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 1 to 6.

Dear Admissions Office,

I am writing to express my interest in the DPhil in Linguistics. Having reviewed the (1) ______ academic prospectus available on your website, I would like to request further clarification regarding the research proposal requirements.

Specifically, I noticed that (2) ______ applicant is required to submit a statement of purpose. Could you please confirm if there is a strict word limit for this document? (3) ______, I am interested in knowing whether the department permits the submission of additional materials (4) ______ the application.

Furthermore, I would be grateful for information regarding the availability of departmental scholarships for international students. I understand that competition is fierce; however, I hope my background in computational linguistics will (5) ______ some weight (6) ______ the selection process.

Question 1.         A. detailed current digital                         B. digital current detailed

C.  current detailed digital                         D. detailed digital current

Question 2.         A. each and every         B. most of                 C. a great deal of         D. all of

Question 3.         A. Additionally         B. Consequently         C. Notwithstanding         D. Conversely

Question 4.         A. with supporting        B. for supporting         C. of supporting         D. to support

Question 5.         A. carry                 B. hold                 C. exert                 D. fetch

Question 6.         A. during                 B. throughout                 C. besides                 D. beneath

Read the following announcement 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 7 to 12.

The Renaissance of Immersive Digital Art

The upcoming "Etheria" exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum is set to redefine the boundaries between the viewer and the masterpiece. This showcase, (7) ______ integrates cutting-edge VR technology with classical oil techniques, has already sparked intense debate among traditionalists. The curators, (8) ______ primary focus was to democratize high art, spent three years (9) ______ out the conceptual framework to ensure accessibility for younger generations. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by a (10) ______ wealth of sensory stimuli, ranging from spatial audio to haptic feedback. By (11) ______ the audience in a 360-degree narrative, the exhibition does not merely display art; it (12) ______ a dormant connection between historical context and modern perception. This event marks a pivotal moment in how global heritage is preserved and experienced in the 21st century.

(Adapted from https://www.bbc.com/culture)

Question 7.         A. who                 B. which                 C. whom                 D. where

Question 8.         A. curate                 B. curation                 C. curatorial                 D. curatorially

Question 9.         A. fleshing                 B. wiping                 C. weeding                 D. ironed

Question 10.         A. sheer                 B. mere                 C. slight                 D. narrow

Question 11.         A. immerse                 B. immersed                 C. to immerse                 D. immersing

Question 12.         A. evaporates                 B. rekindles                 C. stifles                 D. abolishes

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 13 to 17.

Question 13.        

A. Initially, vast stretches of underdeveloped farmland were converted into sprawling, high-density residential complexes.

B. Complementing this growth, a newly constructed highway bypassed the town center, facilitating seamless logistics for local enterprises.

C. Over the past decade, the suburban district of Greenfield has experienced unprecedented infrastructural transformations.

D. Ultimately, these multifaceted upgrades have reshaped the once-sleepy commuter town into a self-sustaining economic hub.

e. Following this influx of new inhabitants, retail zones emerged rapidly to cater to their growing needs.

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

Question 14.

Dear Mr. Johnson,

A. Beyond my academic achievements, my practical experience in organizing student-run campaigns has fostered essential leadership capabilities.

B. I am writing to apply for the prestigious Management Trainee Programme at your multinational corporation.

C. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to further discuss my qualifications.

D. Please review the attached curriculum vitae for a comprehensive overview of my academic and professional milestones.

e. As a recent business graduate, I am highly motivated by your corporate commitment to sustainable innovation.

Yours sincerely,

Alex Carter

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

Question 15.

A. Sarah: Hi! Yes, I am. I'm Sarah, nice to finally meet a fellow economics student.

B. Alex: It's an absolute pleasure, Sarah. I look forward to collaborating on future club projects.

C. Alex: Hello, I'm a freshman majoring in External Economics. Are you in the media club?

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

Question 16.

A. Sarah: I used buses previously, whereas now the subway is much faster daily.

B. Mark: Ultimately, both transit modes are valuable depending on our daily commuting priorities.

C. Mark: Do you prefer taking the bus or riding the subway to work?

D. Mark: True, it's quicker, yet buses offer scenic routes that are quite pleasant.

e. Sarah: Absolutely, observing the cityscape outside fosters a profound sense of local connection.

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

Question 17.

A. As a result, I knuckled down and meticulously researched market trends for revision.

B. That early setback ultimately taught me humility and sharpened my strategic planning skills.

C. I enthusiastically pitched an ambitious campaign, expecting to knock their socks off immediately.

D. Unfortunately, my proposal fell flat, lacking the essential data to back it up.

e. Starting as a marketing associate, I felt eager to dive into my duties.

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

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 18 to 22.

The transition toward sustainable fashion is forcing the global textile industry to confront its history of environmental negligence. As awareness grows, the market is flooded with new "eco-friendly" collections, (18) ________. While this green wave suggests progress, it simultaneously creates a chaotic landscape where the definition of sustainability is often blurred by marketing teams rather than scientific metrics.

Well-intentioned consumers attempting to navigate this labyrinth of certifications and material compositions (19) ________ rather than feeling empowered to make a difference. Without technical knowledge, it is nearly impossible for the average shopper to determine whether a "recycled polyester" shirt is truly better for the planet than a natural cotton one, given the complexities of microplastic shedding and water usage.

This confusion has contributed to a phenomenon known as the 'attitude-behavior gap. (20) ________. Despite expressing deep concern for the climate crisis in surveys, shoppers frequently revert to buying cheap, mass-produced items due to convenience and price sensitivity, perpetuating the very cycle they wish to break.

Financial accessibility remains the most significant hurdle. Truly ethical garments require fair wages and regenerative farming practices, inevitably driving up the retail price. (21) ________. Until systemic changes lower these costs or legislation mandates true pricing that includes environmental impact, sustainable fashion may remain a niche luxury rather than a global standard.

(22) ________, that regulatory bodies in Europe and America are finally stepping in to ban misleading eco-claims and enforce transparency. This legislative pressure might finally force the industry to move beyond rhetoric and towards verifiable, measurable change.

(Adapted from The Business of Fashion)

Question 18.        

A.  every one of them claims to offer a revolutionary solution to environmental degradation

B.  most of which claim to drastically minimize the environmental impact of production

C.  that are claiming to offer a revolutionary solution to environmental degradation

D.  all of them claiming to drastically minimize the environmental impact of production

Question 19.

A.  often find themselves overwhelmed by contradictory information and vague labels

B.  finding themselves overwhelmed by contradictory information and vague labels

C.  to find themselves overwhelmed by contradictory information and vague labels

D.  being found themselves overwhelmed by contradictory information and vague labels

Question 20.

A.  This is defined as the discrepancy between consumer ethical intentions and their actual purchasing actions

B.  By contrast, ethical intentions are always aligned with their actual purchasing actions

C.  Consumer ethical intentions, by contrast, are defined as the discrepancy in purchasing actions

D.  This is a definition of purchasing actions aligned with consumer ethical intentions

Question 21.

A.  The products cost more, which means they are better known and favored by typical purchasers

B.  It doesn't matter whether products cost more, it is typical of purchasers to buy them

C.  While this reflects fair labor costs, it unfortunately remains a barrier to mass adoption

D.  In the meantime, products costing more are known to be favored by the majority of buyers

Question 22.

A.  Such an urgent need for accountability proves that governments are enforcing regulations

B.  So urgent is the need for accountability that governments are finally enforcing stricter regulations

C.  Such need is so urgent that it proves governments are enforcing stricter regulations

D.  Though such need for accountability proves to be urgent for governments enforcing regulations

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 23 to 30.

In late November 2024, delegates from over 170 countries gathered in Busan, South Korea, for a historic United Nations conference on plastic pollution. UN members reached a pivotal consensus to establish the world's first legally binding global treaty addressing this environmental crisis. This agreement regulates the entire lifecycle of plastics – from production and consumption to disposal and remediation. The negotiations were marked by substantial divisions between nations prioritising production limits and those advocating primarily for enhanced recycling infrastructure and waste management solutions.

The treaty adopts a holistic framework recognising plastic pollution as a systemic crisis requiring intervention at multiple stages. By 2060, global plastic production is projected to reach approximately 1.1 billion tonnes annually – nearly triple current levels – threatening to overwhelm existing waste management capacities worldwide. Meanwhile, microplastic contamination continues infiltrating marine ecosystems, agricultural soil, and human bloodstreams. The agreement acknowledges that sustainable solutions must address both the surging demand for virgin plastics and widespread reliance on single-use products that exacerbate environmental degradation.

Developing nations emerged as crucial stakeholders, emphasising that industrialised countries bear historical responsibility for cumulative plastic pollution. Many lower-income states lack adequate infrastructure to process plastic waste effectively, yet frequently endure disproportionate environmental and health consequences from pollution originating beyond their borders. The final treaty incorporates mechanisms for financial assistance and technology transfer, enabling these countries to adopt sustainable alternatives and establish waste management systems without compromising economic development.

Despite this achievement, significant obstacles remain toward meaningful implementation. Petrochemical industry representatives and major plastic-producing nations successfully diluted several ambitious provisions, including mandatory caps on virgin plastic production and bans on harmful plastic items. Environmental groups have voiced concerns that without rigorous enforcement protocols and quantifiable targets, the treaty may function as symbolic rhetoric rather than genuine catalyst for change. Nevertheless, supporters maintain that creating this legal framework constitutes essential progress, establishing momentum for increasingly stringent future requirements.

(Adapted from https://www.theguardian.com)

Question 23. Which paragraph mentions resistance from commercial and industrial sectors?

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

Question 24. The word pivotal in paragraph 1 can be best replaced by ______.

A.  controversial                B. crucial                C. preliminary                        D. gradual

Question 25. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 2 as a consequence of plastic production growth?

A.  overwhelming of existing global waste management infrastructure and processing capacities

B.  continued infiltration of microplastic particles into various marine ecosystem environments

C.  complete elimination of all single-use plastic products from international consumer markets

D.  contamination of agricultural soil systems and human circulatory systems by microplastics

Question 26. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

A.  Plastic production is expected to triple by 2060, potentially exceeding the capacity of current waste management systems to handle it effectively.

B.  Current waste management infrastructure is already adequate to process the projected increases in global plastic production through 2060.

C.  By 2060, improved recycling technologies will successfully manage triple the current levels of plastic production without environmental concerns.

D.  Global plastic manufacturing will decrease to manageable levels by 2060 due to international regulations and consumer behavior changes.

Question 27. The word exacerbate in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.

A.  worsen                        B. alleviate                C. intensify                        D. aggravate

Question 28. Which paragraph mentions support mechanisms for economically disadvantaged countries?

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

Question 29. Which of the following is TRUE according to paragraph 4?

A.  Petrochemical industry representatives completely withdrew from all treaty negotiation proceedings and refused participation.

B.  Environmental advocacy organizations expressed full satisfaction with the treaty's enforcement mechanisms and reduction targets.

C.  Major plastic-producing nations successfully weakened several ambitious proposals including mandatory production caps.

D.  The treaty established immediate comprehensive bans on all types of plastic products regardless of environmental impact.

Question 30. The word their in paragraph 3 refers to ______.

A.  industrialised countries                                B. developing nations

C.  lower-income states                                D. environmental consequences

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 31 to 40.

The academic landscape of 2026 is poised to witness a seismic shift as the "Golden Rat" cohort, born in 2008, confronts the National High School Graduation Examination. [I] This pivotal event marks the inaugural assessment under the 2018 General Education Program, signalling a definitive departure from the antiquated rote-learning methodologies of the past. No longer will regurgitating textbook definitions suffice; instead, candidates must demonstrate a profound command of competency-based application. This transition has precipitated a palpable sense of apprehension among students and educators alike, who are navigating uncharted pedagogical waters.

The structural overhaul of the examination is perhaps the most daunting aspect of this educational reform. The tests are meticulously designed to evaluate critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than mere memory retention. [II] Questions now demand that examinees analyze data, interpret complex texts, and apply theoretical knowledge to pragmatic real-world scenarios. This radical departure aims to align national standards with international benchmarks, ensuring that graduates possess the requisite soft skills for a volatile global economy. Consequently, the classroom dynamic is being forced to evolve from passive listening to active inquiry.

Despite the noble intentions behind the reform, the immediate reality is one of turbulence and uncertainty for the pioneers of this new system. Many students feel they are serving as experimental subjects, burdened by a scarcity of reference materials and standardized practice tests. Teachers, too, are grappling with the imperative to recalibrate their instructional strategies overnight. The abrupt transition from a content-heavy curriculum to a capacity-building model has left many stakeholders feeling ill-equipped to handle the rigorous demands of the upcoming assessment. [III] This anxiety is compounded by the high stakes associated with university admissions, where a single misstep could alter a career trajectory.

However, educational experts contend that these teething troubles are a necessary price for modernization. By prioritizing the ability to process information over the accumulation of static facts, the system fosters a more resilient and adaptable workforce. [IV] While the initial shock is unavoidable, it serves as a catalyst for a long-overdue metamorphosis in the nation's educational philosophy. Ultimately, the success of the 2008 generation will be measured not just by scores, but by their agility in navigating a complex, knowledge-driven future.

(Adapted from Vietnam News)

Question 31. According to paragraph 1, the 2026 examination differs from previous ones because it ______.

A.  requires students to memorize definitions from textbooks accurately

B.  focuses on assessing competency rather than rote memorization

C.  allows educators to continue using traditional teaching methodologies

D.  serves as a final review of the 2006 General Education Program

Question 32. The word radical in paragraph 2 mostly means ______.

A.  slightly effective                                        B. culturally sensitive                

C.  fundamentally extreme                                D. barely noticeable

Question 33. Which of the following best summarises paragraph 2?

A.  The new exam structure emphasizes critical thinking and real-world application to meet global standards.

B.  Students are required to listen passively in class to prepare for the volatile global economy.

C.  The reform aims to simplify the testing process by removing complex data analysis questions.

D.  International benchmarks are being lowered to accommodate the students' lack of soft skills.

Question 34. What is the main source of anxiety for students mentioned in paragraph 3?

A.  The excessive number of standardized practice tests available

B.  A lack of reference materials and feeling like experiments

C.  The refusal of teachers to change their instructional strategies

D.  The low stakes associated with university admission results

Question 35. What is the ultimate goal of the reform mentioned in the passage?

A.  Creating a resilient workforce                        B. Increasing static facts

C.  Reducing exam pressure                                D. Eliminating soft skills

Question 36. The phrase it in paragraph 4 refers to ______.

A.  shock                        B. catalyst                C. metamorphosis                D. philosophy

Question 37. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

A.  The shift to a skills-based model has been so slow that stakeholders have had too much time to prepare for the rigorous new assessment requirements.

B.  Many people involved feel unprepared for the tough new exam because the switch from a knowledge-based to a competency-based curriculum happened too suddenly.

C.  Because the curriculum remains content-heavy, stakeholders feel well-equipped to handle the upcoming assessment despite the rigorous demands placed upon them.

D.  The transition to a capacity-building model was rejected by stakeholders, who prefer the rigorous demands of the traditional content-heavy curriculum.

Question 38. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A.  The 2008 cohort is expected to perform better than previous generations due to the availability of abundant resources.

B.  The educational reform is likely to result in a generation that is less capable of handling real-world problems.

C.  Teachers play a minor role in the success of the new educational program compared to the students themselves.

D.  The shift towards competency assessment reflects a broader necessity to adapt to a changing global economic landscape.

Question 39. Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

New formats, such as true-false questions and short-answer items, have been introduced to minimize lucky guessing.

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

Question 40. Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A.  The 2008 generation is facing a minor adjustment in their exam structure which has been welcomed by all educators.

B.  The 2026 exam reform represents a major shift towards competency, causing short-term anxiety but promising long-term workforce adaptability.

C.  Educational experts believe that the new exam structure is too difficult and should be reverted to the old rote-learning method.

D.  The primary focus of the 2026 exam is to test the students' ability to memorize facts and figures for university admission.