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 from 1 to 6.

TAKE THE LEAD IN MULTICULTURAL COMMUNICATION!

Are you interested in (1) ______ communication gaps in diverse cultural settings? We are looking for a (n) (2) ______ who thrives in a dynamic setting. In this role, you will facilitate (3) ______ conversations between individuals from various backgrounds. If you have a passion for languages and a commitment to professionalism, this position is for you. Candidates who have an eye (4) ______ detail and possess strong interpersonal skills will excel in this role. We believe every employee deserves recognition for their hard work. The successful applicant will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality interpreting services (5) ______ the client experience. If you are ready to make a difference, we invite you (6) ______ for this exciting opportunity!

(Adapted from Monster Jobs)

Question 1:
A. matching B. broadening C. bridging D. sticking

Question 2:
A. young dedicated interpreter B. dedicated interpreter young

C. interpreter dedicated young D. dedicated young interpreter

Question 3:
A. meaning B. meaningful C. meaningfully D. meaningless

Question 4:
A. for B. in C. down D. across

Question 5:
A. enhanced B. enhancing

        C. which are enhanced D. enhance

Question 6:
A. to applying B. applying C. to apply D. apply

Read the following leaflet 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 7 to 12.

💍 WEDDING TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD 💍

Weddings are celebrated differently around the world, (7) ______ each culture’s unique customs and beliefs. Here are a few fascinating traditions:

A. China: The red wedding

In China, red is considered a lucky color. During the wedding, both the bride and groom wear red outfits to bring (8) ______ and happiness. (9) ______ Western weddings, where white symbolizes purity, red is a symbol of joy and good fortune.

B. India: The sacred fire

Indian weddings are rich in rituals. One key tradition is the Saptapadi, or Seven Steps, where the couple walks around a sacred fire seven times. (10) ______ step they take represents a vow to one another, creating a spiritual connection as they commit to a lifetime together.

C. Sweden – The bridal crown

In Sweden, it is traditional for the bride to wear a crown with candles on it. The crown is (11) ______ from generation to generation. Interestingly, the groom doesn't wear a wedding ring but receives a ring during the ceremony.

D. Scotland: Handfasting

In Scotland, couples often engage in the ancient custom of handfasting. During this ceremony, the couple's hands are tied together with a ribbon, (12) ______ their bond. It's a beautiful way of showing that they are tied together in love and commitment.

Weddings around the world may vary, but the central theme is universal: celebrating love and the beginning of a new journey.

(Adapted from https://afarose.com)

Question 7:  A. directing B. reversing C. reflecting D. deflecting

Question 8:  A. prosperity B. adversity C. poverty D. scarcity

Question 9:  A. In fact B. Irrespective of C. Except for D. Contrary to

Question 10: A. Each B. Another C. Many D. Some

Question 11:  A. passed down B. cut back C. picked up D. let down

Question 12:  A. disregarding B. obscuring C. suspecting D. signifying

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 13:

A. Tram: Did you finally decide not to buy that expensive tile cutter?
b. Doan: Tram, you're not going to believe how much money I saved this weekend!
c. Doan: Yeah! I rented one instead for just $20 and got my bathroom renovation done!

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

Question 14:

A. Hoang: Of course not! I signed up for this new app called “Plant BnB.” Think of it as a dating app, but for plant-sitters!
b. Hoang: Chau, thanks again for taking care of my plants last month. I found an alternative, so I won’t bother you next time!

C. Hoang: Exactly! You match with verified plant lovers nearby. They stop by while you're away, water your plants, check the soil, and even send you fun plant selfies!

D. Chau: Plant-sitting? You mean like babysitting, but for houseplants?

e. Chau: Wait… don’t tell me you just gave up and bought fake plants instead!

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

Question 15:

Hi Noah,

A. I can't wait until our next movie outing – let's find something just as emotional and thought-provoking.

B. You have an amazing eye for great movies, and I’m so glad I took your recommendation.

C. Thanks again for suggesting When Life Gives You Tangerines, it was such a fantastic pick!

D. The characters were so well-developed, and the emotional depth of the film stuck with me.

e. I had an incredible time watching it with you last weekend; the story was so engaging.

See you,
Ben

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

Question 16:

A. It was founded in 1998 by marine biologist Sarah Whitmore, and today, it is one of the leading global organizations dedicated to dolphin conservation.

B. So far, it has launched over 250 projects in 35 countries and contributed to the protection of thousands of dolphins worldwide.

C. It aims to ensure that dolphins do not face extinction and to safeguard the oceans where they live.

D. Dolphin Guardians is a non-profit organization.

e. Much of the work of Dolphin Guardians focuses on preventing dolphin hunting, researching their behaviors, and educating the public about their importance to marine ecosystems.

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

Question 17:

A. Initially, it started as a small coffee shop in Hanoi, with a focus on serving premium Vietnamese coffee using traditional brewing methods.

B. Today, Highlands Coffee is a well-known coffee chain with numerous locations, offering high-quality coffee and a modern yet cozy atmosphere for customers.

C. Over time, its commitment to quality and Vietnamese coffee culture led to increasing popularity, attracting both locals and tourists.

D. As the years passed, the brand expanded rapidly, opening new stores across Vietnam and later venturing into international markets.

e. The growth of Highlands Coffee has been an inspiring journey in the Vietnamese coffee industry.

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

Read the following passage about parental boasting 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 18 to 22.

Parental boasting (18) ________, remains a pervasive practice across societies today. Parents often share their children’s accomplishments, such as academic achievements or career milestones, to convey their family’s values and emphasize their parenting efforts. (19) ________. However, public displays of family achievements can set unrealistic standards and harm children’s self-esteem.

Fueled by the prevalence of social media, (20) ________. Parents can utilize various online platforms to effortlessly celebrate milestones, such as winning competitions or gaining scholarships, while connecting with peers and relatives. This digital amplification, intertwined with the desire for validation, (21) ________. As a result, social networks become a stage where familial pride and societal standards intertwine, shaping perceptions of success and fulfillment.

In some cultures, this phenomenon reflects collective values, where the family unit’s achievements symbolize a shared effort and societal contribution. At the same time, critics argue that excessive boasting can blur the line between pride and pressure, inadvertently fostering unhealthy competition. (22) ________. Recognizing its implications is essential to fostering a balance between celebrating achievements and nurturing individuality.

(Adapted from https://www.nowtolove.co.nz)

Question 18:

A. that celebrate familial achievements and honor success across different generations
B. originated from enduring cultural and societal values
C. stems from long-standing social and cultural traditions
D. whose origins are embedded in deep-rooted social and cultural traditions

Question 19:

A. This cultural tendency to highlight children’s successes is often viewed as a means of gaining social approval or elevating status within communities

B. Children’s self-esteem can do harm to family achievements and set unrealistic standards for public displays
C. Sharing personal stories, parents strengthen their relationships with their children

D. Setting unrealistic standards is likely to harm public displays of family achievements and children’s self-esteem

Question 20:

A. modern parental boasting allows families to showcase their children’s achievements to a wider audience

B. their children’s achievements allow modern parents to boast and showcase them to a wider audience

C. a wider audience now witnesses families showcasing their children’s achievements through modern parental boasting

D. children use modern parental boasting to actively showcase their achievements to a wider audience

Question 21:

A. of which a continuous process of comparison between parents and children

B. that sparks ongoing comparisons between parents and children

C. having initiated a culture of comparison between parents and children

D. promotes a cycle of comparison between parents and children

Question 22:

A. Boasting excessively about family achievements can lead to alienation, causing unnecessary friction in relationships

B. Consequently, parental boasting has been entirely eradicated in modern societies due to its negative impacts

C. Despite differing perspectives, the culture of parental boasting reflects a complex blend of personal identity and collective reputation

D. Being aware of societal expectations, many individuals feel pressured to showcase their accomplishments

Read the following passage about advertising and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

The issue of advertising targeted at children has become a significant concern globally, especially in the United States. The average child in the US watches around 16,000 commercials annually, raising questions about the effects of such exposure. While some view advertising as a tool to teach children critical thinking, many critics argue that it negatively influences their behavior and values. They believe that advertising shapes children’s choices based on emotional appeal rather than logical decision-making.

One prominent example of child-targeted marketing is Subway’s recent $41 million campaign to promote healthy eating among children. This campaign, which supports Michelle Obama’s initiative against childhood obesity, is a clear attempt to position Subway as a healthier alternative to McDonald’s. In contrast to the $42 million McDonald’s spent on promoting Happy Meals, Subway’s strategy focuses on encouraging children to make healthier food choices. Although Subway’s offerings are healthier than some fast-food chains, critics still raise concerns about the ethical implications of marketing directly to children.

Advertising is often seen as a powerful force that manipulates emotions, undermining children’s ability to make informed decisions. Critics like Susan Linn argue that advertisements encourage children to choose products based on superficial qualities, such as celebrity endorsements, rather than their actual value. This process can erode critical thinking and promote impulse buying, leading to unhealthy habits and poor decision-making. For Linn, no moral grounds exist to justify targeting children with advertisements, irrespective of the product’s characteristics or content.

In response to concerns about child advertising, some advocate for media literacy programs to teach children how to critically analyze advertisements. Organizations like Media Smart aim to help children understand the commercial intent behind advertisements and become more discerning consumers. However, experts argue that children under 12 are not yet capable of fully grasping these messages. While teaching critical thinking is valuable, it remains unclear whether such education can effectively influence children’s consumer behavior.

(Adapted from The Guardian)

Question 23: Which of the following is NOT mentioned in Subway’s child-targeted marketing campaign?

A. Subway spent $41 million on the campaign B. Subway markets through social media
C. Subway offers healthier food options D. The campaign supports a public initiative

Question 24: The word “superficial” in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.

A. trivial B. frivolous C. significant D. narrow

Question 25: The word “discerning” in paragraph 4 could be best replaced by ______.

A. fraudulent B. unaware C. oblivious D. perceptive

Question 26: The word “their” in paragraph 3 refers to ______.

A. advertisements B. celebrity endorsements
C. products D. critics

Question 27: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

A. In Linn’s opinion, an ethical reason can exist for advertising to children based on the type of products.
B. According to Linn, not advertising to children cannot be morally defended, regardless of the product in question.
C. Linn denies that any moral grounds exist for advertising products to children, regardless of their features.
D. Linn believes that marketing to children is morally unacceptable, no matter the nature of the product.

Question 28: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Media literacy programs are universally accepted as effective in changing children’s consumer behavior.
B. Subway’s campaign spends more on promoting healthy eating than McDonald’s does on Happy Meals.
C. Critics claim that advertising targeted at children influences them to make choices based on emotions instead of rational thinking.

D. Subway’s campaign aims to position itself as the most popular fast-food choice among children.

Question 29: In which paragraph does the writer mention an illustrative relationship?

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

Question 30: In which paragraph does the writer mention that advertising can help develop children’s critical thinking skills?

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

Read the following passage about Artificial Intelligence and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

In recent years, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to take a toll on several industries, especially those relying on digital services. Chegg, for instance, has seen its share price plummet by 99% in less than four years, mainly due to a drop in demand for online learning. While the post-pandemic slump in digital education contributed to this decline, the advent of AI tools like ChatGPT has exacerbated the issue. These AI technologies now provide students with free and efficient alternatives to the services Chegg offers, such as homework assistance and tutoring.

Similarly, other companies have also felt the impact of generative AI on their business models. Stack Exchange, which runs the popular Stack Overflow, has experienced a dramatic decline in web traffic, as many coders turn to AI-powered tools like GitHub Copilot. These AI assistants allow them to solve coding issues more efficiently, leaving Stack Overflow struggling to maintain its relevance. Likewise, RWS, a translation service provider, has seen a significant drop in its revenue and share price since the introduction of ChatGPT, fueling investor trepidation about the future of the company.

[I] However, the effects of AI are not universal, and some sectors remain largely unaffected by the technology’s encroachment. [II] On the other hand, fields requiring a higher degree of precision, such as legal or medical work, are less likely to be immediately impacted. [III] The propensity for errors, particularly AI hallucinations, renders businesses in these sectors more cautious about embracing the widespread adoption of generative AI. [IV]

In order to survive in the face of AI disruption, companies must adapt and innovate adroitly, using AI to enhance their products and services. Chegg, for example, is collaborating with Scale AI to offer machine-generated answers for students, while RWS is developing its AI-powered translation tools. However, the innovation seen so far has been somewhat uninspired, with companies still struggling to find meaningful ways to integrate AI into their business models. In contrast, companies like Duolingo are finding success by integrating creative, interactive AI features, like their AI-generated character, Lily, which has helped boost shareholder confidence.

(Adapted from https://www.onlineeducation.com)

Question 31: Where in paragraph 3 does the following sentence best fit?

“Industries where AI can replicate tasks with little customization are more vulnerable to disruption, especially in areas like coding or translation.”

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

Question 32: According to paragraph 4, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a company adapting to AI disruption?

A. Chegg is collaborating with Scale AI to offer machine-generated answers for students
B. Duolingo is integrating creative, interactive AI features, such as an AI-generated character
C. RWS is developing its AI-powered translation tools
D. Stack Overflow has successfully adapted its business model by incorporating AI-driven coding solutions

Question 33: The word “trepidation” in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.

A. nervousness B. anxiety C. assurance D. insecurity

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

A. Stack Overflow has benefited from AI tools like GitHub Copilot, while RWS has struggled due to competition from AI-powered translation services.

B. Generative AI has caused a decline in the use of Stack Overflow and RWS, as AI tools offer more efficient alternatives, leading to financial struggles and investor trepidation.

C. Generative AI has improved both Stack Overflow and RWS by enabling them to adopt AI technologies effectively in their business models.

D. Coders and translators now rely less on Stack Overflow and RWS because AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot have eliminated the need for human assistance.

Question 35: The phrase “take a toll on” in paragraph 1 could be best replaced by ______.

A. pay attention to B. run out of C. cause damage to D. fall short of

Question 36: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

A. Only in cases where errors abound, particularly AI hallucinations, do businesses in these sectors fully adopt generative AI.

B. Businesses in these sectors grow wary of implementing generative AI widely due to the risk of errors, especially AI hallucinations.

C. Generative AI is cautiously accepted by businesses in these sectors, where frequent errors such as AI hallucinations occur.

D. Rarely do businesses in these areas embrace the widespread use of generative AI, despite the high likelihood of errors and AI hallucinations.

Question 37: The word “them” in paragraph 2 refers to ______.

A. business models B. AI assistants C. companies D. coders

Question 38: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Legal and medical fields are heavily impacted by AI because of its ability to perform tasks requiring precision.

B. Chegg has experienced significant success in combating AI disruption by offering fully customized AI tutoring solutions.

C. AI-powered tools like GitHub Copilot have increased Stack Overflow’s web traffic by providing efficient coding solutions.

D. RWS has struggled to maintain investor confidence due to the impact of AI and other market challenges.

Question 39: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. The legal and medical sectors are early adopters of generative AI because of their high demand for precision.

B. Duolingo’s success shows that all industries impacted by AI can thrive through innovative and creative applications of technology.

C. Companies that fail to innovate creatively with AI are at greater risk of losing relevance in competitive markets.

D. Chegg’s partnership with Scale AI has notably revitalized its business model, enhancing its offerings and services.

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

A. The introduction of AI technologies like ChatGPT has led to the downfall of businesses relying on digital services, but sectors that demand high precision, such as medicine, are thriving despite the AI revolution, leaving no room for creative adaptation.

B. AI’s impact on industries has been minimal, with businesses like Stack Overflow adapting by creating successful AI-powered products, while competitors such as Chegg and RWS struggle to innovate and keep up with the changing technological landscape.

C. AI tools like ChatGPT have primarily disrupted the education sector, pushing companies like Chegg to adopt uninspired AI solutions, while industries requiring higher precision, such as legal and medical fields, have experienced minimal impact from this technology.

D. The rise of AI has caused significant declines in companies like Chegg, Stack Overflow, and RWS, but some industries, such as the legal and medical fields, remain largely unaffected, and businesses like Duolingo are thriving by creatively integrating AI.