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 from 1 to 5.

The term "learning loss" has become a central point of contention in post-pandemic educational discourse. The concept itself involves more than just missed classroom hours; it entails assessing the disruption to social-emotional development, measuring cognitive setbacks in core subjects, a task that in itself requires nuanced statistical modeling, and (1) ________, a multifaceted diagnostic challenge that has left policymakers grappling for effective solutions.

While the idea that school closures had negative effects is widely accepted, a consensus built from global observation, quantifying the precise extent of this "loss" is notoriously difficult, (2) ________. The data is often inconsistent, making it challenging to form a clear, universally applicable picture of the problem. Many governments, citing alarming statistics, have launched large-scale tutoring and "catch-up" programs. (3) ________. Such initiatives operate on the premise that the lost time is a deficit that can, and must, be filled with accelerated instruction.

Conversely, some educational theorists challenge the very framework of "loss". (4) ________. This perspective suggests that focusing on "loss" ignores the resilience and novel skills, such as self-management and digital literacy, that students may have acquired during the period of remote learning. A constructive path forward, one that moves beyond this polarized debate, must therefore integrate the immediate allocation of resources for academic support, which is the most commonly proposed solution, (5) ________ that addresses the deep-seated inequities the pandemic so starkly exposed.

(Adapted from Springer)

Question 1:

A. quantifies the impactful disproportion faced by disadvantaged students
B. the impact of quantifying the disproportionate disadvantages of students
C. quantifying the disproportionate impact on disadvantaged students
D. that the disproportionate impact on disadvantaged students is quantified

Question 2:

A. in order that academic setbacks have socio-emotional impacts that are nearly impossible to separate
B. assuming that the socio-emotional impossibility of separating academic impacts from setbacks
C. on condition that the separation of academics from socio-emotional impacts is a nearly impossible setback
D. given that it is nearly impossible to separate academic setbacks from socio-emotional impacts

Question 3:

A. People argue that long-term gaps in reading and math skills are economically consequential to their measurement

B. The long-term economic consequences of these gaps in reading and math skills are, arguably, the measurement itself

C. The consequence of this argument is economically measuring the long-term gaps in reading and math skills

D. The argument is that these measurable gaps in reading and math skills will have long-term economic consequences

Question 4:

A. Overlooking student well-being is posited as harmfully creating a deficient mindset about the term

B. The harm created by this deficient mindset, they posit, is the term's oversight of student well-being

C. The creation of the term itself is posited as a harmful oversight of student well-being and a deficit mindset

D. They posit that the term itself creates a harmful deficit mindset that overlooks student well-being

Question 5:

A. a commitment to restructure the foundation of inequitable policies

B. founding inequitable policies on a commitment to restructuring

C. with a foundational commitment to restructuring inequitable policies

D. and a policy commitment to restructuring foundational inequity

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 6 to 13.

Vietnam possesses an abundance of locations with breathtaking natural beauty. These are places defined by their pristine qualities: immaculate beaches with clear water, verdant mountain trails offering panoramic vistas, and serene waterfalls cascading into quiet pools. Such destinations are celebrated for their unspoiled scenery and their ability to provide a genuine escape from the clamor of urban life. They attract countless visitors who travel long distances specifically to immerse themselves in these tranquil, seemingly perfect environments.

Yet, a jarringly different scene frequently emerges at these same locations after a wave of visitors has departed. The once-immaculate landscape becomes littered with the detritus of human consumption. Plastic bottles, disposable food containers, and nylon bags are strewn across beaches and trails, a stark testament to the passage of the crowds. The serene atmosphere is broken by the visual pollution of discarded waste, a deeply incongruous sight in a place cherished for its natural splendor.

The behavior that leads to this desecration points to a perplexing psychological disconnect. “The baffling part is that the people who leave the rubbish are the exact same people who traveled for hours to admire this scenery,” observes a frustrated park ranger during a coastal cleanup. “There is a complete failure to connect the individual act of leaving one small item behind with the massive, collective impact it creates.” The appreciation for the environment does not seem to translate into a sense of personal responsibility for its preservation.

The cumulative effect of these seemingly small acts of negligence is a slow and steady corrosion of the natural ecosystems. Discarded plastic waste does not disappear; it fragments into microplastics that contaminate the soil and water, posing a grave threat to wildlife. The gradual degradation of these cherished natural wonders is a direct result of a culture of convenience overriding a sense of stewardship. The beauty that draws the crowds is being systematically dismantled by the very admiration it inspires.

(Adapted from HanoiTimes)

Question 6: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

A. The visual blight of discarded waste disrupts the tranquil atmosphere, creating a profoundly unfitting spectacle in a location widely celebrated for its natural beauty.

B. The tranquil ambiance is spoiled by the visual intrusion of discarded refuse, and this sight is also deemed deeply inappropriate for a location prized for its natural splendor.

C. For a location cherished for its magnificent natural splendor, the sight of discarded waste ruins the serene feeling and is a profoundly disappointing spectacle for observers.

D. Discarded refuse creates a jarring visual that not only shatters the location's peaceful atmosphere but also degrades the very natural splendor for which the area is so cherished.

Question 7: The word perplexing in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to ______.

A. irrational B. frustrating C. puzzling D. destructive

Question 8: The word its in paragraph 3 refers to ______.

A. appreciation B. collective impact

C. personal responsibility D. the environment

Question 9: Which of the following is NOT listed in the passage as an environmental consequence of the accumulated waste?

A. The corrosion of natural ecosystems B. The contamination of soil and water
C. A grave threat to wildlife D. A psychological disconnect

Question 10: The word grave in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.

A. trivial B. visible C. distant D. specific

Question 11: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Numerous visitors are drawn to Vietnam's scenic destinations to research the extensive ecological impact of microplastic contamination.

B. The prevalent accumulation of litter in scenic areas is attributed to insufficient waste disposal infrastructure managed by local authorities.

C. Travelers arriving at Vietnam's natural beauty spots are often confronted with landscapes already spoiled by the waste from previous visitors.

D. The rubbish left behind by tourists in scenic areas might typically consist of single-use items related to food and drink consumption.

Question 12: Which paragraph mentions a contradiction in the mindset of the visitors?

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

Question 13: Which paragraph mentions a situation where a place's attraction leads to its own ruin?

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

Read the following piece of news and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 14 to 19.

🌊 OceanGuard: Tackling Coastal Waste with Precision

A significant (14) ________ of plastic debris has already been removed from marine ecosystems, thanks to the latest campaign launched by OceanGuard, which targets coastal pollution in over 30 countries. The initiative not only addresses surface waste but also dives deep into microplastic (15) ________.

The trash collected — much of (16) ________ originates from urban runoff and poorly managed landfills — is processed using a pioneering filtration method designed to (17) ________ synthetic compounds that threaten aquatic life.

Volunteers participating in the project, many (18) ________ abroad, have praised the campaign’s practical impact and scientific rigor. They believe that this often-overlooked but (19) ________ threat to biodiversity is finally receiving the attention it deserves.

(Adapted from Ocean Protect)

Question 14: 

A. volume B. range C. number D. level

Question 15: 

A. contamination B. contaminated C. contaminate D. contaminant

Question 16: 

A. who B. which C. whose D. whom

Question 17: 

A. come down B. turn down C. break down D. get down

Question 18: 

A. trained B. have been trained C. training D. are training

Question 19: 

A. peculiar B. prevalent C. prominent D. pernicious

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 20 to 29.

The frenzied era of "job hopping" has definitively given way to a more apprehensive strategy: "job hugging." As the labor market cools, employees are foregoing high-risk, high-reward jumps for the perceived security of their current roles. [I] A new comprehensive report from Monster corroborates this shift, revealing that 75% of employees intend to stay put through 2027. The primary impetus is not growing loyalty, but pervasive trepidation; 48% concede they are staying purely due to economic uncertainty. The resulting labor environment is one of "jobless growth"—characterized by low hiring and low firing—where stability is prioritized over ambition.

Career experts are adamant that the trend is not a symptom of complacency, but a pragmatic response to an unpredictable landscape. Vicki Salemi, a career expert at Monster, posits that the new loyalty is about "survival, not necessarily satisfaction," with job security providing "a source of emotional security." [II] The practice is ubiquitous; Monster's data shows 85% of all workers have "job-hugged" at some point. The trend is particularly pronounced among tenured workers. 55% of survey respondents identified Gen X and Boomers as the most likely to adopt this risk-averse strategy, compared to just 25% who believed it was more prevalent among younger generations.

Staying put, however, does not equate to remaining stagnant. Experts like Salemi and Dmitrii Anikin of SalaryGuide urge employees to reframe their caution as an opportunity for strategic advancement. They advise job huggers to passively monitor the job market while simultaneously leveraging their current positions. Employees can capitalize on the stability by proactively acquiring new skills, building confidence, or exploring internal mobility, secondments, and new responsibilities. Many are also "side stacking"—cultivating multiple side hustles—to bolster their income streams and build a financial reserve against uncertainty. [III]

The “job-hugging” phenomenon creates a clear emotional tradeoff. The Monster survey found workers acutely divided: 27% report feeling “stuck” and dissatisfied, while 25% feel more secure and valued. Employers, in contrast, view the trend favorably; 49% see it positively, and 44% are neutral. [IV] They quietly appreciate the retention of institutional knowledge (22%) and, most critically, the lower turnover costs (30%) that a stable workforce provides. The key, experts advise, is for employees to manage their apprehension proactively. As Anikin suggests, by building skills and clarifying their direction, the fear of change subsides, allowing the eventual decision to stay or move to become an empowered one.

Question 20: According to paragraph 1, the increasing tendency for employees to remain in their current positions stems from ______.

A. a stagnant labor situation characterized by minimal hiring
B. the high-stakes career moves available in the prior market
C. a recent large-scale study corroborating the new shift
D. a widespread apprehension about the economic outlook

Question 21: The word concede in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to ______.

A. agree B. argue C. admit D. reveal

Question 22: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 2?

A. Career experts view job hugging as a pragmatic choice for survival although it reflects a concerning lack of career ambition, often seen more frequently in older, established generations who have a tendency to be more risk-averse.

B. Job hugging is seen as a survival tactic, with career analysts suggesting that its higher occurrence among Gen X and Boomers results from their greater demand for financial security compared to younger, less established generations.

C. Career analysts interpret job hugging not as passivity but as a reasonable adjustment to economic volatility, a common practice offering emotional stability that appears more prevalent among older employee cohorts.

D. Career analysts describe job hugging as offering crucial emotional reassurance in uncertain times, making it the obviously preferred and logical approach for most workers, particularly experienced older employees in the workforce.

Question 23: How do career experts interpret the “job hugging” trend?

A. As a widespread practice reflecting high levels of job satisfaction.
B. As a calculated strategy driven by survival instincts in a volatile economy.
C. As a logical but ultimately unproductive response to current market fears.
D. As a risk-averse tactic limited mostly to Gen X and Boomer employees.

Question 24: The word it in paragraph 2 refers to ______.

A. the survey B. the trend C. the strategy D. the prevalence rate

Question 25: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

A. The experts' counsel to job huggers is to casually observe the employment field while, at the same time, making the most of their existing roles.

B. Experts advise job huggers to capitalize on their existing roles as an effective method for passively observing the employment field.

C. While “job huggers” are advised to casually observe the employment landscape, they should also focus on preserving their present roles.

D. A continuous observation of the job market is recommended for “job huggers” by experts, in addition to capitalizing on their present roles.

Question 26: What financial advantage do employers gain from increased staff retention?

A. The ability to retain valuable institutional knowledge and expertise.
B. The avoidance of costs associated with recruiting and training replacements.
C. A workforce that feels generally more secure and therefore more valued.
D. A neutral perspective on the overall trend shared by almost half of managers.

Question 27: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Employees engaged in “job hugging” often seek for career advancement through internal promotions while the overall labor market remains uncertain.

B. There exists a significant disparity between the general employer perception and the prevalent employee sentiment regarding the “job hugging” trend.

C. The practice of “side stacking” is viewed by career experts as a more reliable path to financial security than attempting to switch jobs in the current market.

D. The recent economic uncertainty is causing younger generations to adopt risk-averse career strategies similar to those typical of older workers.

Question 28: Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

Balancing present security with preparation for eventual transitions becomes the overarching aim.

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

Question 29: Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A. The rise of “job hugging” signifies a negative workforce trend where economic fear compels employees into stagnation, despite advice to upskill, resulting in staff feeling stuck while primarily benefiting employers who appreciate reduced turnover expenses and enjoy stability.

B. As employees practice “job hugging” due to uncertainty, many cultivate side hustles for security, and employers perceive this overall trend positively, viewing the diversification of income streams as a sign of initiative that also happens to lower company turnover costs.

C. The “job hugging” phenomenon, which is driven by economic apprehension among workers, is seen as overwhelmingly beneficial for employers who gain workforce stability and reduced costs, while employees are simply counseled to focus on internal growth opportunities.

D. The labor market’s pivot to “job hugging” reflects economic anxiety, a trend experts deem practical despite mixed employee feelings, and workers are advised to leverage stability for growth, enabling empowered future career moves while employers gain from lower turnover.

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct arrangement of the sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 30 to 34.

Question 30 :

A. The website looked professional, and the product description seemed perfect, so I decided to place an order.
b. It was a disappointing experience, and now I’m much more cautious about where I shop online.
c. I tried contacting the seller multiple times, but they never responded, and I realized I had been scammed.
d. I recently had a frustrating experience when I bought a phone case online.
e. However, when the package arrived, it wasn’t even close to what I had expected – the quality was poor, and it didn’t fit my phone at all.

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

Question 31:

A. Emma: Yes, it’s terrible. Oil spills destroy entire ecosystems and kill marine animals.
b. Tom: Have you heard about the recent oil spill off the coast of California, Emma?
c. Emma: I agree, the effects are long-lasting. We need stricter regulations to prevent these spills.
d. Tom: Absolutely, more preventive measures are needed to protect our oceans.
e. Tom: It’s so hard to clean up, too. The damage lasts for years.

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

Question 32:

A. Anna: Hey Tom, have you tried the new café downtown? I heard the coffee is amazing!
b. Anna: Definitely! The atmosphere is so cozy, and their pastries are to die for. We should go together sometime!
c. Tom: Not yet, but I love trying new places. Do you think it’s worth the visit?

A. b–a–c B. b–c–a C. a–c–b D. c–a–b

Question 33 :

Dear Tam,

A. While the initial cost of electric cars may be a concern for some, the long-term savings in fuel and maintenance costs could make them a more affordable option in the future.

B. I am writing to express my thoughts on the idea of banning gasoline-powered cars in favor of electric vehicles.

C. Moreover, this change would encourage the development of cleaner energy sources, which is crucial for combating climate change.

D. I believe this transition is an important step towards a more sustainable future for all.

e. In my opinion, such a shift would have significant environmental benefits, particularly in reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Best regards,
Son

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

Question 34:

A. By reviving traditional craftsmanship, communities can produce distinctive, high-quality goods that attract buyers both domestically and internationally.

B. The revival of traditional crafts and heritage plays a crucial role in preserving cultural identity and fostering sustainable economic development.

C. Governments and organizations should implement strategic initiatives, such as funding artisan training programs and promoting heritage tourism, to ensure these traditions thrive.

D. Furthermore, this resurgence not only safeguards intangible cultural heritage but also provides employment opportunities for artisans who might otherwise struggle in a rapidly modernizing world.

e. Ultimately, embracing traditional crafts fosters a sense of pride and continuity, bridging the past with the future.

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

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 35 to 40.

Landslide: Understanding Prevention

Causes of Landslides

Landslides typically occur in mountainous regions (35) ________ areas with steep slopes. Factors such as soil (36) ________, deforestation, and weak ground stability contribute (37) ________ the occurrence of landslides. The number of landslides in a region increases during the rainy season.

How to Prevent Landslides

To prevent landslides, governments and local communities take various actions, such as stabilizing slopes, planting trees, and building retaining walls, along with (38) ________ measures to improve safety.

Impact of Landslides

When landslides occur, they can destroy homes, roads, and power lines. In some cases, entire villages are wiped out, leading to (39) ________. As a result, it’s important to keep (40) ________ on slopes and take preventive measures.

(Adapted from BBC News)

Question 35:

A. so B. or C. but D. nor

Question 36:

A. fertility B. promotion C. erosion D. aridity

Question 37:

A. to B. for C. on D. of

Question 38:

A. every B. much C. other D. almost

Question 39:

A. recovery long-term efforts B. long-term recovery efforts
C. long-term efforts recovery D. efforts recovery long-term

Question 40:

A. wraps B. shirts C. words D. tabs