GEN Z UNDER PRESSURE? TRY “STEADY MODE”

If people keep saying Gen Z “can’t handle pressure,” Steady Mode flips the script—with practice that fits real school life. You’ll learn how to pause, think, and respond when deadlines and comments hit at once.

We offer a weekly check-in call (1) __________ every team, so you’re not doing this alone. Each day includes a tiny challenge and one honest reflection, plus a (2) __________ toolkit for exam weeks and group projects.

Instead of forcing confidence, we teach you to (3) __________ your cool when your phone buzzes, your group chat explodes, and your brain starts racing. You’ll also break the (4) __________ cycle that turns one mistake into a whole-night spiral.

You’ll be focusing on (5) __________ early stress signals—and responding more (6) __________ in class, at home, and online.

Question 1: A. for        B. to         C. with        D. at

Question 2: A. build        B. building        C. built        D. to build

Question 3: A. make        B. keep        C. hold        D. stay

Question 4: A. panic late-night notification-fueled        B. late-night notification-fueled panic 

         C. notification late-night fueled panic         D. late-night fueled notification panic

Question 5: A. notice        B. to notice        C. noticing        D. noticed

Question 6: A. calm        B. calmly        C. calmer        D. calmness

AI SHOPPING CONCIERGE

Smart advice. Less stress. Better buys.

Too many tabs? Too many “almost-right” products? Our AI Shopping Concierge helps you choose faster and feel confident—whether you’re buying a phone, skincare, or a gift. It learns your priorities and budget, then offers a (7) __________ options—usually five to seven—so you can decide quickly.

What it can do for you

• Compare key features in simple language, so (8) __________ shoppers can understand the difference at a glance
• Save (9) __________ by filtering items by size, price, and delivery speed
• Help you (10) __________ your choices to a shortlist that truly fits your needs
• (11) __________ your concerns about fake reviews, it highlights verified ratings, seller history, and return policies

You’ll also see a short “Why this pick?” note (price, durability, warranty, delivery) under each suggestion, so you can check the trade-offs quickly.

Finish with a more (12) __________ shopping experience—clear reasons, honest comparisons, and full control.

Question 7: A. a handful of        B. an abundance of        C. a variety of        D. a quantity of

Question 8: A. others        B. another        C. other        . the other

Question 9: A. space        B. time        C. effort        D. money

Question 10: A. come up with        B. make up        C. set aside        D. narrow down

Question 11: A. In light of        B. In charge of        C. In place of        D. In case of

Question 12: A. persuasive        B. automated        C. predictive        D. transparent

Question 13:

a. Leo: He didn’t post for likes; he just wanted the village to get medicine before the roads closed.

b. Anna: I read that too. It made me rethink what “being brave” really means.

c. Leo: Did you see the story about the young delivery rider during the flood last week?

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

Question 14: 

a. Omar: That sounds risky. Real recruiters usually use company emails, so verify it on the official website before you share any documents.

b. Nina: It was sent through a social-media message, and the link asks for my ID scan and bank details.

c. Nina: I got a video “interview invite” for a marketing job, but the voice feels a little unnatural.

d. Omar: Where did it come from, and what are they asking you to do?

e. Nina: I’ll stop replying, report the account, and contact the company directly. Thanks for helping me think clearly.

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

Question 15:

Dear Linh,

a. She showed me a family snack, and we recorded her recipe as a short voice note for everyone.

b. Last month, my class paired me with Amina, an exchange student from Kenya, for our culture project.

c. Since then, our group chat has kept going, and we’re planning a monthly swap table to reuse books and clothes.

d. We also replaced disposable cups with borrowed mugs and added three bins for paper, plastic, and food scraps.

e. During Culture Day, the mix of stories and small eco choices made our hall feel warmer and cleaner.

Take care,

Best,

Emma

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

Question 16:

a. The change brings more jobs and better buses, yet it also raises rents and makes long-time families feel invisible in their own area.

b. As new apartments and shopping streets appear, older parks and small markets are often moved or reduced to make room.

c. If planners protect green corners, add safe walking routes, and support affordable housing, growth can feel like real progress instead of a loss.

d. In my neighbourhood, a quiet field became a high-rise complex, and the new residents now queue for coffee where kids once played football.

e. Urbanisation has made my city busier every year, and it has even changed the way we share public space after school.

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

Question 17: 

a. She took evening online courses, practised with volunteers on weekends, and even learned to use an AI camera-trap app that sorts photos so rangers can react faster.

b. One life story I admire is my aunt’s decision to leave a stable office job and work in wildlife conservation in a small reserve near our city.

c. Watching her keep learning, changing careers, and cooperating with different communities has taught me that a ‘good job’ is not only about salary, but about purpose and growth.

d. After a documentary about endangered pangolins, she realised her marketing skills could help raise funds, but she first had to learn basic fieldwork and data recording.

e. The work is tiring and sometimes dangerous, yet she says it feels meaningful when a rescued animal is released and when local farmers join the protection team.

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

Independence is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and self-determination. It refers to the ability to make decisions, take actions, and assume responsibility for one’s own life without relying excessively on others. (18) __________.

In terms of physical independence, it involves being self-sufficient and capable of meeting one's basic needs without relying on external assistance. This includes tasks such as managing finances, taking care of daily chores, and being able to provide for oneself. Physical independence, which empowers individuals to live on their own, (19) __________.

Emotional independence, on the other hand, relates to having a strong sense of self and being able to regulate one's emotions and well-being without depending on others for validation or support. Cultivating self-confidence and resilience, (20) __________. Emotional independence allows individuals to maintain healthy relationships, set boundaries, and assert their needs and desires.

While independence is highly valued, it is important to acknowledge that no one is entirely independent. We are social beings (21) __________. Interactions and collaborations with family, friends, and communities contribute to our growth and well-being. However, striking a balance between independence and interdependence is crucial. It allows individuals to maintain their autonomy and make decisions that align with their values, (22) __________.

[Adapted from physio-pedia.com/An_Overview_of_RehabiIitation_for_Nurses]

Question 18: 

A. This concept also includes the willingness to face challenges alone, which leads to better coping mechanisms and psychological maturity

B. Independence encompasses both physical and emotional autonomy, allowing individuals to navigate life on their own terms and pursue their goals and aspirations

C. Being independent is often understood as the freedom to seek financial stability, which is often difficult to achieve in modern, rapidly changing society

D. However, dependence on other people is frequently an unfortunate situation that should be avoided by all individuals seeking true happiness

Question 19: 

A. had enabled many people who live alone to manage their homes effectively and efficiently

B. is typically defined as the necessary ability to successfully perform physical and daily tasks alone

C. which is crucial for young people to gain the necessary confidence when they start working in new jobs

D. enables them to make personal choices and take control of their lives

Question 20: 

A. individuals develop the ability to make decisions based on personal values and beliefs

B. the children are learning how to successfully manage their negative emotions

C. thereby building a stable sense of contentment without seeking outside approval

D. it is the essential next step after achieving a solid foundation of physical self-sufficiency

Question 21:

A. whose main priority is to seek constant support from their families

B. living within close communities and helping one another handle challenges

C. that can manage complex tasks and make important decisions confidently

D. who thrive on connections and interdependence with others

Question 22: 

A. though it means they should completely eliminate all reliance on their family members for emotional help

B. while also fostering healthy relationships and recognizing the importance of mutual support

C. as they learn to fully depend on themselves without accepting any external assistance or advice

D. when they start working and begin to achieve a stable level of financial autonomy in a new environment

In the demanding rhythm of modern Vietnamese life, the shared evening meal persists as an essential stabilizing ritual. It is a deliberate pause, a collective turning away from the digital distractions and individualistic pursuits that permeate the rest of the day. For a few hours, the home becomes a protected space where the noise of the outside world fades, replaced by the simple sounds of conversation and clinking chopsticks. This daily ritual offers a consistent point of return, a predictable respite in often chaotic and unpredictable lives.

The dinner table itself acts as a forum for genuine family connection. Here, the ephemeral details of each member's day—a success at school, a challenge at the office—are shared and transformed into collective experience. It is often the only time and place for sustained, face – to – face dialogue, allowing for the subtle exchange of advice and the reinforcement of mutual support. Children, in turn, absorb the intricate nuances of social etiquette and familial respect not through instruction, but through quiet observation and participation in this recurring ceremony.

More than just a vehicle for communication, the meal is a living repository of family heritage. Certain dishes evoke memories of a particular holiday or a story about a grandparent, weaving a thread of continuity between past and present. The recipes themselves, often passed down through generations, are a tangible link to a family’s regional roots and history. Through the preparation and sharing of food, cultural identity is not just remembered; it is actively practiced and kept alive for the next generation to inherit.

The health of this small institution often mirrors the health of the family unit itself. A lively, communicative dinner table is frequently a sign of strong, resilient relationships. In an age where forces constantly pull individuals in separate directions, the simple, analog act of gathering to eat remains one of the most potent expressions of belonging. It stands as a quiet affirmation that despite all external pressures, the family remains the vital center of Vietnamese life.

[Adapted from vietnamnews.com]

Question 23: The word “permeate”in paragraph 1 can be best replaced by __________.

A. dominate          B. pervade           C. define          D. complicate

Question 24: Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 2 as a function of the dialogue that takes place at the family dinner table?

A. Sharing daily experiences        B. The exchange of advice

C. The practice of cultural identity        D. The reinforcement of mutual support

Question 25: The word “ephemeral”in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to __________.

A. enduring          B. immersive          C. personal          D. commonplace

Question 26: The word “it”in paragraph 3 refers to __________.

A. the preparation          B. the sharing of food        C. family’s history          D. cultural identity

Question 27: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. In a world that constantly pulls people apart, the simple act of gathering for a meal is one of the most effective ways to create a sense of belonging.

B. Despite the many forces that divide people in the modern age, maintaining culinary traditions remains a potent way to foster a sense of community.

C. One of the most influential solutions to the forces pulling people apart in the modern age is the simple, analog act of gathering together to eat.

D. The basic, non – digital act of sharing a meal together remains a powerful manifestation of communal connection in an age of constant, divisive distractions.

Question 28: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. The evening meal provides a respite from chaotic lives because certain dishes consistently evoke memories of past family holidays.

B. At the dinner table, the daily successes and challenges of family members are shared and transformed into a living family heritage.

C. The home becomes a private sanctuary during the meal, offering a predictable escape from the specific pressures of modern professional life.

D. The level of active conversation at the dinner table can correspond with the robustness and durability of the family’s connections.

Question 29: Which paragraph mentions a method of learning social rules without direct teaching?

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

Question 30: Which paragraph mentions food acting as a bridge to a family’s past?

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

The Rise of Greenwashing and Bluewashing in ESG Practices

In the race to appear responsible and future – oriented, many global corporations have embraced the language of sustainability and ethics. However, as ESG principles become mainstream, growing evidence suggests that some companies are using them more as a marketing shield than a meaningful transformation tool. Subtle forms of greenwashing and bluewashing now shadow corporate sustainability reports, undermining the credibility of even well – intentioned initiatives.

This issue has become increasingly visible within the renewable energy transition. While industries promise a cleaner future through solar, wind, and battery technologies, the social and environmental costs buried in their supply chains tell another story. Mining for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and mica — essential for electric vehicles and renewable infrastructure — often occurs under unsafe conditions, with weak labor protections and reported cases of child and forced labor. These realities expose a troubling contradiction: the pursuit of “clean” energy built upon unclean human practices.

At the same time, human rights and climate change have become inseparable. The United Nations’ declaration of a universal right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment reinforces this link. [I] Yet, despite public commitments, some corporations continue to prioritize profit and short – term growth over tangible social or environmental progress. [II] Their glossy reports emphasize future goals but omit current accountability, eroding public trust.

Regulators are beginning to respond. Financial authorities in several countries — including Australia — have initiated penalties and corrective disclosures against misleading ESG claims. [III] However, enforcement alone cannot restore confidence. Businesses must align their climate ambitions with transparent data, ethical supply chain management, and genuine community engagement.

Ultimately, both environmental and social integrity must stand at the core of the global energy transition. Without honest implementation, the gap between corporate statements and real – world impact will only widen. [IV] To build a truly sustainable future, companies must replace symbolic gestures with measurable actions that respect both the planet and the people who sustain it.

[Adapted from https://www.unsw.edu.au/ and https://www.forbes.com/]

Question 31: Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

These early actions mark a shift toward holding companies legally accountable for false sustainability promises.

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

Question 32: Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?

A. Some companies hide social and environmental costs in renewable energy supply chains.

B. Child and forced labor exist in the mining of critical minerals like lithium and cobalt.

C. Governments have already fully eliminated greenwashing in corporate reports.

D. Financial authorities in several countries have initiated penalties for misleading ESG claims.

Question 33: The phrase “tell another story” in paragraph 1 could best be replaced by __________.

A. paint a different picture        B. add more details        

C. polish up the report                D. gloss over the details

Question 34: In paragraph 2, the pronoun “their” refers to __________.

A. renewable energy industries        B. United Nations

C. global corporations in general        D. regulatory authorities

Question 35: The word "tangible" in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to __________.

A. real        B. obvious        C. abstract        D. clear

Question 36: Which of the following best summarizes the second paragraph of the passage?

A. The renewable energy sector successfully reduces its environmental impact by substituting fossil fuels with cleaner technologies like solar, wind, and new advanced batteries.

B. The mining of essential minerals for green technology is proving unsustainable due to the absence of clear regulations on social and environmental costs.

C. The transition to clean energy is fraught with irony because the production of its core components is based on socially irresponsible and dangerous human practices.

D. The current focus on lithium and cobalt mining has shifted the environmental damage from pollution to the widespread destruction of critical natural habitats globally.

Question 37: It is TRUE that the current response from regulators to greenwashing is characterized by which of the following actions?

A. They have managed to completely stop the creation of misleading ESG claims by companies through consistent enforcement and swift legal action.

B. Authorities in certain countries have started imposing fines and requesting public corrections from companies making false sustainability statements.

C. Financial authorities are restoring public confidence by relying solely on enforcement measures without requiring any further data transparency from corporations.

D. Regulators are primarily focusing on aligning corporate climate ambitions with community engagement rather than implementing immediate legal penalties.

Question 38: The statement “This issue has become increasingly visible within the renewable energy transition” can be best understood as:

A. The inherent complexities and difficulties associated with rapidly adopting renewable energy sources are becoming widely recognized globally.

B. The problems concerning deceptive sustainability claims are particularly apparent when examining companies shifting to clean energy.

C. There is a general trend that more investments are shifting toward transitioning into cleaner, more sustainable energy technologies worldwide.

D. The contradictions inherent in the energy transition demonstrate that achieving net – zero emissions is ultimately not a realistic goal.

Question 39: Which of the following can most likely be inferred from the passage?

A. The growing mainstream acceptance of ESG principles has unintentionally increased the incentive for corporations to engage in deceptive reporting tactics.

B. Regulators in countries outside of Australia have not yet initiated any legal penalties against corporations for making misleading ESG claims.

C. Companies that focus on ethical supply chain management are inherently more profitable than those prioritizing short – term financial gains.

D. The United Nations’ declaration of a universal right to a healthy environment is legally binding for all global corporations immediately.

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

A. Although regulators are starting to hold corporations accountable for misleading claims, the problem of greenwashing persists because companies are prioritizing profit over ethical sourcing of critical minerals.

B. The transition to renewable energy is failing due to the high social and environmental costs associated with mining lithium and cobalt, necessitating new global agreements.

C. The widespread adoption of ESG has paradoxically led to the rise of deceptive reporting practices, necessitating a fundamental shift from symbolic gestures to demonstrable social and environmental integrity in corporate actions.

D. The United Nations and global financial authorities must work together to create a singular, legally enforceable standard to rebuild public trust and ensure the success of climate ambitions.