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...

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.

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 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.