Read the following passage about the AI bubble 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 global AI race has accelerated rapidly, transforming the technological landscape and driving nations to the forefront of innovation. With the US and China locking horns over chip dominance, AI has become the new gold rush of the century. Companies like NVIDIA, Google, and ByteDance are investing huge amounts into data centers and cloud infrastructure. However, as investments increase, many worry that this rapid growth might eventually lose momentum, leading to an overheated and unsustainable boom.

The rivalry between the US and China has given birth to two distinct AI ecosystems. On one side stand Western corporations, rallying around chipmakers and advanced cloud technologies. On the other, China is bent on achieving technological self-sufficiency, pouring resources into homegrown innovation. Both blocs are doubling down on infrastructure, aiming to outpace one another. However, as they race ahead relentlessly, some analysts warn that these ambitions may set off a dangerous spiral of overinvestment, speculation, and geopolitical tension.

Despite the optimistic forecasts, the risk of an AI bubble bursting looms large. Valuations have skyrocketed dramatically, and investors are throwing money left, right, and center without fully grasping the long-term profitability of such ventures. As capital flows rapidly into a handful of tech giants like OpenAI and NVIDIA, smaller startups struggle desperately to keep afloat. If growth projections fail to materialize, markets could tumble almost overnight, leaving companies to pick up the pieces of inflated expectations and short-lived hype.

Still, tech leaders firmly refuse to throw in the towel. They argue that even if the bubble bursts, the investment will undoubtedly lay the groundwork for future breakthroughs. As Mark Zuckerberg put it, “overinvestment today means transformation tomorrow.” The challenge lies in striking a delicate balance - keeping innovation alive without losing touch with economic reality. If managed wisely, the current frenzy might not end in tears but could instead genuinely pave the way for a new era of sustainable AI advancement.

(Adapted from VTV)

Question 1: Which of the following is NOT listed in the passage as a firm pouring significant resources into cloud infrastructure?

A. Google B. Meta C. NVIDIA D. ByteDance

Question 2: The word inflated in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.
A. amplified B. extended C. exaggerated D. lessened

Question 3: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 1?

A. As tensions ease between the US and China over chip control, AI has risen to become this century’s major gold rush.

B. As the US and China clash for supremacy in chip technology, AI has emerged as the century’s latest gold rush.

C. While the US and China battle for leadership in the software sector, AI is turning into the modern-day gold rush.

D. Amid the US–China rivalry for chip power, AI has transformed into the century’s least sought-after gold rush.

Question 4: The word They in paragraph 4 refers to ______.
A. Tech leaders B. Future breakthroughs C. Smaller startups D. Western corporations

Question 5: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. The influx of considerable capital into corporate giants, notably OpenAI and NVIDIA, has resulted in the flourishing of smaller, nascent firms.
B. Zuckerberg asserted that the current excessive commitment of capital is already a guarantor of instantaneous economic gains.
C. There is a broad consensus among analysts that present aspirations carry negligible peril and are conducive to mitigating geopolitical friction.
D. Investors are heavily funding AI companies without clearly understanding whether these investments will be profitable in the long run.

Question 6: The phrase bent on in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by ______.
A. confused about B. tampered with C. determined to D. suited for

Question 7: Which paragraph highlights the idea that the present hype does not necessarily have to result in disappointment?
A. Paragraph 1 B. Paragraph 2 C. Paragraph 3 D. Paragraph 4

Question 8: Which paragraph mentions the emergence of two separate AI ecosystems due to international competition?

A. Paragraph 1 B. Paragraph 2 C. Paragraph 3 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 Development of The Electrocardiogram

The electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a medical device that records the electrical activity of the heart. It was first invented in the early 1900s by a Dutch physiologist (9) ______ Willem Einthoven. Before his invention, doctors had struggled to understand heart irregularities because there were no (10) ______ tools for measuring heart signals.

Einthoven’s early device was called the string galvanometer. It was large, required several operators, and (11) ______ an entire room. Einthoven had been studying the electrical patterns of the heart for several years when he began developing the machine. He noticed that each heartbeat produced a small electrical signal, and he believed that these signals could reveal (12) ______ information about heart conditions.

By 1905, Einthoven had succeeded in recording the first human ECG, (13) ______ marked a major breakthrough in cardiology. In the following decades, engineers and medical experts improved the technology, making the machines smaller, faster, and more accurate. Today, ECGs are used in hospitals and clinics around the world to diagnose a wide (14) ______ of heart problems, from arrhythmias to heart attacks.

(Adapted from ResearchGate)

Question 9:  A. named B. be named C. naming D. is naming

Question 10: A. inaccurately B. accuracy C. inaccurate D. accurate

Question 11: A. fitted in B. let down C. took up D. mixed with

Question 12:  A. palpable B. valuable C. bearable D. sizeable

Question 13: A. which B. whom C. where D. when

Question 14: A. deal B. abundance C. number D. range

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. The city constantly celebrates diversity through cultural festivals, community events, and public art that reflect its global identity.

B. As I explored different neighborhoods, I was amazed by the blend of traditions, from the scent of Indian spices in Little India to the elegant architecture in Chinatown.

C. This experience not only made my trip unforgettable but also deepened my understanding of how enriching it is to live in a culturally inclusive environment.

D. What struck me most was the mutual respect among residents, who embrace one another’s customs, beliefs, and ways of life without judgment.

e. Last summer, I had the chance to visit Toronto, a dynamic and multicultural city in Canada, where people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds coexist peacefully.

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

Question 16:

A. Carla: That makes sense, and it might also change how they view education, since they’ll expect learning to be personalized and instantly accessible.

B. Meryl: I think they’ll reshape communication habits first, relying even more on AI-driven tools instead of traditional face-to-face conversations.

C. Meryl: Exactly, and because they’re exposed to diverse perspectives online so early, they may become more open-minded and challenge outdated social expectations.

D. Carla: Yes, and ultimately, their comfort with rapid innovation could push society to adopt new norms faster than previous generations ever could.

e. Carla: I’ve been wondering how Generation Alpha will interact with today’s norms, especially since they’re growing up surrounded by advanced technology.

(Adapted from The Real IELTS)

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

Question 17:

Dear Sir or Madam,

A. As the number of people continues to rise, essential resources such as food, water, and housing are becoming increasingly strained.

B. By taking collective action, we can ensure a better quality of life for both present and future generations.

C. I believe governments should promote family planning programs and raise awareness about sustainable population management.

D. I am writing to express my concern about the rapid population growth in many parts of the world today.

e. This issue also puts pressure on healthcare systems, education, and job opportunities, especially in developing countries.

Sincerely,
Jim

(Adapted from Breaking News English)

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

Question 18:

A. With 38 member countries, its goal is to address global economic challenges and enhance international cooperation.

B. It plays a key role in establishing agreements and treaties to address various economic and environmental issues.

C. The organization actively participates in discussions and negotiations to resolve economic issues and implement effective policies.
d. The OECD, an international institution founded in 1961, is widely known for its efforts in promoting economic growth and cooperation among countries.
e. Through its diplomatic efforts, the OECD fosters multilateral cooperation and contributes to global economic stability.

(Adapted from BBC News)

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

Question 19:

A. Jack: I think with the right guidance and self-awareness, even those without natural emotional intelligence can cultivate it over time.

B. Olivia: True, but some argue that it's hard to teach someone to be emotionally intelligent if they don't already possess those traits.

C. Jack: Emotional intelligence is often overlooked, but it’s essential for leadership and creating harmonious work environments.

(Adapted from BBC)

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

Read the passage about Sunday Scaries 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 term "Sunday Scaries" has become a pervasive cultural shorthand for the low-grade, yet insistent, anxiety that descends upon individuals as the weekend winds down. This pre-emptive dread, often manifesting late Sunday afternoon or evening, is far from a trivial bout of melancholy; rather, it represents a profound cognitive dissonance between the leisure of the present and the perceived demands of the imminent work week. [I] While ostensibly about the transition back to work, the deeper malaise frequently stems from an existential apprehension regarding professional efficacy, unfulfilled commitments, or the sheer monotony of routine. It’s an involuntary, almost visceral response to the creeping realization that the temporary reprieve of the weekend is nearing its denouement.

[II] The pervasive expectation of omnipresence, fostered by instant communication technologies, means the professional sphere is never truly eclipsed by personal time. Consequently, the Sunday Scaries serve as a telltale indicator of underlying structural issues, such as burnout or a chronic lack of work-life integration. Individuals struggling with a heavy workload or micromanagement are particularly susceptible, as the Sunday transition merely highlights the insurmountable nature of the tasks ahead. For many, it's not the work itself that incites fear, but the encroachment of professional responsibilities on their personal autonomy.

Mitigating the debilitating effects of the Sunday Scaries requires a multifaceted, proactive approach that moves beyond simple distraction. A critical first step involves meticulous preparation, such as spending a brief, pre-designated period on Sunday evening to streamline the following day’s tasks. This act of pre-emption can significantly alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed. Furthermore, cultivating genuine mindfulness during the weekend is paramount; consciously eschewing the temptation to check work emails or ruminate over future deadlines helps to fortify the boundary between professional and personal life. The goal is to maximize the restorative quality of the time off, rendering the Monday morning transition less jarring. [III]

Ultimately, the persistent recurrence of the Sunday Scaries should prompt a deeper introspection into one's vocational alignment and well-being. If the anxiety remains intractable despite implementing coping strategies, it may signal a fundamental misalignment between an individual's core values and their current career path. While managing the symptoms offers temporary succor, addressing the root cause—be it an onerous job description, a toxic workplace culture, or an underlying psychological predisposition—is essential for achieving long-term equilibrium. [IV] The phenomenon, therefore, is not just a passing mood but a significant litmus test for personal and professional sustainability.

(Adapted from Vietcetera)

Question 20: Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?
"This phenomenon is often exacerbated by a modern, hyper-connected work culture that makes true detachment increasingly tenuous."

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

Question 21: The word jarring in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by ______.
A. soothing B. pleasant C. seamless D. abrupt

Question 22: According to paragraph 1, the "Sunday Scaries" ______.
A. is a nagging anxiety about work that usually lasts all Sunday
B. mostly affects people who generally dislike their jobs
C. signals a deep conflict between enjoying leisure and anticipating work
D. is unrelated to the demands of the approaching work week

Question 23: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?
A. Alleviating the Sunday Scaries necessitates a strategic combination of pre-planning and mindfulness to preserve the restorative benefits of the weekend.

B. The exclusive remedy for the "Sunday Scaries" lies in pre-emptive completion of all professional commitments, thereby circumventing undue stress.

C. The principal means of curtailing Sunday apprehension involves engaging in diversionary pastimes and consciously shelving thoughts about the approaching workweek.

D. The phenomenon known as the "Sunday Scaries" is dismissible, given its status as an inconsequential, yet unavoidable psychological irritant.

Question 24: What groups of people are especially affected by the anxiety of the Sunday transition?
A. Those burdened by excessive tasks or strict managerial oversight.
B. Those who dedicate Sundays entirely to leisure activities.
C. Those who have flexible schedules and minimal deadlines.
D. Those who are indifferent to their work responsibilities.

Question 25: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 1?

A. This is an unconscious, strongly embodied response to the gradual realization that the weekend's fleeting relief is completely irrelevant.

B. It represents an automatic, deeply instinctive reaction to the gradual awareness that the brief respite of the weekend is approaching its conclusion.

C. This involuntary, corporeal sensation arises from the creeping understanding that the weekend's brief joy has already ended.

D. It constitutes a reflexive, almost somatic reaction to the insidious recognition that the weekend's temporary sanctuary might be nearing its beginning.

Question 26: What might persistent anxiety indicate even after applying coping strategies?

A. The need to adopt additional temporary relief methods to manage stress.
B. The necessity of avoiding all career-related challenges to achieve balance.
C. A fundamental misalignment between personal values and professional trajectory.
D. That the individual should increase their productivity to overcome anxiety.

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

A. The sporadic consultation of professional correspondence during the weekend actually enhances personal attunement and erodes the demarcation between one's vocational responsibilities and antediluvian pursuits.
B. The primary cause of the malaise is the lack of leisure during weekends rather than any professional or existential concerns.

C. For most employees, the primary source of anxiety is the intrinsic difficulty or volume of work tasks, rather than any infringement on personal autonomy.

D. Merely alleviating superficial stressors without confronting the underlying sources of distress is unlikely to cultivate enduring psychological stability.

Question 28: The word it in paragraph 1 refers to ______.

A. cultural shorthand B. an existential apprehension
C. the pre-emptive dread D. a trivial bout of melancholy

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

A. Although technology causes work to be omnipresent, fueling the "Sunday Scaries," the resolution primarily requires a vocational reassessment to determine if there is a fundamental misalignment between personal values and the current career path.

B. The "Sunday Scaries" is pre-work anxiety that goes beyond workload, serving as an indicator of structural issues like burnout or poor work-life integration, necessitating both immediate coping strategies and deeper professional introspection.

C. The "Sunday Scaries" is a common cultural phenomenon caused by anxiety about returning to work, but it can be alleviated by planning on Sunday evening and practicing mindfulness throughout the weekend.

D. The "Sunday Scaries" most often affect workers burdened by excessive tasks or tight managerial control; consequently, they ought to focus on fully restoring themselves during the weekend to soften the shock of returning to work on Monday.

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 30 to 35.

The Promise & Challenges of Future Cities

From Connectivity to Sustainability

COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY

Modern cities are working to integrate advanced digital systems and branch (30) ______ through smart services that enhance daily life. While one city leads in data-sharing infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve services, another focuses on developing (31) ______ to cut emissions.

DEALING WITH COMPLEXITY

Innovation comes with complexity: smart systems generate vast amounts of data and demand extensive coordination among the government, private sectors, (32) ______ citizens. To manage this, authorities must take on both technical challenges and rising public (33) ______, ensuring that no group is left behind.

MODELS TO LEARN FROM

As innovation spreads, cities around the world are experimenting with different solutions. Some cities use solar panels; (34) ______ deploy AI to optimize energy flow and traffic systems. The other cities still face barriers such as weak infrastructure and policy delays. Nevertheless, several pilot projects have been set up to get the (35) ______ rolling on reducing waste and encouraging citizen feedback, offering useful insights for others.

(Adapted from ScienceDirect)

Question 30: A. out B. up C. across D. through

Question 31: A. transportation green networks B. green networks transportation
C. green transportation networks D. networks green transportation

Question 32: A. nor B. and C. when D. yet

Question 33: A. supports B. accounts C. attentions D. expectations

Question 34: A. every B. others C. another D. much

Question 35: A. mud B. bill C. ball D. air

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.

Polar tourism has surged in recent years, attracting visitors to the breathtaking Arctic and Antarctic landscapes. Surprisingly, this surge is accompanied by the responsibility for protecting fragile ecosystems, which heavily falls on the tourists, (36) ______. These remote regions offer unparalleled beauty and rare wildlife encounters but remain highly vulnerable to human impact; even the slightest disruptions, like environmental contamination or overexposure to human activity, (37) ______.

Witnessing the pristine icebergs and encountering rare wildlife, visitors’ ecological footprint impacts delicate natural processes, so they must remain conscious of their actions to minimize disruption. (38) ______. Many tour operators follow guidelines from organizations like the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) to promote sustainable practices. However, climate change accelerates ice melt, and increasing tourist activity adds stress to already fragile ecosystems.

(39) ______. Sustainable tourism initiatives, such as carbon offset programs and eco-friendly vessel technologies, can help mitigate damage. Tourists must also adhere to conservation guidelines and support responsible travel companies. (40) ______ as a rare privilege, simultaneously advancing comprehensive global environmental consciousness and safeguarding fragile ecosystems from exploitation.

(Adapted from ScienceDirect)

Question 36:
A. whose direct interaction with these environments necessitates careful conservation efforts
B. every one of whom engages with these habitats entails careful oversight and protection
C. among which careful conservation efforts are necessary due to their hands-on interactions
D. those with direct interaction with these environments must make careful conservation efforts

Question 37:
A. long-lasting effects on both biodiversity and ecosystem stability can arise from
B. to lead to sustained effects for both ecological diversity and ecosystem equilibrium
C. can result in enduring repercussions for both biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems
D. resulting in long-term impacts on both species variety and ecosystem balance

Question 38:
A. Strict regulations, which include visitor quotas and biosecurity measures, help to minimize environmental damage
B. Environmental harm helps stringent regulations, which include visitor quotas and biosecurity measures, be reduced
C. Visitor quotas and biosecurity measures aid in minimizing strict rules, which include environmental damage
D. Mitigate environmental damage through rigorous policies, which include visitor quotas and biosecurity measures

Question 39:

A. Cooperation among authorities, tour operators, yet environmental bodies necessitates the safeguarding of these regions

B. Preserving these regions requires collaboration between governments, tour operators, and environmental organizations

C. To safeguard these areas, it is required that governments, tour operators, and environmental organizations worked together

D. For preserving, the requirement for these areas is the collaboration of governments, tour operators, and environmental organizations

Question 40:
A. Polar tourism can only continue deliberation through mindful involvement
B. Only through deliberate, mindful participation can polar tourism persist
C. Only participation through conscious and careful can polar tourism continue
D. Through deliberate, mindful involvement, can polar tourism persist, only