Part 1.

You will hear a conversation between two friends about cheap

accommodation. Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS
OR A NUMBER for each answer. Write your answers in the corresponding
numbered boxes on your answer sheet. (10 points)

Price per person

Name Comments and reviews
(dormitory
rooms)
– parking available
– staff are unfriendly
Top End $19
Backpackers – nice pool
– (1) is too noisy
– good location
– out of town but with (2)
Gum Tree Lodge $23.50
– pool and gardens
– (3) in the dormitories
– downtown location
– reception is always open
Kangaroo Lodge $ (4) – no (5) in the bedrooms
– the bathrooms are excellent
– seems to have a party every night
Part 2. You will hear a talk about how to stay calm under pressure. For questions 6-
10, decide whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F). Write your
answers in the corresponding numbered boxes on our answer sheet. (10 points)
6. Choking, the phenomenon of performing poorly under intense pressure, tends to
affect sports more than other endeavors like public speaking.

Part 2. You will hear a talk about how to stay calm under pressure. For questions 6-10, decide
whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F). Write your answers in the
corresponding numbered boxes on our answer sheet. (10 points)
6. Choking, the phenomenon of performing poorly under intense pressure, tends to affect
sports more than other endeavors like public speaking.

7. According to the distraction theories, choking is caused by the mind becoming too
obsessed with doing the task at hand.
8. The temporary mental space we use to hold information like phone numbers or shopping
lists, are particularly susceptible to breaking down under pressure.
9. According to explicit monitoring theories, choking occurs when pressure causes people to
excessively scrutinize their own performance of the task at hand.
10. While choking under pressure is unavoidable for all, those who are self-conscious,
anxious, and concerned about receiving negative comments are more prone to it.
Part 3. For questions 11-15, you will hear an interview with a dance teacher called Lucy
Chapman, who works with young offenders, and Dylan Baker, who is one of her students.
Choose the answer (А, В, C or D) which fits best according to what you hear. Write your
answers in the corresponding numbered boxes on your answer sheet. (10 pts)
11. Lucy says the main purpose of the project with young offenders is to .
A. provide them with an alternative to prison B. hide them from other people
C. encourage them to be less violent D. make sure that they get a qualification
12. What motivated Lucy to take part in the project?
A. Her dream of staging a dance performance
B. A belief that she could make the participants well-known
C. The challenge of putting on a very demanding course
D. A wish to give young offenders a purpose
13. What made Dylan become a teacher on the course?
A. He had no choice in the matter.
B. He was encouraged by his tutor.
C. He wanted to prove something to his parents.
D. He succeeded in motivating his classmates.
14. Lucy says the most challenging aspect of her work is .
A. teaching young criminals to read and write effectively and successfully
B. persuading official to come and see what the offenders can do
C. convincing offenders that their new skills might help them get a job
D. making sure offenders commit fewers crimes
15. Lucy says the most satisfying aspect of her job is .
A. it bringing financial benefits B. making a difference to people’s lives
C. building up a reputation of the project D. doing something unexpected but exciting
Part 4. You will listen to a news programme about climate change. For questions 16-25,
complete the summary by writing NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS in each gap. Write your
answers in the corresponding numbered boxes on your answer sheet. (20 points)
The average temperature of last month was 0.1°C above the previous March record set in
2016, a significant increase by (16) .
Severe drought in Zimbabwe has been declared a national disaster, with low rainfall
slashing (17)
and putting 2.7 million at risk of hunger - just one example of (18)
affecting regions globally.
There is still much more scientific research needed to fully understand the things
happening to global (19) .
According to scientists, the primary driver of climate change is the large (20)of
greenhouse gases released by humans, further exacerbated in recent months by El Niño.
Persistently high sea temperatures suggest global temperatures may not (21) as expected,
raising concerns that the world could be entering a more rapid phase of climate change.
 According to Dr. Chloe Brimicombe, the repeated breaking of monthly temperature
records as well as the (22) like the drought in Zimbabwe are no longer surprising.
As the (23) enters summer, climate experts predict an increase in (24)
, drought conditions, and extreme weather events like flash flooding and wildfires. It is
similar to the patterns seen in (25) _ recently.
SECTION B: LEXICO- GRAMMAR (40 points)
Part 1. For questions 26-55, choose the best option A, B, C, or D to complete the
following sentences. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes on your
answer sheet. (30 points)
26. What I like about the new manager is that he _ - it makes things so much easier for
everyone.
A. marches to a different drum B. is in a cleft stick
C. calls a spade a spade D. casts caution to the wind
27. The car seems to be in good condition, but don't take it; get a mechanic to check it out.
A. for what it’s worth B. from side to sideC. in the driving seat D. at its face value
28. The apartment was badly located, but the rent was low, so they decided to stay
there and make .
A. a beeline B. the best of things C. a comeback D. no bones about it
29. She was delighted she was accepted to her new job, but having her best friend as
her boss was just the .
A. icing on the cake B. acquired taste C. matter of time D.
paper over cracks
30. The architect has been on the since he designed a building in Sydney.
A. up and up B. over and over C. out and about D. here and now
31. The peach pie was so delicious that we _ the whole thing.
A. coughed up B. polished off C. wounded up D. sponged off
32. He took a leisurely stroll down the river to his frustration.
A. work off B. knock around C. wind down D. press ahead
33. The first round of interviews only serves to the weakest applicants.
A. tide over B. beat about C. bark out D. weed out
34. Many people no longer trust their own _ memories and commit every detail of their
lives to some digital device.
A. fallible B. susceptible C. vulnerable D. controllable
35. They’ve made all the arrangements. Let’s hope their plans don’t at the last moment.
A. fail through B. fall through C. fail down D. fall behind
36. Jack’s a real culture ; he goes to the theatre regularly and to almost every art
gallery he can find.
A. clash B. vulture C. hero D. feature
37. The mobile phone company planned to publicly its latest technology to upgrade its
already strong operating system.
A. underwrite B. undervalue C. undress D. unveil
 38. The director’s speech was so that the staff felt inspired to work
harder.
A. mundane B. enigmatic C. compelling D. arbitrary
đề Hòn Gai-Quảng Ninh
Part 1: Complete the form below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A
NUMBER for each answer. (14 points)
Cycle tour leader: Applicant enquiry
Example:
Name: Margaret .............Smith.............
About the applicant:
• wants a (1) ______________ job
• will soon start work as a doctor
• has led cycle trips in (2) ______________
• interested in being a leader of a cycling trip for families
• is currently doing voluntary work with members of a (3)______________ club
• available for five months from the 1st of May
• can’t eat (4) ______________
Contact details:
• address: 27 (5) ______________ Place, Dumfries
• postcode: (6) ______________
Interview:
• interview at 2.30 pm on Tuesday
• will plan a short (7) ______________ about being a tour guide
Part 2: You are going to hear a scientist talking about the body clock. Complete the sentences
with a word or a short phrase. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered spaces
provided below. (16 points)
It is only when our normal routine is interrupted that we notice our physical or (8)
______________.
Everyone’s biological clock is determined by (9) _____________ of day into night, night into
day.
(10) ______________ works best around midnight and 9 o’clock in the morning but normally
lasts about 10 minutes or so.
The best time for (11) ______________ is around 11 o’clock in the morning.
Three in the afternoon is when (12) ______________ works best.
It’s right time to memorize important things like a piece of music or (13) ______________.
Late afternoon or early evening are best time for physical activities like volleyball or basketball
because your (14) ______________ are quickest.
A splash of cold water and a blast of (15) ______________ can help you wake up in the
morning.
Part 3. For questions 16-20, listen to an audio on whether can a virus catch a virus, decide if
these statements are true (T) or false (F). (10p)
16. A virus is not classified as a living organism because it does not possess metabolic processes
and proteins necessary for transcription and replication.
17. After scientists had discovered the mimivirus, it was anticipated that the discovery of its
relative was imminent.
18. Sputnik aids mamavirus in replicating by releasing its energetic materials.
19. Whether virophage should be regarded as viral parasites or not is still a source of
controversy.
20. There is incontrovertible proof that some giant viruses safeguard themselves by taking their
hosts' genetic material.
Part 4. For questions 21-25, listen to an interview on laughter therapy and choose the correct
answer A, B, C, or D which fits best according to what you hear. Write your answers in the
corresponding numbered boxes provided.
21. What do Stella and Rick see as the main explanation for the popularity of what are called
'laughter clubs'?
A. They allow people to share their problems with others.
B. They don't require people to make a long-term commitment.
C. They are a cost-effective way for people to access professional help.
D. They appeal to people who may be sceptical about other forms of therapy.
22. Rick feels that the main role of a laughter therapist is to
A. ensure that people get sufficient rest and relaxation.
B. help people to escape from one pattern of behaviour.
C. make people aware of the consequences of depression.
D. investigate the causes of people's emotional problems.
23. What does Rick regard as the principal benefit of the laughter therapy sessions he runs?
A. They enable people to feel less inhibited.
B. They stop people taking life too seriously.
C. They give people a good physical workout.
D. They encourage people to form lasting bonds.
24. Rick's interest in laughter therapy initially arose from
A. first-hand experience of another method.
B. participation in his wife's group sessions.
C. a desire to help his clients more effectively.
D. his mistrust of other alternative approaches.
25. Why does Rick tell us about a client who had problems giving presentations?
A. to suggest an alternative remedy for work-related stress.
B. to highlight the way in which essential oils affect the senses.
C. to show how stress can affect a person's level of performance.
D. to support Stella's point about making time for certain activities.
II. LEXICO-GRAMMAR (30 POINTS)
Part 1: For questions 26-40 , choose the correct answer A, B, C or D to each of the following
questions. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. (15 points)
26. The whole movie was filmed on_____in the Southern Indian.
A. site B.location C. spot D. venue
27. Eventually the list of candidates for the job was_____down to three.
A. lowered B. decreased C. narrowed D. dropped
28. The doctor gave the patient a(n)_____examination to discover the cause of his collapse.
A. thorough B. universal C. exact D. whole
29. I’m not sure I believe Jason’s story- it is a bit_________.
A. plausible B. inhospitable C. far-fetched D. endless
30. His health was gradually ________ by drink and drugs.
A. ravaged B. injured C. destroyedD. rectified
31. ________, I had to buy a new one.
A. My dictionary losing B. My dictionary had been lost
 C. My dictionary having been lost D. Because my dictionary lost
32. The sheep were huddled into a ____________ to protect them from overnight frosts.
A. cage B. kennel C. pen D. hutch
33. We stand on the ____________ of a new era in space exploration.
A. threshold B. basis C. brink D. surface
34. Three lives were lost in an accident at the____________ of a driver who had been drinking.
A. mercy B. expense C. high D. hands
35. The _______ of chickens in cages is cruel, so many farmers allow them to wander freely.
A. constraint B. confinement C. distress D. slaughter
36. The residents are blowing ______ over this issue. It’s impossible to know what they really
want.
A. dry and wet B. hot and cold C. warm and cool D. light and heavy
37. “I have a reservation for a ______ of six. The name’s Jones.” - “I’ll show you to your table.”
A. band B. circle C. party D. platoon
38. Thanks to the new infrastructure, the run-down areas in this city have ______.
A. come up in the world B. made a world of difference
C. done the world of good D. had the world of their feet
39. The year 2020 was a ______ in my sister’ life - she changed her career and got married.
A. beefeater B. touchstone C. watershed D. loudmouth
40. Despite all the evidence, he wouldn’t admit that he was in the ____________.
A. fault B. error C. wrong D. slip
26. B 27. C 28. A 29. C 30. A
31. C 32. C 33. A 34. D 35. B
36. B 37. C 38. A 39. C 40. C

Part 1. For questions 56-65, read the following passage and decide which option (A, B, C, or
D) best fits each gap. Write your answers in corresponding numbered boxes. (10 points)
Dyslexic minds
Why some children (56) ______ so much with reading used to be a mystery. Now researchers
know what's wrong - and what to do about it.
When some children look at a page of text, they can see letters’ names. They can even tell you
what sounds those letters make. Nevertheless, even for (57) ______high school students, to tell
what words those letters form is baffling, to say the (58) ______. They see a wall, a hurdle to get
over, and often (59) ______ that some letters are easier to figure out than others.
The condition is called dyslexia, a reading (60) ______ that persists (61) ______ good schooling
and normal or even above average intelligence. It's a handicap that (62) ______ 10% of the
population, according to experts, though some put the figure higher – up to 20%. The exact (63)
______ of the problem has eluded doctors, teachers, parents and dyslexics themselves since it
was first described more than a century ago. (64) ______, it is so hard for skilled readers to
imagine what it's like not to be able to effortlessly absorb the printed word that they often (65)
______ the real problem is laziness or obstinacy or a proud parent's inability to recognise that his
or her child isn't that smart after all.
56.A. fight B. strive C. struggle D. cope
57.A. talkative B. articulate C. mindful D. well-educated
58.A. most B. least C. truth D. fact
59.A. admit B. assume C. predict D. accept
60.A. malfunction B. disease C. disorder D. fault
 61.A. despite B. although C. besides D. without
62.A. affects B. effects C. influences D. attacks
63.A. type B. characteristics C. quality D. nature
64.A. However B. Indeed C. Really D. Nevertheless
65.A. doubt B. reject C. wonder D. suspect
Part 3. For questions 76-85, read the following passage and circle the best answer to each of
the following questions. Write your answers in corresponding numbered boxes provided. (10
points)
AN UNLIKELY MUSE
A new wave of music and arts projects has emerged, focusing on someone who may seem
for some a dubious source of inspiration. Imelda Marcos, former first lady of the Philippines, is
currently becoming the subject of musicals, song cycles and shows on a worldwide arena.
When the Marcos regime collapsed in 1986, and Imelda and her husband Ferdinand were
exiled in Hawaii, they carried with them allegations of embezzlement, corruption and human
rights abuses. Imelda had spent the last twenty years living off a seemingly endless supply of
funds, living an exotic and glamorous lifestyle and rubbing shoulders with powerful figures
worldwide. In 1972, when the superstar couple’s popularity was fading and they were at risk of
losing their power, Ferdinand Marcos instated martial, leading to an era of chaos and plunder,
and what is described by some as the second most corrupt regime of the twentieth century.
Ferdinand and Imelda fled in 1986 to escape the People’s Power Revolution, Imelda leaving
behind some 2000 pairs of shoes.
After her husband died in Hawaii due to ill health, Imelda stood trial in the United States on
behalf of her husband. Following that, she returned to the Philippines to face seventy more
counts of corruption and tax evasion. She has now returned to congress in the Philippines, her
make-up and gowns as flawless as ever.
So what makes Imelda Marcos such an appealing muse? Undoubtedly, Imelda Marcos’s
resolute character which has withstood exile, legal battles and the wrath of her enemies makes
her an appealing heroine, but film-maker Fenton Bailey attributes her iconicity to her sense of
glamour and style, and her role as a cultural trend-setter. And like so many women who let
nothing come between them and their goals, she has gained a certain iconic status, particularly
among homosexuals, not unlike that of Judy Garland and Lady Gaga.
And now the story of Imelda Marcos can be seen in the format of a musical, an artistic
genre which is quite befitting for this flamboyant, entertaining figure of beauty and glamour.
‘Imelda – A new musical’ has played in Los Angeles and New York. The artistic director of the
musical, Tim Dang, realises that the musical glosses over the darker aspects of the Marcos
regime, but wanted to portray Imelda as a person with all her faults on display, leaving the
audience to come to a verdict. However, despite the glitz of the show, reviews were mixed,
stating the ‘the serio-comic spoof... had a vacuum at its centre’.
The story of Imelda Marcos has also been immortalised as a song cycle, ‘Here Lies Love’
written by David Byrne and Norman Cook, in which Imelda comes across as both a hero and
villain. Their reasoning was to try to understand the story of how people can attain positions of
such power and greed. They were also inspired by Imelda’s love of dancing and clubbing, and
how her own style of music could be incorporated into their own. Byrne adds that their story is
not black and white – the couple were very popular at first, and Imelda headed a lot of public
works in the Philippines and added much to the nation’s sense of culture and identity.
At the Cultural Centre of the Philippines, a tour named ‘La Vida Imelda’ led by Carlos
Sedran describes the life of Imelda Marcos, the cold war and martial law, while also portraying
the glamour of the Imelda lifestyle. He describes it as an eternal story, in which her extravagance
can be seen as either distasteful or in some ways estimable.
There is a danger that these new art forms airbrush out the atrocity which accompanied the
ostentation and glamour. It was a time when democracy was suppressed, political enemies
disappeared, and billions of dollars which could have helped the poverty-stricken country were
spent on the Marcos’s extravagant lifestyle. However, the artists involved are keen to make clear
that the regime also resulted in great leaps forward in the country’s culture, architecture and
infrastructure. The Marcos legacy remains in the form of hospitals, Heart and Lung Centres, Folk
Art theatres and homes for children and the elderly, notwithstanding that the Marcos couple set
their war-ravaged, poverty-stricken land onto the world stage.

76. Why are Imelda’s shoes mentioned in the second paragraph?

A. To illustrate how little she cared for her personal possessions
B. To illustrate her love of fashion and beauty
C. To indicate how quickly she had to flee the country
D. To illustrate the extravagance of her lifestyle
77. What aspect of Imelda’s character is emphasised in paragraph 3?
A. her flamboyance B. her beauty C. her doggedness D. her forbearance
78. Why is Imelda compared with Judy Garland and Lady Gaga?
A. Due to her status as a gay icon B. Due to her ambition and drive
C. Because she has created new fashions D. Because she has triumphed over legal battles
79. The phrase “rubbing shoulders” in the second paragraph mostly means ______.
A. hobnobbing B. abetting C. fostering D. conferring
80. Why was the musical of Imelda’s life criticised?
A. Because it did not portray Imelda’s faults B. Because the show was too shallow
C. Because it was too glamorous and showy D. Because it was both serious and comedic
81. What was it about Imelda’s story that interested David Byrne and Norman Cooke?
A. The ongoing themes of power, greed and music
B. The fact that the story had both a clear hero and villain
C. The reasoning why people such as Imelda become who they are
D. The fact that her musical taste was similar to theirs
82. The word “incorporated” in the sixth paragraph is closest in meaning to _____.
A. inverted B. infused C. integrated D. interbred
83. According to Carlos Sedran, how do people respond to Imelda’s expensive lifestyle?
A. Most people are shocked by it. B. It evokes both positive and negative feelings.
C. People want to be like her. D. People realise why she did it.
84. The word “atrocity” in the last paragraph is closest in meaning to _____.
A. complexity B. indignity C. mendacity D. barbarity
85. Which of the following is not mentioned in the text as something Imelda Marcos did for the
Philippines?
A. She made health services available to the people.
B. She gave the country a cultural identity.
C. She reduced the levels of poverty for Filipino people.
D. She drew the world’s attention to the country.

Chuyên Quốc học Huế

I. LISTENING (50 POINTS)
Part 1. You will hear a man talking to teenagers about archery and do the following tasks.
(10 points)
Questions 1-3: Complete the flow chart below.
Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ARCHERY
Archery first used to hunt and in warfare - bows were straight
String removed from curved bows when (1) __________
↓
All cultures had bows and arrows - (2) __________ best-known for using them
↓
Advent of (3) __________ saw a decline in use of bows and arrows
↓
Archery as recreational activity grew in popularity

Questions 4-5: Complete the summary below.

Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
SAFETY PROCEDURES
All equipment must be used properly and safely. Archers must not think of the bows and arrows
as (4) __________. Nobody is allowed to enter the (5) __________ until told to do so by the
group supervisor. Each participant must use their weapon only when instructed to do so.
YOUR ANSWERS:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Part 2. You will hear a podcast about how to make better decisions. For questions 1-5,
decide whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F). (10 points)
1. Barack Obama eliminated wardrobe choices to save mental energy for more critical
decisions.
2. Research shows that all decisions, regardless of their size, consume different amounts of
energy.
3. Scientists have found that staying well-hydrated and consuming a breakfast with slow-
release carbohydrates can help improve decision-making.
4. Daniel Kahneman's research indicates that people are generally more motivated by
potential gains than by the fear of loss in big decisions.
5. When making an important decision, it is beneficial to seek advice from an objective
friend.
YOUR ANSWERS:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Part 3. You will hear a radio interview in which two ecologists, called Jack Benson and
Trisha Roberts, are talking about sand. For questions 1-5, choose the correct answer (A, B,
C or D) which fits best according to what you hear. (10 points)
1. Jack thinks the main reason people are attracted to beaches is because
A. we enjoy a feeling of timelessness there.
B. we find breathing the fresh salty air invigorating.
C. the sound of the waves is hypnotic.
D. the quality of the light is special.
2. What was Trisha’s reaction when she read an article about ‘pop-up’ beaches?
A. She was surprised the topic hadn’t been explored before.
B. She wanted to research the phenomenon more.
C. She was ashamed at having visited one.
D. She questioned the advice in the article.
3. Jack and Trisha agree that the practice of adding fresh sand to beaches
A. is less effective against coastal erosion than building a seawall.
B. can only be a short-term solution to coastal erosion.
C. interferes with the normal movement of the sea.
D. must be harmful to the wildlife there.
4. Why does Jack mention the fact that more people live in cities nowadays?
A. to criticise people’s lack of awareness of environmental issues
B. to illustrate that natural resources are becoming scarce
C. to suggest society’s major concern is making money
D. to explain why the demand for sand is so high
5. What does Jack hope will solve the problem of taking sand from beaches?
A. Scientists will develop a new form of sand.
B. Architects will rethink the design of buildings.
C. Governments will impose stricter regulations.
D. The public will become better informed.

YOUR ANSWERS:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Part 4. You will hear a podcast about the history of the color pink. For questions 1-5,
complete the sentences with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS. (20 points)
In 1927, Time Magazine surveyed major (1) __________ for girls' clothing colors, with varied
results.
A 1918 catalog suggested that (2) __________ blue was suitable for young girls.
Pink gained its current (3) __________ after World War II.
In 1953, Mamie Eisenhower's appearance in a (4) __________ pink ballgown marked a
significant moment for pink's history.
Mamie Eisenhower was known for her love of the color pink, which she believed complemented
her blue eyes and (5) __________, leading to the term "Mamie pink" frequently appearing in
newspaper headlines. This is humorously captured in the song "Think Pink" from "Funny Face,"
where the (6) __________ editor, inspired by Diana Vreeland, encourages women to embrace
pink and abandon the wartime colors of
(7) __________ and __________.
Pink gained popularity in fashion and (8) __________ decor.
While many women embraced this trend, others like Diana Vreeland resisted returning to (9)
__________, and pink started to represent unconventional and empowered women.
Examples include racecar driver Donna Mae Mims with her pink gear, the Pink Ladies in
"Grease," the Plastics in "Mean Girls," and Hillary Clinton on the cover of People magazine in a
pink jacket advocating for breaking the highest (10) __________.
This shift challenged norms, revealing pink's influence on shaping personalities and abilities.
Part 1. Choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D) that best completes each sentence. (30
points)
1. Her __________ remarks about the seriousness of the situation offended those who were
genuinely concerned.
A. flippant B. scrawny C. arrogant D. assertive
2. The journalist managed to __________ out the information by going through all the old files.
A. beetle B. cow C. ferret D. badger
3. Joanna has a real __________ for interior design - her home stunning!
A. likeness B. flair C. prospect D. popularity
4. If the warning light should come on, turn the red __________ to off.
A. button B. dial C. knob D. lever
5. He has a morbid fear of going outside his home, known to doctors as __________.
A. agoraphobia B. arachnophobia C. claustrophobia D. xenophobia
6. The peach pie was so delicious that we __________ the whole thing.
A. coughed up B. polished off C. wound up D. sponged off
7. She could talk the hind legs off a __________ with her endless anecdotes and stories.
A. dog B. donkey C. cow D. snake
8. It was a __________ moment when I realized that there were other people who watched the show.
A. lowly B. scholastic C. righteous D. revelatory
9. A(n) __________ shift in the global oil market is under way.
A. epochal B. transient C. fleeting D. mundane
10. The singer wished it to be known that he had left the band out of his own __________.
A. accord B. eagerness C. volition D. willingness
11. Since the coup, the country has sunk deeper into a(n) __________ of violence and lawlessness.
A. resolution B. extrication C. quagmire D. fluidity
12. Deadlines are getting closer and everyone is rushed off their __________ at the moment!
A. feet B. eyes C. hands D. knees
13. It was such a(n) __________ novel that I couldn't put it down.
A. fictitious B. riveting C. zealous D. endowed
14. The rain __________ down slowly under his coat collar, making him feel thoroughly damp
and miserable.
A. crept B. waded C. trickled D. teemed
15. A price war looks likely now that a leading supermarket has __________ to its competitors.
A. thrown down the gauntlet B. turned a blind eye
C. taken with a grain of salt D. been a wolf in sheep's clothing
16. I don't really believe all that - I was just __________ devil's advocate.
A. getting B. doing C. playing D. turning
17. You can tell her to clean her room until you are __________ in the face, but she won’t do it.
A. red B. orange C. blue D. green
18. I hate the way Tony __________ around looking so self- important.
A. struts B. scampers C. slithers D. slinks
19. Environmentalists have no political axe to __________ - they just want to save the planet.
A. cut B. sharpen C. grind D. trim
20. I always clean the flat before my mum comes round, but she always finds at least one
__________ of dust and says it's filthy!
A. scrap B. gust C. speck D. blade
21. Almost __________ person I've asked says they're going on the anti-war demonstration next
Saturday.
A. every B. each C. all the D. the entire
22. __________ hundreds of people dead during the evacuation from the war-torn area in the
Middle East.
A. It is estimated to be B. There is estimated to be
C. There are estimated to be D. It is estimated that
23. She had spent hours browsing through various stores, trying on countless outfits;
__________, she left the mall empty-handed, undecided about her purchase.
A. moreover B. nonetheless C. consequently D. whereas
24. Formerly close friends, they had been estranged __________ each other for many years.
A. from B. with C. over D. in
25. We heard of a __________ country that was the first to discover this.
A. certain Middle Eastern small B. small Middle Eastern certain
C. Middle Eastern certain small D. certain small Middle Eastern
26. This delicious __________ is high in protein and suitable for any vegetarian diet.
A. goats cheese B. goats' cheese C. cheese of goat D. goat's cheese
27. It isn't a big difference, but it is a difference __________.
A. for example B. in addition C. above all D. all the same
28. __________ train.
A. There goes the B. Goes there the C. There goes D. There go the
29. __________ at the University of London, she has written several books on the history of
graphic design.
A. If a professor B. Now is a professor
C. Now a professor D. Whether a professor
30. I'm __________ my brother is.
A. nowhere like so ambitious B. nothing near as ambitious as
C. nothing as ambitious than D. nowhere near as ambitious as
Part 1. Read the following text and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.
(15 points)
A BLACK DAY FOR SPORT

Appeals were being made last night for Corsicans to come (1) __________ and donate blood
following the collapse of the football stadium in Bastia. The tragedy (2) __________ 26 fans
dead; the number of injured has been put at 700.

(3) __________ to eyewitnesses, workers were still tightening bolts on the temporary scaffolding
only an hour and a half (4) __________ the match was (5) __________ to begin, and as fans passed
into the stadium, the structure, which holds up to 10,000, swayed violently and (6) __________
collapsed.

Many of the (7) __________ were given emergency treatment on the pitch while more serious
cases were (8) __________ to hospitals on the mainland.

A spokesman from the firm responsible for the stand's construction could only (9) __________
horrified disbelief. According to him, although some of the bars had collapsed, others should
have (10) __________ the structure, thus preventing it from falling down.
1. A. across B. over C. up to D. forward
2. A. did B. left C. made D. remained
3. A. With a view B. As far as C. According D. Referring
4. A. before B. until C. since D. after
5. A. up B. about C. bound D. due
6. A. gradually B. actually C. eventually D. definitely
7. A. injured B. wounded C. damaged D. wrecked
8. A. delivered B. trafficked C. travelled D. transferred
9. A. speak B. express C. say D. tell
10.A. supported B. held C. defended D. carried
Part 3. Read the following text and choose the best option (A, B, C or D) to answer the
question. (15 points)
THERMOREGULATION
Mammals and birds generally maintain body temperature within a narrow range (36-38°C for
most mammals and 39-42°C for most birds) that is usually considerably warmer than the
environment. Because heat always flows from a warm object to cooler surroundings, birds and
mammals must counteract the constant heat loss. This maintenance of warm body temperature
depends on several key adaptations. The most basic mechanism is the high metabolic rate of
endothermy itself. Endotherms can produce large amounts of metabolic heat that replace the flow
of heat to the environment, and they can vary heat production to match changing rates of heat
loss. Heat production is increased by such muscle activity as moving or shivering. In some
mammals, certain hormones can cause mitochondria to increase their metabolic activity and
produce heat instead of ATP. This nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) takes place throughout the
body, but some mammals also have a tissue called brown fat in the neck and between the
shoulders that is specialized for rapid heat production. Through shivering and NST, mammals
and birds in cold environments can increase their metabolic heat production by as much as 5 to
10 times above the minimal levels that occur in warm conditions.

Another major thermoregulatory adaptation that evolved in mammals and birds is insulation
(hair, feathers, and fat layers), which reduces the flow of heat and lowers the energy cost of
keeping warm. Most land mammals and birds react to cold by raising their fur or feathers,
thereby trapping a thicker layer of air. [A] Humans rely more on a layer of fat just beneath the
skin as insulation; goose bumps are a vestige of hair-raising left over from our furry ancestors.
[B] Vasodilation and vasoconstriction also regulate heat exchange and may contribute to regional
temperature differences within the animal. [C] For example, heat loss from a human is reduced
when arms and legs cool to several degrees below the temperature of the body core, where most
vital organs are located. [D]

Hair loses most of its insulating power when wet. Marine mammals such as whales and seals
have a very thick layer of insulation fat called blubber, just under the skin. Marine mammals
swim in water colder than their body core temperature, and many species spend at least part of
the year in nearly freezing polar seas. The loss of heat to water occurs 50 to 100 times more
rapidly than heat loss to air, and the skin temperature of a marine mammal is close to water
temperature. Even so, the blubber insulation is so effective that marine mammals maintain body
core temperatures of about 36-38°C with metabolic rates about the same as those of land
mammals of similar size. The flippers or tail of a whale or seal lack insulating blubber, but
countercurrent heat exchangers greatly reduce heat loss in these extremities, as they do in the
legs of many birds.

Through metabolic heat production, insulation, and vascular adjustments, birds and mammals are
capable of astonishing feats of thermoregulation. For example, small birds called chickadees,
which weigh only 20 grams, can remain active and hold body temperature nearly constant at
40°C in environmental temperatures as low as -40ºC - as long as they have enough food to
supply the large amount of energy necessary for heat production.

Many mammals and birds live in places where thermoregulation requires cooling off as well as
warming. For example, when a marine mammal moves into warm seas, as many whales do when
they reproduce, excess metabolic heat is removed by vasodilation of numerous blood vessels in
the outer layer of the skin. In hot climates or when vigorous exercise adds large amounts of
metabolic heat to the body, many terrestrial mammals and birds may allow body temperature to
rise by several degrees, which enhances heat loss by increasing the temperature gradient between
the body and a warm environment.

Evaporative cooling often plays a key role in dissipating the body heat. If environmental
temperature is above body temperature, animals gain heat from the environment as well as from
metabolism, and evaporation is the only way to keep body temperature from rising rapidly.
Panting is important in birds and many mammals. Some birds have a pouch richly supplied with
blood vessels in the floor of the mouth; fluttering the pouch increases evaporation. Pigeons can
use evaporative cooling to keep body temperature close to 40°C in air temperatures as high as
60°C, as long as they have sufficient water. Many terrestrial mammals have sweat glands
controlled by the nervous system. Other mechanisms that promote evaporative cooling include
spreading saliva on body surfaces, an adaptation of some kangaroos and rodents for combating
severe heat stress. Some bats use both saliva and urine to enhance evaporative cooling.
ATP: energy that drives certain reactions in cells
mitochondria: a membrane of ATP
1. According to paragraph 1, the most fundamental adaptation to maintain body temperature is
A. the heat generated by the metabolism B. a shivering reflex in the muscles
C. migration to a warmer environment D. higher caloric intake to match heat loss
2. Based on information in paragraph 1, which of the following best explains the term
“thermogenesis”?
 A. Heat loss that must be reversed
B. The adaptation of brown fat tissue in the neck
C. The maintenance of healthy environmental conditions
D. Conditions that affect the metabolism
3. Which of the sentences below best expresses the information in the highlighted statement in the
paragraph 1? The other choices change the meaning or leave out important information.
A. An increase in heat production causes muscle activity such as moving or shivering.
B. Muscle activity like moving and shivering will increase heat production.
C. Moving and shivering are muscle activities that increase with heat.
D. When heat increases, the production of muscle activity also increases
4. The word “minimal” in the paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to
A. most recent B. most active C. newest D. smallest
5. In paragraph 2, the author explains the concept of vasodilation and vasoconstriction by
A. describing the evolution in our ancestors
B. giving an example of heat loss in the extremities
C. comparing the process in humans and animals
D. identifying various types of insulation
6. According to paragraph 3, why do many marine animals require a layer of blubber?
A. Because marine animals have lost their hair during evolution
B. Because heat is lost in water much faster than it is in air
C. Because dry hair does not insulate marine animals
D. Because they are so large that they require more insulation
7. The word “those” in the passage 3 refers to
A. marine animals B. core temperatures C. land mammals D. metabolic rates
8. Why does the author mention “chickadees” in paragraph 4?
A. To discuss an animal that regulates heat very well
B. To demonstrate why chickadees have to eat so much
C. To mention an exception to the rules of thermoregulation
D. To give a reason for heat production in small animals
9. In paragraph 6, the author states that evaporative cooling is often accomplished by all of the
following methods EXCEPT
A. by spreading saliva over the area B. by urinating on the body
 C. by panting or fluttering a pouch D. by immersing themselves in water
10.Which of the following square brackets [A], [B], [C], or [D] best indicates where in the
paragraph the sentence ‘The insulating power of a layer of fur or feathers mainly depends on
how much still air the layer traps.’ can be inserted?
A. [A] B. [B] C. [C] D. [D]

Chuyên Tuyên Quang

Part 1: For question 1-5, listen to the recording and decide whether the following
statements are true (T) or false (F). Write your answers in the corresponding boxes
provided.
1. Circular reporting mainly bases on the primary evidence or source.
2. Not all the information on Wikipedia is true
3. A rise in the quantity of children affected by childhood illnesses like measles
4. Should verify the reliability of the original source to ensure it is not merely sourced from
platforms like Wikipedia, Facebook, or the media.
5. Checking the sources of information is necessary
Your answers

Part 2: For questions 1-5. You hear a conversation between a father and his son. Choose the
correct answer (A, B, C or D) which fits best according to what you hear.
1. In what way does the father admit to being mistaken?
A. He was surprised how he was able to stay resolute for the benefit of his family.
B. What happened between the two men was in direct contrast to what he had expected to
happen.
C. He thought his own children would have taken the news in a considerably worse fashion.
D. The effect that the incident had on him was more severe than he thought it would be.
2. What view does the son express towards his father?
A. Despite the incident he should have been more attentive to the needs of his children during the
ordeal.
B. That he has the ability to process matters such as a death in an admirable way.
C. How he regrets the manner in which he reacted to the incident with his mother.
D. That the father is considered to be a stoic character.
3. What change in behavior does the father recognise after his wife's emergency?
A. He quickly became emotionally withdrawn from the rest of his family.
B. He started to develop relationship issues outside of his personal relationships.
C. He started to become observant of members of his own family.
D. He noticed how he became more emotionally dependent on others from this time.
4. What is the biggest loss according to the father?
A. An inability to do the activities that they felt brought them closer.
B. A loss of how the two are able to interact with one another.
C. Their ability to experience their golden years in a state of rest and relaxation.
D. The loss of being in contact with others outside of the family.
5. To what does the father confess?
A. That he is emotionally damaged by trauma and continuing hardships of caring for a stroke
victim.
B. That he is overcome with guilt as he feels he is inadequately able to care for his wife.
C. He is concerned as to how his proposal to hire professional help will be perceived by the rest
of the family.
D. He lacks the ability to manage the situation without the aid of others.
Part 4: For questions 1-10. Listen to a piece of BBC news about Popping knuckles and fill in
the missing information. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS taken from the recording
for each answer in the spaces provided.
POPPING KNUCKLES
If you pop or crack your (1)___________, you probably do. What happens to our joints when we
crack them? And is it bad for you? (2)___________in this (3)___________that’s found in
between your joints. It kind of looks like an (4)___________So as you stretch out your joint,
you're releasing gas, which generates a bubble that compresses and busts. To break the same
knuckle again, you must wait around 20 minutes for the gas to return to the fluid. So, how does
that vary from the pop you hear when you stand up suddenly? The sound you’re probably
hearing then is the (5)___________make when sliding between muscles or over bones. When a
joint moves, the tendon snaps quickly over, producing a popping sound. So, is the knuckle-
cracking habit safe? Donald Unger was most likely a (6)___________who chose to pop the
joints in one hand for 60 years but not the other. And he wanted to find out if
popping your knuckles would actually give you (7)___________After 60 years of doing it, he
found that he didn’t have any more arthritis in one hand than in the other. But there’s still a
chance it’s not good for you. One 1990 did find that (8)___________over a long period of time
led to (9)___________and decreased (10)___________, but there hasn’t been any follow-up
research on that. So while cracking your knuckles might not be bad for you, there’s still no
guarantee that your popping habit won’t annoy the people around you.
1. Family relationships later _______a much significance on his life
A. took on B. kept up C. take up D. take on
2. When John was arrested for drunken driving, he expected to lose his driving license, but he
was _______with a fine.
A. let through B. let off C. let out D. let down
3. Had I been told that the subject of finance _______at the next meeting, I wouldn’t have
mentioned it.
A. would have been brought up B. was going to bring up
C. was to be brought up D. would have brought up
4. I didn’t _______out to be a millionaire – I just wanted to run a successful business.
A. set B. go C. begin D. watch
5. I’m not sure if I’m doing it right, but I’ll try to _______ahead with it anyway.
A. drive B. bang C. touch D. press
6. The _______workers were expecting thousands of refugees to turn up at the camps over the
next few weeks.
A. concern B. agency C. social D. relief
7. This course _______ no previous knowledge of the subject.
A. assembles B. assumes C. assigns D. assures
8. Luckily my wallet was handed in to the police with all its contents _______.
A. preserved B. unscathed C. contained D. intact
9. According to a Government spokesman, further _______ in the public sector are to be
expected.
A. cutbacks B. breakdowns C. outtakes D. layouts
10. The two sides are entrenched and any meeting between them is unlikely to _______ a result.
A. summit B. force C. yield D. concede
11. In terms of protocol, the President takes _______ over all others in the country.
A. priority B. the lead C. precedence D. the head
12. When several companies showed intere always st in buying the film rights to his novel, he
knew he had _______.
A. upped the ante B. scooped the bag
C. caught the fat one D. hit the jackpot
13. I can’t go out wearing something like that. I’d be the_______of the neighbourhood.
A. make-me-laugh B. laughing stock
C. laughter maker D. laughing gas
14. Tom's controversial new research has brought him back into the public _______
A. floodlights B. footlights C. limelight D. lowlight
15. The criminal knows the _______ of successful robberies.
A. trash and treasure B. part and parcel C. ins and outs D. close all
16. ______ to have stolen credit cards, he has been investigated for days.
A. Suspecting B. Suspected
C. Having suspected D. To be suspected
17. It’s curious that he _______ her to come after they had that bitter quarrel last week.
A. should ask B. would ask C. might ask D. asked
18. What if I _______ you that there's a good chance I can get tickets for the concert?
A. have told B. were to tell C. were telling D. would to tell
19. Morton says his parents kicked him out, but his brother says this isn't _______.
A. that B. it C. so D. there
20. We are aware that he has tried his best; _______, his work is just not good enough.
A. let alone B. albeit
C. be that as it may D. come what may

BÌNH DƯƠNG
Part 1. For questions 1-5, listen and complete the note below. Write NO MORE THAN
THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer. (10 points)
RATNER ATHLETICS CENTRE

Example: Current students get membership for no change / free

 A yearly membership costs (1) ………………………… for alumni

 Features offered include:

 the Emily Pankhurst (2) ………………………….

 the Dalton (3) …………………………………

 personal (4) ……………………………… at an extra charge

 Hours: 6 a.m. to (5) …………………… on weekdays and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends

ANSWERS:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Part 2: For questions 6-10, listen to a short talk about how cigarettes affect our body and
decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F). Write your answers in the
corresponding numbered boxes. (10 points)
Statements T F
6. Smoking damages tooth enamel due to the presence of tar.
7. Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke binds to hemoglobin in the
blood, boosting oxygen transport.
8. Smoking hardly affects fertility in women or erectile function in men.
9. The risk of developing fatal lung cancer halves within one year of
quitting smoking.
10. Nicotine replacement therapy aids in smoking cessation by
preventing withdrawal symptoms without introducing harmful chemicals.

ANSWERS:
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Part 3. You will hear a radio interview about meals and consuming food. For questions 11-15,
choose the answer (А, В, C or D) which fits best according to what you hea. Write your
answers in the corresponding numbered boxes on your answer sheet. (10 points)
11. Heston gives the example of eating with plastic utensils
A. because many listeners might be able to relate to this situation.
B. because it evokes the memories of eating food.
C. to illustrate poor experience of consuming food.
D. to show factors that contribute to the experience of eating.
12. What aspect of taste does Heston bring up?
A. Fat is taste just like any other.
B. There is a difference between taste and flavour.
C. Smell is a vital part of taste.
D. As we age, we gradually lose our taste.
13. The salt experiment shows that
A. you can feel the taste of something you can’t smell.
B. smell as one the senses is the least powerful.
C. you can enjoy food better if you don’t smell it.
D. food flavour can change as you eat it.
14. What is Heston’s opinion on the bitter taste?
A. It can misguide and create the impression of being dangerous.
B. It is the reason why people like certain food.
C. The approach to it can evolve with time.
D. People misunderstand the purpose of this taste.
15. The problem of the cabbage dish is
A. the way it looks. B. its taste.
C. the unusual combination of flavours. D. the recipe couldn’t be changed.
ANSWERS:
11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Part 4. You will hear a short talk about history of the movement for gender equality. For
questions 16-25, fill in the blank with ONE word which fits best complete the passage. Write
your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes on your answer sheet. (20 points)
HISTORY OF THE MOVEMENT FOR GENDER EQUALITY
Gender equality means to have equal access to resources and opportunities for both genders such
as taking part in and making economic decision and the chance of valuing behaviors, (16)
__________ and needs.
Besides facing a lack of legal rights, and scant independence, women have been thought to be
mentally (17) __________.
In 1691, Juana Nestor la Cruz successfully stood up for women's rights to (18) ____________
and co-founded a society to support poor women in affordable housing wood as well as (19)
____________.
The women's rights movement in Egypt was (20) ____________ by Doria Shafiq and 1,500
other women. They stipulated full (21) ____________, equal pay and reforms to personal status
laws.
These myriad endeavors led to women's right to vote in 1956. In the 1970s, ordinary women's
strong beliefs, desires and (22) ____________ were recorded.
In the 1980s, the society’s stress was laid on disclosing the (23) ____________ of women and
delved into finding how they reacted to inequity and (24) ____________ due to the rise of the
feminist movement.
Women's history has recognized women's intended plans, (25) ____________, and arbitrations
within a male-dominated world recently.
ANSWERS:
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
21. 22. 23. 24. 25.
39. Granddad would spend hours talking to his childrenabout his happy days on his farm.
A. recalling B. reminiscing C. reminding D. reconciling
40. Lawrence suggested ourselves at the beginning of the long project in order
to avoid exhaustion.
A. pacing B. rushing C. plodding D. racing
41. The audiences attribute the success of her debut album to the thorough
presentation in a long time
A. roaring B. ringing C. sparking D. cracking
42. It is far too easy to lay the blame on the shoulders of the management.
A. flatly B. willingly C. squarely D. perfectly
43. Anything he does is in with the law and that’s why I have suggested him for the
post.
A. compliance B. obedience C. commitment D. responsibility
44. Her remarks about the seriousness of the situation offended those who
were genuinely concerned.
A. flippant B. scrawny C. arrogant D. assertive
45. The managers there always make sure that you get a prompt reply to any query and
they’re very
to complaints.
A. eligible B. responsive C. content D. animated
46. I for them, but I didn't like the way they treated the customers, so I quitted.
A. should have worked B. can’t have worked
C. must have worked D. could have worked
47. I stopped about her unemployment and went on you about all her other
problems.
A. to talk/telling B. to talk/to tell C. talking/to tell D. talk/tell
48. then what I know today, I would have saved myself a lot of time and
trouble over the years.
A. Had I known B. Did I know C. If I know D. If I knew
49. Thomas would sooner his parents him first about their family trip to Bali.
A. consulted B. had consulted C. has consulted D.was consulted
50. She isn’t independent any means. She depends her mother everything.
A. by/ on/ in B. for/ on/ in C. of/ on/ for D. by/ in/ with
51. Not until darkness fell he hadn’t done half of his homework.
A. that he realized B. did he realize C. that he didn’t realize D. didn’t he realize
52. Mark is on night duty. When we go to bed, he goes to _ work.
A. a - Ø - Ø B. Ø - Ø - Ø C. Ø - the - the D. the - Ø - Ø
53. The number of learners not large; therefore, a number of headphones available
to them in the lab.
A. are - is B. is - is C. are - are D. is - are
54. When his son got married, Mr. Smith gave him a table.
A. small 17th-century coffee French B. French small 17th-century coffee
C. 17th-century small French coffee D. small 17th-century French coffee
55. the medicine than she began to feel much better.
A. Not until she swallowed B. Hardly did she swallow
C. No sooner had she swallowed D. Having swallowed