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 1 to 8.

The recent announcement by Cambridge Dictionary naming "parasocial" as its Word of the Year constitutes a formal recognition of a dominant contemporary condition. A term previously restricted to academic psychology textbooks has permeated the general lexicon, accurately describing the defining social dynamic of the current era. The selection validates a widespread phenomenon where individuals form intense, one-sided emotional attachments to media figures, creating a psychological experience that mimics friendship without any actual reciprocity.

Digital platforms expedite unrequited bonds with unprecedented efficiency. Influencers and celebrities utilize direct-to-camera addresses, live streams, and instantaneous comment replies to contrive a sensation of immediate closeness. Audiences perceive a mutual bond, believing themselves understood by a figure completely oblivious to their existence. The dynamic differs radically from conventional admiration or fandom. A delusion of private understanding arises, generated not by interaction but by the incessant consumption of a curated existence.

Commercial imperatives drive the deliberate expansion of these unrequited bonds. Media personalities and entertainment agencies encourage such attachments to ensure audience retention and financial support. Ardent followers frequently exhibit high levels of emotional investment, defending their chosen figures against criticism and integrating the celebrity's achievements into their own identity. The psychological experience for the viewer is genuine, carrying the emotional weight of a real relationship, despite the structural absence of mutual obligation. The semblance of intimacy functions as a highly lucrative and marketable commodity.

Widespread reliance on simulated companionship correlates with escalating metrics of social alienation. Populations increasingly substitute the arduous negotiations of physical community for safe, mediated presence. Recognizing "parasocial" as the defining term of 2025 acknowledges a reality where solace is derived from commercial projections rather than corporeal beings. The trend indicates a fundamental reordering of human connection, prioritizing the safety of observation over the vulnerability required for genuine engagement.

(Adapted from Sky News)

Question 1: The word its in paragraph 1 refers to ______.

A. "parasocial" B. announcement C. Cambridge Dictionary D. a condition

Question 2: The word expedite in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ______.
A. accelerate B. initiate C. normalize D. secure

Question 3: Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as a digital method employed by media figures to fabricate a sense of immediate intimacy?
A. Direct-to-camera addresses B. Live streaming sessions
C. Instantaneous comment replies D. Exclusive behind-the-scenes photos

Question 4: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?
A. High emotional involvement is seen in supporters who guard their idols from critique and try to replicate the celebrity’s lifestyle in their own lives.

B. Deep emotional attachment leads loyal adherents to shield their idols from disapproval, often viewing the star's personal values as indistinguishable from their own.

C. Dedicated fans often show deep emotional stakes, shielding their idols from attacks and adopting the stars' successes as part of their self-concept.

D. Committed enthusiasts exhibit strong emotional ties, defending their idols against criticism as a means to validate the star's achievements within their own identity.

Question 5: The word arduous in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.
A. effortless B. complex C. rewarding D. optional

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

A. Content creators tend to employ immediate digital interaction features to develop an authentic empathy for their individual viewers' private lives.

B. The modern shift in social connectivity favors the perceived security of unilateral digital observation over the intricacies of bilateral interaction.

C. Entertainment agencies foster intense audience attachments to ensure that fans integrate celebrity achievements into their own personal identities.

D. The recent lexicographical recognition of ‘parasocial’ serves to officially diagnose a specific psychological disorder prevalent within the general population.

Question 7: Which paragraph mentions specific strategies used to fabricate a sense of nearness?
A. Paragraph 1 B. Paragraph 3 C. Paragraph 2 D. Paragraph 4

Question 8: Which paragraph mentions followers adopting a public figure's triumphs as part of their own character?
A. Paragraph 1 B. Paragraph 3 C. Paragraph 2 D. Paragraph 4

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 9 to 14.

The Golden Bridge: A Walk in the Clouds

Since its opening, the Golden Bridge in Da Nang has received a great (9) ______ of attention from international media. Perched on Ba Na Hills, this architectural marvel looks like a silk strip floating in the sky. Its unique design has earned it global (10) ______ as one of the world's most striking pedestrian bridges.

The walkway, (11) ______ by two giant weathered hands, offers visitors a panoramic view of the mountains below. It creates a magical setting (12) ______ tourists can feel as though they are strolling through the clouds.

Critics and visitors alike agree that the visual impact of the bridge is (13) ______. It does not clash with the landscape but rather enhances the mystical beauty of the area. Despite the harsh weather and steep terrain, engineers managed to (14) ______ this magnificent structure in less than a year.

(Adapted from Vietnamstory.in)

Question 9: A. range B. deal C. number D. variety

Question 10: A. recognize B. recognizable C. recognition D. recognizably

Question 11: A. suspended B. suspending C. is suspended D. which suspending

Question 12: A. where B. when C. who D. that

Question 13: A. unspoiled B. untapped C. unrefined D. unrivaled

Question 14: A. put out B. put off C. put up D. put away

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

Question 15:

A. Returning to the piano bench, my hands trembled, paralyzed by the memory of that humiliating failure on stage years ago.

B. It wasn't until I closed my eyes and focused solely on the melody, blocking out the imaginary audience, that the fear began to recede.

C. This moment of vulnerability became my greatest strength, teaching me to play not for approval, but for the sheer joy of the music itself.

D. For a decade, I had refused to touch the instrument, convincing myself that I had lost the talent I once possessed.

e. Slowly, muscle memory took over, and the first hesitant notes blossomed into a confident performance that filled the empty room.

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

Question 16:

A.  John: It's subtle but dangerous. The algorithm shows you more of what you already agree with, creating an "echo chamber."

B.  Sarah: That explains why people seem so polarized lately; they literally aren't seeing the other side of the argument.

C.  Sarah: Do you think the way social media feeds are curated is actually changing how we think?

D.  Sarah: So, essentially, we are being isolated in our own intellectual bubbles without even realizing it.

e. John: Exactly. It reinforces your existing biases while filtering out any opposing viewpoints that might challenge them.

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

Question 17:

A.  Coach: That's a massive blow to the team. So, he is definitely out for the rest of the season.

B.  Coach: That's a massive blow to the team. How bad does the injury look?

C.  Physio: It appears to be a torn ligament. He won't be running anytime soon.

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

Question 18:

Dear Mr. Thompson,

A. I have truly enjoyed my time here and am grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow within the design team.

B. However, I have recently received an offer that aligns more closely with my long-term career goals in sustainable architecture.

C. Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as Senior Architect.

D. My last day will be June 30th, which should allow ample time for me to hand over my current projects to my successor.

e. I wish the company nothing but continued success and hope we can stay in touch in the future.

Sincerely,
Robert Lang

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

Question 19:

A. This microscopic infiltration then moves up the food chain, as smaller fish are eaten by larger predators, eventually reaching our dinner plates.

B. However, a closer inspection reveals a far more sinister reality lurking beneath the pristine surface.

C. The water is choked not just with floating bottles, but with billions of tiny plastic particles created as larger debris breaks down over time.

D. Because these particles are so small, they are easily mistaken for plankton and ingested by marine life, causing internal damage.

e. At first glance, the deep blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean appears majestically clean and untouched by human hands.

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

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 20 to 29.

The concept of “enclothed cognition” postulates that the garments we select exert a profound and measurable influence on our mental processes. Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky substantiated this theory through empirical research by demonstrating that donning specific garments systematically modifies the wearer’s psychological state and cognitive focus. Subjects wearing a white lab coat in controlled trials displayed significantly enhanced attention to detail and reduced error rates compared to those in casual street clothes. [I] The garment functions not merely as a covering but as a symbolic carrier of specific attributes like conscientiousness and rigor, which the brain actively assimilates upon dressing.

Perceptible cognitive shifts occur through the simultaneous processing of symbolic meaning and sensory experience. A tailored suit or medical uniform conveys cultural associations of competence that the wearer internalizes immediately. [II] The haptic feedback from restrictive fabric or a structured fit provides a continuous somatic reminder of the body’s professional context. The brain integrates these continuous physical inputs and aligns its processing style with the perceived gravity of the ensemble. Thoughts are thus shaped by the physical conditions of the body as much as by neural activity, creating a feedback loop between the external attire and internal focus.

Unprecedented societal changes regarding remote employment have provided a massive case study for this phenomenon. Employees working from domestic settings in loungewear frequently report a discernible diminution in professional drive and mental acuity. The absence of a distinct “work uniform” obscures the mental demarcation between leisure and corporate labor, leading to a diffusion of attention. [III] Reverting to formal dress acts as a potent catalyst for focus even when operating from a kitchen table. Cladding the body in professional attire induces a necessary transition from a state of relaxation to one of alertness and productivity, effectively partitioning the day.

Sartorial selection, therefore, operates as a sophisticated mechanism for self-regulation. An outfit functions as an active agent in shaping immediate mental states. Strategic dressing allows an individual to facilitate desired psychological traits like confidence, authority, or ingenuity before a task commences. The act of dressing becomes a deliberate exercise in cognitive priming where the individual manipulates their own mindset through the external layer of cloth. [IV] Formidable challenges often appear more manageable when the body is encased in clothing that signifies capability and control. The wardrobe is effectively utilized as a resource of potential mindsets, ready to be deployed for specific endeavors.

(Adapted from ResearchGate)

Question 20: According to paragraph 1, the psychological changes proposed by the “enclothed cognition” theory are catalyzed by the wearer's internalization of ______.

A. the rigorous attention to detail required by complex scientific tasks
B. the intangible traits represented by the specific item of apparel
C. the marked contrast between formal uniforms and casual street clothing
D. the sensation of the garment serving as a protective covering

Question 21: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

A. The tactile sensation of stiff or tailored clothing supplies a constant physical cue regarding the wearer's actual work environment.

B. Tight, tailored clothing offers constant physical feedback, acting as a somatic cue to correct bodily posture for a professional setting.

C. By providing tactile sensations through stiff fabric, the attire serves as a constant physical reminder to maintain mental focus at work.

D. The professional context of the body necessitates the continuous somatic feedback provided by the tightness or cut of the clothing.

Question 22: How does the brain respond to the constant physical signals from clothing?

A. It absorbs symbolic qualities such as diligence directly from the clothing.

B. It matches its thinking style to the perceived seriousness of the outfit.

C. It forms a mental division between free time and professional duties.

D. It promotes feelings of authority and capability before starting an activity.

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

A. The shift to remote work implies that casual attire often blurs the mental boundary between leisure and labor, reducing acuity, whereas switching to formal wear re-establishes the psychological alertness required for productivity.

B. Remote employment reveals a dip in focus among workers in casual attire, leading experts to conclude that strict dress codes are essential for maintaining employee discipline and ensuring a mental separation from leisure.

C. The blurring of work and leisure boundaries due to loungewear has seemingly caused a measurable drop in corporate output, prompting many companies to consider mandating formal dress codes for employees operating from home.

D. The lack of a work uniform during remote employment causes a diffusion of attention, a problem that compels employees to return to the physical office environment to regain their lost sense of professional drive.

Question 24: The phrase this phenomenon in paragraph 3 refers to ______.

A. remote employment B. neural activity C. the feedback loop D. social stratification

Question 25: The word induces in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to ______.

A. triggers B. signals C. forces D. persuades

Question 26: What benefit does changing into formal attire offer to remote workers?

A. The simultaneous processing of cultural meanings and physical sensations.

B. A significant enhancement in attention to detail and lower error rates.

C. The creation of a clear boundary between periods of rest and productive labor.

D. A feedback loop between the external attire and the internal cognitive focus.

Question 27: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Strategic clothing choices effectively alter the wearer's subjective perception of a task's difficulty by artificially inducing a sense of competence.

B. The loss of focus among remote workers might result from the chaotic nature of domestic settings rather than the casualness of their attire.

C. The participants wearing white coats performed better because they possessed a scientific background that naturally affords greater attention to detail.

D. The brain prioritizes physical feedback from clothing texture over the symbolic meaning of the garment when adjusting cognitive processing styles.

Question 28: Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

Innate aptitude cannot account for such a pronounced disparity.

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

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

A. The theory of “enclothed cognition” argues that clothing directly influences mental function via symbolic and sensory channels, a notion reinforced by remote work findings that strategic outfit choices can actively regulate concentration.

B. The theory of “enclothed cognition” suggests that clothing has a bearing on mental conditions, though the reliance on external attire to regulate focus is regarded by some psychologists as a superficial solution to deeper attention deficits.

C. The concept of “enclothed cognition”, which originated from research on remote work productivity, demonstrates how the symbolic meaning of attire can improve cognitive performance by creating a feedback loop between body and mind.

D. “Enclothed cognition” reveals that clothing shapes mental processes through symbolic associations, a finding that is likely leading corporations to reintroduce stricter dress codes to maximize employee cognitive output and prevent the loss of focus.

Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 30 to 35.

How to Weather the Storm of Rising Prices?

In times of economic instability, the cost of living can spiral out of control, causing anxiety for households. (30) ______, panic is not the answer; strategic planning is. The biggest trap for consumers is the tendency to succumb (31) ______ the pressure of “keeping up with the Joneses,” leading to unnecessary debt. Here is how to stay afloat:

• Scrutinize your expenses. There is often (32) ______ justification for maintaining premium subscriptions that you rarely use.

• Focus on making (33) ______ that ensure future stability rather than quick wins.

• Be (34) ______ in recording every transaction to ensure no penny is unaccounted for.

• Finally, always set aside a portion of your income. Having an emergency fund is essential to save for a rainy (35) ______.

(Adapted from LinkedIn)

Question 30: A. Consequently B. Furthermore C. Otherwise D. Nevertheless

Question 31: A. with B. from C. at D. to

Question 32: A. much B. little C. a few D. every

Question 33: A. sound long-term investments B. long-term sound investments
C. investments sound long-term D. sound investments long-term

Question 34: A. negligent B. indigent C. diligent D. intelligent

Question 35: A. day B. season C. weather D. time

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.

The intersection of global travel and philanthropy has spawned “voluntourism,” a lucrative industry that commodifies the altruistic impulse. This phenomenon attracts waves of well-intentioned participants, (36) ______, creating a complex dynamic where the desire to help is inextricably linked to the consumption of an exotic experience. While the narrative promoted by travel agencies is one of mutual benefit, critics argue that the short-term nature of these engagements often prioritizes the donor's emotional gratification over the recipient's actual needs.

It is a harsh reality that the influx of untrained labor into vulnerable communities can yield counterproductive results. Even when volunteers are driven by the purest of motives, their lack of professional expertise means that their presence (37) ______, thereby stunting the growth of the very local economy they aim to support. This systemic disruption underscores why good intentions are insufficient without competency. (38) ______. Consequently, a shift is needed from performing charity to facilitating sustainable partnerships.

However, dismantling this industry is challenging given its economic scale. (39) ______. Without a rigorous reassessment of impact, the sector risks perpetuating a cycle of dependency rather than fostering autonomy. In a landscape where ethical engagement is paramount, superficial aid is inadequate. (40) ______, distinguishing responsible engagement from self-serving tourism in the pursuit of global equity.

(Adapted from The Medium)

Question 36:

A. some of them undertake the development of complex projects with little relevance to expert possessions

B. and the complexity of the projects they undertake possesses little relevance to their expert development

C. which possesses experts with little relevance to the complex development of the projects they undertake

D. most of whom possess little to no relevant expertise for the complex development projects they undertake

Question 37:

A. undermine the service of skilled workers by frequently marketing local displacement

B. frequent displacement in local markets serves to undermine the skills of workers

C. marketing the displacement of skilled labor frequently undermines the local service

D. frequently serves to undermine local labor markets by displacing skilled workers

Question 38:

A. Consequently, communities disturb this dynamic by internally developing reliance on external aid rather than relying on their own capacity.

B. A disturbing consequence of this dynamic is that communities become reliant on external aid rather than developing their own internal capacity.

C. The internal development of reliance on external aid is a disturbing consequence for communities rather than for this dynamic itself.

D. Reliant communities disturb the consequence of this dynamic by developing external aid rather than relying on their own internal capacity.

Question 39:

A. Regardless of how genuine the volunteers' altruistic motives might be, the structural impact of their engagement remains largely negative.

B. The genuineness of volunteers' altruism structures their engagement negatively, regardless of how large the impact of their motives remains.

C. The altruism of volunteers will engage the largely negative structure, irrespective of how genuine the impact of their motives might be.

D. Volunteering with genuine altruism has a largely negative impact on the structural motives of engagement, regardless of how it is.

Question 40:

A. The industry's prioritization of profit margins over ethical frameworks is truly beneficial to voluntourism host communities.

B. Beneficial host communities prioritize the industry's ethical frameworks over the true profitability of voluntourism.

C. Not until the industry prioritizes ethical frameworks over profit margins will voluntourism truly benefit host communities.

D. True beneficiaries in host communities are marginalized by an industry that prioritizes profit over ethical voluntourism.