BỘ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO KỲ THI CHỌN HỌC SINH GIỎI QUỐC GIA

*** TRUNG HỌC PHỔ THÔNG LỚP 12

ĐỀ CHÍNH THỨC NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024

Môn thi: TIẾNG ANH

Thời gian: 180 phút (không kể thời gian giao đề)
Ngày thi: 06/01/2024
Đề thi gồm có 16 trang

• Thí sinh KHÔNG được sử dụng tài liệu, kể cả từ điển

• Giám thị KHÔNG giải thích gì thêm.

____________________________________________________

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 the
following statements are True (T), False (F), or Not Given (NG) according to what you hear.
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.

Part 2, For questions 6-10, listen to part of a talk about sushi and answer the following questions. Write
NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER taken from the recording for each answer.

6. With which did farmers in China pack their 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?
_____________________________________________________
Part 3. For questions 11–15, listen to two people, Marty and Lauren, discussing paparazzi’s roles in
society, and choose A, B, C, or D 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 its unfair as he is heavily influenced by their work.
D. He wishes there was a task force to deal with this issue.

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 WORD taken from the recording for each blank.
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 sometimes, attacks from (19) _______ . In some places, they go as deep
underwater as Mount Everest is high.
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 on 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.
II. LEXICO GRAMMAR (2.0 points)
Part I. For questions 26-40, choose the correct answer A, B, C, or D to each of the following questions.
26. As the aircraft approached the airfield, the pilot began to lower the altitude and ______ to make a
smooth landing on the runway.
A. throttle down B. churn out C. blast off D. knuckle under
27. After Lucas’ dreadful accident, his fellow workers were willing to help him ______, for which he was
really grateful.
A. all ways possible B. in any way possible
C. in some ways possible D. any ways possibly
28. Those having the ______ are more likely to escape unharmed from hazardous situations.
A. period piece B. corn circle C. horse sense D. common touch
29. Recent research suggests that, contrary to popular opinion, muscular performance ______ by lactate
production during exercise.
A. is actually improved C. will actually improve
B. should actually improve D. be actually improved
30. Elizabeth’s father is a duke, so she undoubtedly has _______ blood flowing though her veins.
A. blue B. red C. green D. brown
31. Under the pressure coming from the post-pandemic economic crisis, banks are increasing mortgage
rates ______ hinger property rentals.
A. like signifying B. likely signifying C. which like signifies D. to like signify
32. The news of the earthquake in their homeland hit the expatriates ______, causing them to be in a
complete daze.
A. begrudgingly B. forcibly C. ravishingly D. crushingly
33. The terrible weather in Sapa spoiled what ______ a perfect family vacation during the festive season.
A. would other than 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 C. waving the flag D. circling the wagons
35. In the end, Josh admitted having made the mistake, ______ in a somewhat arrogant manner.
A. albeit B. whereupon C. inasmuch as D. insofar as

Part 2. For questions 35–40, write the correct form of each bracketed word to complete the passage.
The first one has been done as an example.
The word ‘security’ has both positive and (NEGATE) negative connotations. Most of us would say that
we crave security for all its positive virtues, both physical an psychological – its (36. EVOKE) _______ of the
safety of home, of undying love, or of freedom from need. More negatively, the word nowadays conjures up
images of that huge industry which has developed to protect individuals and property from invasion by
‘outsiders’, ostensibly malicious and intent on theft or (37. WILL) _______ damage.
Increasingly, because they are situated in urban areas of escalating crime, those 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 were called ‘Reception’ are now manned by
security staff. Receptionists, whose task was to receive visitors and to make them welcome before passing
them onto the person they had 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 burglar alarms.

Part 2. The passage below contains 05 grammatical mistakes. For questions 41-45. UNDERLINE the
mistakes and WRITE YOUR CORRECTIONS in the numbered space provided. The first one has been
done as an example.
Caffeine, as any other drug, can potentially have a disastrous effect on your developing brain and
body. The parts of the brain that are in charge of higher functions including the prefrontal cortex and the
temporal lobe and, at a young age, these areas are still being developed and refined. The reason that caffein
makes you feel alert and less sleepy is 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, 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 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 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 of sugar with the stimulation of the caffeine, making you want more.

E.g. as → like 41. 42.

43. 44. 45.

III. READING (5.0 points)

Part 1. For questions 46-55, read the passage and fill each of the following numbered blanks with ONE
suitable word.
In order to study how learners acquire a second language, a clear, operational definition of what is
(45) _______ by the term “acquisition” is needed. Unfortunately, researchers have been (47) _______ to
agree on such a definition.
“Acquisition” can mean several things. Some researchers distinguish between “acquisition” and
“learning”. The (48) _______ refers to the subconscious process of picking up a language through exposure
and the latter to the independently and at separate times. Although such a distinction can have strong face
validity (50) _______ for teachers, it is problematic, not (51) _______ because of the difficulty of
demonstrating whether the knowledge learners possess is (52) _______ the acquired or learnt kind.
Researchers also disagree about what kind of performance they think provides the best evidence of
acquisition. It has already been noted that some researchers work with production date, some study learners’
intuitions about the second language, while others access learners’ introspections. Also, some researchers
consider a feature has been (53) _______ when it appears for the first time, while others require 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.
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
refusing the accusation 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, forty-three 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 childcare 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.
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 acknowledge 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’ profession,” 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 56-62, decide whether the following statements are True (T), False (F), or Not Given (NG).
56. Most of the changes in women’s lives worldwide were brought about by the removal of 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.
For questions 63-68, read the following sentences and fill in each blank with NO MORE THAN THREE
WORDS taken from the passage.
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 a(n) (63) _______. Indeed, many women fall victim to men’s (64) _______ and are
demoralized to achieve their career 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 fueled by the values instilled
in them by (68) _______.

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.
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 rive.”

70.

Everyone is trying to cut down on things these days. People are trying to reduce their carbon footprints. Their
waistlines, their monthly outgoing. What’s more, there’s a general fear that people are becoming asphyxiated
by their possessions, and this is fueled 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 out books and crush out CDs, but just make sure we
have them as digital files. So, for example, I have digitized 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 out addiction to objects. We are just
acquiring new stud 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, colorful 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 tend to tie 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 realized 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.

Part 4. For questions 76-85, read a passage on the far North and choose the answer A, B, C, or D which
fits best according to the text.
1. The far North seems to have a special fascination for all people 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, characterized by a similar contradiction –
the North is at once a home and distant foreign land. Northern Scandinavia fulfills the same role for
Europeans, while for Swedes, the northern part of their country is a place of hopes and dreams.
2. On 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, thought 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; binding, 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 selves and lifestyle magazines are full of factual accounts of life in the North, ranging
from nineteenth-century explorers’ account 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 governed by his or her own individual interests and inclinations, and
every discipline has its own criteria for defining the far North. When it comes to the North, it seems even
scholarly writing is replete with flowery prose and metaphors.
8. The prevalence of the myth of the North testifies to its necessity. Even as humankind slowly and
systematically brings nature under its control in a short-sighted brutish display of strength, people
continue to fabricate a dream of untouched wilderness – another final frontier. Those who actually live
the dream, the Inuit, have a theory. They believe that all physical beings have a spirit, called inua, and
that this spirit characterizes its host, but is essentially independent of it. People, animals and even the
weather have spirits which live a life apart from the material one. In the light of this conviction, it seems
fitting that our image of the far North has a life of its own, which exists independently of the actual place.
76. What can be inferred from paragraph 1?
A. The concept of "the North" varies among different northern countries.
B. Northern countries are distinctive in their own way.
C. It's challenging to explain the existence of the north-south divide in many countries.
D. The North has great widespread attraction.
77. The word forbidding in paragraph I is closest in meaning to _______.
A. unfamiliar B. unexplored C. inadmissible D. inhospitable
78. In paragraph 2, the writer _______.
A. expresses her disappointment with the contribution of the academics
B. shows sur rise that the public are unaware of the scientific community studying the North
C. offers a possible explanation for academics’ inability to reach a consensus view
D. challenges the value of conducting further research on the North
79. The word mercenary in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to _______.
A. materialistic B. idealistic C. altruistic D. opportunistic
80. The writer implies that she _______.
A. shares a similar view of the North with industrialists
B. sympathises with justification for the destruction and exploitation of the North
C. deems strategies employed by governments towards the North unwarranted
D. regards the evaluation of natural resources in the North as an overstatement
81. What is NOT mentioned about the romanticised view of the North?
A. It characterises the North as a land of great contrasts.
B. It lamorises the hardships of living in the North.
C. It thrives at the expense of the outdated concept of the North.
D. It mostly describes the North in absolute terms.
82. The writer mentions flowery prose and metaphors in paragraph 7 to imply that academic writing _______
A. employs rhetorical devices of other writing genres when mentioning the North
B. describes the North in all positive terms as used in factual accounts of life there
C. differ in subjects as academic writers vary in their interests and inclinations
D. shares similar sentimental narrative elements with other literary genres
83. What does the phrase short-sighted brutish in paragraph 8 mostly mean?
A. systematic and thoughtful B. radical and authoritarian
C. impulsive and brutal D. favourable and supportive
84. Which of the following statements can be made about the writer?
A. She anticipates the likelihood of environmental consequences entailed by human conquest of the
North.
B. She believes in the proliferation of more in-depth empirical studies about the Inui’s theory about the
North.
C. She calls for the production of more contemporary fiction With the setting in the North.
D. She believes in a fundamental change in the public perception of the North.
85. With which of the following conclusions does the writer mostly agree?
A. The exploitation of the North is justifiable and thus is inevitable.
B. Literary portrayals of the North have misled academics in their research inclinations.
C. The North provides a shelter for those brutally battered in the fight against nature.
D. The North exists as an intangible entity, mythically and factually inclusive.

Part 5. The passage below consists of five paragraphs marked A, B, C, D, and E. For questions 86-95,
read the passage and do the task that follows.
FOOD BUDGETING
Five people tell us about different approaches to getting their weekly food shopping.
A. As a devoted advocate of "freeganism”, I wholeheartedly embrace a unique approach to food budgeting
that focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing resourcefulness. For me, it is a lifestyle choice aimed at
reducing my ecological footprint while keeping my expenses in check. Instead of succumbing to the lure
of consumerism, I actively seek out discarded food items that are still perfectly edible but have been put
in waste bins, nevertheless. Through activities such as collecting edible food from waste bins and
participating in food-sharing networks, I am able to obtain a fantastic range of nourishments that would
otherwise go to waste. My commitment to freeganism requires a keen eye for understanding the
difference between spoiled food and food that can be eaten. Thus, ensuring that I consume only safe and
healthy provisions. By reframing my perception of waste and adopting a resourceful mindset, I am able
to enjoy fewer limitations on the food I can eat. This approach also fosters a profound sense of belonging
to a community of freegans who stay in touch with and support each other.
B. As a clever practitioner of the art of using coupons to save money on food — also known as couponing I
have honed my skills in the pursuit of effective food budgeting. Armed with a range of meticulously
collected and organised coupons, I embark on my shopping ventures with a steady determination to
extract maximum value from every penny spent. My tireless efforts in looking through newspapers,
magazines and online platforms enable me to benefit from numerous discounts, special offers and
promotional deals. With a discerning eye for strategic savings. I meticulously plan my grocery shopping
list to align with the available coupons. By skillfully combining these tangible vouchers with ongoing store
discounts, I am able to obtain as many price reductions as possible at the checkout counter. Such careful
 planning translates into tangible monetary savings that accumulate over time, enabling me to stretch my
food budget far beyond the limits that would otherwise be on it.
C. The art of bulk buying has become my hallmark when it comes to smart food budgeting. By purchasing
wholesale quantities of food, I am able to achieve substantial savings while maintaining well-stocked food
cupboards. I recognise that economies of scale can allow me to secure essential food items, things that
don't go off for a long time, and household necessities at significantly reduced prices. In my quest for the
best savings, I meticulously compare prices and seek out wholesale suppliers, whether online or at brick-
and-mortar establishments. By purchasing larger quantities of goods, However, the rewards of my bulk-
buying endeavours are, above all, enhanced cost efficiency and peace of mind. I know that my provisions
are readily available at a fraction of the regular cost.
D. I diligently practise the art of shopping around to master the realm of food budgeting. Rather than
succumbing to the convenience of shopping at a single store, I enjoy the adventure of exploring multiple
establishments in pursuit of the best deals and the most favourable prices. Armed With a discerning eye
and a carefully compiled shopping list I make my way around the bustling aisles and vibrant marketplaces,
adeptly comparing prices, scrutinizing quality and weighing up the overall value offered. Through this
relentless pursuit of amazing savings. I am able to capitalise on the dynamic nature of the food market.
By keeping my finger on the pulse of prevailing prices and staying informed about discounts and
promotions, I can artfully coordinate my purchases to secure the most advantageous deals. I am not only
limited to physical stores but also love the convenience and accessibility of online platforms. By making
use of the internet, I can effortlessly compare prices across various retailers, read customer reviews and
make informed decisions that align with my budgetary goals.
E. One effective approach to food budgeting is meal planning. This involves carefully designing and
organising your meals for a specific period of time, such as a week or a month. This method allows you
to make the most of your budget by efficiently utilizing ingredients and minimising waste. When practising
meal planning, start by creating a menu for the desired time frame. Consider the number of meats you
need to prepare and the dietary requirements of our household members. Next, make a detailed grocery
list based on the planned meals, taking stock of the ingredients you already have at home to avoid
unnecessary purchases. Meal planning provides several benefits beyond budgeting. By having a clear
plan in advance. you can shop for ingredients in bulk, taking advantage of cost-effective options and
discounts. Additionally, it helps to eliminate the costs associated with impulsive purchases and minimises
food waste, as you only buy what you truly need. To further improve your meal planning, consider
incorporating versatile ingredients that can be us in multiple dishes. This allows you to stretch your budget
even further and create diverse meals from a limited number of items.

In which paragraph are the following mentioned?

• forging a close bond among like-minded individuals 86. _____

• leading a worry-free life without paying the earth 87. _____

• the benefits that might go beyond financial aspects 88. _____

• being economical without sacrificing one's well-being 89. _____

• using past shoppers' experiences as a source of reference 90. _____

• a method that involves being environmentally aware and financially conscious 91. _____

• preparing foods in an orderly fashion 92. _____

 • financial rewards gradually increasing proportionally to time 93. _____

• the ability to use the changing characteristic of the market to one's own advantage 94. _____

• improvising dishes from a narrow range of resources available 95. _____

IV. WRITING (6.0 points)

Part 1. Read the following extract and use your own words to summarize it. Your summary should be
between 100 and 120 words.
Our obsession with taking photos these days cannot be denied. It is fueled by social media and the
need to document our experiences in order to remember them better. The question is: do we actually
remember them better or do photos distract us from truly storin details of our experiences? The answer is
not simple in that there are various aspects that shape a memory. These inputs require our attention in
order to be encoded and stored by our brains as a memory.
While recent research does conclude that taking pictures helps us remember an experience, this is
limited to the visual aspects of an experience and ironically it reduces the non-visual details of our
memories. These tindings are derived from a study that involved subjects participating in a museum tour
while listening to an audio guide. Half of the subjects were given a camera and told to photograph the
exhibit. Upon the completion of the tour, all subjects answered a series of multiple-choice questions about
the objects they had seen. Those who had cameras recognized information. Interestingly, researchers
found that subjects with cameras had better visual recollection than camera-less ones even for the items
they had not photographed, suggesting that the intention to take pictures also sharpened their focus on
visual details and improved memory of them.
In contrast, earlier studies had suggested that taking photographs impairs our ability to
remember all details. The explanation is that we rely on the photograph and thus outsource the memory to
free up space in our brains: a concept referred to as cognitive offloading. We intentionally forget the
information as we no longer need to store it. This offloading can be extended beyond using cameras
to computers and our cell phones. Basically, any gadget that we can offload our cognitive work to and
reduce the demand on our brain can be used. Researchers now conclude that this is the case for factual
information, but it does not apply when it comes to experiences, we want to photograph. These are
meaningful to us and, as a result, we a attention to the visual details of the experience and recall them
better after the fact. The more visual input we focus on, the less auditory information we retain,
explaining the poor recollection of these non-visual details.
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Part 2. The table and pie charts below provide information about school attendance rates together with
causes of poor school attendance in a particular city in 2007 and 2012.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where
relevant. You should write about 150 words.
Attendance rates (*) 2007 2012

Primary schools 91 98

Lower secondary schools 83 95

Higher secondary schools 75 95

Vocational schools 71 88

(*): in percentage

Causes of poor school Causes of poor school

attendance in 2007 attendance in 2012

5% 7% 5%
15%

19%

15%
40%

53%
16%

25%

Upbringing Both parents working Upbringing Both parents working

Lack of school discipline Peer pressure Lack of school discipline Peer pressure
Bullying Bullying
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Part 3. Write an essay of 350 words on the following topic.
People should never compare their own lives with those glamorously portrayed on social media,
otherwise, they will always feel discontented and inferior.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement? Give reasons for your answer and
include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

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THE END OF THE TEST