Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following question...

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Natural Disaster Trends and Weather Outlook for Late 2025

        From now until the end of 2025, it is forecasted that there will be about 4 to 5 storms and tropical depressions active in the East Sea. In addition, cold air tends to increase in intensity and frequency, and heavy rains are likely to appear in the Central region.

        At a press briefing on October 6, Deputy Director of the Department of Hydrometeorology Hoang Duc Cuong reported that the ENSO pattern is expected to remain neutral and slightly tilted toward a cold phase through the end of 2025, though not yet entering a full La Niña cycle. With this trend, the number of storms and tropical depressions forming in the East Sea from October to December 2025 may exceed the long-term average. Despite rumors on social media, no official data has confirmed the appearance of storm No. 12, and the storm named Ha Long circulating online did not enter the East Sea.

        Cold air activity is forecast to increase from October onward. Severe cold spells in northern Vietnam are likely to appear from mid-December, consistent with many-year averages. Heavy rainfall is expected in the Central region, especially from Ha Tinh to Hue and the eastern provinces between Quang Ngai and Khanh Hoa. River flood peaks from Quang Tri to Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong may reach alert levels 2–3, with a possibility of late-season flooding overlapping with reservoir operations.

        According to Mr. Cuong, natural disasters during the first nine months of 2025 have been unusually intense and unpredictable. Fourteen storms and tropical depressions appeared in the East Sea—far above average. Several storms brought record-breaking rainfall, widespread flooding, landslides, and dangerous winds. Super typhoon RAGASA, the strongest storm ever recorded in the East Sea, reached wind level 17 before weakening. Storm No. 10 also showed abnormal behavior, including unusually fast movement and prolonged landfall effects across many provinces. Additionally, widespread and even unseasonal heavy rains have caused flash floods and serious inundation from the North to the Central region, highlighting the increasing severity of natural hazards.

(Adapted from: https://www.vietnam.vn/en)

Question 23. The word “circulating” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ____________.

        A. collecting                B. spreading                        C. predicting                        D. blocking

Question 24. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 2 as part of the late-2025 weather outlook?

        A. Increased storm activity                                B. Neutral ENSO conditions

        C. Confirmation of storm No. 12                        D. Social-media rumors about storm Ha Long

Question 25. The word “this trend” in paragraph 2 refers to ____________.

        A. the movement of storm Ha Long                        B. the neutral ENSO pattern

        C. the arrival of cold air                                D. the increase in reservoir operations

Question 26. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

A. Northern Vietnam may not have severe cold until late spring, which matches long-term climate patterns.

B. Harsh cold conditions are forecast to begin in northern Vietnam from mid-December, reflecting average patterns seen over many years.

C. Northern Vietnam will probably experience intense weather pattern starting in mid-December, in line with typical multi-year trends.

D. The North is likely to face severe cold when the new year arrives, consistent with established long-term climate norms.

Question 27. The word “unseasonal” in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

        A. unusual                B. irregular                        C. timely                        D. extreme

Question 28. According to paragraph 4, which is TRUE about super typhoon RAGASA?

A. It was weakened before entering the East Sea.

B. It was assessed as stronger than previous super typhoons.

C. It caused the heaviest rainfall of the year in Hanoi.

D. It did not pose any significant risk.

Question 29. Which paragraph mentions the risk of late-season flooding related to reservoir operations?

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

Question 30. Which paragraph mentions the expected number of storms and tropical depressions in the East Sea from now until the end of 2025?

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