Read the following passage about How Phone Power Affects User Behavior 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 5.

        A recent study about low-battery anxiety shows interesting results about smartphone users' behavior. The questionnaire (1) ____________, collecting over 2,000 responses from Chinese users and some international participants. The research found that 92% of people experience stress when their phone battery is low. About 6% of users suffer from severe anxiety about their battery life. Most users, (2) ____________, start feeling worried when the power drops below 30%. The study used special methods to measure how anxious people feel at different battery levels.

        (3) ____________. These women usually use iPhones and work in companies. In contrast, male freelancers over 35 with Huawei phones show the least anxiety. People with severe anxiety charge their phones more often; additionally, they always carry portable batteries with them. The study also found that 80% of users have used backup power when their battery was dying. (4) ____________, although they report feeling anxious about it.

        The findings in this work not only reflect the states on how modern people are suffering from the low-battery anxiety but also provide useful instructions and references in several relevant fields. (5) ____________. Operating system designers can use this information to create better battery-saving features that reduce user stress and improve their experience.

(Adapted from huangqy7.github.io)

Question 1.

A. having been shared among university students at major cities

B. which was widely shared across multiple online platforms

C. was distributed through WeChat from July to October 2019

D. that gathered extensive data between spring and autumn periods

Question 2.

A. are checking their battery percentage throughout the day

B. who checked their battery percentage throughout the day

C. who regularly check their battery percentage throughout the day

D. check their battery percentage only once a day

Question 3.

A. What researchers discovered is that women aged 25–35 may show the lowest anxiety levels

B. What researchers discovered is that women aged 25–35 show the highest anxiety levels

C. What researchers discovered is that women aged 25–35 show the lowest anxiety levels

D. What researchers discovered is that women aged 25–35 used to show the highest anxiety levels

Question 4.

A. Interestingly, some users claim they reduce screen time when their battery is running low

B. Surprisingly, frequent users tend to avoid media consumption as battery levels decline

C. Interestingly, college students continue watching videos even with a low battery

D. Surprisingly, office workers frequently check emails early in the morning routine

Question 5.

A. Such insights may help technology companies better understand how users react to declining battery levels.

B. In contrast, some users claim that low-battery warnings rarely influence their daily smartphone habits.

C. Meanwhile, advances in display technology have dramatically improved smartphone performance.

D. As a result, many smartphone companies are investing heavily in hardware innovation.

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions 6 to 10.

Question 6.

A.  Paul: Yes, I admire his determination. Who else do you find inspiring?

B.  Paul: Absolutely, she's a true role model. Do you think her story has influenced more young people to stand up for their beliefs?

C.  Steven: Have you heard Elon Musk's story? He faced so many challenges to make an impact.

D.  Steven: Malala Yousafzai. Her courage in fighting for girls' education is incredible.

e. Steven: Definitely. I think her story empowers people to make a difference no matter how tough the circumstances.

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

Question 7.

A.  Nam: Yes, Mai and I did. The fair was great, and we got a lot of useful information.

B.  Ms Hoa: I'm glad to hear that.

C.  Ms Hoa: Good morning, class. There was an education fair last weekend. Did anyone go?

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

Question 8.

A. Despite the rapid development, Oakridge still faces a shortage of affordable housing, with many residents commuting over 40 miles to find suitable accommodations.

B. Once characterized by open green spaces and family-owned businesses, the Oakridge area has seen a surge in high-rise condominiums and commercial complexes, reflecting a trend toward urbanization.

C. The urban shift has also spurred new investment opportunities, from luxury apartments to retail outlets, revitalizing the local economy and making Oakridge increasingly attractive to potential investors.

D. Over the last five years, Oakridge has undergone remarkable changes, transforming from a quiet town into a bustling real estate hotspot.

e. This has resulted in a 30% increase in property values, creating challenges for long-term residents who struggle to keep up with rising rents and property taxes.

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

Question 9.

A. It emphasizes that individuals should not be discriminated against or disadvantaged based on their gender identity.

B. When everyone, regardless of their gender, is given the opportunity to reach their full potential, it leads to stronger economies, healthier communities, and a fairer, more inclusive society.

C. Achieving gender equality involves breaking down traditional stereotypes and biases, promoting equal access to education, healthcare, and employment.

D. This also ensures that women and men have an equal voice in decision-making processes.

e. Gender equality is a fundamental principle that advocates for equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for all, regardless of gender.

f. Gender equality is not only a matter of social justice but also has significant economic and societal benefits.

A. e – a – c – d – f – b
B. e – d – a – b – f – c

C. f – d – a – b – e – c
D. c – f – a – d – e – b

Question 10.

Dear Customer,

A. We are pleased to attach a copy of our Proposed Letter of Offer along with our standard terms and conditions.

B. Once the mortgage has been legally completed, we will send you a repayment schedule telling you the details of the monthly installments.

C. Thank you for your interest in using the mortgage service.

D. Should you have questions concerning this arrangement, please do not hesitate to contact us on 444 6666.

e. We would be grateful if you would submit a copy of your identity card as soon as possible so that we can process your application.

Yours sincerely,

Mortgage Loan Manager

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

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

Read the following article 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 11 to 16.

Ripe for luck at Thanh Hoa Tomato Festival

        Revellers were ripe for good fortune as the annual Tomato Festival in Thanh Hoa Province drew a huge number of people hoping (11) ____________ their way to a lucky and prosperous new year.

        The distinctive event was held on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year on February 22 at Chuong Market in Dong Son Ward. The Vietnamese version of La Tomatina is said to be the only food fight in Vietnam where people try to throw and be thrown at as many times as possible as a way to (12) ____________ good luck and ward off bad luck at the beginning of the year.

        According to local folklore, the more tomatoes thrown (13) ____________ someone, the more luck and good fortune they will have during the year. At the festival, tomatoes were mashed before being thrown, turning participants' clothes, hair and faces red – a colour (14) ____________ a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and happiness in Asian, particularly Vietnamese culture.

        The festive spirit grew more vibrant as midday approached. People of all ages, from adults to children, eagerly took part in the celebration. Instead of feeling (15) ____________ at being pelted, everyone delighted in being covered in red.

        Local authorities are currently preparing an application to seek recognition of Chuong Market as a/an (16) ____________, while also developing the festival as a typical tourism product linked to community experiences in Thanh Hoa.

(Adapted from Vietnamnews.vn)

Question 11.
A. splash
B. to splash
C. splashed
D. splashing

Question 12.
A. make
B. put
C. take
D. bring

Question 13.
A. off
B. by
C. in
D. at

Question 14.
A. considering
B. has considered
C. considers
D. considered

Question 15.
A. irritatingly
B. irritating
C. irritated
D. irritate

Question 16.
A. cultural intangible heritage
B. heritage cultural intangible

C. heritage intangible cultural
D. intangible cultural heritage

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 17 to 26.

        The alarming surge in human trafficking from Vietnam to Cambodia has emerged as one of Southeast Asia's most pressing humanitarian crises, with thousands of victims ensnared in sophisticated criminal networks operating cyber-scam compounds. [I] These operations, disguised as legitimate employment opportunities promising lucrative salaries in customer service or technology sectors, systematically exploit economic vulnerabilities prevalent throughout Vietnam's rural provinces. Victims, predominantly young adults seeking upward mobility, discover upon arrival that they've been sold into forced labor, compelled to execute online fraud schemes targeting international victims while enduring brutal conditions and severe physical punishment for resistance or underperformance.

        [II] The trafficking pipeline operates with disturbing efficiency through coordinated recruitment networks spanning Vietnam's poorest regions. Agents offering overseas employment circulate through villages, presenting fabricated contracts guaranteeing monthly salaries exceeding $1,000—figures representing transformative income for families subsisting on agricultural wages. Sophisticated deception extends beyond initial recruitment; victims receive detailed orientation materials, fraudulent company documentation, and testimonials from supposed employees. Only upon crossing borders, frequently through irregular channels avoiding official checkpoints, do victims comprehend the authentic nature of their situation when passports are confiscated and escape becomes impossible.

        The scam compounds themselves, concentrated near Cambodia's borders with Thailand and Vietnam, function as modern slavery operations concealed behind legitimate business facades. [III] Victims endure eighteen-hour workdays executing romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and investment schemes targeting predominantly Western victims through meticulously crafted online personas. Failure to meet daily quotas—often requiring extraction of thousands of dollars from marks—results in physical beatings, food deprivation, electric shock torture, and threats against families remaining in Vietnam. Survivors' testimonies document horrifying conditions including sexual assault, forced drug consumption to maintain productivity, and witnessed murders of those attempting escape or becoming commercially unviable through injury or psychological breakdown.

        Vietnamese and Cambodian authorities face extraordinary challenges combating these transnational criminal enterprises. [IV] Despite bilateral cooperation agreements and increased border surveillance, traffickers continuously adapt methodologies, exploiting corruption within law enforcement agencies and capitalizing on jurisdictional complexities inherent in cross-border crimes. Diplomatic tensions periodically surface when rescue operations encounter resistance from Cambodian officials allegedly complicit with trafficking networks or protective of foreign investment relationships with companies operating these compounds. International organizations estimate that tens of thousands remain trapped, with rescue efforts recovering merely a fraction while trafficking continues unabated, sustained by poverty's endless supply of vulnerable recruits and cyber-scam industries' exponentially growing profitability.

(Adapted from BBC News)

Question 17. Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

"Yet the scale of exploitation within these facilities surpasses typical forced labor conditions."

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

Question 18. The word "ensnared" in paragraph 1 mostly means ____________.

A. deliberately trapped
B. accidentally discovered

C. voluntarily recruited
D. legally employed

Question 19. The phrase "these operations" in paragraph 1 refers to ____________.

A. humanitarian crises
B. cyber-scam compounds

C. employment opportunities
D. criminal networks

Question 20. According to paragraph 1, what initial deception do trafficking networks employ to recruit victims?

A. They present opportunities as well-compensated legitimate employment in service or tech industries.

B. They target exclusively urban professionals seeking international career advancement opportunities.

C. They explicitly inform candidates about challenging working conditions in customer service roles.

D. They advertise positions requiring advanced technological expertise and professional qualifications.

Question 21. Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 2?

A. Trafficking recruiters exploit economic desperation through systematic deception involving fabricated employment contracts and fraudulent documentation.

B. Recruitment agents provide authentic orientation materials and company documentation ensuring transparency throughout the hiring process.

C. Vietnamese villages experience regular visits from overseas employment agencies offering legitimate positions with competitive monthly compensation packages.

D. Border crossing procedures require official documentation and checkpoint verification preventing irregular migration and trafficking attempts.

Question 22. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

A. Victims become aware of the real circumstances of their employment after arriving overseas and discovering that they are not permitted to leave freely.

B. Victims usually realize the reality of their exploitation only after entering another country illegally, when their documents are taken and their freedom is removed.

C. After traveling abroad through unofficial routes, victims finally understand they have been deceived when their passports are seized.

D. It is typically only after crossing borders through unauthorized routes that victims grasp their true predicament, once their passports are taken and escape is effectively prevented.

Question 23. The word "unabated" in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. persistent
B. inevitable
C. diminished
D. intensified

Question 24. Which of the following is NOT TRUE according to the passage?

A. Authorities face difficulties addressing trafficking due to cross-border legal complexities.

B. Many victims are recruited through promises of well-paid jobs abroad.

C. Most victims can freely leave the compounds if they fail to meet work quotas.

D. Victims are often forced to carry out online fraud schemes in scam compounds.

Question 25. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Trafficking networks struggle to recruit new victims due to increased public awareness and improved economic conditions.

B. The profitability of cyber-scam operations and persistent poverty ensure continued trafficking despite rescue efforts.

C. Cambodian authorities consistently cooperate fully with international rescue operations without bureaucratic obstacles or corruption.

D. Current rescue operations have successfully freed the majority of victims trapped in Cambodian scam compounds.

Question 26. Which of the following best summarizes the passage?

A. International organizations effectively combat Southeast Asian human trafficking through bilateral agreements and coordinated law enforcement operations.

B. Economic opportunities in Cambodia attract Vietnamese workers who occasionally encounter challenging employment conditions in customer service industries.

C. Sophisticated trafficking networks exploit Vietnamese economic vulnerability, trapping thousands in Cambodian cyber-scam slavery despite limited rescue efforts.

D. Vietnamese authorities successfully collaborate with Cambodian officials to rescue trafficking victims and prosecute criminal networks operating scam compounds.

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 27 to 32.

Life Stories That Inspire Generations

        (27) ____________ life stories stand out because they show how individuals transform personal struggles into universal lessons. Every biography we read offers another window into resilience and creativity.

Much of this influence comes from figures who dared to challenge (28) ____________ or push scientific boundaries. Their legacy proves that real progress is never free of obstacles.

        To keep their memory alive, societies must (29) ____________ their achievements, learning not only from success but also from mistakes. When we explore a diversity of narratives, we understand how different experiences still connect through common values.

        (30) ____________ their perseverance, admired leaders encourage us to rethink what it means to live with purpose. Their (31) ____________ demonstrates that courage is contagious.

        Concepts like leadership, sacrifice, and hope are not just abstract nouns; they form the vocabulary of human greatness. Related adjectives—inspiring, determined, fearless—remind us of qualities worth cultivating.

        Let's honor these role models and make sure we do not ignore these lessons, but instead take (32) ____________ step in continuing their mission with integrity.

Question 27.
A. Much
B. Each
C. Every
D. Some

Question 28.
A. success
B. comfort
C. effort
D. injustice

Question 29. 

A. get away from
B. look back on
C. put up with
D. fall out with

Question 30. 

A. With respect to
B. Apart from
C. By virtue of
D. According to

Question 31.
A. discipline
B. determination
C. intelligence
D. strength

Question 32.
A. others
B. the other
C. another
D. other

Read the following passage about The Return of Traditional Christmas Magic and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions 33 to 40.

        Christmas 2025 marks a significant transformation in holiday decoration preferences. After years of simple, neutral-toned interiors dominating festive seasons, homeowners are embracing a warmer, more elaborate approach. This dramatic change represents a departure from minimalist trends that previously characterized modern celebrations. The current movement celebrates abundance, memories, and traditional elements that evoke childhood wonder. Interior designers report unprecedented demand for classic ornaments and rich color palettes throughout residential spaces.

        The new aesthetic draws inspiration from beloved holiday films and vintage photographs. Red velvet ribbons, emerald garlands, and golden ornaments have replaced subtle decorations. Families are displaying collections of nutcrackers, hanging multiple stockings, and wrapping staircases with illuminated greenery. These choices reflect desires for comfort and familiarity during uncertain times. The style combines luxury elements with accessible touches, allowing everyone to participate regardless of budget constraints.

        Social platforms have accelerated this decorative revolution through viral content and influencer endorsements. The "Ralph Lauren Christmas" phenomenon emerged organically, capturing imaginations without corporate marketing campaigns. Young adults particularly connect with 1990s holiday imagery, seeking authentic experiences that their childhoods promised. Digital communities share styling tips, vintage finds, and creative arrangements that inspire widespread adoption. This grassroots movement demonstrates how collective nostalgia shapes contemporary consumer behavior.

        Retailers have responded enthusiastically to shifting customer preferences, stocking shelves with traditional merchandise. Sales figures indicate strong performance for classic decorations, while minimalist items remain unsold. Major corporations have adjusted advertising strategies, featuring cozy scenes rather than modern aesthetics. This commercial success confirms that consumers genuinely crave meaningful connections through familiar symbols. The trend suggests people prioritize emotional satisfaction over trendy sophistication when creating holiday atmospheres.

(Adapted from theguardian.com)

Question 33. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as something that has replaced subtle decorations in the passage?

A. golden ornaments
B. emerald garlands

C. silver tinsel
D. red velvet ribbons

Question 34. The word “evoke” in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. trigger
B. inspire
C. remind
D. suppress

Question 35. The word “comfort” in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by ____________.

A. safety
B. excitement
C. ease
D. curiosity

Question 36. The word “their” in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.

A. corporations'
B. influencers'
C. young adults'
D. digital communities'

Question 37. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Classic ornaments are sold steadily, simple designs attract most buyers.

B. Traditional items are sold steadily well, while simple ones dominate the market.

C. Vintage products are sold poorly, while modern items are sold very well.

D. Classic decorations are sold very well, while minimalist ones are not sold at all.

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

A. Minimalist items are sold well alongside traditional decorations.

B. Interior designers report declining demand for classic ornaments.

C. Corporate campaigns created the Ralph Lauren Christmas trend.

D. Young adults connect strongly with 1990s holiday imagery.

Question 39. In which paragraph does the writer mention what particularly appeals to young adults?

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

Question 40. In which paragraph does the writer suggest something about consumer priorities?

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