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.

THE GREEN CITIES MOVEMENT: SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW FOR URBAN COMMUNITIES!

Let's take action together to reduce the impacts of urbanization! As cities expand and populations grow, urbanization is increasingly altering our natural environment, causing pollution, loss of biodiversity, and worsening climate change. However, we can make a difference by adopting (1) ______. We urge everyone to join the "Green Cities Initiative," a campaign aimed (2) ______ creating eco-friendly urban spaces through simple but impactful actions. Let’s push for better waste management systems, reduce carbon emissions by using public transport or cycling, and support policies (3) ______ environmental sustainability.

Each small step we (4) ______ towards sustainability can lead to major positive changes for our planet. The future of our cities depends on our (5) ______ effort to rethink urban living, where nature, people, and technology coexist in harmony. Join us in this critical mission and be part of the movement that shapes the future of our urban spaces for generations to come. It’s time (6) ______ together, we can make our cities greener, cleaner, and more livable for all!

(Adapted from The Real IELTS)

Question 1: A. sustainable urban practices B. urban sustainable practices
C. sustainable practices urban D. practices sustainable urban

Question 2: A. for B. to C. at D. down

Question 3: A. prioritized B. that prioritizes C. prioritize D. prioritizing

Question 4: A. do B. take C. reach D. put

Question 5: A. collection B. collectively C. collective D. collect

Question 6: A. act B. to act C. to acting D. acting

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.

STEVEN JOBS: THE VISIONARY BEHIND APPLE

Early life and passion for innovation

Steven Jobs was born on February 24, 1955, in San Francisco, California. Adopted shortly after birth, Jobs grew up in the (7) ______ of Silicon Valley, where he developed a keen interest in electronics and design. He briefly attended Reed College before developing an interest in exploring spiritualism and traveling to India. (8) ______ his unconventional path, Job’s early fascination with technology laid the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking career in computing and consumer electronics.

Founding Apple and changing the tech world

In 1976, Jobs co-founded Apple Inc. alongside Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in a garage. Their first product, the Apple I computer, marked the beginning of a revolution. Jobs’ (9) ______ on elegant design and user-friendly interfaces propelled Apple to create (10) ______ iconic products such as the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

Legacy and influence

He is remembered not just as a businessman but as a creative force who fused technology with artistry. Jobs’ (11) ______ pursuit of perfection and belief in the power of simplicity continue to inspire entrepreneurs, designers, and technologists around the world. His story encourages new generations to (12) ______ his vision and push the boundaries of innovation.

(Adapted from Biography)

Question 7: A. heat B. heart C. mind D. head

Question 8: A. In charge of B. In view of C. Instead of D. In spite of

Question 9: A. diligence B. prominence C. insistence D. evidence

Question 10: A. little B. many C. few D. much

Question 11: A. relentless B. flexible C. sympathetic D. unsteady

Question 12: A. bring up B. give off C. take up D. carry on

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. Huong: Hey! It’s great! The community here is welcoming.
b. Hue: That’s fantastic to hear!
c. Hue: Good morning! How’s life in the new city?

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

Question 14:

A. Jonny: That would be great! I will send you a new purchase order in no time.

B. Jack: We can prepare 10K forks for you in 2 weeks.

C. Jonny: Could you please check if you can ship earlier? This is top urgent. This order is for one of our customers.

D. Jack: Let me check the production schedule. I believe we can ship the goods by air freight in 10 days if we work overtime for three consecutive days.

e. Jonny: I'd like to know what your production lead time is for a new order of 10K forks.

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

Question 15:

Dear Tam,

A. It was an intellectually stimulating experience that has reshaped my view of the corporate landscape.

B. Let’s meet soon so I can share more insights!

C. The experience illuminated how corporate culture plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration and driving innovation.

D. I was particularly impressed by the company’s approach to sustainability and its proactive measures in addressing global challenges.

e. I’ve just returned from an eye-opening corporate immersion that allowed me to delve deeply into the company’s operational framework.

Talk to you soon,
Tho

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

Question 16:

A. The most striking trend is the exponential growth in battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which experienced the sharpest increase, particularly after 2018.

B. Meanwhile, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) remained the most consistent, showing steady growth throughout the period but ultimately being surpassed by BEVs in 2021.

C. Starting from a negligible base in 2011, BEVs surged to over 1.2 million new registrations per year by 2023.
d. The line graph illustrates the rise in electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the United States between 2011 and 2023, with the data further categorized by vehicle type.

e. This rapid expansion allowed them to overtake plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which grew modestly through the 2010s but plateaued after 2020.

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

Question 17:

A. The divide between the rich and the poor has grown substantially in recent decades, with a small percentage of the population controlling a disproportionate amount of wealth.

B. To address this issue, governments must implement policies that promote fair wealth distribution, ensure equal opportunities for all, and reduce systemic barriers that perpetuate poverty.

C. Wealth inequality is an increasingly prominent issue in many societies around the world.

D. The effects of wealth inequality are far-reaching, leading to social unrest, reduced social mobility, and a lack of access to basic services for the disadvantaged.

e. This widening gap is fueled by factors such as unequal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, as well as the concentration of wealth in the hands of large corporations and elites.

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

Read the following passage about the trauma code 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.

The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call is a South Korean medical drama (18) ______. The series follows Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk, a genius surgeon and former combat medic, who breathes new life into a struggling trauma team at Hankuk National University Hospital. (19) ______. However, as the series progresses, Dr. Baek's dedication and expertise inspire his colleagues, transforming them into a formidable unit capable of saving lives under extreme conditions.

Dictated by the escalating demand for instant gratification, (20) ______. This shift towards rapid decision-making often forces medical teams to make life-or-death choices within moments. With limited resources and high-stress conditions, they must rely on their training and quick thinking to ensure the best possible outcomes. (21) ______. Actor Ju Ji-hoon, in a recent interview, (22) ______, “If it’s produced, there’s no reason to turn it down.” The series has garnered widespread acclaim for its excellent pacing, balance of comedy and thriller elements, and the cast’s talented performances. It has quickly become a global sensation, topping Netflix’s Top 10 Non-English Shows list for the week of January 27 to February 2, 2025.

(Adapted from Netflix)

Question 18:

A. to depict the demanding world of trauma surgery, where a team of skilled specialists work under immense pressure to save lives in critical conditions

B. centers around a team of expert trauma surgeons who navigate high-risk situations and strive to save lives against the clock

C. showcasing the high-pressure lives of trauma surgeons as they fight to save lives in critical situations

D. that follow a team of elite trauma surgeons who faced life-or-death challenges in high-stakes emergency situations

Question 19:

A. His conventional protocols and team dynamics generate unorthodox discord, disrupting self-assurance and challenging his approach, while initially unsettling the established professional order

B. His unorthodox approach and unshakable self-assurance initially generate discord with the team, challenging their conventional protocols and disrupting the established professional dynamic

C. Undermining team morale from the outset, Dr. Baek imposes outdated and rigid methods that significantly hinder the trauma team's ability to respond effectively to emergencies

D. If his careless attitude continues, the trauma team will disband, unable to cope with the chaos he brings into the hospital environment

Question 20:

A. modern healthcare systems now prioritize speed and efficiency, which profoundly impacts patient care and treatment outcomes

B. speed and efficiency now define modern healthcare systems, profoundly shaping patient care and determining treatment outcomes

C. patient care and treatment outcomes are profoundly impacted as modern healthcare systems prioritize speed and efficiency above all else

D. instant gratification prioritizes speed and efficiency, significantly influencing patient care and treatment outcomes

Question 21:

A. Intertwining mundane routines, the series focused solely on basic medical procedures

B. The series's calm portrayal lacked any personal struggles or high-stakes professional dilemmas

C. The emergency room rarely presents any emotional challenges for the highly skilled doctors

D. The series masterfully intertwines personal struggles with professional dilemmas

Question 22:

A. that expressed enthusiasm for returning if the series is renewed

B. indicated a strong interest in returning if the series continues

C. of which a willingness was stated to return if the show secures a renewal

D. having shared excitement about reprising the role and the series

Read the following passage about organic farming 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.

Organic farming, long dismissed as an elitist indulgence, is gaining traction as consumers recognize its merits in sustainability, nutrition, and animal welfare. Industrial dairy production, characterized by intensive farming methods, has fundamentally altered the nature of milk production, prioritizing efficiency over ethical considerations. Modern dairy cows endure extreme physiological strain, producing nearly double the milk their ancestors did, a feat that comes at the expense of their health and longevity. Chronic lameness, reproductive dysfunction, and metabolic disorders have become widespread, rendering these creatures disposable once their productivity wanes.

A particularly grim aspect of industrial dairy farming is the fate of male calves, deemed commercially unviable due to their genetics favoring milk production over meat yield. Approximately 55,000 are culled annually in Britain alone, an unsettling testament to the inefficiencies embedded in non-organic systems. The females have slightly better outcomes, but they are taken from their mothers just days after birth, causing considerable distress for both. Additionally, artificial insemination remains a routine procedure, ensuring that dairy cows maintain relentless lactation cycles, often leaving them in a permanent state of metabolic depletion.

Organic dairy systems, while not exempt from these realities, offer significantly improved conditions for livestock, ensuring greater access to pasture and a diet closer to what nature intended. Organic regulations mandate that cows spend substantial time grazing outdoors, with a minimum requirement of 60% forage-based feed, which enhances their health and milk quality. As a result, organic milk contains 50% more omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for cardiovascular and cognitive function in humans, making it a nutritionally superior option. While the output is lower, the trade-off ensures superior nutritional value, a more humane existence for the animals, and a reduction in the dependency on antibiotics often prevalent in non-organic systems.

Some pioneering farms are challenging conventional paradigms by integrating ethical dairy and meat production models that respect the animals and the land. At Daylesford, breeding strategies prioritize longevity, reducing the need for constant herd replacements while ensuring that even male calves contribute meaningfully to the farming enterprise. Similarly, Calf at Foot micro dairy adopts a radically compassionate approach, allowing calves to remain with their mothers for the natural weaning period, fostering healthier cows and better milk quality. Though still uncommon, such models exemplify a potential future where dairy farming balances commercial viability with ecological responsibility and ethical stewardship, offering a more conscientious path forward in food production.

(Adapted from The Age)

Question 23: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of organic dairy systems?

A. higher omega-3 content is beneficial for human health
B. improved animal welfare through better living conditions outdoors
C. reduced reliance on antibiotics in dairy farming
D. increased milk production compared to industrial dairy farming

Question 24: The word “exempt” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to ______.

A. restricted by B. subject to C. free from D. burdened by

Question 25: The word "rendering" in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.

A. refraining B. dominating C. accelerating D. commanding

Question 26: The word “their” in paragraph 2 refers to ______.

A. genetics B. inefficiencies C. creatures D. male calves

Question 27: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Though still rare, such methods prove that dairy farming can be both ethical and sustainable while eliminating commercial constraints, ensuring a responsible future for food production.

B. Though not yet widespread, these models suggest a future where dairy farming remains profitable while also prioritizing sustainability and ethical practices, leading to a more responsible food system.

C. While still limited, these systems show that dairy farming must prioritize ecological sustainability over economic concerns to ensure a more ethical and conscientious production model.

D. Though not yet mainstream, these innovations suggest dairy farming should focus on sustainability and animal welfare while minimizing the role of commercial considerations in food production.

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

A. Industrial dairy farming prioritizes sustainability by breeding cows with higher milk yields, ensuring a steady supply while maintaining ethical treatment of livestock.

B. Modern dairy cows produce significantly more milk than their ancestors, remarkably improving their health and lifespan.

C. Some organic farms adopt methods that allow calves to remain with their mothers, improving both animal welfare and the nutritional quality of the milk produced.

D. Male calves in industrial dairy farming are raised for meat production, making the system more efficient and reducing the number of animals euthanized at birth.

Question 29: In which paragraph does the writer mention a complementary relationship?

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

Question 30: In which paragraph does the writer highlight the shifting perception of a practice that was once seen as an unnecessary luxury?

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

Read the following passage about voice cloning technology 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.

[I] Voice cloning technology has undergone a meteoric rise in sophistication, yet its safeguards remain glaringly inadequate, as evidenced by a recent Consumer Reports investigation. [II] Many of the most prominent AI-driven voice synthesis tools require nothing more than a simple checkbox confirmation to replicate an individual’s voice, making unauthorized impersonation alarmingly accessible to anyone with malicious intent. [III] The perpetrator behind that scheme was met with a hefty $6 million fine, yet the broader regulatory landscape remains nebulous, leaving ample room for misuse and potential exploitation of this rapidly evolving technology. [IV]

The deficiencies in security mechanisms are compounded by the technological prowess of modern AI voice generators, which can replicate vocal nuances with only a few seconds of sample audio. Despite the existence of deepfake detection software, many of these tools falter in distinguishing genuine speech from synthetic imitations, exacerbating concerns surrounding fraudulent applications. Among the six leading AI voice cloning platforms examined, only one - Descript - exhibited moderately effective safeguards, requiring users to submit a spoken consent statement before cloning an individual’s voice. Others, including ElevenLabs, Speechify, PlayHT, and Lovo, merely ask users to confirm consent through an unchecked declaration, a measure that is wholly insufficient in preventing deception, particularly when bad actors seek to leverage the technology for illicit purposes or financial gain. This glaring oversight is an Achilles heel in the fight against AI-driven deception, as it allows malicious actors to exploit the system with little effort.

The rapid evolution of generative AI has far outpaced regulatory intervention, leaving companies largely responsible for implementing self-imposed ethical boundaries without meaningful government oversight or accountability. President Biden attempted to introduce safety mandates through an executive order in 2023, but these efforts were undone when President Trump rescinded the directive upon assuming office, further stalling potential regulatory action. As a result, AI voice cloning remains a largely ungoverned frontier, where nefarious actors can exploit its capabilities with minimal restrictions and little fear of consequences.

Legitimate applications of AI voice synthesis do exist, particularly in accessibility services for individuals with disabilities and in multilingual content production, yet its potential for abuse casts a long shadow over these benefits, complicating ethical discussions. Fraudulent schemes, including AI-enhanced grandparent scams, have already demonstrated how convincingly cloned voices can manipulate unsuspecting victims, often preying on their emotional vulnerabilities. The music industry, too, has suffered from this technological loophole, as seen in the unauthorized replication of artists’ voices to produce and distribute unapproved tracks without the original creator's consent or involvement. Without immediate and comprehensive regulatory action, the unchecked expansion of voice cloning technology threatens to undermine public trust, destabilize industries, and facilitate new forms of deception at an unprecedented scale, making it imperative for policymakers and industry leaders to address these pressing concerns before they spiral further out of control.

(Adapted from NBC News)

Question 31: Where in paragraph 1 does the following sentence best fit?

"This lack of stringent protective measures has already yielded troubling consequences, most notably during the Democratic primaries, when robocalls featuring a fabricated Joe Biden voice sought to manipulate voter behavior."

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

Question 32: According to paragraph 2, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a deficiency in AI voice cloning security?

A. The ability of AI voice generators to mimic voices with minimal audio samples
B. The failure of detection tools to reliably differentiate real and fake speech
C. The inadequate consent verification processes on several major platforms
D. The lack of user-friendly interfaces on most cloning platforms

Question 33: The word "nefarious" in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.

A. horrible B. pleasant C. cunning D. malevolent

Question 34: Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 4?

A. While AI voice cloning technology offers valuable benefits in accessibility and multilingual production, its potential for abuse, from fraud to unauthorized use in music, creates urgent ethical and regulatory challenges that must be addressed.

B. AI voice cloning is still in its infancy and mainly used for research and limited testing purposes; although some concerns exist, they are minor and not yet serious enough to warrant regulatory intervention or broad public debate.

C. AI voice synthesis technology has been widely praised for its positive contributions, especially in entertainment and content creation, and it is expected to evolve with minimal risks, making regulation unnecessary at this stage.

D. The purpose of AI voice synthesis is to support individuals with disabilities, and while some fear its misuse, these concerns are largely overstated and unlikely to require serious attention from regulators or industry leaders.

Question 35: The phrase "an Achilles heel" in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by ______.

A. a great strength B. a powerful safeguard
C. a fatal weakness D. an unavoidable challenge

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

A. The usefulness of AI voice synthesis in assisting disabled individuals and translating content is well recognized, but concerns about whether the technology works well enough still dominate ethical discussions.

B. Despite its clear advantages for accessibility and multilingual production, AI voice synthesis is viewed by many as too dangerous and controversial to be adopted without strict regulations.

C. Although AI voice synthesis was created for entertainment and convenience, its limited usefulness in accessibility and multilingual content makes ethical debates simple and clear.

D. Although AI voice synthesis has clear advantages for people with disabilities and creating content in different languages, the risk of misuse makes it harder to have straightforward ethical conversations.

Question 37: The word "they" in paragraph 4 refers to ______.

A. industry leaders B. pressing concerns
C. new forms of deception D. policymakers

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

A. Consumer Reports praised the security protocols of AI voice cloning platforms in a recent investigation.

B. The absence of effective regulation allows malicious actors to exploit AI voice cloning technology without fear of punishment.

C. All AI voice synthesis platforms require users to undergo a strict multi-step identity verification process before voice cloning is allowed.

D. President Biden's attempt to introduce AI safety regulations through an executive order in 2023 was successful and led to strict government oversight of AI voice cloning.

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

A. The rapid growth of AI voice synthesis will likely continue to outpace regulations, increasing the chances of widespread misuse if authorities do not act swiftly.

B. The effectiveness of AI deepfake detection software has significantly improved over time, making it increasingly difficult for fraudsters to manipulate unsuspecting individuals.

C. AI voice cloning tools with minimal security measures are widely discouraged, yet most companies are unwilling to adopt additional protective mechanisms voluntarily.

D. Regulatory efforts surrounding AI voice cloning have been consistently reinforced by successive administrations, ensuring the technology remains under government supervision.

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

A. AI-generated voices are transforming accessibility and multilingual content, though detection software is gradually improving, and policymakers are actively debating whether strict regulations would hinder innovation or provide necessary protections against fraud and impersonation in various industries.

B. AI voice cloning has advanced rapidly but lacks sufficient regulation, enabling fraud, misinformation, and unauthorized replication, while limited safeguards fail to prevent abuse, necessitating immediate intervention to mitigate its risks across industries, including politics, finance, and entertainment, before trust and stability deteriorate further.

C. AI voice synthesis has shown promise in various fields, but concerns about its misuse are overblown, as fraud cases are relatively rare, safeguards are gradually improving, and government intervention may be unnecessary given that companies are already implementing voluntary ethical guidelines effectively.

D. Voice cloning technology is primarily beneficial for accessibility and content creation, with its misuse posing minimal threats, as existing regulations and ethical standards already prevent most fraud, making the concerns about its risks somewhat exaggerated compared to other pressing technological issues in modern society and evolving digital landscapes.