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.

The systematic suppression of women is not merely a human rights violation but a structural catalyst for geopolitical instability. Societies entrenched in regressive gender norms - manifested through practices such as polygamy, child marriage, and institutionalized misogyny - exhibit pronounced economic stagnation, political volatility, and heightened susceptibility to conflict.

Afghanistan exemplifies this regression, where the rapid erosion of women’s rights following the Taliban’s resurgence has obliterated two decades of progress in female education and workforce participation. Similar patterns emerge in regions with egregiously unbalanced sex ratios, such as Kashmir and parts of China, where surplus male populations correlate with rising criminality, insurgency recruitment, and social upheaval.

Mitigating these entrenched disparities necessitates a multidimensional policy framework that integrates legal reform, economic empowerment, and pedagogical transformation. Governments must rigorously enforce prohibitions on child marriage, gender-based violence, and discriminatory inheritance laws while dismantling socio-cultural structures that perpetuate female subjugation. Education systems should be redesigned to instill gender equality from an early age, actively challenging cultural norms that reinforce female subordination.

Although these structural reforms are primarily the responsibility of national governments, international entities exert substantial leverage in catalyzing change through diplomatic pressure, conditional aid, and development initiatives. Institutions such as USAID and the World Bank have demonstrably facilitated incremental progress in women’s rights, yet sustained commitment is imperative to counteract regressive backsliding. Empirical research consistently corroborates that societies fostering gender parity demonstrate diminished violence, heightened economic resilience, and enhanced political stability, reinforcing the intrinsic link between equity and sustained national prosperity.

Question 1: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor contributing to deep socio-political and economic instability?
A. Lack of women in governance B. Child marriage
C. Institutionalized misogyny D. Polygamy

Question 2: The word "egregiously" in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.
A. moderately B. notoriously C. badly D. significantly

Question 3: The word "instill" in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by ______.
A. detest B. release C. impart D. expire

Question 4: The word "that" in paragraph 3 refers to ______.
A. gender norms B. socio-cultural structures
C. entrenched disparities D. education systems

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

A. Rigorous empirical scrutiny often hints that commonwealths cultivating gender proportionality could potentially exhibit a deceleration of civil unrest, an amplified economic robustness, and an invigorated governmental equipoise.

B. Research strongly champions the notion that societies prioritizing gender parity achieve greater economic growth, stronger economies, and enhanced political stability, demonstrating the essential nexus between fairness and national development.

C. Findings indicate that societies embracing gender equity enjoy peaceful conditions, economic expansion, and firm political leadership, complicating the essential link between governance and sustained national prosperity.

D. Empirical evidence verifies that societies promoting gender balance show reduced violence, increased economic durability, and sustained political order, highlighting the fundamental bond between fairness and national progress.

Question 6: Which of the following is TRUE according to paragraph 2?

A. Regions with a surplus of female population tend to experience increased education and economic stability.

B. An unbalanced sex ratio in favor of males is associated with higher rates of crime, militant recruitment, and social disorder.

C. Kashmir and China are examples of regions where equal sex ratios lead to peaceful coexistence.

D. The resurgence of the Taliban has resulted in Afghanistan's complete eradication of women’s participation in education and the workforce, reversing all progress made in three decades.

Question 7: Which paragraph does the writer suggest that national governments are primarily responsible for addressing gender inequality?

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

Question 8: Which paragraph does the writer discuss the role of international entities in dealing with gender inequality and structural challenges?

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

Read the following announcement 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 9 to 14.

Technology & Innovation Expo 2025 – Igniting the Future

Taking place from October 21st to 25th at the Innovation Arena in Singapore, the Technology & Innovation Expo 2025 will feature over 200 exhibitors (9) ______ are leaders in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital transformation. Alongside (10) ______ tech entrepreneurs, the event will spotlight cutting-edge inventions aimed at reshaping the modern world. Attendees will discover quite (11) ______ emerging solutions, ranging from smart homes to autonomous transportation. The expo will host panel discussions (12) ______ by tech pioneers, researchers, and investors, offering (13) ______ into the future of sustainable technology. This is a key event for students and industry professionals looking to connect, collaborate, and (14) ______ innovations that matter.

For details, visit: https://techfutureexpo.com

(Adapted from BBC News)

Question 9: A. which B. who C. whom D. where

Question 10: A. inspire B. inspiration C. inspiring D. inspired

Question 11: A. a few B. a bit C. a lot D. host

Question 12: A. conducting B. to conduct C. being conducted D. conducted

Question 13: A. outlooks B. outcomes C. landmarks D. insights

Question 14: A. go about B. bring about C. worry about D. know about

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 15 to 19.

Question 15:

A. Many cities have focused on community-based policing, which has helped build trust between law enforcement and residents, leading to better cooperation and a reduction in criminal activities.

B. While challenges remain, these policies have certainly contributed to a noticeable drop in crime rates, fostering safer communities.

C. Moreover, the use of technology in policing, including surveillance cameras and data analytics, has enabled more efficient crime detection and prevention.

D. Additionally, there has been an increase in preventive measures, such as improved education and social services, which address the root causes of crime.

e. The recent decline in crime rates can be largely attributed to the implementation of effective policies.

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

Question 16:

A. Anna: That sounds like a great idea! I've heard meal prepping can save a lot of time during the week. Do you find it makes you stick to healthier choices?

B. John: I totally understand. With work and other responsibilities, it’s hard to find the time to prepare balanced meals. But I’ve started meal prepping on Sundays, and it’s made a huge difference.

C. Anna: I’ve been thinking about how difficult it is to maintain a healthy diet with such a busy schedule. I always end up grabbing something quick and unhealthy.

D. Anna: That’s inspiring. I think I should give it a try, especially with how hectic things have been lately.

e. John: Definitely. It takes some time up front, but it’s worth it. I’ve noticed I have more energy, and I’m not tempted to snack on junk food.

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

Question 17:

A. John: Hey Sarah, do you have any interesting hobbies?

B. John: That sounds cool! I’ve been thinking about learning to play the guitar. Maybe you could teach me sometime!

C. Sarah: Yeah, I love painting. It’s so relaxing and lets me express my creativity.

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

Question 18:

Dear Alex,

A. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and I spent a lot of time hiking to different peaks.

B. The whole experience made me realize how important it is to take a break from the city sometimes and just enjoy the quiet of nature.

C. I just got back from my trip to the mountains, and I can’t stop thinking about it!

D. I also visited a small nearby village, where I got to try some local dishes.

e. There’s something incredibly peaceful about being surrounded by nature.

We really need to plan a trip together soon!

Mark

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

Question 19:

A. The competition for jobs today is more intense than ever, as a growing number of individuals enter the workforce every year.

B. In addition, networking has become an essential tool for job seekers, as many opportunities are filled through referrals rather than open applications.

C. To stay competitive, it’s crucial to continually develop new skills and keep up with the latest trends and technologies in your industry.

D. Practical experience, gained through internships or freelance work, can significantly improve one's chances of standing out in a crowded market.

e. Employers are no longer just looking for academic qualifications but also value skills such as creativity, leadership, and adaptability.

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

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 20 to 29.

Domestic labor remains indispensable to the functioning of modern society, yet it continues to be undervalued and unequally distributed across genders. [I] Tasks such as preparing meals, cleaning living spaces, managing laundry, and caring for children or elderly family members demand significant time, attention, and physical effort, often without recognition or compensation. In most households, women carry out the majority of these responsibilities, regardless of whether they also engage in paid employment. Although the degree of gender disparity varies by cultural and national context, the overall trend is remarkably consistent: women experience an inordinate burden of unpaid domestic labor. This imbalance has serious long-term implications, including reduced lifetime earnings, diminished opportunities for career progression, heightened psychological stress, and the enduring “caregiver penalty,” a term often used in policy circles.

Emerging technological solutions are being introduced to alleviate the growing pressure of unpaid household responsibilities and may help to rebalance gender roles over time. [II] According to a cross-national forecast by AI researchers in the UK and Japan, approximately 39% of domestic work could be automated over the next ten years. Tasks involving regularity and physical repetition – such as shopping, cooking, and basic cleaning – are particularly suited to automation, with grocery shopping alone projected to reach 59% automation potential.

The ubiquitous assimilation of autonomous systems within the domestic sphere precipitates momentous societal ramifications, possessing the inherent capacity to profoundly reconfigure established paradigms, recalibrate temporal apportionment, and fundamentally modulate enduring socioeconomic and gender equilibria. One of the most significant benefits is the potential to increase “discretionary time” – the free time left after fulfilling paid work, personal care, and household duties, which may enhance work-life balance and overall quality of life. Women, in particular, could benefit substantially from this shift, as they are statistically more encumbered by household duties. [III] If implemented equitably, automation could, in a trice, liberate hours previously consumed by domestic toil and redirect them toward personal or professional fulfilment.

Still, these benefits are not evenly distributed and come with ethical and socioeconomic concerns that must be addressed. Access to domestic technologies is often restricted to higher-income households, potentially widening existing inequalities in time, opportunity, and well-being. Additionally, smart devices frequently rely on sensitive personal data, ranging from dietary needs to emotional states, which raises valid concerns regarding privacy, surveillance, and informed consent. Care-related technologies, in particular, present profound ethical dilemmas about emotional attachment, trust, and the erosion of meaningful human interaction within family structures. [IV]

(Adapted from The Conversation)

Question 20: According to paragraph 1, what is one key reason domestic labor remains undervalued?

A. It is evenly distributed across all members of a household.

B. It does not require any specialized skill or training.

C. It is primarily performed by individuals who choose not to work for pay.

D. It is largely invisible and often goes uncompensated.

Question 21: Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

“In places such as Japan, where men spend only one-fifth the time women do on unpaid domestic labor, automation could be a game-changer.”

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

Question 22: According to the passage, what type of household tasks are best suited for automation?

A. Tasks involving physical intimacy and emotional care
B. Tasks requiring constant adaptation and judgment
C. Tasks that are routine and physically repetitive
D. Tasks related to parenting and decision-making

Question 23: Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 3?

A. Labor-saving technologies may allow individuals to rest or study more, but their broader societal impact appears limited, as cultural expectations continue to shape who performs unpaid work regardless of technological advancements in domestic life.

B. Discretionary time created by domestic automation benefits everyone equally, since both genders can freely use additional hours to improve life quality, pursue education, or participate more fully in employment, without any gender-based differentiation in gains.

C. Automation of housework increases productivity, helping people complete chores faster, though it largely fails to alter the unequal distribution of unpaid domestic labor or address entrenched gender disparities in most households where women remain overburdened.

D. Domestic automation offers transformative potential to transform society by expanding discretionary time, especially for women disproportionately burdened by unpaid labor, thereby improving work-life balance and overall well-being.

Question 24: The phrase “in a trice” in paragraph 3 mostly means ______.

A. without prior notice B. in an instant C. with little resistance D. in due course

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

A. The normalized infusion of domestic spaces with autonomous technologies supports routine household convenience, without significantly altering time distribution patterns or existing gender norms.

B. The extensive incorporation of autonomous mechanisms into domestic environments contributes to minor household efficiency gains, without directly influencing societal paradigms or gender disparities.

C. The widespread integration of intelligent automation into domestic life heralds transformative societal consequences, with the intrinsic potential to radically restructure prevailing frameworks, redistribute temporal responsibilities, and alter longstanding socioeconomic and gender dynamics.

D. The advancement of household automation fosters fundamental changes in social organization, eliminating traditional inequalities, optimizing labor efficiency, and securing long-term benefits for workers in all economic and cultural settings.

Question 26: The word “they” in paragraph 1 refers to ______.

A. women B. elderly family members C. households D. responsibilities

Question 27: According to paragraph 4, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a concern related to domestic automation?

A. Limited access may worsen existing socioeconomic disparities in households.
B. Privacy issues arise from reliance on sensitive personal information.
C. Emotional attachment to machines may disrupt authentic family connections.
D. Increased electricity consumption poses environmental and financial sustainability issues.

Question 28: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Automation will increase discretionary time equally for all individuals, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status, leading to universal work-life balance benefits.

B. Privacy concerns linked to domestic automation are minimal since household technologies primarily focus on convenience rather than collecting and processing personal data.

C. The introduction of automation will immediately eliminate gender disparities in unpaid domestic work, ensuring equal labor distribution and societal well-being improvements.

D. Unequal domestic labor distribution negatively impacts women's economic and personal growth, but automation may mitigate disparities if accessibility and ethics are addressed.

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

A. The development of robotic and AI technologies has solved the problem of domestic inequality by offering affordable, efficient solutions that ensure all households — regardless of income or location — have equal access to labor-saving devices and improved quality of life.

B. While domestic automation has the potential to liberate women from the burden of unpaid labor, access disparities and ethical concerns must be addressed to ensure fair implementation.

C. Domestic automation is rapidly advancing and transforming daily routines, but it remains uncertain whether these advancements will create a fairer division of labor or exacerbate financial disparities.

D. The widespread use of smart domestic devices has primarily improved convenience and reduced physical strain, but it has not played a significant role in reshaping gender roles.

Read the 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 30 to 35.

Finding Work-Life Balance!

Why Work-Life Balance Matters

A great number of employees today experience burnout (30) ______ they focus too much on work and forget to take care (31) ______ themselves. Maintaining work-life balance boosts your (32) ______, improves your mental health, and strengthens personal relationships. It helps you stay motivated and enjoy life beyond the office.

Challenges to achieving it

Balancing work and life can be demanding. (33) ______ people get overwhelmed trying to keep up with job responsibilities, family duties, and social expectations. However, it requires (34) ______ and the courage to say "no" when needed. With clear priorities and sticking to their (35) ______, work-life harmony is possible.

(Adapted from The Age)

Question 30: A. because B. although C. whereas D. otherwise

Question 31: A. for B. of C. on D. in

Question 32: A. productivity B. dedication C. qualification D. possibility

Question 33: A. Little B. Much C. Many D. Another

Question 34: A. management strong time B. strong time management
C. strong management time D. time strong management

Question 35: A. threads B. risks C. gears D. guns

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 36 to 40.

"Cancel culture," a phenomenon (36) ______, involves publicly calling out celebrities or brands for perceived wrongdoings. In Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, a report by Milieu Insight in 2022 showed that only 31% of people believed that those who had been "canceled" should be forgiven or allowed to make a public appearance, especially in cases involving racism, sexual assault, or physical violence – issues considered highly sensitive in the region. (37) ______.

Empowered by social media's anonymity, users can participate in cancel culture without fearing personal repercussions. Similar to how a sophisticated AI processes vast data, social media users quickly spread their grievances, creating intense public pressure. (38) ______. Celebrities, as prominent societal figures, (39) ______, as even a single post can ignite widespread debate.

While cancel culture has sparked important discussions about accountability and responsibility, it also raises concerns about online mob mentality. (40) ______. Dr. Akram recommends that celebrities and brands take proactive steps to engage with their audiences and show a commitment to learning from their mistakes.

(Adapted from https://www.rmit.edu.vn/)

Question 36:
A. stemmed from the rapid spread of information across interconnected digital platforms
B. driven by the rapid spread of information across interconnected platforms
C. the rapid of information across interconnected platforms is fueled
D. originating the rapid spread of information across interconnected digital platforms

Question 37:

A. Similarly, significant reputational damage and financial consequences involve those who have an impact on cancel culture

B. As mentioned above, those who involve themselves in cancel culture should do harm to significant reputation and financial consequences

C. Cancel culture, on the other hand, often results from significant reputational damage and financial consequences, impacting those involved

D. As a result, the impact of cancel culture often leads to significant reputational damage and financial consequences for those involved

Question 38:

A. Public perception, enabled by collective outrage, is shaped almost instantly to gain momentum by this phenomenon
B. Through this phenomenon, collective outrage appears to gain momentum and shape public perception with remarkable speed

C. Almost instantly, public perception enables momentum to shape this phenomenon and gain collective outrage
D. This phenomenon enables collective outrage to gain momentum and shape public perception almost instantly

Question 39:
A. become highly vulnerable to this scrutiny
B. vulnerability to this scrutiny has significantly increased
C. shows high susceptibility to this scrutiny
D. being prone to considerable harm from this scrutiny

Question 40:

A. If they are to know, the lack of anonymous online actions makes it clear information about whether harmful or fair

B. It makes the lack of clear information hard to know if anonymous online actions are fair or harmful

C. The lack of clear information about anonymous online actions makes it hard to know if they are fair or harmful

D. With anonymous online actions, whether they are fair or harmful, it is hard to know the lack of clear anonymous information