Susan: Definitely. That way, I can go either before or after work, depending on my schedule.

e. Minh: Perfect! It's always great to have a gym in a convenient location, especially when you're busy.

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

Question 38.

A. Critics argue that excessive screen time may negatively affect children's physical health and academic performance, particularly when devices replace outdoor activities and face-to-face interaction.

B. In recent years, the increasing use of smartphones and tablets among children has sparked widespread debate about whether digital devices should be limited or more strictly regulated.

C. Despite these concerns, many educators believe that technology, when used appropriately, can enhance learning by providing access to interactive resources and personalized educational content.

D. Moreover, some parents point out that digital tools help children develop essential technological skills, which are increasingly important in a rapidly changing job market.

e. Overall, while limiting screen time may offer certain benefits, a balanced approach that combines guidance with responsible use is likely to be more effective than imposing strict bans.

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

Question 39. 

Dear Sir or Madam,

A. In addition, I have volunteered at a community library, where I assisted visitors in locating materials and helped organise weekly reading events for children.

B. I am a responsible and enthusiastic individual who works well in a team, and I am confident that this internship would allow me to contribute positively while gaining valuable professional experience.

C. I am writing to apply for the summer internship position at your publishing company, as advertised on your official website.

D. I am currently in my final year of high school and intend to pursue a degree in English Literature at university next year.

e. My strong interest in books and writing has motivated me to seek opportunities that will deepen my understanding of the publishing industry.

I have attached my CV for your consideration and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further.

I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully,

Sarah Brown

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

Question 40.

A. As a consequence, the term has gradually expanded beyond psychology and is now frequently mentioned in discussions about education and workplace productivity.

B. Coined by behavioural scientists in the early 2000s, the phrase initially described the decline in concentration caused by constant multitasking.

C. In today's hyperconnected world, however, "attention fatigue" is often associated with endless notifications and the pressure to remain permanently available online.

D. The widespread use of smartphones and digital devices has fuelled growing concerns about reduced focus and diminished critical-thinking skills.

e. "Attention fatigue" refers to a state of mental exhaustion resulting from sustained cognitive overload and frequent task-switching.

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