Read the following announcement and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6. ⇱
ENGLISH SPEAKING CONTEST FOR CHILDREN
The English Speaking Contest on Crisis Hazard Mitigation & Climate Actions, (1) _______ the importance of innovative solutions to pressing global issues, provides an excellent opportunity for children to showcase their creativity, share unique ideas, and contribute to (2) _______ change.
The organizers, who believe in empowering children to take the lead in (3) _______ and natural resource preservation, are committed to raising awareness and inspiring action toward a sustainable future. This event, which is supported (4) _______ pride by Amslink English Center, fosters collaboration and creativity while encouraging participants to envision a safe, clean, and green Viet Nam and ASEAN.
If you are passionate about environmental protection and climate action, register today (5) _______ this impactful initiative. Together, we can (6) _______ a brighter, more sustainable world for every child.
For more details, visit: https://.....
(Adapted from: https://hcadanang.com/en/english- speaking-contest-for-children-announcement)
Read the following announcement and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12. ⇱
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHANGE IN FEE AMOUNT
To maintain the beauty of our exteriors, common areas, and other shared spaces, Doe Properties finds it necessary to raise the condominium association fees from $315 to $345 per month, (7) _______ July 1. We have (8) _______ the increase for as long as possible; however, the persistent rise in maintenance costs has made the change unavoidable. While this adjustment may place a burden on some budgets, we assure you that (9) _______ possible effort will go into keeping future costs as low as possible.
(10) _______ maintaining the same high-level services that you have come to expect, we are exploring other ways to enhance the property's overall value. For those who wish to learn more about the reasons behind this adjustment, (11) _______ detailed statement with additional information will be shared soon. We (12) _______ your understanding and thank you for your continued support of our community.
(Adapted from: https://www.writeexpress.com/sales/1.html)
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. ⇱
a. Liam: They've organized some special events and alumni activities, right?
b. Liam: I know! Are you planning to attend the anniversary celebration?
c. Emily: I can't believe our school is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year!
d. Emily: Absolutely! It'll be a great chance to reconnect with old friends.
c. Emily: Yes, I'm excited to see how they'll commemorate this milestone.
a. Additionally, I've found that researching and learning about different cuisines has broadened my culinary horizons and taught me new techniques.
b. Cooking is more than just a hobby to me; it's a creative outlet and a way to unwind after a long day.
c. Recently, I've been experimenting with vegetarian recipes, and I'm amazed by the variety of flavors and textures they offer.
d. This personal journey in the kitchen has not only improved my cooking skills but also deepened my appreciation for food cultures around the world.
e. In conclusion, cooking has become an integral part of my daily life, offering both relaxation and a sense of accomplishment.
a. Mark: That sounds wonderful! How many relatives were there?
b. Lisa: About fifteen of us gathered, including some cousins I hadn't seen in years.
c. Lisa: I had a lovely family gathering last weekend; it was so nice to see everyone!
a. As a result of this development, tourism has flourished, with an increasing number of visitors drawn to its unique attractions.
b. Once a quiet fishing village, Marlowe has undergone rapid transformation in the past ten years.
c. Additionally, the town has seen a surge in small businesses, such as cafes, craft shops, and guided tour services, which cater to the growing influx of tourists.
d. Modern infrastructure, including a new marina and boardwalk, has replaced much of the original village, changing the town's identity.
e. However, some long-time residents feel that the changes have come at a cost, as the town's traditional charm is slowly being lost.
Hi Alex,
a. You're absolutely right - it's much better to spend a little more and get something that lasts.
b. I've been thinking about getting a new pair of running shoes after our conversation last week.
c. Anyway, let me know if you want to join me for a run this weekend - I'd love the company!
d. Thanks for suggesting those brands; I checked them out, and they look really good.
e. I've had enough of cheap shoes falling apart after just a few months! Write back soon.
Cheers, Chris
Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22. ⇱
The Hadza grow no food and raise no livestock. They live without calendars or clocks. In fact, they don't count hours, days, or months. The Hadza language doesn't even have words for numbers beyond three or four, reflecting their lack of emphasis on counting. Consequently, they don't celebrate birthdays or anniversaries and their sense of time is vastly different from the structured schedules of modern societies. (18) _______, making them one of the few remaining communities living as our ancestors did.
(19) _______. Many might assume that there's nothing the Hadza could teach us about life in a modern, technology-driven world. Michael Finkel, (20) _______, strongly disagrees with this notion. He had the rare opportunity to live with the Hadza, and the experience profoundly changed his perspective on life.
So, what can we learn from the Hadza? One key lesson is their simple and minimalist attitude toward possessions. Each Hadza tribesperson owns only a few essential items: a cooking pot, a water container, an ax, and a bow. (21) _______. This minimalist approach challenges the modern tendency to accumulate material possessions, suggesting that many things we consider essential may not be necessary after all.
(22) _______. Their lives are incredibly risky - one bad fall or a snake bite can be fatal. Yet they don't dwell on fears of the future. Finkel called this transformation in perspective "the Hadza effect" describing how their way of life made him calmer, more present, and ultimately happier.
(Adapted from: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/)
Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 23 to 30. ⇱
Adaptations of Large Desert Animals
Large desert animals have developed remarkable adaptations to survive in extreme heat. One such adaptation is their light-colored fur, which reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption. Unlike most mammals, which maintain a constant internal temperature, desert mammals allow their body temperatures to rise during the day. Grant's gazelles, for example, can tolerate body temperatures as high as 46°C. This approach conserves water and energy that would otherwise be used for cooling. At night, when desert temperatures drop, their bodies cool naturally, sometimes to as low as 34°C in camels. This daily temperature fluctuation allows them to absorb morning heat without overheating, delaying the effects of the desert's intense heat.
Another vital adaptation is their ability to endure extreme water loss. Camels, for instance, can lose up to 30% of their body weight in water without harm, whereas humans may die after losing only 12-13%. Desert animals can also rehydrate quickly by drinking large amounts of water in a short time. Camels, for example, can drink over 100 liters in minutes, while humans cannot due to stomach limitations and the risk of water intoxication.
These animals can also feed normally even when severely dehydrated, a condition that typically suppresses appetite in humans. Their ability to tolerate dehydration allows them to travel far from water sources and graze in scattered pastures.
In conclusion, desert animals possess unique adaptations that enable them to thrive in harsh environments. Their ability to manage heat, conserve water, and maintain normal feeding patterns reflects their resilience and the delicate balance of desert ecosystems. These remarkable survival strategies highlight the ingenuity of nature in overcoming extreme challenges.
(Adapted from: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/desert-animals.htm)
Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 31 to 40. ⇱
What Does Success Really Mean?
We live in a world where success is highly valued in every area of life. However, is it really fair to compare success in business or sports with success in the academic world? Success at school often requires effort, discipline, and application. [I] While nobody sets out to fail, not everyone achieves top grades. [II] But what does academic success truly lead to? [III] This may be because school and university are often seen as stepping stones rather than goals in themselves. [IV] Success in exams could be compared to winning part of a race, but not the race itself.
Despite high hopes, many graduates today find themselves in jobs that do not challenge them or are poorly paid. Even worse, some cannot find work at all due to economic uncertainty. This suggests that academic success may not be a reliable indicator of one's potential in life.
In sports, success is often rewarded with local, national, or even international recognition. The most successful athletes enjoy financial rewards that are far beyond what most people can imagine. What do they all have in common? Natural talent, of course, but also dedication and hours of training. Many will have decided to turn their backs on the parties and socializing of their peers in order to do more lengths in the pool or more hours in the gym, to work on their sprint or serving or cycling or passing techniques. Another sad fact of sporting life is that careers are cut short or irrevocably altered by injury. In business, success is usually measured more by salary than by specific achievements. Many successful business people say their success comes from long hours, hard work, and determination. However, they also highlight something often overlooked: creativity. Business success does not come to those who simply follow instructions or do the bare minimum. It is the people who think outside the box, who come up with new ideas and take risks, who reach their goals and achieve true success.
In conclusion, success means different things to different people. Whether in school, sports, or business, the key is finding what inspires you and working hard to make it happen.
(Adapted from: IELTS ADVANTAGE by Jeremy Taylor and Jon Wright)