Learning English with Tham Phan 10 Tran Thanh Mai, Son Tra District, Da Nang

“The English Preparation Class 0983482948

for Specialized High School Entrance Exam, Grade 10”

SAMPLE TEST 1

I. LISTENING (4.0 points)

Part 1. There are five questions in this part. For each question there are three pictures and a short recording.
Choose the correct picture and put a tick (√) in the box below it. You will hear each recording twice. (1.0 point)
1. What time will the flight to Brussels leave?

2. What does the man enjoy most about flying?

3. Where will Maggie’s family stay on holiday this year?

4. What has the woman left behind?

5. What will the weather be like when the plane arrives?

Learning English with Tham Phan 10 Tran Thanh Mai, Son Tra District, Da Nang
“The English Preparation Class 0983482948
for Specialized High School Entrance Exam, Grade 10”

Part 2. You will hear three people, Norman and Linda Hunter; and Linda’s friend Patty, talking in a shopping
centre about their children. Listen and choose the best answer A, B or C (1.0 point)
6. How do Patty and Norman know each other?
A. They worked together.
B. They are old friends.
C. They met at a party.
7. What does Norman mean when he calls Patty’s child a “rocket scientist”?
A. He is very smart.
B. He designs rockets.
C. He has a good job.
8. How does Norman feel about young children being encouraged to learn languages?
A. He thinks it is easier for younger children.
B. He thinks it is essential today.
C. He thinks it is unnecessary.
9. What can we guess about Linda’s working schedule?
A. She only works occasionally.
B. She works a lot of hours.
C. She has no time off.
10. What does Norman think is important for children?
A. to have a lot of lessons
B. to have the latest toys
C. to have time to play

Part 3. You will hear a radio programme about a family who gave up their suburban lifestyle for a life in the
country. Listen and complete the sentences with a word or short phrase. (2.0 points)
Moving away from the town was made possible when Evan received his (11) ____________________.
Their house has (12) ____________________ views of the countryside.
Their main priority is to make themselves (13) ____________________ before putting their own produce on the
market.
Until they can live off the profits of the land the couple are looking for (14) ____________________.
For the time being Nina is starting to make a(n) (15) ____________________.
Many people like them, who are (16) ____________________ with their jobs, have moved to the country.
They invested in a TV set for the (17) ____________________ of their daughter.
The couple find their new way of life extremely (18) ____________________.
This kind of life is demanding so it is important to be (19) ____________________ to make it work.
It is a valuable contribution towards a more (20) ____________________ balanced society.

II. PHONETICS (1.0 point)

Part 1. Choose the word whose underlined part is pronounced differently from the others. Write your answer
(A, B, C or D) in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. (0.5 point)
1. A. reason B. release C. threaten D. leader
2. A. adventure B. figure C. mature D. future
3. A. nature B. fashion C. travel D. planet
4. A. exchange B. fetch C. chimney D. champagne
5. A. promote B. promise C. proper D. profit
Learning English with Tham Phan 10 Tran Thanh Mai, Son Tra District, Da Nang
“The English Preparation Class 0983482948
for Specialized High School Entrance Exam, Grade 10”

Part 2. Choose the word whose main stress is different from the rest in each group. Write your answer (A, B,
C or D) in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. (0.5 point)
1. A. anticipate B. ability C. interactive D. inaccurate
2. A. category B. profitable C. eventually D. ordinary
3. A. eradicate B. admirable C. characterize D. communism
4. A. magnificent B. preservation C. resolution D. comprehensive
5. A. eliminate B. specialize C. ability D. opinion

III. USE OF ENGLISH (4.0 points)

Part 1. Choose the best answer (A, B, C, or D) to complete the following sentences. Write your answer (A, B,
C, or D) in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. (2.0 points)
1. Parents are always willing to lend a sympathetic __________ to their children when they have problems.
A. ear B. heart C. hand D. eye
2. He wasn’t attending the lecture properly and missed most of __________.
A. what the teacher said B. which the teacher said
C. things said by the teacher D. that the teacher said
3. I read the contract again and again __________ avoiding making spelling mistakes.
A. with a view to B. on account of C. by means of D. in terms of
4. __________ Mike’s determination, the whole team refused to join the science project competition.
A. Were it not B. Regardless of C. Not regarding D. Should it not be
5. When the starter gave the __________, all the competitors in the race began to run round the track.
A. signal B. warning C. shot D. show
6. The man who was driving the truck would not admit that he had been at fault, and__________.
A. neither had the other driver B. neither would the other driver
C. neither the other driver D. the other driver neither
7. It’s a serious operation for a woman as old as my grandmother. She’s very frail. I hope she __________.
A. gets over B. comes around C. pulls through D. stands up
8. __________ our children may be, we cannot go picnicking in this weather.
A. Though excited B. Excited as
C. Because of excitement D. Exciting
9. If only he __________ the last point in the presentation, it was a striking point.
A. did not miss B. would not miss C. would not have missed D. hadn’t missed
10. I’d loved to have lived in the old days, when people __________ to market by horse and carriage.
A. have been travelling B. got used to travelling
C. would travel D. had been travelling
11. The government must __________ strong measures against crime.
A. be seen to be taking B. seen to take
C. be seen be taking D. see to be taking
12. __________ behalf of the committee, I’d like to thank you for your generous donation.
A. To B. At C. For D. On
13. The book says that the revolution was __________ off by the assassination of the state governor.
A. prompted B. triggered C. cropped D. launched
14. Composing more than 40 percent of the diet, fats are __________ by the body for energy.
A. using specifically B. the specific use C. used specifically D. specific use
15. The cupboard in __________ rare books are kept is near the window.
A. that B. where C. which D. whom
Learning English with Tham Phan 10 Tran Thanh Mai, Son Tra District, Da Nang
“The English Preparation Class 0983482948
for Specialized High School Entrance Exam, Grade 10”

16. All of us are __________ that she has won the first prize in the competition.
A. amazingly B. amazed C. amazing D. amazement
17. I’m __________ my brother is.
A. nothing near as ambitious B. nothing as ambitious than
C. nowhere near as ambitious as D. nowhere like so ambitious
18. Without written evidence, we don’t have a __________ on.
A. foot to stand B. leg to stand C. foot to lean D. leg to lean
Choose the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined part in the
following sentence.
19. Dissemination of information is frequently carried out via satellite - through local or national TV networks.
A. Dedication B. Compilation C. Condensing D. Dispering
Choose the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the phrase that is OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined part in
the following sentence.
20. When I suggested she was mistaken, she got hot under the collar and stormed out of the room.
A. got emotional B. became furious C. remained calm D. felt anxious
Part 2. Use the word given in capitals at the end of each line to form a word that fits in the space in the same
line. There is an example at the beginning (0). Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes
provided. (1.0 point)
Famous friends
The lives of celebrities are coming (0. INCREASE) increasing under the close scrutiny of the public at large.
One consequence of this trend is that it can sometimes be difficult for people in the spotlight to forge genuine
and lasting (1. RELATION) __________ with others. When it comes to making friends, celebrities have a (2.
TEND) __________ to pick other celebrities, for example. This is not (3. EXPECT) __________ of course,
given the nature of the social circles in which such people move, and given the fact that one of the (4. ATTRACT)
__________ of the celebrity lifestyle is (5. SUPPOSE) __________ the opportunity it offers to rub shoulders
with the rich and famous.
Very often, however, an air of (6. TENSE) __________ can hang around a high-profile friendship, where an
outward show of affection actually masks an underlying (7. RIVAL) __________. In the celebrity world, friends
clearly have to be chosen with (8. CONSIDER) __________ care. There needs to be a degree of mutual (9.
ADMIRE) __________ combined with equal standing in the eyes of the outside world, so that there is no
question of one friend appearing to be in the shadow of another. How else can we explain the (10. EXIST)
__________ of close friendships between stars who, in any other situation, would have very little in common?
Part 3. Read the text below and look carefully at each line. Some of the lines are correct and some have a word
which should not be there. If a line is correct, put a tick (√) in the space next to the number of the line. If a
line has a word which should not be there, put that word in the space next to the number of the line. There are
two examples at the beginning (0) and (00). (1.0 point)
In the United Kingdom women can see their 0. can
doctor on average five times a year, compared 00. √
with a men who visit their doctor about three 1. __________
times a year. Two out of three women leave 2. __________
from their GP’s surgery clutching a prescription. 3. __________
Yet women have been taking tablets without 4. __________
knowing that what effect they may have on their 5. __________
bodies, because of a scientific anomaly - the 6. __________
most drugs are tested on the men. In addition, 7. __________
there are well-known examples of the way drugs 8. __________
and other substances should work differently in 9. __________
women. 10. __________
Learning English with Tham Phan 10 Tran Thanh Mai, Son Tra District, Da Nang
“The English Preparation Class 0983482948
for Specialized High School Entrance Exam, Grade 10”

IV. READING (4.0 points)

Part 1. Read the passage below and choose the best answer (A, B, C, or D) that best fits each blank. Write your
answer (A, B, C or D) in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. (1.0 point)
In child development there is an important phenomenon that shows very clearly the process of preparation for
the future: play. (1) __________ to popular belief, its importance should never be underestimated. Games are not
the haphazard creations of parents or educators. They should be seen as educational (2) __________ and as stimuli
for the child’s (3) __________, imagination and life skills. Every game is a preparation for the future. The manner
in which children (4) __________ a game, their choice of game and the importance they (5) __________ upon
it, show their attitude and relationship to their environment and how they relate to their (6) __________ human
beings. Whether they are hostile or whether they are friendly, and particularly whether they show qualities as
leaders, are clearly (7) __________ in their play. In observing children at play we can see their whole attitude
towards life; play is of the (8) __________ importance to every child. But play is more than preparation for life.
Games are (9) __________ communal exercises that enable children to develop their social feeling. Children who
avoid games and play are always (10) __________ to the suspicion that they have not adjusted satisfactorily to
life.
1. A. In contrast B. Contrary C. According D. Due
2. A. means B. sources C. tools D. aids
3. A. psyche B. physiology C. mindset D. nerves
4. A. operate B. approach C. process D. experience
5. A. give B. accord C. place D. lay
6. A. fellow B. contemporary C. present D. peer
7. A. distinct B. evident C. noticeable D. marked
8. A. great B. utmost C. prime D. most
9. A. without doubts B. in all C. by far D. above all
10. A. attached B. open C. prone D. likely
Part 2. Read the passage below and think of ONE word which best fits each gap. There is an example at the
beginning (0). Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. (1.0 point)
BAZAARS
A bazaar was originally a public market district (0) of a Persian town. From Persia the term spread to Arabia,
Turkey, and North Africa. In India it came to (1) __________ applied to a single shop; and in current English
usage it refers to (2) __________ a single shop or concession selling miscellaneous articles and to a fair at (3)
__________ such miscellany is sold, often for charity. The familiar bazaar of the ancient Islamic nations is vividly
described (4) __________ the traditional folktales of ‘The Thousand and One Nights’. (5) __________ is a
distinct quarter of the town, access (6) __________ which is forbidden after sundown, bustling and noisy by day,
(7) __________ the quieter residential quarters. Such a bazaar may be divided into districts, with all the purveyors
of one type of merchandise grouped together.
(8) __________ the bazaar in smaller towns is composed of a single narrow street of stalls, in larger cities
such as Istanbul it is by (9) __________ means simple, consisting of many miles of such passageways. Some
bazaars, such as the (10) __________ built at Sashan and Isfahan in Iran in the 17th century, were designed with
great architectural integrity.
Part 3. Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the correct answer A, B, C, or D. Write
your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. (1.0 point)
YOPEY
Whilst barely a week goes by without seeing dramatic tabloid headlines about teenage criminality, it is rare to
come across any positive stories about young people in the press. Indeed, anyone reading newspapers would
conclude that the younger generation must be made up of the worst sort of criminals. That’s why Young People
of the Year, or YOPEY, is such a breath of fresh air. What it aims to do is give young people a fairer image in
the media by highlighting their achievements. It does this by spreading good news stories about young people by
asking celebrities, politicians and well-known companies to endorse or sponsor their campaign, and by running
Learning English with Tham Phan 10 Tran Thanh Mai, Son Tra District, Da Nang
“The English Preparation Class 0983482948
for Specialized High School Entrance Exam, Grade 10”

schemes which get young people to work with vulnerable older people. Its main focus, though, is on getting
ordinary people to nominate under-nineteens in their community who have helped others, and then presenting
them with an award. Not only does the award make young people feel positive about themselves, but the publicity
surrounding it inspires other kids to try to help in their community. If only the media were to focus on covering
award schemes like this one, rather than devoting so much coverage to stories of petty crime.
To my mind, it would not only reveal to society just how many young people get a lot out of life by helping their
local communities, but it would also remind us all of how important it is to include young people in their
communities, and the benefits for everybody that would bring. We should encourage young people to play a full
and active role in their neighbourhoods.
While always full of admiration for celebrities prepared to use their fame to selflessly advance important causes,
or business leaders ready to put their hands in their pockets, no-one inspires me more than a youngster willing to
put others before themselves. Take Laura, the winner of a recent YOPEY award, and a wheelchair athlete who
has completed numerous long-distance events, all in the name of charity. By getting wealthy companies and
individuals to sponsor her performances, she has financed the building and equipping of a play centre for children
with special needs. Or take Daniel, who has spent the last two years helping to create a skatepark in a town near
to where he lives. No athlete himself, his talents lie elsewhere. He has worked tirelessly to gather together funds
for the project, persuading local businesses to get behind his ideas, and local celebrities to contribute.
(Extracted from Solutions Third Edition Upper-Intermediate Tests)
1. How does the writer feel about press coverage of young people?
A. The writer is annoyed that they make up false stories.
B. The writer wishes they wouldn’t focus on all the negative news.
C. The writer considers the coverage fair and balanced.
D. The writer chooses to rarely read the news at all.
2. According to the text, how do well-known people help the YOPEY campaign?
A. By either saying they support it, or by giving financial support.
B. By helping to educate young people in a positive way.
C. By working with teenagers on schemes to help others.
D. By providing a positive role model for teenagers to look up to.
3. What is the point of presenting awards to young people who have done positive things?
A. It helps persuade ordinary adults to take part in the YOPEY campaign.
B. It makes other teenagers want to do something good too.
C. It raises money for schemes to help other people in need.
D. It helps deprived youngsters get real jobs in the community.
4. Which of the following types of people does the writer admire the most?
A. Those who are both young and selfless.
B. Those who have inspired him/her to promote particular causes.
C. Those who are wealthy and generous.
D. Those who give up their time despite being famous.
5. In what way are Laura and Daniel similar?
A. They have both achieved a lot in sport.
B. They have both taken part in sponsored events.
C. They have both raised money from the business sector.
D. They have both worked with disabled children.
Part 4: Five sentences have been removed from the passage. Choose from sentences A – F the one which fits
each gap (1–5). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use. (1.0 point)
Can you imagine being a famous football star but still attending school? That’s what some students at Ashton-
Mersey School in England do! The school is about 7 km from Old Trafford, the famous sports stadium that is
Learning English with Tham Phan 10 Tran Thanh Mai, Son Tra District, Da Nang
“The English Preparation Class 0983482948
for Specialized High School Entrance Exam, Grade 10”

home to Manchester United Football Club. The club takes talented teenagers from all over the world. (1)
__________ But even though they are following their dreams of becoming sports stars, football clubs recognise
that education should still be an important part of their lives. (2) __________. Although footballers can play
professionally from the age of 16, most don’t join professional teams until they are older.
All football clubs have to make sure that players who are under 18 are getting an education, but many choose to
do this by organising classes at the club. At Manchester United, however, young players go to a normal school.
(3) __________. That’s why at Ashton-on-Mersey School you can see people who played against Arsenal or
Liverpool on Saturday sitting down to classes with all the other students on Monday morning.
The Manchester United students have classes two days a week and study a range of subjects. While attending,
they are encouraged to feel like they are part of the school. They still follow the rules like all the other pupils
there. (4) __________.
There are many benefits to the school from their arrangement with Manchester United. The football club has
given money to the school. (5) __________. Perhaps more importantly, seeing successful young players in the
school can encourage younger students to try hard to do well and achieve their own dreams. Successful players
often return to visit the school. When one French-speaking player came back, the students were all keen to ask
him questions in French! Chatting to an international football star really helped them improve their language
skills.
(Extracted from Exam Booster for B1)
A. So at least they can enjoy some parts of typical teenage life there.
B. These young players come here to train, of course.
C. This has helped it to provide a better education for all its students.
D. They are also expected to set a good example to younger students.
E. After all, only the best ones go on to join the main team.
F. During the school day, therefore, they don’t go to some of these sessions.

V. WRITING (5.0 points)

Part 1. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word
given. DO NOT CHANGE THE WORD GIVEN. You must use between TWO and SIX words, including the
word given. (1.0 point)
0. The last time I watched it was two weeks ago. (HAVE)
I have not watched it for two weeks.

1. “Well done for scoring twice, Mark”, said the coach. (PRAISED)
Mark ____________________________________________________________ for scoring twice.
2. I never thought that I would win a prize. (CROSSED)
It had ____________________________________________________________ that I would win a prize.
3. The group continued to walk despite rain starting to fall. (EVEN)
The group carried ____________________________________________________________ started to rain.
4. During the quiz, I could not think of the correct answer to the winning question. (COME)
During the quiz, I was not ____________________________________________________________ the correct
answer to the winning question.
5. I promised that I would think carefully about the job offer. (GIVE)
I promised ____________________________________________________________ the job offer.
Part 2. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means the same as the sentence printed
before it. (2.0 points)
1. He has never behaved so violently before.
He is behaving ____________________________________________________________
2. Betty is very happy to look after handicapped people.
Betty is devoted ____________________________________________________________
Learning English with Tham Phan 10 Tran Thanh Mai, Son Tra District, Da Nang
“The English Preparation Class 0983482948
for Specialized High School Entrance Exam, Grade 10”

3. We know that feudalism lasted for hundreds of years in Europe.

Feudalism ____________________________________________________________
4. I’m sure it wasn’t Ann you saw yesterday because she is now in London.
It can’t ____________________________________________________________
5. You should not lock this door for any reason when the building is open to the public.
Under no ____________________________________________________________
6. John’s inability to make decisions dates from his accident.
Ever since ____________________________________________________________
7. I rarely sleep in the afternoon.
I’m not in ____________________________________________________________
8. At the fitness centre the trainer asked me my weight.
At the fitness centre the trainer asked me _______________________________________
9. My sister is proud of being a good cook.
My sister prides ____________________________________________________________
10. With the money he has saved, he can buy a new house.
His saving money ____________________________________________________________
Part 3. (2.0 points)
Nowadays, TikTok has become popular and brought a lot of benefits to users. Do you agree with this idea? Write
an essay (about 200 words) to express your opinion.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Learning English with Tham Phan 10 Tran Thanh Mai, Son Tra District, Da Nang
“The English Preparation Class 0983482948
for Specialized High School Entrance Exam, Grade 10”

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Learning English with Tham Phan 10 Tran Thanh Mai, Son Tra District, Da Nang
“The English Preparation Class 0983482948
for Specialized High School Entrance Exam, Grade 10”

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
---------- HẾT ----------