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 integration of IoT into urban infrastructure is a multifaceted endeavor, encompassing everything from the strategic placement of sensors that monitor traffic flow to the implementation of smart grids that regulate energy consumption, and even (1) ______, all of which generate an unprecedented volume of data.

While the promise of more efficient and sustainable cities is compelling, a vision that many governments are actively pursuing, the implementation of such a widespread network also forces a difficult conversation about ethics, (2) ______. The sheer volume of data, if not properly secured, could be exploited in ways that are difficult to predict. (3) ______. A city might reduce traffic congestion by 20% through smart traffic lights, but this achievement could be overshadowed if the public believes the system is primarily a tool for surveillance. (4) ______.

Should public trust in a smart city erode, a problem that can halt progress entirely, the root cause can often be traced not to a single catastrophic failure but to a confluence of two underlying factors: the first being the perceived opaqueness of the data collection process, a concern that is frequently cited in public surveys and media reports, and the second being (5) ______ to translate collected data into tangible public benefits.

(Adapted from ResearchGate)

Question 1:

A. that the maintenance of public infrastructure is used for predictive analytics
B. using analytics to predict the maintenance of public infrastructure
C. analyze the maintenance of public infrastructure with predictive usefulness
D. the use of predictive analytics for maintaining public infrastructure

Question 2:

A. although mass surveillance is a dangerously thin line to monitor for civic purposes
B. since the line between civic monitoring and mass surveillance is dangerously thin
C. if there is a dangerously monitored line between the civic and masses of surveillance
D. while the danger is the thin line between monitoring and civic mass surveillance

Question 3:

A. In fact, the public often perceives a technology's operational efficiency as being more actualized than its purpose
B. A technology's purposeful operation is, in fact, often perceived more efficiently by the public than its actual matter
C. The public’s perception of the technology’s purpose, in fact, often matters more than its actual operational efficiency
D. Perceiving the technology’s purpose is, in fact, more important for the public than its actual operational efficiency

Question 4:

A. What is therefore required for public acceptance is a clear and robust ethical framework
B. Clarity and robustness are, therefore, required for publicly acceptable ethical frameworks
C. Hence, what is required is to ethically and publicly accept the clarity of robust frameworks
D. As a result, the public is required to accept the ethics and clarity of robust frameworks

Question 5:

A. city administrators demonstrate the failure on their part
B. the demonstrable failure on the part of city administrators
C. the city's demonstrable part in the administrative failure
D. the failure to demonstrate the part of the city's administration

Read the following advertisement 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.

Revolutionize Your Air – Breathe Purity Like Never Before!

In an era (6) ________ air pollution has insidiously permeated every corner of urban life, AeroPure X emerges as the ultimate game-changer, redefining the very essence of clean air. Equipped with cutting-edge nanofiltration technology, this state-of-the-art air purifier eradicates a large (7) ________ of airborne pollutants—an achievement unrivaled in modern purification systems. Designed with an AI-powered (8) ________ filtration system, AeroPure X automatically adjusts to fluctuating pollution levels, ensuring an unparalleled indoor atmosphere. The device, engineered to neutralize even the most pernicious toxins, operates in whisper-quiet mode, seamlessly (9) ________ your lifestyle. With a sleek, minimalist (10) ________, it transforms your living space into a sanctuary where clean air is no longer a luxury but a given. For those grappling with respiratory ailments, this revolutionary purifier acts as a lifeline, (11) ________ your health from the relentless onslaught of pollution.

(Adapted from The World Economic Forum)

Question 6:

A. whom B. why C. where D. who

Question 7:

A. amount B. number C. abundance D. wealth

Question 8:

A. attractive B. consecutive C. negative D. adaptive

Question 9:

A. fitting in with B. watching out for
C. speaking down to D. getting along with

Question 10:

A. aesthete B. aesthetically C. aesthetic D. aesthetician

Question 11:

A. shielded B. shielding C. is shielded D. to shield

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 12 to 19.

An innovative financial plan designed to liberate vast sums of private capital for climate finance is being championed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). The proposals, developed by IADB special adviser Avinash Persaud, aim to use public money to de-risk renewable energy investments in the developing world. Persaud contends the plan could drive tens of billions in new green investments within years and eventually provide the bulk of the $1.3 trillion in annual climate finance required by 2035, calling the mechanism “an engine for green growth” and a potential “transformation.”

The plan will be detailed at a UN meeting in Bonn, initiating negotiations for the pivotal COP30 climate summit in Brazil. The discussions proceed against a tense global backdrop. Research from Oil Change International confirms that wealthy nations—including the US, Canada, and Australia—are simultaneously planning prolific new oil and gas expansion, in direct contravention of their climate pledges. That duplicity makes the exigent issue of securing finance for developing nations, who need it to curtail their own emissions and contend with extreme weather impacts, even more critical.

The IADB-pioneered plan hinges on a pragmatic mechanism. It would see taxpayer-funded development banks purchase existing, high-performing green loans from private sector lenders in developing nations. Currently, major institutional investors, such as pension funds, are often precluded from holding these low-risk assets. The problem is not the loan quality, but the low sovereign credit ratings of the countries where they are based, which violate the investors’ strict fiduciary rules. When a development bank (which holds an impeccable credit rating) buys and repackages these loans, the assets are deemed secure and satisfy the criteria for private investment.

A pivotal component of the concept is the creation of a “virtuous circle.” The original private lenders, who possess proven expertise in renewable projects, must agree to re-deploy the capital they receive from the sale into new green energy schemes, thereby funding the next wave of development. The IADB is already working to launch the program, with an initial $500m–$1bn loan portfolio expected before COP30. Experts like Mattia Romani of Systemiq have lauded the initiative as “both pragmatic and innovative” and one of the few “realistic tools” to mobilize the colossal sums needed by leveraging local commercial banks.

Question 12: The word prolific in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ______.

A. extensive B. controversial C. strategic D. new

Question 13: Which of the following nations is NOT mentioned in the passage as pursuing new fossil fuel development?

A. The US B. Canada C. Britain D. Australia

Question 14: The word It in paragraph 3 refers to ______.

A. A sensible mechanism B. The plan
C. Finance D. The issue

Question 15: The word impeccable in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.

A. high B. faulty C. private D. unverified

Question 16: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. A key condition of the sale is that original capital providers, with their proven specialized knowledge in renewables, must agree to utilize the income they receive to instruct new green developers.

B. Through the reinvestment of the sale’s income into new green ventures, the original lenders with established expertise will be financed for the subsequent development phase by the authorities.

C. The subsequent development phase, financed by new green ventures, must be agreed upon by the original lenders, who possess established expertise in renewables and receive the sale’s income.

D. Initial private investors, holding established experience in renewables, are obliged to consent to reinvest the sale’s income into new green ventures, thus financing the subsequent development phase.

Question 17: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Mattia Romani, an IADB special adviser, has called a new climate finance plan an innovative engine for green-focused economic expansion.

B. Large pension funds are often unable to hold certain green assets because the investment’s quality does not meet their strict fiduciary rules.

C. A “virtuous circle” is formed when public development banks agree to use their capital to fund new sustainable energy projects in developing nations.

D. Financial aid is essential for developing countries to help them reduce their carbon output and manage the consequences of severe climate events.

Question 18: Which paragraph mentions the contradictory actions of wealthy countries planning new fossil fuel extraction?

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

Question 19: Which paragraph mentions that some assets are considered unsafe simply because of their nation’s financial reputation?

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

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.

Question 20:

A. Kezia: Oh no, that’s the worst! Did you try any relaxation techniques?
b. Chloe: I did, actually! I listened to some calming music, and it seemed to help a bit.
c. Chloe: I’m exhausted! I couldn’t seem to fall asleep last night.

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

Question 21:

A. Salesperson: You see, if you press this red button, the helmet becomes an umbrella. And it’s not heavy at all. You can try it yourself.

B. Michelle: Hmm, they look interesting. Can I have a copy of your brochure?

C. Salesperson: Sure. Do you have a minute? Why don’t you have a seat and let me show you how to operate this item?

D. Michelle: Ok. Go ahead!

e. Salesperson: Hello, Ma’am. Would you like to take a look at our products? They are high-tech items.

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

Question 22:

Dear Son,

A. I believe AI’s capability to automate routine tasks and optimize workflows will result in significant cost savings for our company.

B. Please let me know a suitable time to meet so we can explore the potential of AI automation in reducing operational costs.

C. Thank you for taking the time to consider my proposal, and I look forward to discussing how AI can be a key factor in our cost reduction strategy.

D. I am writing to arrange a meeting where I can share my ideas on how AI can automate processes to lower costs and improve profitability.

e. I am confident that by adopting AI automation, we can reduce overheads and increase overall efficiency across departments.

Sincerely,
Uyen

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

Question 23:

A. The charts illustrate the ownership rates of different electronic devices among households in two countries in 2020.

B. Tablet ownership was more popular in Vietnam, whereas smart TV ownership rates were relatively similar in both nations.

C. Overall, smartphones and laptops were the most frequently owned devices in both countries.

D. Other devices like smartwatches and gaming consoles were less commonly owned compared to the main categories.

e. Households in America had a higher percentage of smartphone ownership, while households in Vietnam owned slightly more laptops.

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

Question 24:

A. Meanwhile, the national average mirrored the trend of urban areas but remained slightly lower throughout the period.

B. Looking at the chart, the overall percentage of one-child families rose steadily, although minor fluctuations occurred in certain years.

C. In contrast, the figure in rural areas began lower at about 15% in 2005 and grew more slowly, reaching approximately 25% by 2020.

D. The line graph illustrates the proportion of families with only one child over 20 years, starting from 2005.

e. Focusing on urban and rural areas, the proportion of one-child families in cities was around 30% in 2005 and steadily climbed to 45% by 2010, peaking at 50% in 2020.

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

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 25 to 30.

Quy Nhon Community Recycling Drive Boosts Sustainability

The Quy Nhon Community Recycling Drive is transforming how residents care for the environment through hands-on community action. With participation from over fifteen neighborhoods, this initiative draws a vast (25) ________ of local residents who are eager to contribute to sustainability efforts.

At the heart of the drive is a (26) ________ schedule of recycling workshops, designed to educate citizens on practical sorting techniques and waste reduction strategies. These workshops not only teach but also inspire eco-conscious living.

Leading the charge is the GreenCycle Network, (27) ________ mission to promote eco-friendly practices has produced engaging training materials. These resources are shared in an (28) ________ manner, making it easier for volunteers to spread awareness throughout their communities.

In addition, the drive provides tools that guide proper recycling methods, (29) ________ thousands of households. Through these efforts, Quy Nhon is working to (30) ________ for environmental neglect and foster a culture of sustainability.

(Adapted from vietnamnews.vn)

Question 25:

A. bunch B. sum C. deal D. range

Question 26:

A. modest B. robust C. formal D. compact

Question 27:

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

Question 28: 

A. access B. accessing C. accessible D. accessibly

Question 29:

A. reached B. reaching C. to reach D. have reached

Question 30:

A. speak up B. put up C. stand up D. make up

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 31 to 40.

As winter approaches and energy bills continue to soar, consumers are being targeted by an insidious and dangerous scam involving “energy-saving plugs.” These deceptive devices, marketed under aliases like “eco-plugs” or “voltage regulators,” are insistently promoted on social media and through unsolicited cold calls. [I] They make spurious claims of curtailing household electricity costs by 30% or more by supposedly optimizing the flow of electricity. The marketing is often deceptively sophisticated, frequently bolstered by fabricated Trustpilot reviews and phony endorsements from supposed experts, creating a veneer of legitimacy designed to prey on vulnerable households.

The reality, however, is that consumers face invariably negative outcomes. According to financial crime manager Siobhan Blagbrough, many victims are duped into paying hundreds for a gadget that simply never arrives. In other instances, a cheap, useless piece of plastic is delivered that has no discernible effect on energy consumption. [II] Blagbrough offers a simple logical test: “If a device really could cut energy bills by hundreds of pounds, it would be sold by major retailers and recommended by trusted consumer groups. The fact that it’s being flogged on social media or through cold calls is the red flag.”

For those who do receive an item, the device itself often poses a significant physical danger. Consumer watchdogs like Which? have repeatedly found these items—sold widely online for under £10—fail basic UK safety standards. Forensic investigations reveal shoddy workmanship, poor-quality soldering, substandard components, and dangerously short pins that can snap off easily. These critical defects create a substantial risk of the devices overheating, which can easily precipitate house fires. [III] The items are therefore not just ineffectual; they are actively hazardous.

The fraud also frequently functions as a pretext for more pernicious crimes. Criminals often use the purchase process itself as a ruse to harvest sensitive credit card details, perpetrating further financial fraud long after the initial transaction. [IV] Experts categorically advise consumers to disregard these offers. For those genuinely seeking to reduce energy consumption, the only prudent course of action is to invest in verified, effective measures. Focusing on proven solutions like improving home insulation, optimizing boiler settings, or installing smart thermostats is the only reliable way to achieve energy efficiency, and any fraudulent ads should be reported immediately to local trading standards offices.

Question 31: According to paragraph 1, the sophisticated marketing of the fraudulent “eco-plugs” is deliberately engineered to ______.

A. make spurious claims about optimizing the flow of household electricity
B. be insistently promoted on social media and through unsolicited cold calls
C. fabricate the Trustpilot reviews and supposed expert endorsements
D. take advantage of the financial distress affecting susceptible consumers

Question 32: The word spurious in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to ______.

A. unproven B. exaggerated C. false D. technical

Question 33: What key fact about the plugs’ retail availability indicates they are fraudulent, according to Siobhan Blagbrough?

A. Their deceptively sophisticated marketing and phony expert endorsements.
B. Their absence from the product lines of major, trusted retailers.
C. Their dangerously poor workmanship and use of substandard components.
D. The high price paid for a gadget that ultimately never arrives.

Question 34:The word it in paragraph 2 refers to ______.

A. a device B. energy consumption
C. a simple logical test D. a piece of plastic

Question 35: What did investigations by consumer watchdogs reveal about the plugs?

A. A high risk of the devices overheating and causing dangerous house fires.
B. The widespread sale of these particular items online for less than ten pounds.
C. A failure to meet basic electrical safety requirements due to poor construction.
D. Their complete inability to reduce household electricity costs by any amount.

Question 36: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?

A. The actual devices delivered to consumers often pose significant safety hazards, seemingly reflecting a deliberate disregard for basic UK standards during manufacturing, which results in a considerable fire risk for unsuspecting households.

B. Poor-quality soldering and substandard components found in the energy-saving plugs appear to be a direct consequence of their low online price point, creating a situation where affordability inherently leads to considerable safety risks.

C. Consumer watchdogs find that a large number of energy-saving plugs, particularly those sold by unverified sellers, fail to meet basic safety requirements due to poor components, posing a significant and widespread fire risk for consumers.

D. When consumers actually receive items marketed as energy-saving plugs, the devices frequently constitute a serious physical threat due to substandard manufacturing uncovered in safety tests, posing a significant fire hazard.

Question 37:  Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Perpetrators often employ the payment procedure as a deception to obtain valuable card data, committing additional monetary crimes well past the original sale.

B. Further monetary crimes are often perpetrated by fraudsters long after the initial purchase, which is a method used to harvest sensitive credit card details.

C. Perpetrators frequently commit further financial fraud well past the original transaction, using it as a method for harvesting sensitive credit card details.

D. By perpetrating further financial fraud long after the initial sale, criminals often use the purchase process itself as a ruse, allowing them to harvest sensitive card details.

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

A. Poor-quality soldering found inside fraudulent energy plug points toward their manufacture occurring in facilities with lax quality control.

B. The sophisticated marketing involved means even consumers knowledgeable about technology often fall prey to deceptive energy-saving claims.

C. The distribution channels used for fraudulent energy plugs, such as social media, are indicators that the products lack genuine credibility.

D. Reporting fraudulent advertisements to local trading standards offices acts as an effective deterrent against the spread of energy-saving plug scams.

Question 39: Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

“The plug, therefore, is merely the vector for a more severe violation.”

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

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

A. The widespread problem involving fake energy-saving plugs suggests a failure by social media platforms to police deceptive advertising, which allows criminals to target vulnerable households with ineffective, hazardous devices promoted via fake online reviews.

B. The ineffectiveness of fake energy-saving plugs is directly connected to their danger, as both problems stem from cheap manufacturing used to increase profits, making verified energy efficiency methods the smarter alternative choice for homeowners seeking savings.

C. Fake energy-saving plug scams are a growing threat due to clever marketing and weak oversight; the devices pose serious fire risks and fraud potential, indicating that stronger government regulation is the necessary response alongside consumer education efforts.

D. Fake energy-saving plugs are promoted via deceptive marketing, often leaving consumers with useless items or nothing, and delivered devices can also be dangerous, and the scam itself may enable further fraud, making verified efficiency methods the prudent choice.