KY THI CHON HOC SINH GIOI QUOC GIA
TRUNG HOC PHO THONG
NAM HOC 2023 - 2024

BQ GIAO DUC VA DAO TAO

THUG
TIENG ANH
180 phut (khong

thd'i gian giao d§)

SO PHACH

05/01/2024

De thi gom co 12 trang
Thi sinh KHONG duac su dung tai lieu, kb ca td dibn.
Giam thi KHONG giai thich gi them.

I. LISTENING (5.0 points)

•

The listening section is in FOUR parts. You will hear each part TWICE. At the beginning of each part,
you will hear a sound.

•

There will be a piece of music at the beginning and at the end of the listening section. You will have
TWO minutes to check your answers at the end of the listening section.

•

All the other instructions are included in the recording.

Part 1. For questions 1-5, listen to part of an interview about brands of goods, and decide whether each of
the following statements is True (T), False (F), or Not Given (NG) according to what you hear. Write T, F, or
NG in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.

1. The interviewer disagrees that the obsession with brands these days is greater than it used to be.
2. According to Bill, consumers are so keen on brand names because they reflect societal levels.
3. Bill suggests that brands give consumers a sense of identity which society can no longer provide.

4. In Bill's opinion, the particular item people buy reveals something about their role models.

5. Bill says that big global brands are required by consumers to affirm the identity of their country.
Your answers:

T

[2.

ry

Ta

IT

Part 2. For questions 6-10, listen to part of a talk about sushi and answer the following questions. Write NO
MORE THAN TWO WORDS taken from the recording for each answer in the spaces provided.
6. With which did farmers in China pack the fish under weights?

7. What was used to make the rice sour without waiting for it to ferment?

8. What did the invention of nori lead to?

9. What ingredient in the Philly roll is said to be atypical of Japanese?

10. What word does the speaker use to refer to Americans' feeling about seaweed?

Page 1 of 12 pages

Part 3. For questions 11-15, listen to two people, Marty and Lauren, discussing paparazzi's roles in society,
and write the letter A, B, C, or D in the numbered boxes provided to indicate the correct answer to each of
the following questions according to what you hear.

11 . How does Lauren feel about paparazzi?
A. Their fundamental role in enriching our culture has been exaggerated.
B. Despite their infamy, they are not entirely to blame for princess Diana's death.
C. Their misdeeds have led to immeasurable harm to up-and-coming actresses.
D. For all their dark side, they have contributed to sales of many publications.
12. What point does Marty make about the public and paparazzi?
A. The public bizarre taste is satiated by paparazzi's photos.
B. The public accuse paparazzi of stealing moments from their idols.
C. Paparazzi's works offer the public a new perspective to celebrities' lives.
D. The public love the human look paparazzi add to the photos of celebrities.

13. What does Marty say about paparazzi's photos?
A. Those that capture gorgeous moments are few and far between.
B. The photos of celebrities in a messy, unintentional style are substandard.
C. Those that he saw in tabloid magazines are more pleasant to look at.
D. Most of the photos were taken with poor technical skills.
14. Which of the following is NOT stated by Lauren about paparazzi?
A. Many photographers try to emulate paparazzi's photos, in essence.
B. The results of paparazzi's and photographers' work are often very similar.
C. Paparazzi's skills are admirable, though they are developed from dishonesty.
D. Paparazzi have their own dark side, which devalues the benefits they offer.

15. What is Marty's attitude towards placing limitations on paparazzi?
A. He is ambivalent about any physically imposed limitations.
B. He is pleased now that paparazzi cannot act without restraint.
C. He finds it unfair as he is heavily influenced by their works.
D. He wishes there was a task force to deal with this issue.
Your answers:
14.
11.
12.
13.

15.

Part 4. For questions 16-25, listen to part of a talk about fibre optic cables, and complete the following
summary. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS taken from the recording for each blank. Write your answers
in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.

Nearly all the transboundary (16)
is largely facilitated by a few hundred fibre optic cables under
the sea. It is similar to the way people in a country are connected to one another. Though each cable is only the size
of a(n) (17)
, together these cables are considered the essence of the Internet. Being shielded against
ocean water with Vaseline - a common name for (18)
, the cables are vulnerable to earthquakes and
In some places, they go as deep underwater as Mount Everest is high.
sometimes, attacks from (19)
The daring and even unthinkable process of making the Internet the global network involves embedding the
cable in a(n) (20)
in the seabed and let it be buried by sand in a natural way thanks to the ocean currents,
.
which is said to be shockingly easy yet (21)
sophisticated, and is considered (22)
Underwater "submarine cables" were an obvious next step following the success of electric telegraphs across
numerous cities attributed to the system of (23)
.
Despite having one of the first cables knocked out of commission by a fishing boat, undersea cables came
(24)
, reaching around the Atlantic by 1858 and then across the world. Though now the Internet can be
beamed from mobile phone towers or (25)
and balloons powered by Google, undersea cables are still
the best choice of international corporates for speedy transcontinental information transmission.
Your answers:
16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

Page 2 of 12 pages

II. LEXICO-GRAMMAR (2.0 points)

Part 1. For questions 26-35, write the letter A, B, C, or D in the numbered boxes provided to indicate the
correct answer to each of the following questions.
to make a smooth landing
26. As the aircraft approached the airfield, the pilot began to lower the altitude and
on the runway.
D. knuckle under
C. blast off
A. throttle down
B. churn out
, for which he was really grateful.
27. After Lucas' dreadful accident, his fellow workers were willing to help him
D. any ways possibly
C. in some ways possibly
B. in any way possible
A. all ways possible
are more likely to escape unharmed from hazardous situations.
28. Those having the
D. common touch
C. horse sense
B. corn circle
A. period piece
by lactate production
29. Recent research suggests that, contrary to popular opinion, muscular performance
during exercise.
D. be actually improved
A. is actually improved B. should actually improve C. will actually improve
blood flowing through her veins.
30. Elizabeth's father is a duke, so she undoubtedly has
D. brown
C. green
B. red
A. blue
31. Under the pressure coming from the post-pandemic economic crisis, banks are increasing mortgage rates
higher property rentals.
D. to likely signify
B. likely signifying
C. which likely signifies
A. like signifying
, causing them to be in a complete daze.
32. The news of the earthquake in their homeland hit the expatriates
D. crushingly
C. ravishingly
A. begrudgingly
B. forcibly
33. The terrible weather in Sapa spoiled what
a perfect family vacation during the festive season.
A. would other than that would be
B. would just as soon be
C. would otherwise have been
D. had better would have been
!
34. David, a young real estate agent, is making another sale this month! He's really
A. throwing a fit
B. batting a thousand
D. circling the wagons
C. waving the flag
35. In the end, Josh admitted having made the mistake,
in a somewhat arrogant manner.
A. albeit
B. whereupon
D. insofar as
C. inasmuch as

Your answers:
26.
31.

27.
32.

28.
33.

29.
34.

30.

35.
Part 2. For questions 36-40, write the correct form of each bracketed word in the numbered space provided
in the column on the right to complete the passage. The first one has been done as an example.
The word 'security' has both positive and (NEGATE) connotations. Most of us would Your answers:
say that we crave security for all its positive virtues, both physical and psychological - its
(36. EVOKE) of the safety of home, of undying love, or of freedom from need. More E.g. negative
negatively, the word nowadays conjures up images of that huge industry which has
developed to protect individuals and property from invasion by 'outsiders', ostensibly 36.
malicious and intent on theft or (37. WILL) damage.
Increasingly, because they are situated in urban areas of escalating crime, those 37.
buildings which used to allow free access to employees and other users (buildings such as
offices, schools, colleges, or hospitals) now do not. (38. ENTER) areas which in another age 38.
were called 'Reception' are now manned by security staff. Receptionists, whose task was to
receive visitors and to make them welcome before passing them on to the person they had
39.
come to see, have been supplanted by those whose task is to bar access to the
(39. AUTHORITY), the unwanted, or the plain unappealing. Inside, these buildings are
divided into 'secure zones' which often have all the (40. TRAP) of combination locks and 40.
burglar alarms.
Part 3. The passage below contains 05 grammatical mistakes. For questions 41-45, UNDERLINE the mistakes
and WRITE YOUR CORRECTIONS in the numbered space provided in the column on the right. The first one
has been done as an example.
Caffeine, as any other drug, can potentially have a disastrous effect on your developing Your answers:
brain and body. The parts of the brain that are in charge of higher functions including the
E.g. as
like
prefrontal cortex and the temporal lobe and, at a young age, these areas are still being
developed and refined. The reason that caffeine makes you feel alert and less sleepy is 41.
because it blocks the action of adenosine, the brain chemical which controls your sleep
patterns, and increases adrenaline production, speeds your metabolism. So, get out of the
habit of slamming down too many of those high caffeine energy drinks everyday; otherwise, 42.
you can wave goodbye to good quality sleep and have your brain potentially affected!
You can also stop kidding yourself that you're reaching for the caffeine just for the taste 43.
because it is tasteless at the levels found in beverages. What you taste is the massive
amount of sugar that added to the drink. The caffeine is there to add the kick and to stimulate 44.
the production of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens. This is the pleasure and rewarding
part of the brain which forms addictions. The upshot is that your brain associates the pleasure 45.
of sugar with the stimulation of the caffeine, making you want more.
Page 3 of 12 pages

III. READING (5.0 points)
Part 1. For questions 46-55, read the passage and fill in each of the following numbered blanks with ONE
suitable word. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.
In order to study how learners acquire a second language, a clear, operational definition of what is (46)
to agree on such a definition.
by the term “acquisition" is needed. Unfortunately, researchers have been (47)
and “learning”. The
“acquisition”
between
“Acquisition” can mean several things. Some researchers distinguish
(48)
refers to the subconscious process of picking up a language through exposure and the latter to the
(49)
process of studying it. According to this view, it is possible for learners to acquire or to learn rules
for
independently and at separate times. Although such a distinction can have strong face validity (50)
learners
knowledge
the
whether
teachers, it is problematic, not (51)
because of the difficulty of demonstrating
the acquired or learnt kind. Researchers also disagree about what kind of performance they
possess is (52)
think provides the best evidence of acquisition. It has already been noted that some researchers work with production
data, some study learners' intuitions about the second language, while others access learners' introspections. Also,
when it appears for the first time, while others require
some researchers consider a feature has been (53)
the learner to use it to some predetermined criterion level of (54)
, usually 90 per cent. Thus, a (55)
can be made between acquisition as emergence or onset and acquisition as accurate use.
Your answers:
46.
51.

47.
52.

48.
53.

49.
54.

50.
55.

Part 2. Read the following passage and do the tasks that follow.
WOMEN: HOW EQUAL ARE THEY?

The lives of women all over the world have changed dramatically in the course of the present century as many
of the social, economic, and political constraints that have hitherto been curtailing their freedom have been
eradicated. After succeeding in winning their right to vote, women have gained equality with men in many a field, and
one of the main developments has been the increasing number of female population in paid employment. In other
words, society nowadays has every prerequisite for progress and success. Nevertheless, although most people have
been disabused of irrational beliefs regarding women's equality, and the latter enjoy a considerable amount of
freedom, there is plenty of evidence attesting to the contrary. It is an indisputable fact that, ever since the turn of the
nineteenth century, women as a whole have gained, to some extent, the rights and freedom that they were formerly
deprived of, and are now regarded as an indispensable part of society. In the middle of the nineteenth century,
women began to take steps to free themselves from the confines of the home, to which their entire lives were doomed,
and tried to emancipate, or rather extricate, themselves from men's gross domination. Living in an era of complete
subjugation, and deemed objects of desire, on which one could lavish love or vent animosity, they were forced to
rebel against "men's society," and prove that they were capable of various things, thus refuting the accusations
levelled against them.
What we might regard as the cornerstone of their triumphant victory is the fact that in England, in 1918, they
contrived to be enfranchised and have a say in the political, social, and economic affairs. Furthermore, the important
point is that women's struggle was not terminated as soon as their right to vote was bestowed upon them; they strove
far from, and beyond, the approbation of this fight: pertaining to education, women, who in earlier centuries were
denied this inalienable "men's right," have nowadays potentially equal opportunities. They are able to attend
universities and colleges, are awarded degrees, and can definitely pursue any sort of career. As a result, they are
increasingly represented in Parliament. In 1990, of the total six hundred and fifty members of British Parliament, fortythree were women. Moreover, in British society, as in many other countries in the world, women occupy key posts
and are designated roles that only a short time ago would have been entrusted to men. The obvious example is
Margaret Thatcher as Britain's first woman Prime Minister.
On a financial note, women are able to work in every field that is of interest to them, and are paid on the same
bases with men, since the former disparity between men's and women's pay - which was, undoubtedly, iniquitous has recently been combated. For instance, the Equal Pay Act of 1970 made it unlawful for employers to pay a woman
less than a man for the same or similar work, while the Sex Discrimination Acts of 1975 and 1986 outlawed
discrimination in matters of employment or training. As a result, there is a degree of flexibility in several jobs, and
some employers provide help with child care for working mothers, although there is much to be desired as regards
"career breaks" for pregnant women. It is evident that women are no longer thought of as commodities that pass on
to their putative husbands, inasmuch as the institution of dowry has been abrogated.

Page 4 of 12 pages

It may have been hard for one to envisage some decades ago that women would someday occupy positions
in the church; yet, it is true that in the Church of England and Ireland women were admitted for ordination as deacons
in 1986, and the following year the General Synod voted to proceed with legislation to allow them to be ordained as
priests. However, despite the fact that "men's society" seems to have espoused women's rights and, to some extent,
has taken steps to ensure that these rights are not violated, there are many instances that render a moot point the
supposition that women have the same opportunities with men. It is immensely reprehensible that many a woman
should be hindered from pursuing a career on account of men's indecorous behaviour. Rather than being
acknowledged as respectable members of a working community, females fall prey to male misconduct and,
consequently, are precluded from attaining their goals in life. A great number of women are reported to have been
repeatedly harassed and molested, which is to be deprecated and condemned. But real discrimination against
women occurs in other quarters, as well; for example, women sentenced for criminal offences are more likely than
men to face incarceration, especially if they deviate from the popular image of "woman as wife and mother."
With regard to women's emoluments, there is still a noticeable difference between the sexes. In Britain, as
early as a decade ago, women's average hourly earnings were about three-quarters those of men, and there is not
a scintilla of evidence to show that the gap is not widening. Furthermore, there is a traditional division between "boys'
and girls' professions," since in the leading occupations women are represented by a proportion of less than one to
five. At present, the vocations where women are most frequently found are those of pharmacists, opticians, veterinary
surgeons, dentists, doctors, and solicitors, while only one qualified engineer in two hundred is a woman. As is
flagrantly obvious, amid this "rat-race," women have been overburdened with such onerous responsibilities as
bringing up children and attending to the husband and home. So, since it is incumbent on them to deal with so many
things, a great number of them are led to abandon their careers, in order to become diligent housewives. In this light,
it is impossible for a woman to "come into her own." And what really precipitates this decision is the way they are still
reared; the values inculcated into them by former generations practically enjoin upon them love and sympathy
towards men, along with a feeling of contrition and self-abnegation. In addition, women demean themselves by taking
part in television commercials, unable to prove that they have intellect as well, and inveigled into believing that this
is the best way to earn money.
For questions 56-61, decide whether each of the following statements is True (T), False (F) or Not Given (NG).
Write T, F, or NG in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.
56. Most of the changes in women's lives worldwide were brought about by the removal of social restrictions on them.
57. One testament to women's victory in the right to vote was their increasing presence in paid employment.
58. The second half of the 19th century witnessed women's effortless escape from the clutches of men's power.
59. Women's initial success in enfranchisement bred their further success in other fields.
60. Despite having support with child care, working mothers are not entitled to paid leave schemes.
61. Women have supposedly overcome the stereotype of being their husbands' possessions.
Your answers:
56.

57.

58.

59.

60.

61.

For questions 62-68, read the summary and fill in each blank with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS taken
from the passage. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.
Ever since women no longer stayed submissive to be (62)
under men's complete domination and were
pushed to rebel against "men's society,” much progress has been made in women's quest for gender equality.
However, despite supports from the society, the assumption of equal opportunities for men and women still remains
. Indeed, many women fall victim to men's (64)
and are demoralised to achieve their career
a(n) (63)
goals. Discrimination against women has also extended beyond the workplace where many women are reportedly
(65)
and under 20% of the leading posts are occupied by women. Even worse, women criminals are more
likely to be imprisoned if they (66)
from their traditional roles. Given the hustle and bustle of the modern city
life, many women have had to compromise their careers in embracing their (67)
, a decision which is fuelled
by the values instilled in them by (68)
.

Your answers:
62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

Page 5 of 12 pages

Part 3. In the passage below, seven paragraphs have been removed. For questions 69-75, read the passage
and choose from paragraphs A-H the one which fits each gap. There is ONE extra paragraph which you do
not need to use. Write the letters A-H in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.
LESS IS MORE
How do people cut down on their possessions in a digital age?
The 17th century French artist Poussin is well-known for his paintings, usually set in serene and idyllic pastoral
landscapes, which convey serious lessons for mankind. These messages are sometimes a bit obscure, and some
continue to puzzle art historians, but in the picture Landscape with Diogenes, things seem relatively straightforward.
The ancient philosopher Diogenes is depicted casting away his last possession, a drinking bowl.

69

There are hundreds of websites extolling the virtues of uncluttered living. “I can carry everything I own," says Kevin.
“I have a few changes of clothing, laptop, two pots, bowl, spoon, fork, futon and flask. I like sitting on the floor eating
fruits, nuts, vegetables and rice."
70

Everyone is trying to cut down on things these days. People are trying to reduce their carbon footprints, their
waistlines, their monthly outgoings. What's more, there's a general fear that people are becoming asphyxiated by
their possessions, and this is fuelled by the knowledge that, according to innumerable sociological surveys, the
leading pastime these days seems to be shopping.
71

However, today's new minimalists don't urge us to burn our books and crush our CDs, but just make sure we have
them as digital files. So, for example, I have digitised versions of some of my old vinyl LP records and haven't, as
yet, stirred myself to take the LPs to the nearest charity shop - and I admit I shall probably go on keeping them.

72
We are not exactly suffering withdrawal symptoms as we try to break our addiction to objects. We are just acquiring
new stuff that means we can bin or recycle our old stuff.
73
A few years ago I wrote a piece predicting the demise of incredibly expensive watches, believing that they would
inevitably be eclipsed by the amazingly more versatile mobile phone, no matter how beautifully crafted and elegant
they might be, but they still seem to be covetable objects of conspicuous consumption. Clearly the ostensible function
of a £20k watch is negligible enticement to owning it.

74
I'm happy to have found another website which seems to solve a whole lot of problems at once - a thriving online
advice surgery offering storage solutions. The interior designer responsible for this does not counsel getting rid of
stuff, but rather recommends buying more stuff (elegant flexible rugs, colourful lidded containers) to hide the first lot
of stuff from view.

75

Missing Paragraphs:
A. I love this philosophy - get that decluttered minimalist look, convince yourself you've got your desire for
possessions under control, without having to lose a thing. There's no reason to think such bad faith will change

soon: we aren't ruthless enough to emulate Diogenes and cast away all our possessions.
B. Diogenes, who was quite the cynic philosopher, would have seen through this imposture in seconds. Those who
can afford to, buy the kit to make the minimalist dream a reality, but they are still investing in commodities, just
different ones from those they collected a decade earlier.
C. Minimalism, however, will soon be a buzzword because most of us tend to develop a strong sense of attachment
to our possessions that makes it really painful for us to part with them. Sooner or later we will end up filling our

houses with fully-stuffed cabinets.
D. It's true, sales of e-readers and e-books outstrip those of paperbacks, and we know that only losers and
reactionaries buy camera film today. As a result, the need for bookshelves and photo albums is cut out.

E. Here then is another manifestation of the lure of possessions - we are not only sentimental in our attachment to
them, but also status driven.
F. At this point I really hated Kevin, but I should have known better because he continued, “The nice thing about a
bare room is that you begin to notice other things like the changing sunlight during the day. Many possessions
Page 6 of 12 pages

tend to tie one down mentally and physically - seeing too much permanence in inanimate objects rather than
being aware of the vitality of the outside world of nature.”
G. He realises he doesn't need it after seeing a youth cupping a hand to drink from a river. The significance for us is
that Diogenes' spiritual descendants known as 'new minimalists' are now everywhere, if not as radically
possession-free as he was.
H. Technology has, perhaps, gone beyond our dreams and there is always the lurking suspicion that our hard drives
will crash and all will be lost. Far more important, however, is the fact that our memories are so inextricably tied
to our possessions that we can't get rid of stuff. No matter how much glossy magazines insist that we should.
Your answers:
| 75.
| 71.
| 74.
| 70.
| 72.
| 73.
| 69.
Part 4. For questions 76-85, read a passage on the far North and write 4, B, C or D in the corresponding
numbered boxes provided to indicate the correct answer which fits best according to what is stated or
implied in the text.
1. The far North seems to have a special fascination for all peoples whose nations encompass northern lands. For
Americans, Alaska represents the last frontier and the most forbidding wilderness. Canadians have comparable
perceptions about the vast Canadian north, characterised by a similar contradiction - the North is at once a
homeland and a distant foreign land. Northern Scandinavia fulfils the same role for Europeans, while for Swedes,
the northern part of their country is a place of hopes and dreams.
2. One of the most interesting things about the far North is that academics do not seem to be able to agree on
precisely where it is, something you may have thought was a fairly straightforward issue. But those people
studying the North at the various institutes of Northern or Polar or Arctic Regions Studies (who, incidentally, are
more numerous than you might imagine) are having quite a tough time of it. The trouble is not, primarily, that they
are unable to reach a consensus on its geographical boundaries, although this may be partly true. The real
problem is that the North is not simply a place, but also an idea.
3. Perhaps the most concrete and mercenary idea of the North is as a sort of colony of southern-based national
governments. In this view, the northern hinterland is portrayed as a place overflowing with natural resources ripe
for exploitation; it is not a place which has any real existence independent of the mother country. This is the
concept of the industrialist, whose goals are the promotion of industry, the extraction of raw materials, and the
making of money. For decades, these ideas have underpinned the exploitative and destructive activities of
governments whose territory includes Arctic regions.
4. This concept of the North, though slightly outdated now, has always existed in spite of the romantic view of the
North as the last bastion of wilderness. In this latter view, the North is a place of extremes: stark, barren land;
blinding, never-ending days in summer and endless dark nights in winter; biting winds and sub-zero temperatures;
extraordinary solitude. But even all this is seen as having a breath-taking beauty - the barren land is awe-inspiring;
the creatures majestic and resilient; the cold crisp and invigorating; the solitude liberating. The North spells
escape, wonder, freedom, and offers us the dream of a chance to assert our very humanity because, in our
imagination, it is there that we can be pitted against the elements in an exhilarating us-against-nature struggle.
The North challenges our very existence as human beings and, there, surviving is our greatest achievement.
5. Comprehensive studies of various national literatures reveal that the image of the North as described above is
widespread. A prime example of this is the role that Siberia plays in the Russian psyche. As with the other regions
mentioned previously, there is a duality in the fictional portrayal of Siberia - for Russians, it is the land of both
plenty and of darkness.
6. And, what of the reality? Outside of fiction, what do those who have had real-life experience of the North say
about it? Library shelves and lifestyle magazines are full of factual accounts of life in the North, ranging from
nineteenth-century explorers' accounts to interviews with nurses who, enticed by supplementary pay, have gone
there to work. Their tales all echo the sentiments expressed in literature: the contrast between the terrible frozen
wasteland and the final innocent frontier, the myth of the great escape into the unknown and the venue for the
glorious triumph of the human spirit.
7. Academics are not much different, in the sense that they are equally likely to create subjective definitions of the
North. Every researcher is gov...