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 8.

In an increasingly global world, a substantial number of young individuals are opting to pursue their education overseas. This phenomenon presents a duality of both merits and demerits.

Studying abroad benefits young people in several ways. First, it furnishes them with an invaluable avenue for honing their proficiencies and attaining linguistic fluency in an alternative tongue. It is also a valuable opportunity to learn how to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds. In addition, studying abroad can open doors to interesting jobs once young people are back in their home country.

However, studying abroad also has some downsides. Young people living far from home can feel isolated and miss their families and friends. In addition to feelings of isolation, they may have difficulty acclimating to the new culture and surroundings. Given the pronounced divergence in societal norms across various nations, this can pose an accentuated impediment for a student embarking on an overseas educational journey. As a result, they need to adjust not only to different ways of doing things but also to divergent expectations and goals.

While studying abroad is undeniably replete with formidable challenges, a pliant and receptive mindset can nonetheless bestow upon a young person a profound outlook on life, coupled with an enriching tapestry of lived experiences.

(Adapted from Textbook 11 – C21 + The Real IELTS)

Question 1: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of studying abroad for young people?

A. Sharpening their expertise
B. Becoming fluent in a foreign language
C. Earning a higher salary in a future career
D. Learning how to cooperate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds

Question 2: The phrase “acclimating to” in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.

A. embracing B. resisting C. reserving D. luxuriating

Question 3: The word “pronounced” in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by ______.

A. experienced B. uniformed C. marked D. applied

Question 4: The word “it” in paragraph 2 refers to ______.

A. alternative tongue B. linguistic fluency C. invaluable avenue D. studying abroad

Question 5: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. A young person can acquire a superficial outlook and an abundance of lived experiences while studying abroad, provided they approach the inevitable difficulties with a rigid and closed mind.

B. Despite the undeniable challenges of studying abroad, a willingness to adapt and learn can provide a young person with a deeper understanding of the world and a wealth of valuable experiences.

C. Despite the minor difficulties of studying abroad, an adaptable and open-minded attitude can rarely provide a young person with a deep perspective on life and a wealth of valuable experiences.

D. Even though international studies are filled with tough hurdles, a flexible and welcoming spirit allows a young person to gain valuable life lessons and a deep understanding of others’ opinions.

Question 6: Which of the following is NOT TRUE according to paragraph 3?

A. There are some drawbacks to studying overseas.
B. Students might find it hard to get used to the new culture and environments.
C. Differences in social customs are not a source of major difficulties.
D. Studying abroad can make young people feel lonely and homesick.

Question 7: Which paragraph refers to the growing trend of young people choosing to pursue education overseas?

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

Question 8: Which paragraph refers to the promising career prospects available to young people after their time studying abroad?

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

Read the following 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 9 to 14.

The Drone Dilemma

Technology is rapidly changing the way we live and interact with the world. Take drones, for example. Over the last few years, they have become smaller, lighter, and cheaper. Imagine you are on this beach, relaxing, soaking up the sun. And then you see it… a drone is circling overhead, and you have no idea (9) ______ is controlling it.

For thousands of years, we have protected ourselves from prying eyes. We have erected fences and walls stopping people from seeing into our gardens. We’ve built houses with bedrooms and bathrooms on the second floor, so people cannot see in. With the invention of drones, these physical barriers have been (10) ______.

So, what laws do you think should be introduced about the use of drones by members of the public? A wide (11) ______ of law enforcement agencies around the world are increasingly turning to drones as tools for recording evidence of criminal (12) ______.

The problem, however, is that drones are not only being used to target (13) ______ people. Increasingly, they fly above cities, (14) ______ everything they see.

(Adapted from Workbook 11 – C21)

Question 9:

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

Question 10:

A. torn down B. written down C. shut down D. put down

Question 11:

A. volume B. myriad C. abundance D. array

Question 12:

A. activity B. activate C. active D. activist

Question 13:

A. organic B. electronic C. specific D. poetic

Question 14:

A. be recording B. recording C. have recorded D. records

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a cohesive and coherent exchange or text in each of the following questions from 15 to 19.

Question 15:

A. The capital has recently seen a rise in job opportunities, particularly in high-tech and service sectors.
b. Urbanisation has brought both prosperity and challenges to the region over the past decade.
c. These changes have also triggered social shifts, such as increased migration and a higher cost of living.
d. As more businesses expand into the area, infrastructure has been pressured beyond its original capacity.
e. While development is welcome, it has also raised concerns about sustainability and housing shortages.

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

Question 16:

A. Mia: I’ve been journaling for nearly six months now, and it’s helped me in ways I didn’t expect.
b. John: I’ve heard it helps reduce stress and clarify thoughts.
c. Mia: Yes, writing down my thoughts before bed helps me sleep better too.
d. John: That’s interesting. Maybe I should give it a try.
e. John: How long have you been doing it?

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

Question 17:

A. Woman: Thank you. That sounds easy enough to follow.
b. Woman: Excuse me, could you direct me to the central museum?
c. Man: Sure. Go down this road, turn right at the junction, and walk past the library. It’ll be right ahead.

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

Question 18:

A. The incident forced me to reconsider how I approach conflicts, both personal and professional.
b. I had been too quick to defend myself instead of listening fully to the concerns raised.
c. During a team meeting, a colleague openly criticised my project handling in front of others.
d. Looking back, that uncomfortable moment ended up strengthening my leadership skills.
e. While the initial reaction was defensive, I gradually realised there was truth in the feedback.

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

Question 19:

Dear Valued Customer,

A. If you haven’t yet activated your new access code, please follow the instructions provided in your email.
b. Please note that as of October 10, your old login system will no longer be supported.
c. In case of any technical difficulty, our support team remains available via the helpdesk.
d. To ensure continuous service, we encourage you to complete the activation before the deadline.
e. Due to a recent system upgrade, all users are required to switch to the new authentication method.

Best regards,
SecureTech Support Team

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

Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 20 to 25.

Sustainable Travel Planning – Explore Responsibly

Planning eco-friendly trips can enrich your experiences and protect the planet. (20) ______ many travelers overlook sustainability, resulting (21) ______ unnecessary environmental impact. Here are tips to plan your journeys wisely:

• Choose destinations with eco-conscious attractions.
• Book accommodations with sustainable practices (22) ______ year to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Select (23) ______ within your budget and eco-standards.
• Monitor your travel choices to avoid (24) ______ reliance on high-impact transport like flights.
• Focus on experiences that support local communities.

We are coming within touching (25) ______ of greener travel – together!

Discover more at https://sustainabletravel2025.vn/.

Question 20:

A. Yet B. While C. Though D. So

Question 21:

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

Question 22:

A. each B. none C. some D. much

Question 23:

A. green travel options B. travel green options
C. travel options green D. green options travel

Question 24:

A. unwise B. unsafe C. undue D. unfit

Question 25:

A. length B. distance C. stretch D. mile

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 26 to 30.

The original purpose of many cultural celebrations, which was to strengthen communal bonds and mark significant life events, now often competes with intense commercial pressures. Such pressure manifests in various forms; it involves the transformation of sacred rituals into retail opportunities, the expectation of extravagant gift-giving, a practice that is heavily promoted by advertisers, or (26) ________, all of which can obscure the original meaning of the event.

Consumers often find themselves caught in a cycle, believing they are upholding cherished traditions, a feeling that provides immense psychological comfort, (27) ________. The phenomenon is not accidental; it is a deliberate strategy designed to link emotional fulfillment directly to consumption, a tactic that proves remarkably effective year after year.

The pressure to participate in this cycle of consumption is often internalized as a social obligation. (28) ________. The holiday season, as a direct consequence, frequently becomes a source of significant financial stress and personal anxiety, a reality that stands in stark contrast to its purported goal of bringing joy and rest.

A counter-movement focused on minimalism and authentic connection is, consequently, gaining momentum. (29) ________. Reclaiming these traditions is a difficult process, one that requires a conscious effort to separate genuine meaning from commercial artifice. The success of such an endeavor is contingent in part (30) ________ that prioritizes personal connection over material wealth, and in part upon a collective will to create new, more meaningful rituals.

(Adapted from The Conversation)

Question 26:

A. the appealing commodification of cultural symbols by the mass-market
B. culturally symbolic commodities that appeal to the mass-market
C. the commodification of cultural symbols for mass-market appeal
D. that cultural symbols are commodified for mass-market appeal

Question 27: 

A. while in reality they are often responding to sophisticated marketing campaigns
B. although their real response is often to campaign against sophisticated marketers
C. yet the sophistication of their response is often a marketing campaign in reality
D. because sophisticated marketing campaigns are often responded to in reality

Question 28: 

A. The subsequent inducement of deep-seated feelings of inadequacy is a failure of these commercially manufactured expectations.

B. Inadequacy subsequently induces deep-seated feelings in failing to meet commercially manufactured expectations.
C. To feel deep-seated inadequacy is the subsequent inducement of failing to meet these commercially manufactured expectations.

D. Failing to meet these commercially manufactured expectations subsequently induces deep-seated feelings of inadequacy.

Question 29: 

A. The obligation of spending on celebration is growing, which actively decouples a number of individuals from such ways.

B. Such individuals are, in growing numbers, actively seeking ways to decouple celebration from obligatory spending.
C. The growth in the number of celebrations is an active way to decouple individuals from the obligation of spending.
D. A growing number of individuals are, therefore, actively celebrating such decoupling of spending in an obligatory way.

Question 30: 

A. a reassessment of the personal value that is significantly held
B. upon reassessing how significantly personal values are held
C. a valuable reassessment of personal significance that is held
D. on a significant reassessment of what is personally held valuable

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 31 to 40.

Workaholism is a growing concern in modern society, affecting individuals across various professions and backgrounds. Unlike engaged workers who derive intrinsic pleasure from their careers, workaholics experience an uncontrollable compulsion to work, culminating in deleterious outcomes in both their professional and personal lives.

[I] This phenomenon is characterized by persistent thoughts about work, emotional distress when not working, and exceeding reasonable expectations in terms of workload. Studies suggest that personality traits such as perfectionism, extroversion, and Type A tendencies increase the likelihood of developing work addiction, making certain individuals more susceptible than others.

[II] The effects of workaholism extend beyond long hours and missed personal time, as it has been linked to significant declines in productivity and job performance. Research has shown that employees who push themselves excessively do not necessarily outperform their colleagues, and in some cases, their efficiency suffers due to fatigue and stress. Errors are more frequent among workaholics, particularly in high-risk professions such as healthcare, where exhaustion can lead to serious mistakes that endanger lives. Additionally, studies indicate that people with work addiction report lower job satisfaction, despite dedicating excessive time and effort to their careers, leading to frustration and feelings of burnout.

Beyond the workplace, the repercussions of workaholism impact overall well-being, as individuals struggling with this issue often experience deteriorating physical and mental health. Many workaholics forgo sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition, leading to increased rates of burnout, anxiety, and cardiovascular problems. Social relationships also suffer, as excessive dedication to work leaves little room for meaningful interactions with family and friends, causing isolation and emotional distress. While putting one’s best foot forward is often seen as a virtue in professional settings, workaholics take it to an extreme, sacrificing their well-being in the pursuit of unattainable goals, which ultimately affects both personal happiness and professional success. [III]

Addressing workaholism remains a challenge, as no scientifically proven interventions exist to effectively curb the problem, rendering prevention paramount. [IV] Employers can also implement policies that encourage healthier work habits, including limiting after-hours access to work-related materials, discouraging excessive overtime, and promoting autonomy among employees. While these steps may ameliorate the adverse symptoms of workaholism, substantive, enduring transformation fundamentally hinges upon individuals recognizing their unhealthy patterns and taking proactive steps to restore balance in their lives before their physical and mental health deteriorates further.

(Adapted from ResearchGate)

Question 31: Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

“However, mindfulness and planned breaks help reduce stress and improve work-life balance by encouraging detachment from work.”

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

Question 32: The phrase putting one’s best foot forward in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by ______.

A. making a strong effort to succeed
B. setting aside personal or external responsibilities
C. rushing into tasks without preparation
D. deliberately exposing oneself to superfluous danger

Question 33: According to paragraph 1, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a characteristic of workaholism?

A. Exceeding what is considered a reasonable workload
B. Struggling with maintaining social relationships due to work habits
C. Experiencing distress when not engaged in work-related activities
D. Feeling an irrepressible desire to continue working

Question 34: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 2?

A. Workaholics push themselves too hard, which slightly improves their overall efficiency but makes them more prone to exhaustion and occasional mistakes.

B. There is a propensity for excessively hardworking employees to invariably eclipse the performance of their associates, notwithstanding their experience of psychological strain and a noted reduction in occupational fulfillment.

C. Workaholism detrimentally impacts productivity, job satisfaction, and mental health, culminating in strain, fatigue, and a higher incidence of errors in high-risk professions.

D. Long working hours lead to significantly increased job performance, but fatigue and burnout will not cause minor challenges in certain demanding professional fields.

Question 35: According to paragraph 3, excessive dedication to work affects social relationships by ______.

A. boosting chances for networking and collaboration
B. lessening the hours dedicated to quality time with loved ones
C. easing mental discomfort and the sense of being cut off from friends
D. inspiring workers to seek a better equilibrium between their professional and personal lives

Question 36: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. The absence of scientifically proven strategies to reduce workaholism makes tackling this issue relatively easy, highlighting prevention as the most essential and effective response.

B. Workaholism remains difficult to address, but with scientifically established methods, prevention is optional rather than essential.

C. Combating workaholism continues to be a tall order, since no interventions are scientifically validated to effectively control the issue, making prevention pivotal.

D. Given the lack of empirically supported interventions to manage workaholism, efforts to address the issue must focus primarily on treatment as the most reliable strategy.

Question 37: According to the studies, what increases an individual’s susceptibility to work addiction?

A. External influences such as professional rivalry and prolonged working schedules
B. Social norms that disapprove of spending too much time at work
C. Low drive and limited passion for professional advancement
D. Personality traits like perfectionism, extroversion, and Type A behaviors

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

A. Workaholics’ excessive efforts to excel at work can harm their health and relationships, indicating that overworking does not necessarily lead to greater success or happiness.

B. Advocating for staff to exceed customary working durations constitutes the paramount method for augmenting both output and vocational contentment.

C. The principal leverage concerning workaholism resides with employers, given that corporate mandates are the predominant determinant of employees’ day-to-day occupational customs and schedules.

D. By setting up rules that restrict access to work materials outside of office hours, employers ensure an automatic reduction in employee stress.

Question 39: The word their in paragraph 1 refers to ______.

A. engaged workers B. workaholics C. outcomes D. jobs

Question 40: Which of the following best summarizes the passage?

A. Workaholism harms productivity, mental health, and relationships, while solutions depend on employers promoting work-life balance and individuals recognizing unhealthy patterns before their well-being deteriorates.

B. People with work addiction often neglect personal health and relationships, while employers should encourage productivity and promote policies that help workers avoid unhealthy work patterns before they come in for long-term consequences.

C. Workaholics, who are simply engaged workers with Type A personalities, suffer mainly from missed personal time, a problem that can be fixed by employers discouraging overtime and by individuals increasing their sleep hours.

D. In modern professional life, dedicating all of one’s time and energy to work is necessary for achieving goals, and personal sacrifices, such as reduced sleep and social isolation, are universally expected phenomena and are deemed inevitable.