TÀI LIỆU HƯỚNG DẪN ÔN TẬP KHẢO SÁT NĂNG LỰC TIẾNG ANH

MỤC LỤC

PHẦN 1: LISTENING .......................................................................................................... 1

PHẦN 2: NGỮ PHÁP & TỪ VỰNG .................................................................................. 10

PHẦN 3: ĐỌC HIỂU .......................................................................................................... 18

PHẦN 4: WRITING (LETTERS) ....................................................................................... 30

PHẦN 4: WRITING (ESSAYS).......................................................................................... 42

PHẦN 5: SPEAKING ......................................................................................................... 46

LƯU Ý ĐỐI VỚI THÍ SINH KHI LÀM BÀI THI TRẮC NGHIỆM ................................... 48

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PHẦN 1: LISTENING

1. QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES

In this part of the test, you will hear a question asked by one speaker, choose one correct response among the

three responses. Here are some tips:

1.1. Focus on the purpose of the question In English, as in many other languages, the response to a question does not necessarily have the same

grammatical structure as the question

E.g.

Who’s going to be in charge of processing paychecks now?

A. Yes, I have a credit card

B. The assistant accountant

C. It’s a complicated process

Based on the grammar of the question, you might expect the answer to contain “is going to be in charge…”.

But the answer here is ????

1.2. Listen for question words Listen for question words and think about the word order. They usually indicate what type of response is

expected.

E.g.

How are we going to a party? → we’re taking a taxi.

When is the party? → Thursday, at 7p.m

Where is the party? → In the director’s lounge

Are we going to the party? → Yes, we are

1.3. Pay attention to words that sound alike Some of the choices require you to hear the difference between similar sounds

E.g.

What is the fare to the airport?

Incorrect: → That’s a fair price.

Correct: → About twelve dollars

- Pay attention to “…teen” and “…ty”/ eight and H…

Eighteen / eighty

Fifteen/fifty

2. SHORT CONVERSATIONS

2.1. Read the question first Try to read each question before listening. Read quickly the four choices. Reading the question first can help

you to focus your listening and may give you some idea of what the conversation is about

Q: Where are the speakers?

Example

Man1: Are you ready to order, sir?

Man 2: I just need a few more minutes to read the menu

Man 1: No problem. I’ll be back in a moment to tell you the daily specials

A. At a library B. At a supermarket C. At a restaurant D. At a movie

When listening for clues, you might pick out the following words and expressions

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ready to order; menu; daily specials

→ Certain clues about where the speakers are help you eliminate choices A, B, D.

2.2. Try to imagine the setting of the conversation and who is speaking As you listen, ask yourself

- Where are the speakers?

- What are they doing?

- Who are they?

- What is their relationship?

The question itself also can help you determine the setting. For example, from the question “Who mailed the

report?” , you might guess the speaker works in an office.

Certain words in the conversation can also help you figure out the setting. For example,

Assembly line plant supervisor shift production line technicians

You might guess the setting is a factory or production facility

If you hear :

Patient X-ray doctor medicine examine

→ hospital/medical clinic.

2.3. Look at four choices carefully before answering Words spoken in conversation often appear in the four choices. You need to determine if these repeated

words provide an answer to the question or not.

Man: Brenda, can you give me a hand with this marketing project?

Woman: Well, I need to finish this product proposal today, then I’m going to catch a train

at 5.15

Man: OK. Could we start on it first thing tomorrow morning?

Q: What does the man want Brenda to do?

A. Postpone the proposal

B. Hand him some papers

C. Tell him what time the train leaves

D. Help him with a project

A mentions the woman’s proposal. It’s true that she is working on a proposal. However, the man does not

ask her to delay it.

In choice B the man asks for a hand, which means to ask for help. However, the man does not ask her to

hand him anything.

C mentions what time the train leaves. The woman does not mention the time of the train, but this is not

what the man wants to do.

D is correct because he wants help, or a hand, with the project.

3. SHORT TALKS

3.1. Read the questions first. Try to read the questions before you listen, help you to focus your listening and may give you some ideas of

what the talk may be about

Let you know if you need to listen for specific details or general information

General:

What is the purpose of this talk?

Where is this talk being given?

Who is the speaker?

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→ concentrate on the main idea of the short talk

Details:

What is the final destination of the flight?

How long is the flight?

Where will the plane stop first?

→ pay attention to special facts, times, and dates that are given in the short talk.

3.2. Inference questions The information that you need to answer the question may not be stated directly. You may need to make

inferences or draw conclusion. These may be general or special.

Good afternoon and welcome aboard Global air flight 876 from Copenhagen to Bangkok, with immediate

stops in Dubai and Calcutta. We are preparing to depart in a few minutes. At this item your seat back should

be returned to its full upright position and your seat belt should be fastened. Our anticipated flying time is

six hours and we hope you enjoy the flight.

Who is the speaker?

The question needs an inference. We infer from the passage that the speaker is a flight attendant A question

about specific also require you to make an inference. For example, “Where will the plane stop first?” is not

directly answered in the passage. However, we can infer the first stop is Dubai because the speaker states the

flying time to that city

3.3. Listen to the whole talk before answering the question Don’t try to answer the question until you have heard the entire talk. There may be important details at the

end of the talk. You may also need to consider all the information presented to understand the main idea or

to make reference

The Eastern Gas Company has been given permission to increase the charges for natural gas service. The

revised rate for natural gas service will not be effective until March first of next year. The overall increase

will amount to 20 cents per cubic meter. Details of this change are available at the gas company billing

office.

Q: What will increase, according to the report?

A. The area serviced by the company

B. The number of company offices

C. The length of the billing cycles

D. The price of natural gas service

The answer is D, line 1 and 2 of the talk contain the phrase “increase the charges for natural gas service”. If

you miss hearing the detail, you might hear “the revised rate” and “the overall increase…to 20 cents”. All of

these details will help you understand that the main idea is about an increase in the price of natural gas

service.

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ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST

Subject: Listening Place: Time: ≈ 45’ Date: Test code: 111

Full name: ………………...……. Reg. No.: …………….…………

Instructions:

Number of Questions: 50

You will hear a number of different recordings and you have to answer questions on what you hear.

There will be time (5 minutes) for you to read the instructions and questions.

The recordings will be heard only ONCE.

Record all your answers in your test book and at the end of the test you will be given 10 minutes to

transfer your answers to an answer sheet.

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PART ONE Questions 1 - 6 People are making small talk. What are they talking about? You have 20 seconds to look at the options. Then listen and circle the correct answer.

1. (A) clothes 4. (A) a school (B) school (B) work (C) work (C) a new boyfriend

2. (A) work 5. (A) school (B) school (B) work (C) friends (C) apartments

3. (A) the weather 6. (A) work (B) a vacation (B) family

(C) health problems (C) school Questions 7 – 12 You will hear Michael talking to Marina about a new sports centre. You have 30 seconds to look at the questions. Then listen and circle the correct answer. 7. Where is the new sports centre? 10. How many days a week is the sports

centre open late? (A) Long Road (A) 2 (B) Bridge Street (B) 3 (C) Station Road (C) 4

8. What sport can’t you do at the sports centre?

11. Which bus goes to the sports centre?

(A) tennis (A) number 10 (B) table-tennis (B) number 16 (C) volleyball (C) number 60

9. How much must Marina pay? 12. When will Michael and Marina go to the sports centre?

(A) £14 a year (A) Tuesday (B) £30 a year (B) Thursday (C) £50 a year. (C) Friday Questions 13 – 18 Listen to an interview with Joshua, a surfer, and choose the best response. You have 30 seconds to look at the questions.

13. When are his exams?

(A) This year. (B) Next month. (C) Next year.

14. In summer, how often does Joshua go surfing on schooldays? (A) Usually once a day. (B) Usually twice a day. (C) He only surfs at weekends.

15. Why does Joshua do homework at lunch time? (A) Because he wants more time for surfing. (B) Because he works hard. (C) Because he can’t go surfing at lunchtime.

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16. Why doesn’t Joshua surf before breakfast in winter? (A) Because the waves are not very good. (B) Because it’s cold. (C) Because there isn’t enough light.

17. Who in Joshua’s family surfs? (A) Just Joshua. (B) Joshua and his sister. (C) The whole family.

18. When is the next competition for Joshua? (A) Next week. (B) Next month. (C) In two months’ time.

PART TWO Questions 19 – 28 Listen to the questions or statements and choose the best response. You have 45 seconds to look at the options.

19. (A) It costs 40 cents a minute. (B) Can you call back later?

(C) You can find one on the corner.

20. (A) No, to pick up a shirt. (B) It’s probably faster to take my car.

(C) He works on the second floor.

21. (A) Can you leave it by the door, please? (B) Hold on. I’ll ask Jeff to give you a hand.

(C) This box contains some personal things.

22. (A) Yes, he said he will be a little late. (B) Late last night.

(C) Yes, at the back of the room.

23. (A) To borrow some books. (B) It’s very close to here.

(C) In about an hour.

24. (A) The store around the corner. (B) The long one with the yellow tag.

(C) You can store it in the other room.

25. (A) Because of a few accidents. (B) I’ll see if it’s safe first.

(C) Yes, I’ve read it thoroughly.

26. (A) I’d like that very much. (B) Let’s talk over a cup of coffee.

(C) To discuss the upcoming project.

27. (A) Yes, but some of them said they will be a bit late. (B) I gathered a couple of things for the occasion.

(C) No, they’ve been working together for a while now.

28. (A) Yes, I will look at it when I have some time. (B) My boss gave it to me this morning.

(C) No, I haven’t had a chance to read it yet.

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Questions 29 – 31 You will hear a conversation between two people. You have 30 seconds to look at the questions. Then listen and circle the correct answer.

29. Why did the man make the call?

(A) To make a sale (B) To borrow a book (C) To reserve a vehicle (D) To get some sample

30. What does the man say he has to take next Tuesday? (A) Some books (B) Sample products (C) Nametags (D) Sales report

31. What will the woman do next? (A) Reserve a van in the man’s name (B) Take the van out for a drive (C) Meet with her client (D) Give the samples to the man

Questions 32 – 34 You will hear a conversation between two people. You have 30 seconds to look at the questions. Then listen and circle the correct answer.

32. When will the meeting begin?

(A) At 10:00 (B) At 10:30 (C) At 11:00 (D) At 11:30

33. Why was the meeting originally postponed? (A) Some staff members can’t attend. (B) Jack and Ron are in Mexico. (C) The women have to meet a client. (D) There was another meeting scheduled.

34. Why does the woman say she will be late to the meeting? (A) She is expecting a call from Mexico. (B) She has to meet with a client. (C) She has to find Jack and Ron first. (D) She needs to take care of a problem.

PART THREE Questions 35 – 40 You will hear Frank talking about looking for ships that sank at sea. You have 45 seconds to read the questions. Listen and circle the correct answer.

35. The first old ship which Frank found was (A) covered by rock. (B) older than he first thought. (C) easy to find.

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36. Frank finds ships quickly because he (A) reads history books. (B) is a professional diver. (C) uses the latest equipment.

37. What does Frank say about the ship called “The Seabird”? (A) It was built in 1859. (B) It sank in a storm. (C) It was badly made.

38. Frank says his wedding ring (A) was made from gold he found himself. (B) is worth £ 88,000. (C) was found by a friend.

39. Frank’s wife believes he should (A) stop diving. (B) give things to museums. (C) sell some of his collection.

40. How did Frank learn to dive? (A) By joining a diving club. (B) By going on a diving holiday. (C) By teaching himself.

Questions 41 – 46 You will hear a woman called Sarah talking to a group of people about her painting. You have 45 seconds to look at the questions. Then listen and circle the correct answer.

41. How often does Sarah paint now? (A) Three days a week. (B) Five days a week. (C) Every evening.

42. Sarah earns enough money from her painting to (A) give up her computing job. (B) pay for her flat and car. (C) pay for her artist’s materials.

43. When she was at primary school, Sarah (A) painted pictures of people. (B) learnt to use chalk. (C) drew scenes in pencil.

44. What pleased Sarah most about her painting holidays? (A) Meeting other artists. (B) Seeing beautiful scenery. (C) Receiving individual teaching.

45. Which of these has Sarah done? (A) Painted people in Greece (B) Painted sunrises in Scotland (C) Watched birds in Spain

46. After watching Sarah’s video, the audience will (A) fill in a questionnaire about the talk. (B) look round an art exhibition. (C) have a break and a drink.

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Questions 47 – 50 You will hear an interview with Jackie Torrence. You have 30 seconds to look at the questions. Then listen and circle the correct answer.

47. What is the main topic of the interview? (A) How to tell a story (B) How to enjoy reading (C) How to write a story

48. According to Jackie Torrence, how many times should a person read a story before telling it? (A) One (B) Three (C) Five

49. What is the interviewer’s attitude toward Jackie Torrence? (A) Worried (B) Interested (C) Doubtful

50. How does Torrence explain how to tell a story? (A) By naming good storytellers (B) By dividing the process into steps (C) By comparing good and bad strategies

- The End –

You now have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

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PHẦN 2: NGỮ PHÁP & TỪ VỰNG

1. INCOMPLETE SENTENCES

1.1. Decide if the question requires knowledge of vocabulary or grammar If all or some of the choices are the same part of speech, you must select the correct vocabulary item. On the

other hand, if you are asked to choose between different forms of the same word, you must select the

grammatical form.

E.g 1. Everyone should have periodic eye examination to make sure any problems are quickly …………

A. produced B. responded C. discovered D. prepared

E.g 2. Everyone should have periodic eye examination to make sure any problems are quickly …………

A. discovering B. discover C. discovered D. to discover

In example 1 , you must choose the word that is appropriate in the context of the sentence. A medical

problem must be discovered quickly so that it can be treated.

In example 2, you must select the correct grammatical form of the word. The verb should be passive. The

past participle discovered completes the passive construction- problems are quickly discovered.

1.2. Identify the missing part of speech to determine the correct grammatical form Identifying the missing part of speech (noun, adjective, adverb, preposition…) can help you eliminate some

of the choices. If the missing word is a verb, for example, you can rule out the choices that are not verbs.

Example 1:

Please……..your face with a mask when using welding materials.

A. protection B. protect C. protecting D. protective

In this example, the sentence is grammatically correct when completed with a verb form that expresses a

command- the imperative form of the verb. A & D are not verbs, so you can eliminate these choices

immediately. Choices B & C are both verb forms. Choice C protecting is not an imperative, B is the correct

answer.

1.3. Note that some words are often used together in set expressions Certain combinations of words typically occur in English. For example, the verb make can be used with an

appointment, a date, or a mistake, while the verb do is frequently used with a job, homework, or an errand.

For example, I made a mistake when I was doing my homework.

While many of the choices in this section may seem to make sense, the question may be assessing your

knowledge of English language usage.

Example1: Mr. Dupre has asked me to send his……………………. regards to you and your staff.

A. warm B. firm C. close D. good

The word regards is usually used with the words warm or best. While close and good might seem to make

sense, they are not used to modify regards

Example 2: He has …..a great deal of time on this project.

A. passed B. spent C. cost D. paid

The word time can be used with pass or spend, but the meaning of the two expressions are different. To pass

time means to let the time go by while you are relaxing or waiting. This would not make sense in the above

sentence. To spend a lot of time on something means you use the time for a specific purpose.

1.4. Look for grammatical relationships between parts of the sentence When you are choosing the correct grammatical form to complete the sentence, look at how the parts of the

sentence fit together. Information from one phrase often affects choices elsewhere in the sentence.

Example 1 : The notebook computer is the…………….. profitable of all the products that are presently on

sale.

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A. as B. so C. more D. most

The phrase of all the products tells you that the notebook is being compared with more than one other

product. A superlative is required. Choice D forms the superlative of the adjective.

Example 2: Mrs. Hayar ……from her trip to Jakarta late yesterday evening.

A. return B. returned C. returns D. be returned

Here, the clue is the phrase late yesterday evening. This phrase indicates that the action took place in the

past. Choice B is the simple past and is the correct answer.

2. SKILL BUILDING

Read the following sentences and decide what part of speech is missing in each case. Choose one of the

parts of speech listed below and write it in the blank.

Noun preposition verb adverb conjunction adjective

1. In order for the conference to run smoothly, we will need hundreds…volunteers.

2. The need for skilled workers in the manufacturing trade will……dramatically over the next decade.

3. West street has the city’s…..concentration of art galleries, museums, and restaurants.

4. The RBI Corporation has …maintained that its greatest growth potential lies overseas.

5. The air industry announced yesterday that it had canceled a $ 3.5 billions……for jet airplanes.

6. The audience is reminded that neither cameras….recording equipment will be permitted in the

auditorium.

increase increasingly largest strongest of for always

once or nor agreement agreeable

3. PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. I don't know what was wrong with her this morning. She is usually quite ...............

A. glad B. pleased C. cheerful D. satisfied

2. The air in the house felt cold and .................. after weeks of bad weather.

A. wet B. moist C. damp D. watery

3. The building was badly .………….in the fire.

A. hurt B. wounded C. damaged D. injured

4. People who are unemployed can receive the …………....

A. pension B. dole C. scholarship D. allowance

5. My brother always .......... at cards. No wonder he won every game.

A. cheated B. lied C. tricked D. deceived

6. I’m angry because you didn’t tell me the truth. I don’t like ………

A. being deceived B. deceiving C. to deceive D. having deceived

7. Hurry up! We don’t have ………left.

A. much time B. many times C. little time D. few time

8. The house still remains in …………...... after the hurricane.

A. good condition B. a good condition C. good conditions D. the good condition

9. In the legal profession, men ………. women by 5 to 1.

A. outnumber B. supersede C. overcome D. outclass

10. …………the invention of the steam engine, most forms of transport were horse drawn.

A. Thanks to B. Prior to C. In addition to D. With reference to

11. I don’t like people who tend to …………other people’s kindness.

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A. take advantage B. take advantages of

C. take advantage in D. take advantage of

12. Don't worry ! Our new product will keep your bathroom clean and ...

A. odourless B. odour C. odourful D. odourlessly

13. Let’s go ahead and do it now. Nothing ……………. by waiting

A. accomplishes B. accomplished

C. has accomplished D. will be accomplished

14. “When …………….?” “In 1928”

A. penicillin was discovered B. did penicillin discovered

C. was penicillin discovered D. did penicillin discover

15. In recent years, the government has imposed pollution controls on automobile manufacturers. Both

domestic and imported automobiles must ……………. anti-pollution

A. equip with B. be equipped with C. equip by D. be equipped by

16. “When can I have my car back?” “I think it’ll ……………. late this afternoon”

A. finish B. be finished C. have finished D. be finish

17.I’ll have my assistant . . . for an appointment.

A. called B. calling C. will call D. call

18. The owner had the store . . ……………... for the holiday.

A. close B. closing C. closed D. will close

19. Once the files are ready, please have them . . ……………... me.

A. send B. send to C. sent to D. sent into

20.The pictures, . …………… . by a professional photographer, are going to be on display.

A. taken B. which taken C. were taken D. was taken

21. The owner of the hotel had the rooms . . ………………

A. redecorated B. redecorate C. redecorating D. to redecorate

22. I won't wake unless I ……………. the alarm

A. don't hear B. heard C. hear D. didn't hear

23. If I could speak Spanish, I ……………. next year studying in Mexico

A. will spend B. would spend C. had spent D. would have spent

24. I wish I ……………. at you so loudly with no reason yesterday

A. wouldn't shout B. don't shout C. hadn't shouted D. didn't shout

25. What would you have done if you ……………. a lot of money?

A. had B. will C. had had D. have had

26. Many people would be out of work if that factory ……………. down

A. closes B. closed C. had closed D. would close

27. Your picture are beautiful. We ……………. more if we had not run out of film

A. would take B. had taken C. will have taken D. would have taken

28. The blackmailer denied ……………. the photographs to the actress

A. send B. to send C. sent D. having sent

29. This book was written by a well-known writer. It is worth …………….

A. to read B. reading C. read D. having read

30. Who actually saw the accident ……………. ?

A. to happen B. happen C. happened D. has happened

31. We are not used to ……………. in a cold climate

A. lived B. live C. living D. be lived

32. If you want to develop inner tranquility, you have to stop ……………. by every little thing that happens.

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A. bothering B. being bothered C. to bother D. to be bothered

33. I don’t remember ……………. of the change in plans for the holiday

A. to be told B. to have told C. telling D. being told

34. I’m sorry I never graduated. I’ve always regretted not ……………. college

A. to finish B. finished C. finish D. having finished

35. A good teacher makes her students ……………. the world from new perspectives

A. to view B. view C. viewing D. to be viewed

36. Please remember ……………. your hand during the test if you have a question

A. raising B. to raise C. having raised D. to have raised

37. I advised my niece not …………….at an early age

A. marrying B. to marry C. being married D. to have been married

38. Shhh. I hear someone ……………. in the distance. Do you hear it, too?

A. shout B. shouted C. to shout D. shouting

39. Children should be encouraged ……………. their individual interests

A. develop B. to be developed C. to develop D. developing

40. Could you please come over? I need you ……………. the refrigerator

A. help me moving B. helping me to move C. help me to move D. to help me move

41. We considered ……………. after work

A. to go shop B. going shopping C. going to shop D. to go to shop

42. All I want is for him . . . . . . . safe

A. returning B. to return C. return D. having returned

43. Yesterday, I met a woman … grandfather was Swedish.

A. who B. who’s C. whose D. which

44. She put her prize in a place … everyone would notice it

A. where B. which C. in what D. to that

45. ‘Why did you buy all this sugar and chocolate?’

‘ I …………….a delicious dessert for dinner tonight.’

A. make B. will make C. am going to make D. will have made

46. Fish were among the earliest forms of life. Fish …………….on earth for ages and ages.

A. existed B. are existing C. exist D. have existed

47. Today there are weather satellites that beam down information about the earth’s

atmosphere. In the last two decades, space exploration ……………. great contributions to

weather forecasting.

A. is making B. has made C. made D. makes

48. On July 20, 1969, Astronaut Neil Armstrong ……………. down onto the moon, the first person ever to

set foot on another celestial body.

A. was stepping B. stepped C. has stepped D. was step

49. The plane’s departure was delayed because of mechanical difficulties. When the weary passengers

finally boarded the aircraft, many were annoyed and irritable because they ……………. in the airport for

three and a half hours.

A. are waiting B. were waiting C. have been waiting D. had been waiting

50. My family loves this house. It ………. the family home ever since my grandmother built it 60 years ago.

A. was B. has been C. is D. will be

51. Here 's an interesting statistic: On a typical day, the average person……………. about 48,000 words.

How many words did you speak today?

A. spoke B. was speaking C. speaks D. will be

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52. Al painted his bedroom black. It looks dark and dreary. He ……………. a different color.

A. has to choose B. should have chosen C. must have chosen D. could have been choosing

53. Tom is sitting at his desk. He’s reading his chemistry text because he has a test tomorrow. He ……..

A. could study B. should be studying C. will study D. must be studying

54. When Mr. Lee was younger, he………work in the garden for hours, but now he has to take frequent

rests because he has emphysema.

A. has got to B. can C. should be able D. could

55. The swift current ……………. to cross the stream.

A. made impossible B. made it impossible C. made the possibility D. made possibly

56. ……………. with the size of the whole earth, the highest mountains do not seem high at all.

A. When compared B. Compare them C. If you compare D. A comparison

57. One of the most obvious characteristics of the moon is the way in which it continuously changes …….

A. in appearing B. its appearance C. are appearing D. for appearance

58. ……………. a wrong number, it is important to apologize before hanging up. A. You dial B. Dialing C. If you dial D. If it is dialed 59. ……………. the lion is a member of the cat family. A. Like the tiger B. Alike the tiger C. Liking the tiger D. It is like the tiger

60. ……………. the seeds of the Kentucky coffee plant are poisonous.

A. Until they have been cooked B. Cooking them

C. They have been cooked D. Having been cooked until

61. Natural silk is still high prized …………….similar artificial fabrics.

A. although is available B. despite there are available

C. in spite of the availability of D. even though an availability of

62. A vacuum will neither conduct heat nor ........................... .

A. transmit sound waves B. transmitting sound waves

C. sound waves are transmitted D. the transmission of sound waves

63. The FDA was set up in 1940............................... that maintain standards for the sale of food and drugs.

A. to enforce the laws B. to enforcing laws

C. enforcing laws D. enforced the laws

64. I have to go to the meeting…………... … I want to or not.

A. because B. whether C. as soon as D. while

65. You’d better take an umbrella … it begins to rain.

A. as soon as B. despite C. in case D. although

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ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST

Subject: Use of English Place: Time: 25’ Date: Test code: 121

Full name: ……………...……. Reg. No.: …………….………

Questions 1-20: Choose the word or phrase that best completes the sentence. Mark your choice on the answer sheet.

Example: He __________ on business yesterday A. went B. goes C. go D. going

Answer: A 1. While he__________ the piano, she was reading a magazine.

A. plays B. played C. was playing D. had played

2. I have never had my portrait _______________ . A. to paint B. painted C. paint D. painting

3. She can remember the time ________ cars were rarely seen in the village. A. which B. that C. where D. when

4. That is the dog________ owner is a famous doctor. A. whose B. who C. that D. which

5. Our brother ____________ in this room since yesterday morning. A. is staying B. stayed C. has stayed D. have stayed

6. I have been saving money because I _______________ buy a computer. A. shall B. will C. would D. am going to

7. The first indoor mall which__________ in 1965 in the United States is in Minnesota. A. built B. had built C. was built D. were built

8. Don’t invite Rob to your party _______________you really want him to be there. A. unless B. when C. as long as D. if

9. Plenty of milk____________ consumed every day. A. are B. were C. is D. was

10. The dentist advised him__________ sweets. A. to stop eat B. stopping eating C. stop eating D. to stop eating

11. My brother is intelligent but he___________ common sense. A. fails B. lacks C. misses D. wants

12. We usually recommend that couples ___________ their investments in order to plan for their retirement. A. elevate B. schedule C. coordinate D. delineate

13. Please ring to make an early ___________at the dentist. A. assignment B. order C. date D. appointment

14. Mrs. Smith always likes someone to __________ her to the bus stop at night. A. go B. company C. join D. accompany

15. There is construction going on outside today, so please _______ the windows closed. A. stay B. remain C. let D. keep

16

16. One of the requirements of this position is that you show up every day ___ of the weather. A. despite B. nonetheless C. regardless D. although

17. The house Mr. Eno is thinking about buying is located _________ Heritage Street. A. to B. on C. from D. of

18. The manager hinted that Janet Tate _________ for a promotion. A. considers B. has been considering C. has considered D. is being considered

19. If you do not find the accommodations here ______, be sure to let us know when you fill out your customer comment card.

A. satisfactory B. satisfied C. satisfaction D. satisfactorily

20. Please inform Ms. Anne Hedoni that we suggest she_________ her appointment for at least a week. A. postpone B. is postponing C. postpones D. will postpone Questions 21-30: Choose the underlined word or phrase in each sentence that needs correcting. Mark your choice on the answer sheet. Example: There was an interesting news on the radio this morning about the earthquake in Italy. A B C D Answer: B

21. New laws should be writing to accommodate changes in our society. A B C D

22. My brother attends an university in the Midwest which specializes in astrology. A B C D

23. Because of the light, the city seemed differently from the way I had remembered it. A B C D

24. She wishes that we didn’t send her the candy yesterday because she’s on a diet. A B C D

25. Modern farms are much larger than that of former times. A B C D

26. For they, the most rewarding shipwreck found was the HMS Associated. A B C D

27. Usually, the climate in mountainous areas becomes much windy at higher altitudes. A B C D

28. Nobody would have attended the lecture if you told the truth about the guest speaker. A B C D

29. When there are low sales, companies often decide developing new products. A B C D

30. Mr. Cruise used to think of hisself as the only president of the company. A B C D

Questions 31-40: Choose the correct sentence which has the same meaning as the given one. Mark your choice on the answer sheet.

Example: Mrs. Edwards is the owner of that car. Answer: That car belongs to Mrs. Edwards.

31. I’ve warned you not to leave the door unlocked. A. You shouldn’t unlock the door. B. Leaving the door unlocked was no good. C. I’ve warned you about leaving the door unlocked. D. I told you not to lock the door.

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32. Who do these skis belong to? A. To whom do these skis belong? B. Who buys these skis? C. Whose skis are these? D. A and C are correct.

33. Murder is the most serious of all crimes. A. Murder is very serious. B. Everyone is afraid of murder. C. No crime is more serious than murder. D. Murder is the dangerous crime.

34. The snow makes driving dangerous. A. The snow makes it possible to drive. B. The snow makes it dangerous to drive. C. Driving is not easy in snowy weather. D. It is dangerous to go skiing.

35. I owe ten pounds to the brother of a friend of mine. A. My friend’s brother lent me ten pounds. B. My brother’s friend lent ten pounds to me. C. I owe the brother of a friend of mine ten pounds. D. I owe ten pounds to the friend of a brother of mine.

36. Please don’t use the shower after midnight. A. Would you rather not use the shower? B. Would you like to use the shower before midnight? C. I don’t want you to use the shower. D. Would you mind not using the shower after midnight?

37. I agree he’s a good worker but I still don’t think he should get the job. A. He can’t get the job though he is a good worker. B. Despite the fact that he is a good worker, I don’t think he should get the job. C. He is such a good worker that he can get the job. D. He is too bad to get the job.

38. He tried to explain the problem to his wife. A. He tried explaining his wife the problem. B. He tried to explain his wife the problem. C. He attempted to explain his wife the problem. D. He attempted to explain to his wife the problem.

39. “John shouldn’t have behaved so badly”, said Janet. A. Janet doesn’t like John’s behaviour. B. Janet objected to John’s bad behaviour. C. Janet dislikes John. D. Janet was angry with John.

40. Anna failed to understand how serious her illness was until she spoke to the doctor. A. Anna doesn’t understand how serious her illness is. B. Not until she spoke to the doctor did Anna understand how serious her illness is. C. The doctor said that Anna’s illness was very serious. D. Anna went to see the doctor because she knew that her illness was serious.

- The End -

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PHẦN 3: ĐỌC HIỂU

1. DEALING WITH UNFAMILIAR WORDS

- Ignore them

- Look for the meaning given somewhere in the sentence or in the previous and following sentences

- Guess their meaning from the context

1.1. Ignoring the unfamiliar words For example, look at this exercise. Read the paragraph about obesity and answer the questions.

Obesity is a medical disorder that affects approximately 20-30% of the population of the United States of

America. It is an excessive accumulation of body fat that results from the storage of excess food energy

calories in the body’s fat cells.

1. Most American people suffer from obesity. True, False, or Not Given?

2. This paragraph presents…

A. some examples of obesity. C. a definition of obesity

B. the different types of obesity. D. the treatment of obesity.

When reading this passage, a student may find many unknown words and underline them. However,

both questions can be answered without knowing the meaning of the italic words. It is even unnecessary to

know the meaning of the word “obesity”!

1.2. Looking for the meaning of unfamiliar words given somewhere in the sentence Sometimes a sentence gives a definition of a new vocabulary item or information about it. This information

may be in parentheses ( ), after a dash (-), or after a comma (,).

Example: There were sixty-one identical cats in the classroom, each one exactly like the one on the board.

(What does identical mean? It means exactly alike).

Sometimes the meaning or a clue to the meaning of a new vocabulary item is in another sentence or sentence

part.

Example: A teacher from a Western country recently visited an elementary school in an Asian country. In

one class, she watched sixty young children. (What is an elementary school? It’s a school for young

children).

1.3. Guessing the meaning of unknown words from the context If it seems necessary to understand the meaning of a particular unfamiliar word, you will have to guess. You

cannot look up every word you don’t know in a dictionary since it is boring and time-consuming, especially

when you read long passages and more importantly, it is forbidden when you take a test! Now, let’s focus on

how to use context to guess the meaning of a word.

In ordinary reading, there are a number of clues that can help you to determine the meaning of an unknown

word.

* Synonyms:

The first state to institute compulsory education was Massachusetts, which made it mandatory for students to

attend school twelve weeks a year

The word mandatory is a synonym of the word compulsory

* Examples:

Many gardeners use some kind of mulch, such as chopped leaves, peat moss, grass clippings, pine needles,

or wood chips, in order to stop the growth of weeds and hold in moisture.

From the examples given, it is clear that mulch is a plant matter.

* Contrast:

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In the 1820s, the Southern states supported improvements in the national transportation system, but the

Northern states balked.

Since the Southern states supported the improvements, and since a word signalling contrast (but) is used, it

is clear that the Northern states disagreed with the idea, and that the word balked must mean objected or

refused.

* General context:

In a desert, vegetation is so scanty as to be incapable of supporting any large human population.

As is generally known, deserts contain little vegetation, so clearly scanty must mean scare or barely

sufficient.

2. SKIMMING THE PASSAGE

Read the title, subtitles and subheadings to find out what the text is about.

When you are skimming a passage for a general understanding, don’t try to understand every word.

Jump from paragraph to paragraph, finding the main point in each paragraph before moving on to the

next paragraph, like jumping across stepping-stones in a river. The main point of each paragraph is

often, though certainly not always, the first sentence in each paragraph.

When you are looking at sentences to understand the main points, try to find the main words in the

sentence, namely the subject, the verb and the object of the main clause. Try to ignore the other

words, particularly the relative clauses and adverbial clauses.

Example

Tea plants are grown on tea plantations, called gardens or estates, in areas that have a great amount of

rainfall and rich loamy oil.

It is enough to understand that tea plants are grown on/in somewhere/somehow. If you later find a question

that relates to this sentence, you can come back and read it more intensively.

When you have finished skimming the passage, skim the questions. You need to know how many

questions there are and approximately what the questions are about. You can now practise skimming. To

encourage you to skim as quickly as possible, there is a suggested time limit.

Exercise 1: Skim the passage quickly. Read only the title, the first paragraph, the first sentence of the

middle paragraphs, and the last paragraph. Don’t worry about the words you don’t know. Then complete

the sentence below.

The main idea of this reading is ___________

1. the high cost of a university education.

2. how to pay for a university education.

3. living on a student budget.

Time limit: 4 minutes

A STUDENT BUDGET

College gives people the chance to learn and make friendships that will last a lifetime. Many people

in North America begin college at the age of eighteen. Many students go to school and work part-time to

help pay for their education.

In the United States, the cost of a college education can be quite expensive. Undergraduate tuition at

a public university can cost between $2,000 and $10,000 a year. That amount rises to between $14,000 and

$24,000 a year at a private university. Students must also pay for textbooks and stationery. These can cost

$500 to $800 per year. Students who live in campus housing pay between $3,500 and $9,000 per year for

room and board. Add money for clothes, travel, and other personal expenses, and one year at a university

can cost as much as $35,000!

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UNDERSTANDING THE MAIN IDEAS

In each paragraph of a passage there is often a summary sentence which contains the main idea of the paragraph.

The other sentences in the paragraph expand, illustrate, and/ or explain

the main idea.

The summary sentence is frequently thought not always the first or the second sentence of the paragraph.

If your purpose is to understand the main points of a passage you should

locate and underline this sentence in each paragraph.

Students need to spend their money carefully. At Eastern Michigan University, advisors help

students to plan and stick to a budget. They suggest this: At the start of a school semester, write down your

income, for example, money you will get from your family or a part-time job. Then, list all of your

expenses. Put your expenses into two groups: those that change (food, phone, books, travel), and those that

will stay the same (tuition, room and board). Add together all of your expenses. Then, subtract these from

your income. Do you have enough money, or do you need more?

Learning to stick to a budget is not always easy. But for many, it is easier than borrowing money from

family or friends in the middle of a semester.

3. GETTING THE MAIN IDEAS

Exercise 1: Skim the following passage as quickly as possible and underline the sentence that gives the main

point of each paragraph.

Time limit: 2 minutes

LIBRARIES

Libraries are quite difficult to define. If you ask most people to define a library, they will probably

say that it is a building with a lot of books. Strictly speaking, a library does not have to be a building: it can

be a room, or indeed any area where material is kept. Equally, a library is not merely a collection of books:

there are journals, newspapers, CD-ROMs, microfilm, audio-visual materials and so on. So, to be more

accurate we can say that a library is a collection of information or material.

Libraries are organized in three ways. Most libraries will use one or more of the three main

classification systems that have been developed to detail the material in the collection. They are referred to

as the Dewey Decimal System, the Universal Decimal Classification and the Library of Congress System.

Nowadays libraries are under threat for a number of reasons. The primary challenge, as never before,

is funding. Hardware and personnel costs increase each time technology expands. Equally, there are

challenges in the skills needed by users and resource professionals.

It is difficult to predict the future of libraries. Our basic concept of libraries will almost certainly, it

would appear, change dramatically in that we will not think of them (and access them) as physical places,

which is the prevailing concept at the moment. But beyond that, it is difficult to predict both usage patterns

and preferred systems of data recording and retrieval.

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TACTICS FOR DOING SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS Read the instructions carefully. Underline or highlight the key words in each question and decide what kind of

information you need to look for.

Start with the first question and read the passage quickly to see if you can find words that are the same as the key words or have a similar meaning.

Read around these words to find the answer.

Decide exactly which words/or numbers you should write as the answer.

4. SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS

Exercise 1: Read the questions below. Then scan (don’t read) the following paragraph to find the answers.

QUESTIONS

1. What city is this paragraph about? _____

2. What is the population of the city? _____

3. Is there information about the food in this country? YES NO

4. Is there information about the schools in this country? YES NO

Time limit: 1 minute

TAIPEI

Taipei is a lively and expensive city, and it lets you know it. About 6,000,000 people live in and

around the capital of Taiwan and it is a hotbed of renao, or liveliness. Apartments are almost impossible to

buy in Taipei and the government is encouraging businesses to locate in other parts of the country. Taipei

may not be a relaxing place but the food is excellent, the people are friendly, and there are some wonderful

things to see, like the Grand Hotel.

Exercise 2: Scan the passage about libraries. Which sentence contains the information you need to answer

the questions below? Write the number of the sentence from the passage next to each question.

Time limit: 2 minutes

(1) Libraries are quite difficult to define. (2) If you ask most people to define a library, they will

probably say that it is a building with a lot of books. (3) Strictly speaking, a library does not have to be a

building: it can be a room, or indeed any area where material is kept. (4) Equally, a library is not merely a

collection of books: there are journals, newspapers, CD-ROMs, microfilm, audio-visual materials and so on.

(5) So, to be more accurate we can say that a library is a collection of information or material.

(6) Libraries are organized in three ways. (7) Most libraries will use one or more of the three main

classification systems that have been developed to detail the material in the collection. (8) They are referred

to as the Dewey Decimal System, the Universal Decimal Classification and the Library of Congress System.

(9) Nowadays libraries are under threat for a number of reasons. (10) The primary challenge, as

never before, is funding. (11) Hardware and personnel costs increase each time technology expands. (12)

Equally, there are challenges in the skills needed by users and resource professionals.

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TACTICS FOR MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Underline or highlight the key words in the question and the four questions.

Quickly read the sentences that contain the main ideas in each paragraph of the passage.

Rule out any options in the questions that you think are definitely wrong.

Decide which option is correct.

(13) It is difficult to predict the future of libraries. (14) Our basic concept of libraries will almost

certainly, it would appear, change dramatically in that we will not think of them (and access them) as

physical places, which is the prevailing concept at the moment. (15) But beyond that, it is difficult to predict

both usage patterns and preferred systems of data recording and retrieval.

1. What kinds of materials does a library collect? __________

2. What is the most accurate way to define ‘library’? __________

3. What is the main problem that libraries are facing? _________

4. What aspect of libraries is sure to change? _________

5. MULTIPLE CHOICE

Exercise 1: Look through the questions below, scan the passage and then choose the best answers.

Time limit: 3 minutes

The first black literature in America was not written but was preserved in an oral tradition, in a rich

body of folklore, songs and stories, many from African origins. There are humorous tales, Biblical stories,

animal stories, and stories of natural phenomena, of good and bad people, and of the wise and foolish. Many

reflect how African Americans viewed themselves and their lives. The lyrics of blues, spirituals, and work

songs speak of suffering and hope, joy and pain, loved ones, and religious faith, and are an integral part of

the early literature of black people in America.

The earliest existing written black literature was Lucy Terry’s poem “Bars Fight”, written in 1746.

Other eighteenth-century black poets include Jupiter Hammon and George Moses Horton. The first African

American to publish a book in American was Phillis Wheatley. Black poetry also flourished in the

nineteenth-century, during which the writings of almost forty poets were printed, the most notable of whom

was Paul Laurence Dunbar, the first black American to achieve national acclaim for his work. Dunbar

published eight volumes of poetry and eight novels and collections of stories.

More than three dozen novels were written by blacks between 1853 and 1899, but autobiography

dominated African-American literature in the nineteenth-century, as it had in the eighteenth. In the twentieth

century, however, fiction has presided, with Charles W. Chestnutt, America’s first black man of letters,

successfully bridging the two centuries. He began publishing short fiction in the mid-1880s, wrote two

books that appeared in 1899, and had three books published between 1900 and 1905. He was a pioneer of

the “new literature” of the early 1900s, which aimed to persuade readers of the worth and equality of

African Americans.

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1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as part of the oral tradition of African

Americans?

A. Humorous tales B. Tales of adventure C. Biblical stories D. Animal stories

2. According to the passage, the lyrics of blues and spirituals are often concerned with

A. the pain and joy in life B. loved ones and animals

C. religion and nature D. wise and foolish people

3. According to the passage, an important part of early African-American literature was

A. Novels B. short fiction stories C. Biographies D. songs

4. According to the passage, when did the first written African-American literature appear?

A. In the 1600s B. In the 1700s C. In the 1800s D. In the 1900s

5. According to the passage, who was the first African American to receive national recognition for his

writing?

A. Paul Dunbar B. George Horton C. Lucy Terry D. Phillis Wheatley

6. REFERENCE

Successful reading means being able to see the relationship between different words, that is, being able to

match information rather than understand isolated words.

The most typical example of matching information is matching reference, that is, how one word refers to

other words. If you cannot understand all the references, you cannot understand the passage. There are many

types of reference.

6.1. Pronouns: (e.g. he, she, it, they, himself, herself, this, that, these, what, who, where…)

Many people wrote to complain. They particularly objected to…

We received about twenty calls a day. These range from requests for…

The hospital receives insufficient funding. This is a major problem.

He asked if I could lend him a torch. Unfortunately, I didn’t have one.

6.2. Auxiliary verbs: (e.g. do/did, have/had, can/could, will/would…)

We all tell white lies occasionally. Life would be difficult if we didn’t.

You need to pay the fee now. If you can’t, please let us know.

They asked me to help. I said I would.

6.3. there, then, so, such..

At the beginning of the 19th century… Thing were very different then.

You may experience symptoms of nausea Such symptoms are not uncommon.

6.4. Parallel expressions

His follow mathematicians his colleagues

Feelings of anger and betrayal strong emotions

6.5. Articles

A survey… (first reference) the survey …. (later reference)

How can you find the references? Reference words are in many cases pronouns such as “it”, “them”,

“they”, or “this”. When the reference word is a pronoun, look for a previous noun that might match the

pronoun. Make sure that they match in gender (male or female), number (singular and plural), and case (is

the word a subject, an object or a possessive?). Replace the pronoun with this noun and check to see if the

meaning is possible. For example, in the sentences above, when ‘her’ is replaced with ‘Sandra’ the sentence

makes sense. Therefore ‘her’ refers to ‘Sandra’.

Sandra’s closest friends are Amy and Lee. They study with her at the university

24

Sometimes to understand a reading passage we need to work out the link between the ideas correctly.

This link is not always expressed by reference words but by elliptical devices. Let’s have a look at the

following example.

The main purpose of a resume’ is to convince an employer to grant you

an interview. There are two kinds. In this sentence, “two kinds” means “two kinds of resume’”

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ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST

Subject: Reading Place: Time: 55’ Date: Test code: 131

Full name: ………………...……. Reg. No.: …………….………… PART I: Read the text below and choose the correct word for each space. For each question, mark your

choice (A, B, C or D) on your answer sheet.

Questions 1-10:

New Opportunities with an Open University Degree

Like any other university, the Open University can give you a degree. However, you don't have to ……. (1) ……. working to study. It can also open up a whole variety ……. (2) ……. interests.

If you have ……. (3) …… studied before, you will enjoy the special, new pleasure of ……. (4) ……. your knowledge. You will make friends of ……. (5) …….kinds. You may also ……. (6) ……. that your qualification provides new career opportunities.

You don't actually ……. (7) ……. to the Open University for lectures, but study at home, using television, radio and computer software. You can ……. (8) ……. one class a month if you wish at an Open University centre. Of course, there are exams to take, as in ……. (9) ……. university.

If you ……. (10) ……. like to know more, all you have to do is to complete the form below. It could be the start of a wonderful new period in your life.

1. A. stop B. end C. break D. leave

2. A. from B. of C. in D. for

3. A. ever B. never C. often D. always

4. A. growing B. changing C. adding D. increasing

5. A. all B. each C. both D. every

6. A. suggest B. find C. wish D. want

7. A. join B. enter C. arrive D. go

8. A. give B. attend C. learn D. study

9. A. any B. some C. many D. most

10. A. did B. will C. would D. can

Questions 11-20:

Living in the Country

Living in the country is something ……. (11) ……. people from the city often dream about.

However, in reality, it has both advantages and ……. (12) ……..

There are certainly many advantages to living in the country. First of all, you can enjoy ……. (13)

……. and quiet. Moreover, people tend to be friendlier. A further advantage is that there is less …….

(14) ……., so it is safer for young children.

However, there are certain drawbacks to life outside the city. Firstly, because there are……. (15)

……. people, you are ……. (16) ……. to have few friends. In addition, entertainment is difficult to find

……. (17) ……. in the evening. Furthermore, the fact that there are fewer shops and services means that

it is hard to find ……. (18) ……..

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In conclusion, it can be seen that the country is ……. (19) ……. suitable for some people than

others. On the whole, it is often the best place for those who are retired or who have young children. In

……. (20) ……., young people who have a career are better provided for in the city.

11. A. which B. who C. whom D. that

12. A. benefit B. difficulty C. hardship D. disadvantages

13. A. peace B. peaceful C. silent D. still

14. A. cars B. motors C. traffic D. vehicles

15. A. more B. fewer C. less D. little

16. A. like B. likely C. likelihood D. possibly

17. A. early B. particularly C. specially D. usually

18. A. career B. job C. place D. work

19. A. many B. more C. most D. much

20. A. contrary B. contrast C. convert D. conversion

Questions 21-30:

People have tried for over 2000 years to find a relationship (21)…………. people’s physical features

and their character, and even though there is a complete (22)………….. of evidence for such an idea, it is

still popular.

The Ancient Greeks were interested in the idea of human personality although they did not link it

with outward appearance. Later, during the Renaissance, some writers (23)………… that there was a direct

connection between a person’s character and their face, and they said this new science would (24)…………

you know a great deal about a person simply by analyzing their face. Kings and princes were interested in

the science, as they thought it might (25)…………. them to be better judges of character, and they believed

that these new skills would (26)………… it more difficult for dishonest courtiers to (27)…………. them in.

Despite the fact that nobody takes these theories seriously nowadays, scientists are still interested in

the basic idea. They have shown that there is a link between a person character and their build.

Extroverts and other confident, outgoing people are usually short and thick set, and in contrast,

people who are (28)…………. and reserved tend to be (29)………….. and thin. There is some scientific

basis to this theory because glands have such an important effect on both a person’s build and their moods,

so it is not (30)………….. to find a link between them.

21. A. between B. among C. from D. with

22. A. lack B. shortage C. failure D. need

23. A. claimed B. told C. pretended D. related

24. A. allow B. permit C. let D. enable

25. A. make B. allow C. let D. learn

26. A. change B. make C. let D. turn

27. A. take B. put C. set D. bring

28. A. conceited B. arrogant C. proud D. shy

29. A. long B. surprised C. tall D. great

30. A. surprising B. surprised C. interested D. interesting

PART II: Read the texts and questions below. For each question, mark your choice (A, B, C or D) on

your answer sheet.

Questions 31-35:

Italy enjoyed a highly developed and specialized civilization from about 264 B.C. until the fall of the

Roman Empire in 476 A.D. Important contributions were made in art, science, education, religion, and

27

architecture. Remains of Roman aqueducts and amphitheatres can still be seen in various parts of

Africa and Europe today.

Probably the most lasting of the Roman heritage to the world can be found in laws based on Roman

legal principles as found in England, Latin America, and the United States, as well as the Roman alphabet

which forms the basis of many languages among which are English, Spanish, and German.

31. During how many centuries did Italy enjoy an advanced civilization?

A. 3 B. 4 C. 6 D. 8

32. Which of the following is considered to be the most enduring heritage of the Romans?

A. art B. science C. law D. education

33. Where can we still find evidence of Roman architecture today?

A. Latin America B. Africa C. India D. United States

34. All of the following are true except:

A. Roman law was so advanced that other nations adopted Roman legal principles.

B. Some Roman-built structures are still standing.

C. Roman superiority began to decline in the fourth century A.D.

D. The ancient Romans were talented in many areas.

35. Which of the following languages is not given as using the Roman alphabet?

A. English B. German C. Russian D. Spanish

Questions 36-40:

Now that I've extracted your tooth, I want to give you some words of advice. Remember that this

is surgery. You need to go home and rest for the rest of the day. You shouldn't do your regular work.

Since you're an adult, it might take you longer to heal than if you were a child. The numbness will wear

off after a few hours, and if it's painful after that, you should take two aspirins.

Now, the most important thing to remember is to apply ice to your cheek immediately when you get

home. This will keep the swelling down. You can use an ice bag or put chopped ice in a towel. Hold it on

your cheek over the extraction area for twenty minutes, and then take it off for twenty minutes. Keep this

up for four or five hours.

Secondly, don't rinse your mouth today. Tomorrow you should do it gently every three or four

hours with salt water. Continue this rinsing for several days. Don't be alarmed if there is some bleeding this

morning. A little bleeding is normal following an extraction. I've put gauze pads over the extraction, and I

will give you some to take home. Change the pads about a half hour after you get home. That's all you

need to do. Call me any time if you have a lot of bleeding or pain. And remember to apply ice right away.

36. Who is probably speaking? A. A nurse B. A dentist C. A doctor D. An assistant 37. How long will the patient's mouth be numb? A. For a few hours B. For a half hour C. Until tomorrow D. Until the swelling goes down 38. What does the speaker say is the most important thing to do? A. Rinse the patient's mouth. B. Take two aspirins. C. Sleep. D. Put ice on the patient's cheek. 39. When does he say to rinse with salt water? A. Tonight. B. In a half hour. C. Tomorrow. D. In four or five hours. 40. What kind of person does the speaker seem to be? A. Angry B. Worried C. Helpful D. Excited

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Questions 41-45:

Winter Driving

Winter driving is dangerous because it's so difficult to know what is going to happen and

accidents take place so easily. Fog can be waiting to meet you over the top of the hill. Ice might be

hiding beneath the melting snow, waiting to send you off the road. The car coming towards you may

suddenly slide across the road.

Rule Number One for driving in icy roads is to drive smoothly. Uneven movements can make a

car suddenly very difficult to control. So every time you turn the wheel, touch the brakes or increase

your speed, you must be as gentle and as slow as possible. Imagine you are driving with a cup of hot

coffee on the seat next to you. Drive so that you wouldn't spill it.

Rule Number Two is to pay attention to what might happen. The more ice there is, the further

down the road you have to look. Test how long it takes to stop by gently braking. Remember that you

may be driving more quickly than you think. In general, allow double your normal stopping

distance when the road is wet, three times this distance in snow, and even more on ice. Try to stay in

control of your car at all times and you will avoid trouble.

41. What is the writer trying to do in this text?

A. To complain about bad winter driving.

B. To give information about winter weather.

C. To warn people against driving in winter.

D. To advise people about safe driving in winter.

42. Why would somebody read this text?

A. To find out about the weather.

B. To get information on driving lessons.

C. To learn about better driving.

D. To decide when to travel.

43. What does the writer think?

A. People should avoid driving in the snow.

B. Drivers should expect problems in winter.

C. People drive too fast in winter.

D. Winter drivers should use their brakes less.

44. Why does the writer talk about a cup of coffee?

A. To explain the importance of smooth movements.

B. Because he thinks refreshments are important for drivers.

C. Because he wants drivers to be more relaxed.

D. To show how it can be spilt.

45. Which traffic sign shows the main idea of the text?

A. Drive Carefully - Ice On Road Ahead

B. Reduce Speed Now - Fog Ahead

C. Drive Carefully - Road Repairs Ahead

D. Slow Down - Accident Ahead

Question 46-50:

There have been three periods in the history of post-war broadcast interviewing. The first, “the age of

deference”, when it was an honour to have you, the interviewee, on the programme, lasted until the middle

50s. The second, “the age of ascendancy” , when politicians in particular looked upon the interviewers as

agenda-setting rivals who made them feel uncomfortable by their knowledge and rigour of questioning,

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came to an end at the beginning of this decade. Now we are in “the age of evasion” when most prominent

interviewees have acquired the art of seeming to answer a question whilst by passing its essential thrust.

Why should this be? From the complexity of causes responsible for the present mediocrity of the

interview form, a few are worth singling out, such as the revolt against rationality and the enthronement of

feeling in its place. To the young of the 60s, the painstaking search for understanding of a given political

problem may have appeared less fruitful and satisfying than the unfettered ventilation of emotion which the

same problem generated. Sooner or later, broadcasting was bound to reflect this.

This bias against understanding has continued. To this we must add the professional causes that have

played their part. The convention of the broadcast interview has undergone little change of radical

development since its rise in the 50s. When a broadcasting form ceases to develop, its practitioners tend to

take it for granted and are likely to say “how” rather than ask “why”.

Furthermore, these partly psychological, partly professional tendencies were greatly accelerated by

the huge expansion of news and current affairs output over the last 15 years. When you had many additional

hours of current affairs broadcasting, interviewing turned out to be a far cheaper convention than straight

reporting which is costly in terms of permanent reporters and time preparation. The temptation to combine

an expanded news and current affairs service with a relatively small additional financial outlay by making

the interview proved overwhelming.

To be fair, there are compensating virtues in interviewing, such as immediacy and authority, yet in

all honesty I must say that the spread of the interviewing format has led to a corresponding diminution of

quality broadcasting.

46. According to the author, in the past politicians thought that television interviewers

A. knew more about politics than they did.

B. should be honoured to meet them.

C. really aspired to be politicians too.

D. gave them a difficult time in interviews.

47. In the 60s young people

A. talked about problems instead of solving them.

B. found political problems too difficult to understand.

C. preferred the expression of feeling to logical argument.

D. were dissatisfied with the standard of interviewing.

48. From a professional standpoint, one reason for the decline in the quality of the interview is that

A. people are not so interested in politics.

B. interviewing techniques have remained much the same.

C. people are not so radical as in the 60s.

D. broadcasters consider the interview format outmoded.

49. Compared with other forms of current affairs programmes, interviews are

A. shorter and more efficient.

B. more carefully prepared.

C. fairer in their approach.

D. more authentic and direct.

50. The writer believes that because of the increasing use of interviews

A. there are too many current affairs programmes.

B. standards in broadcasting have declined.

C. the cost of broadcasting has increased.

D. broadcasters have become less popular.

- THE END -

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PHẦN 4: WRITING (LETTERS)

1. OUTLINE MODEL

It is important to use the correct layout for formal letters as shown below.

YOUR ADDRESS (BUT NOT YOUR NAME ) house number, street, the town, postcode, (if included) the country (if necessary) e.g. 48 George Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. THE DATE OF WRITING day month, year e.g. 23rd June,2012 YOUR CORRESPONDENT’S ADDRESS Your correspondent’s name, e.g. Mr. Robert Smith Or simply title or position (if you do not know the name) e.g. The Sales Manager the company’s name the company’s address THE SALUTATION Dear Sir, Dear Madam, (if you do not know the recipient’s name) Dear Sir/ Madam (if you do not know the recipient’s name and sex) Dear title + family name e.g. Dear Mr. / Mrs. / Miss / Ms / Dr Smith, Dear Professor Kennedy, THE CONTENT OF THE LETTER Use new paragraphs where appropriate THE SUBSCRIPTION Yours faithfully, (if you have written Dear Sir/ Madam ) or Yours sincerely, (if you have written the person’s name, e.g. Dear Mr. Smith) YOUR SIGNATURE YOUR NAME LEGIBLY WRITTEN, WITH YOUR TITLE AND POSITION e.g. Miss Amanda White The Sales Manager

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2. LETTERS OF REQUEST

2.1. Request for information

Calle Mallona 34,

OSOGI Valencia

March 20 1989

The Director of Courses,

Camford Polytechnic

Camford CM2 8JT

Dear Sir,

I am writing to you with reference to your advertisement in the ELT Monthly

for one month courses in English at the Polytechnic this summer.

I would be grateful if you would send me further information on these courses,

indicating the dates on which they will start, the timetable and the fees. I am

particularly interested in Business English and would like to know how much

time is spent on this option every day.

Could you also give me details of accommodation? Are the students lodged at

the Polytechnic or with families outside?

I would also like to know whether groups of students with the same first

language are lodged together or whether it is possible to meet others from

different language backgrounds.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Juan Martinez

JUAN MARTINEZ

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2.2. Request for good or services

46, Manor Way

Warwick,

Warwickshire CV14 5BS

28th October, 2013

The Sales Manager,

Transatlantic Plastics Ltd,

Ventnor,

Isle of Wight

Dear Sir,

Thank you for the new Autumn catalogue received the other day. I would now

like to order the following items from it:

100 A4-size Mini- grip plastic bags

4 large size pieces of plastic sheeting

I enclose a cheque for the sum of £11.80 to cover the cost of the items and

postage and packing.

I would also be very grateful if you would send me a new catalogue every

year.

Yours faithfully,

Robin Hopwood

Robin Hopwood

2.3. Language notes 2.3.1. Common structure of a formal letter of request

BEGINNING STATE THE REASON FOR THE LETTER

- Are you writing the letter in reply to an advertisement to ask for further information about a course, goods, services or anything else?

- How, when and where do you know about the advertisement?

BODY

WHAT ARE YOUR REQUESTS?

- The first request?

- The second request?

- The third request?

- ........................ ?

Do you need to enclose anything, for example a cheque, a postage order or a deposit if you want to order goods or services?

CLOSING - Make some reference to hearing from the recipient

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2.3.2. Useful language

REQUEST LETTERS FOR GOODS AND SERVICES

BEGINNING

I am writing because I am interested in your advertisement for the new models of computers sold in your company.

I am writing on account of .................................................................................. I am writing to ......................................................................................................

FIRST REQUEST

Could you possibly send me ................................................................. as soon as possible? I would like you to ............................................................................................... I would be grateful if you could / would ...................................................... without delay. Would it be possible for you to send / sell .......................................................... I would like to order ...................................................... from your company. We would appreciate if you could .................................................................... immediately.

SECOND REQUEST Could you also please send me / deliver ............................................................ to me?

REFERENCE TO PAYMENT

I enclose / include a cheque for ......................................................................... Enclosed is my money order for ......................................................................... Please find enclosed a postal order for ..............................................................

CLOSING Please call me at .......................... if you require further information. If you wish to confirm the above with me, I can be reached at 324 5865. If you have any requires, please give me a call at .......................... . I look forward to hearing from you

soon. Please do not hesitate to call me at .............. if you wish to raise any questions. I hope to receive your

prompt reply. Should you have any questions, I could be reached at ..................................................

REQUEST LETTERS FOR INFORMATION

BEGINNING A letter of request usually begins with a paragraph stating the reason for the letter. The following are

some ways for you to start the first paragraph or the beginning of the letter.

With reference to your advertisement for the course of English for Business Communication in the Educational Journal Supplement of 8th September, 2003, I am writing to ask for further information about the course.

I am writing in response to your advertisement for ...................................... in ................... I wish to ask for further details of ............................ as advertised in ................................

FIRST REQUEST Could you please tell me how long the course lasts / the length of the course? Would you please explain ..................................................................................? Would you kindly ..............................................................................................? I would appreciate information about .................................................................

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I would appreciate if you could send me further information about the job you advertised on TV yesterday.

Would it be possible for you to clarify ( what is meant by...)...............................................? I would be very grateful if you could send me information / directions / instructions ......... I wonder if you would kindly send us some information about your English courses.

SECOND REQUEST

Another matter I need information on is ............................................................ Another point I am not certain about is ............................................................... I would also like some help / information / clarification on ................................................

GROUPS OF REQUESTS

If you have many requests to make, you had better group some requests of the same kind in one sentence instead of stating each in one separate sentence, as shown in the following example.

I would like to know when exactly the course starts and finishes and how much it costs. I would also be grateful for information about school fee, accommodation, timetable and leisure

activities . I would be grateful if you would send me further information on these courses, indicating the dates on

which they will start, the timetable and the fees.

You can also use listing and adding signals: first(ly), second(ly), next, last(ly) or finally. For example:

Firstly, I would like to know when exactly the course starts and finishes and how much it costs. Secondly, I would like to know about the contents of the lessons such as how big the classes are, how many hours a day they last and which sports are included. Finally, I would be very grateful if you could tell me whether I could study with students of mixed nationalities, the same age as mine and the same level of my English.

MAKING REFERENCE TO HEARING FROM THE RECIPIENT I look forward to receiving your reply. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. I am looking forward to hearing from you at any time which is convenient to you.

2.4. Practice Mark is thinking about renting a holiday farmhouse. He is interested in the following

advertisement and has decided to write to Mrs. Sorrento. Unfortunately, he has made a number

of grammatical mistakes in his letter. Read the letter and correct any grammatical mistake that

you can find in it.

Charming farmhouse between Rome

and Naples. Most dates available.

Sleep 5. Pool.

Contact Mrs. Caroline Sorrento, Box 140.

Available July? No. of bedrooms?

Pool private? Where exactly?

Prices & extras?

Anything for children to do?

Local airport &car hire?

Rome or Naples easier?

35

Dear Mrs. Sorrento,

I reply to your advertisement in The Times on March 11 for the farmhouse, and there are a number of things I would like to ask.

I am interested in renting the farmhouse for the first two weeks of July for myself, my wife and two children aged 17 and 9. Could you let me know it would be free then, how much would it cost, and what does the price include?

Could you also send me some more informations about the farmhouse itself? It would be useful to know exactly where is it, how many bedrooms does it have, and whether the pool private. I would also be grateful you could give me an idea of what sort of activities could we organize for the children?

Finally, I would be grateful if you could tell me know if there is a local airport and it is possible to hire a car there. If not, could you tell me whether it would be easier for us to fly to Rome or to Naples?

I look forward to hear from you.

Your sincerely,

3. LETTERS OF APPLICATION

3.1. Model APPLYING FOR A JOB

59 River Street,

Cardiff ,

CFT IJM.

12th February 1997

The Editor,

The Swansea Gazette,

27 New Hall Road,

Swansea.

3rd IDR

Dear Sir or Madam,

I would like to apply for the post of trainee reporter which was advertised in

yesterday's edition of the Swansea Gazette.

I am seventeen years old and will be leaving school at the end of this academic year. I

have six O levels and I am studying English and Economics at A level.

I have been involved in the production of my school's news letters for the last two

years and I have a keen interest in local affairs. I am also a member of the football and

athletics teams.

I enclose the names and addresses of two referees who can testify to my conduct and

character.

I could come for an interview at any time which is convenient to you.

Yours faithfully,

MARK MORRISON

36

3.2. Language notes 3.2.1. Common structure of an application letter for a job

BEGINNING WHY ARE YOU WRITING ?

- Why are you writing the letter? - What is the post you desire to be considered for? - When and where did you hear or learn about the vacancy?

BODY

Arrange your points in paragraphs, each of which will deal with one point.

ARE YOU THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB ?

- How old are you and what is your marital status? (if you are required to specify this) - What is your educational background? What relevant qualifications have you got? - Have you got any experiences relevant to the job? If yes, what are they? - Have you got any interest or hobby that is necessary for the job? - Why have you decided to change your job if you are currently employed? - Do you enclose any references? - Have you got any resolution to make in order to convince the employer of your strong

desire to be considered for the job and your contribution in case you are accepted for the vacancy?

CLOSING - Make some reference to hearing from the employer. Note: You can also mention enclosure and your resolution before you make some

reference to hearing from the employer in this part.

3.2.2. Common structure of a letter for a course, a cultural exchange ...

BEGINNING WHY ARE YOU WRITING ?

- Why are you writing the letter ? - What is the course you are applying for ? - When and where do you know about the course?

BODY Arrange your points in paragraphs, each of which will deal with one point.

ARE YOU THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE COURSE ?

- How old are you? (if you are required to specify this) - What are your educational background and qualifications? - Have you got any experiences relevant to the course? If yes, what are they? - What are the reasons for your application? - Do you think you are the right person for the course? - Are you required to enclose any papers requested for the course?

CLOSING

- Make some reference to hearing from the employer.

3.3. Useful language BEGINNING With reference to your advertisement in the Morning Post issued on 24th October, 2003 for the post of

tourist guide, I would like to apply for the job. I wish to apply for the post of Housekeeping Supervisor I saw advertised in yesterday’s Saigon Times. I am interested in applying for the job of bilingual secretary, which was advertised in the Daily Herald

on 30th May. I am writing in reply / in response to your advertisement in the Daily News of 19th May, 2003 for the

post of general office clerk. I am writing for the position of ......................... I saw advertised in ................................... I wish to be considered for the course of ................................. informed in ........................ I am writing to apply for the scholarship of ................... offered by ...................................

37

EXPLAIN YOUR EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS I feel that my qualifications match your requirements as I will show you briefly as follows. My qualifications are as follows. I feel I am the right person for the post because my qualifications and experiences are extremely

appropriate I feel I would be suitable for this post/ course because .......................................................

EXPLAIN YOUR EXPERIENCE I wish to gain experience of ................................................................................. Having already worked as ....................... for ............ I wish to extend my experience. I feel I could be useful to you.

RECENT EXPERIENCE I have been working as tourist guide for the last three years. I have worked as secretary since I left college in 1990.

GENERAL EXPERIENCE I have had experience of .................................................................................... I have done .................................before ............................................................... I have never done ............................................but ..............................................

PAST EXPERIENCE In 1979 I worked ................................................................................................. ......................................... before I worked ..........................................................

EXPLAIN YOUR INTEREST I am very interested in .............................................................. especially

I am very keen on ................................................................................................ I have a keen interest in .......................................................................................

EXPLAIN YOUR REASON FOR THE APPLICATION One of the reasons I am applying ......................................is that ......................................... One of the reasons for applying is ......................................................................

MENTION ENCLOSURE Please find enclosed my curriculum vitae and two references as requested. I enclose my qualifications and the names and addresses of two referees who can testify to my conduct

and character. Enclosed is my resume giving more details about my qualifications and experiences. My full curriculum vitae and two references are attached as requested. I have attached a resume outlining my qualifications and experiences.

MAKING SOME REFERENCE TO HEARING FROM THE EMPLOYER I could come for an interview at any time which would suit you. I am available for an interview at any time convenient to you. I should be glad to attend an interview at any time which would suit you. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. I shall do my best to please my officers with honest and hard work, if selected for the post. Should you please call me for an interview, I shall be glad to give you any further information you may

require.

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4. LETTERS OF COMPLAINT

4.1. Model Read the following letter of complaint.

Isokaari 38B

00200 Helsinki

Finland

26 June 2002

The Manager

Windermere Wildside Adventure Holidays

Ambleside

Cumbria

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the adventure holiday I have just had with your

organization, from the 12th to the 25th of this month. The holiday, for which I paid £ 380, failed

significantly to live up to the promise made in your advertisement.

First, although the holiday was advertised as being based at Wildside Hall, I found myself instead

at a youth hostel seven miles away. This means that, with no car or buses available, I had no

access to the Hall's facilities ( pool, sauna, etc ); at the hostel, the only leisure facilities were a

table tennis table and a pack of cards.

Furthermore, at the hostel there were neither "comfortable double rooms" nor "talented" kitchen

staff: there were four people in a room, and the food was very ordinary indeed.

Finally, the choice of activities was not as advertised. Whereas you claimed that every day we

would be able to choose from "a wide range" of activities, in reality there was only ever a choice of

two. I had planned to spend the whole fortnight sailing and windsurfing, but for eight days of the

holiday neither of these was on offer.

In view of the many ways in which the holiday failed to live up to your advertisement, which can

only be described as extremely misleading, I feel that a refund of at least £190 would be

appropriate. Should this refund not be forthcoming, I shall be obliged to refer the matter to the

British Tourist Board.

Yours faithfully,

Samanta Brunoni

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4.2. Language notes 4.2.1. Common structure of a formal letter of complaint

COMPLAINT ABOUT A DEFECTIVE, DAMAGED OR INCOMPLETE PRODUCT COMPLAINT ABOUT POOR OR INADEQUATE SERVICE

BEGINNING

STATE THE REASON FOR YOUR LETTER

Why are you writing the letter? Note: You can also mention the date, the place and the cost of the purchase or service in

here. - When and where did the purchase or the service in question take place? - How much did you have to pay for the goods or the service?

BODY

Arrange your points in paragraph!

( This may not be necessary in a very short letter)

INTRODUCE THE PROBLEM

Note: Mention the date, the place and the cost of the purchase or service in here if this has not been done in the beginning.

When and where did the purchase or the service in question take place? How much did you have to pay for the goods or the service?

PRESENT CLEARLY THE DETAILS OF THE INCONVENIENCE

When the details are about a chronological sequence of events How did you discover the problem? What did you do after you discovered the problem? Did you try to do anything to make those responsible know about the problem? What

were their reactions?

When the details fall into groups of different inconvenience What was the first inconvenience? What was the second inconvenience?

CLOSING

How do you feel about the situation? What do you think you should get in compensation for the inconvenience you had to

suffer? Do you need to enclose anything, for example, the receipt? Do you intend to take any further action if your demands are not fulfilled?

4.2.2. Useful language

BEGINNING I am writing to complain about a hair-dryer which I bought in your shop last Saturday and about the

treatment I received when I tried to return it a few days later. I am writing because I am not really pleased / satisfied with the quality as well as the service in the

students’ restaurant at your college in recent months. I am writing to complain about the problem of noise caused by motorcycles in our area. I am writing to you in connection with a pair of shoes from your Sunny Wave range, which I purchased

in May from Cloggs, High Street, Leatherhead.

THE BODY

The body of the letter always contains a description or report of the inconvenience caused to the

40

writer. Exact details of the matter involved should be given in a clear and ordered way. It may involve explaining how the writer discovered the problem which is usually written in the past. Usually the writer uses the time expressions to report the problem, for example, at first, then, after that, two days later, finally, at the end, ... Also, we can use other kinds of linking words to link events together, for example, however, unfortunately, but,......

Dear Sir/ Madam.

I feel I must complain to you about the service I have received from both your shop assistants and your office staff.

I bought a pair of shoes from your Oxford Street branch on 17 September. They cost £34.99, which I do not think is cheap. For a pair of shoes at this price, one would expect them to last several years. However, after only two weeks I had to have them re - heeled.

Not only that, but they began to leak in rainy weather. Naturally, I took them back to the shop. There I was told that I could have another pair of shoes, but that particular style was out of stock. I said that I did not want to choose another style, and that I wanted my money back. The shop assistant informed me that she could not do this, and that if I wanted a refund I had to write to your office. Since then I have written to you twice, and have tried to phone on several occasions, but I have had no reply. If I do not hear from you in the next two weeks, I will get in touch with the Consumer Advice Bureau.

I hope to hear from you before I write to them.

Yours faithfully,

On some occasions, the matter of complaint does not occur in the order of time. Instead, the mater involves a number of inconveniences which should be arranged in some kind of logical order such as order of importance, level of frequency, or degree of seriousness. In these cases, you can use different kinds of linking words to present the problem in order, for example, first, second, furthermore, in addition, finally, most importantly, last but not least, even worse, what is worse, ... Depending on the length and complexity of the problem, several paragraphs may be required.

Dear Sir,

I am writing to express my concern at the large number of the so-called “amusement arcades” which have suddenly appeared in Loucester.

There are several reasons why I object to these “amusement arcades”. Firstly, the people who run them take a lot of money away from young people in exchange for a certain relief from their boredom. Secondly, although I do not object to young boys and girls having fun, I feel that most of the machines are fixed so that you can very rarely win. Thirdly, I feel that it would be much better for these young people to be doing something in the open air instead of in a smoky atmosphere. I am sure they would enjoy it more, too. Lastly, the physical appearance of these places is most unattractive, and there is almost always a lot of noise around them, which is not at all in keeping with the traditionally quiet atmosphere of our little village.

In conclusion, may I say that I feel it is our duty as parents to educate our children to amuse themselves in a healthy and constructive way, and also provide the facilities for them to do so.

CLOSING

After explaining the whole problem, the writer states clearly what action he expects. Requests for action can be strong or quite mild. The writer can also give a threat to report the person responsible or a recommendation as to what should have been done instead.

41

DEMANDS

I demand that you refund my money immediately. I enclose the record with a copy of my receipt and would be grateful if you could send me either a new

record or my money back at your earliest convenience. I enclose the book with a copy of the original receipt. Could you send a replacement as soon as

possible? I feel that at the very least you owe my guests and me an apology. We await an answer from you. I would be grateful to receive a cheque for the outstanding sum without further delay. I must insist that you deliver the piano with no further delay and at no additional expense to myself. £ 134 would be appropriate compensation for the inconvenience caused to my family. Under the circumstances, I feel that an apology should be offered. I should like to know what you intend / are going to do about it.

THREATS

If you do not refund my money immediately, I will contact my solicitor. I shall have no alternative but to put the matter in the hands of my solicitors should your cheque not be

received by May 1st. Unless I hear from you within ten days, I shall have to take legal advice on the matter. If I do not hear from you before May 3rd, I shall be obliged to take matters a step further. If this letter does not get any response, I intend to take up the matter with the Noise Control Board.

42

PHẦN 4: WRITING (ESSAYS)

INTRODUCTION

About 40 words

General statements about the topic

↓

Writer’s position (optional)

↓ What the writer is going to say

BODY About 180 words

↓

+

↓

↓ +

CONCLUSION About 30 words

Summary

↓ Conclusion

↓ Recommendation

(optional: if asked for advice, suggestion)

1. THREE POPULAR TYPES OF ESSAY QUESTIONS

1.1. The Argument-type essay – A question - It is opinion more than facts

- Ask directly for the writer’s personal opinion

- It usually has an additional question

1. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

2. What do you think about…?

3. What is your opinion about….?

4. To what extent is technology always beneficial?

First point in first paragraph

Topic sentence Support

Second point in second paragraph

Topic sentence Support

43

5. Is this a good idea to do….?

6. Which of the views do you agree with?

7. “Should” starting question.

8. Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree.

1.2. The Discussion- essay – D question - It asks for both sides of the issue.

- Have one or two additional questions

1. Discuss (an opinion or an idea), do you agree or disagree. 2. Discuss both of the views. Which do you agree with? 3. Discuss the arguments FOR and AGAINST something.

1.3. The Account-type essay – Ac question - Wh- question

- Advantages and disadvantages

- Cause and effect

- Facts, not opinion

- Examples of What question:

1. Discuss challenges facing a developing country when integrating into the world economy.

2. Examine measures that can be taken to curb inflation

2. SAMPLE ESSAY QUESTIONS

1. Television is harmful to children?

Do you agree?

2. Because of the pressure of new subjects such as business studies, many schools have

dropped sport of physical education (PE) from the curriculum. Many people think that

physical education is not important in a young person’s education.

What is your opinion?

3. University education should be restricted to the very best academic students, rather than

being available to a large proportion of young people.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

4. We live today in an electronic information age. It is easier to be connected by technology

yet many people seem no closer feeling happy in their life.

Discuss.

5. Modern lifestyles are completely different from the way people lived in the past. Some

people think the changes have been very positive, while others believe they have been

negative.

Discuss both these points of view and give your own opinion.

6. People today move to new cities or new countries more than ever before. What challenges

do they experience? What strategies are there to meet these challenges?

7. Every large city in the world has to face the problem of increasing traffic jams and the air

pollution that they cause. Our health and environment are in danger from the growing

numbers of cars or other private motor vehicles.

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3. Model process

3.1. Example 1: Why is traffic such a problem today? How can this problem be educated?

Television is harmful to children? Do you agree?

Step1. Analyze the task – Reading carefully to understand all the details

Step2. Generate ideas – Ask questions based on the key words

If you agree with the opinion that television is harmful to children, brainstorm some following ideas

Disadvantages of television to children

If you disagree with the opinion that television is harmful to children, brainstorm some following ideas.

Advantages of television to children

Step 3. Think it through – Put your ideas in order before you start to write

Introduction Some background information about television and its

development in our modern society. State your opinion

about the topic.

Paragraph

topics

1. Advantages of television

or

2. Disadvantages of television

Conclusion Summaries / Recommendation

Television is harmful to children? Do you agree?

Over the past forty years, television sets have become standard pieces of equipment in most homes, and

watching television has become a standard activity for most families. Children in our culture grow up

watching television in the morning, in the afternoon, and often in the evening as well. Although there are

many excellent programs for children, many people feel that television may not be good for children. In fact,

television may be a bad influence on children for three main reasons.

First of all, some programs are not good for children to see. For example, there are many police stories on

television. People are killed with guns, knives, and even cars. Some children might think that these things

could happen to them at any time. Therefore, they can become frightened. In addition, some youngsters

might begin to think that violence is a normal part of life because they see it so often on television. They

may begin to act out the violence they see and hurt themselves or their playmates.

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Second, television can affect children’s reading ability. Reading requires skills and brain processes that

watching television does not. If children watch television too many hours each day, they do not practice the

skills they need to learn how to read.

Finally, television may affect children’s schoolwork in other ways. If they spend too much time watching

television, they may get behind in their homework. Also, if they stay up to watch a late movie, they may fall

asleep in class the next day. Consequently, they will not learn their lessons, and they could even fail in

school.

In conclusion, if children watch too much television or watch the wrong programs, their personalities can be

harmed and their progress at school can be affected. Therefore, parents should know what programs their

children are watching. They should also turn off the television so that their children will study.

3.2. Example 2:

‘We live today in an electronic information age. It is easier to be connected by

technology yet many people seem no closer feeling happy in their life’. Discuss.

Introduction What is happiness? How is it related to being

connected? The thesis statement

Paragraph topics 1. Advantages of technology

2. Disadvantages of technology

Conclusion Summaries? Indicate your opinion

The electronic information age that we live in today, certainly makes communicating very quick and easy. It

is simple for many people to contact dozens of others everyday via computer or phone, but does this make

them feel happier? Happiness is difficult to define, but in addition to basic needs like food, shelter or peace,

it depends on such things as good health, a loving family and friends, and a satisfying occupation – either

job, study or pastime. Whether modern communication has increased people’s feelings of happiness is,

however, debatable.

There are many advantages to being connected electronically. Firstly, for the price of a local phone call we

can stay in touch via email with family or friends around the world. In this way, isolation by distance or

climate can be overcome. For example, Finland with its long winter has one of the highest rates of internet

use. Secondly, information that would only be available to a small number of people without the use of

computers is now at our fingertips. Similarly, thousands of people use chat rooms and internet dating sites

everyday.

On the other hand, it seems to be the case that depression and suicide rates are high and the divorce rate

is increasing. Employees complain of longer working hours and increased stress levels. There is concern

that people are in fact becoming more isolated, only communicating on-line. On this evidence, they seem

unhappier today.

In summary, happiness is hard to measure, as it it subjective and depends on the particular situation.

Perhaps there is more awareness of current problems because so much information is available through

technology and the media. Even so, it would seem that the quality of our relationships and therefore our

level of happiness is related to modern technology, which is, after all, only a tool.

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PHẦN 5: SPEAKING

TOPIC CARD 2

Describe a TV program that you like to watch recently.

You should say what the program is

what it is about

why you like it

and explain how you prefer it more than other TV programs.

TOPIC CARD 3 Describe a restaurant that you enjoyed going to.

You should say where the restaurant was

why you chose this restaurant

what type of food you ate in this restaurant

and explain why you enjoyed eating in this restaurant.

TOPIC CARD 1

Name a traditional festival for children in Vietnam.

You should say what it is

what children do on the occasion

something special about the festival

and explain why children like this festival in Vietnam.

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A B C D ĐĐúúnngg

A B C D Sai

A B C D Sai

A B C D Sai

A B C D Sai

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LƯU Ý ĐỐI VỚI THÍ SINH KHI LÀM BÀI THI TRẮC NGHIỆM

Khi làm từng câu trắc nghiệm, thí sinh cần đọc kỹ nội dung câu trắc nghiệm, chọn phương án đúng nhất (A hoặc B, C, D), tô kín ô tròn tương ứng với chữ cái A hoặc B, C, D trong Phiếu trả lời trắc nghiệm.

Cần hết sức chú ý làm đúng những điều sau:

- Khi nhận được Phiếu trả lời trắc nghiệm, thí sinh sử dụng bút mực hoặc bút bi (không được dùng bút mực đỏ) để ghi đầy đủ các mục từ 1-7 trong phiếu.

- Khi tô các ô tròn, phải tô đậm kín cả ô để máy chấm có thể ghi nhận được. Tuyệt đối không được gạch chéo, hoặc đánh dấu vào ô được chọn.

- Ứng với mỗi câu trắc nghiệm chỉ được tô 1 ô tròn; nếu tô 2 ô trở lên máy sẽ không chấm và câu đó không có điểm.

- Trong trường hợp tô nhầm hoặc muốn thay đổi câu trả lời, thí sinh dùng tẩy tẩy thật sạch ô cũ và tô kín ô khác (nếu tẩy không sạch, máy chấm sẽ xem như có 2 ô đen và câu đó sẽ không được chấm điểm)

- Thí sinh phải giữ cẩn thận phiếu trả lời trắc nghiệm, không để phiếu bị rách, bị gập, bị nhàu vì máy không chấm những phiếu này.

- Thí sinh sử dụng bút chì mềm 2B, 6B … để tô đen vào ô tròn được chọn. Yêu cầu phải tô kín đều ô tròn.