Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

1. Moving directly from school to work or higher education can be difficult and stressful. The transition from one demanding environment to another often leaves little time to pause and reflect. [I] A gap year provides an excellent opportunity to take a break, think about your goals, and plan for the future. [II] It allows you to step out of your comfort zone and experience personal growth through real-world learning. [III] For example, you could travel to new places, volunteer for meaningful causes, or immerse yourself in different cultures. [IV]

2. Academic life often feels like a constant race, with little time to pause due to classes, homework, and extracurricular activities. This intense schedule often leads to academic burnout, leaving students feeling unmotivated. A gap year provides the opportunity to recharge and rebuild enthusiasm for academic pursuits. By taking this break, students can return to their studies feeling refreshed and ready to achieve their goals.

3. For many students, a gap year is a chance to discover their interests and purposes. While some know their career path early, most are unsure about their future. During a gap year, you can explore what you enjoy and develop a clearer vision for your life. This time of self-discovery ensures you return to school ready to succeed in a major you are passionate about.

4. Additionally, a gap year helps build essential interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers and universities. Whether volunteering abroad, leading community projects, or networking in your field of interest, these experiences can set you apart from others. A gap year not only prepares you for future challenges but also helps you grow into a confident, capable individual.

5. In conclusion, a gap year is a powerful tool for gaining experience, reducing stress, and finding direction.

 

Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.

Last night, during family time, John couldn't stop laughing while watching a hilarious________on TV.

Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Trade Schools: A Practical Path to Career Success

1. If you prefer hands-on learning and seeing the results of your hard work, a trade school could be an excellent option. Trade schools focus on practical education, providing students with the skills they need to succeed in specific industries. They are an affordable and efficient way to prepare for in-demand jobs and enter the workforce quickly.

2. Trades are skilled jobs that require specialized training. While traditional trades include fields like construction and manufacturing, the range of trades has expanded to include technology, healthcare, culinary arts, and more. Trade programs are available at trade schools, vocational schools, and some community colleges. Unlike four-year colleges, trade schools focus entirely on the chosen field, skipping general elective courses. Programs usually take a few months to two years and award certificates instead of degrees.

3. One of the biggest advantages of trade schools is their affordability compared to four-year colleges. Students at accredited trade schools can apply for financial aid through FAFSA, which provides access to scholarships, grants, and loans. Scholarships and grants are particularly helpful because they don't need to be repaid. Costs vary by program, so researching options is important.

4. Trade schools offer many benefits. Classes are often small, so students receive personalized support from instructors. Graduates enter stable, high-paying fields that often provide union benefits and protections. Programs are often designed around local industry needs, offering strong employment opportunities in fields like energy, maritime work, or wind farming.

5. Many trade schools partner with employers to provide internships or apprenticeships. These paid opportunities allow students to gain valuable on-the-job experience, making trade schools a smart choice for career-focused individuals.

Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

Read the following passage about education in Nepal and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

An education pioneer born into rural poverty in Nepal has opened 30 schools in a bid to boost prospects for his country's children.

The World Bank ranks Nepal as the globe's 31st poorest country, with almost 10 million people living on daily incomes between £1.48 and £2.50. Many rural villages remain unreached by government schooling and adult literacy stood at just 60 per cent in 2011.

Surya Karki and his charity United World Schools Nepal (UWS) are tackling high illiteracy and poverty rates by funding and improving education.

The first school opened in 2015 – since then 92 per cent of children have completed primary education, which finishes at age eight, and continued into secondary education with UWS schools. In comparison to 39 per cent of students continuing education who attended government schools.

Mr Karki was born into poverty in rural Nepal. Speaking to the Telegraph he said: “School is the only solution to the poverty cycle that we live in. I was raised by a single mother in a male-dominated society.

“The school that I went to was approximately two hours walk away. My house was on top of a hill and my mother had to drag me across rivers. We used to walk 10 miles a day. The schooling was really bad.”

Of the students who would go to school, he said: “They would end up in the same place, as cheap migrant workers in Qatar, Saudi, or Dubai. There was no value in education – no success stories.”

[A] Karki’s mother was a firm believer in education, and at age eight Karki secured a scholarship to study in the capital, Kathmandu. [B] From there he won scholarships and completed Masters degrees in China and the United States. [C] Karki said. “Inequalities in a country can only be decreased if there is access to knowledge.” [D]

The devastating earthquake in 2015 damaged 9,300 schools, displacing hundreds of thousands of families and pushing 700,000 people into poverty. As of January 2018, only 2,891 schools had been rebuilt. Karki said: “We came at a crucial time, where we could redo or undo what had been done badly. Education was really bad in terms of infrastructure, quality of teachers, training. It was an opportunity for us to really make things better.”

UWS Nepal has so far built 30 schools and has seven more in construction. The schools run between 10 am and 3:30 pm, and have an 86 per cent average attendance rate, which Karki says is almost double the attendance rates for government schools in the vicinity. Sexual health classes are taught to the children in the later years.

According to Karki, the education system in Nepal ______.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 13 to 17

a. First, what are the university entry requirements for international students in the UK?

b. Regards,

c. Dear Kevin, I hope you well! I am writing to ask you for some advice on higher education in your country.

d. What’s more, what types of accommodation are available for international students?

e. Do I have to take any university entrance examinations if I have a certificate of secondary school graduation and a transcript of marks for all subjects?

f. I wish you and your family the best.

Read the following passage about gender equality and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22 

In the professional or career world, a gap year is a year before going to college or university and after ___(18)___ taking a year off before going into graduate school after completing a bachelor as an undergraduate. During this time, students may engage in advanced academic courses, extra-academic courses and non-academic courses, ___(19)___, language studies, learning a trade, art studies, volunteer work, travel, internships, sports and more. Gap years are sometimes considered a way for students to become independent and ___(20)___ prior to engaging in university life.

Australians and New Zealanders have a tradition of travelling overseas independently at a young age. In New Zealand, ___(21)___. Sometimes, an OE is limited to one year, but often Australians and New Zealanders will remain overseas for three to five years, with many working short-term in service industry jobs to fund ___(22)___.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word that differs from the other  three in the position of stress in each of the following questions.

Read the following advertisement and choose the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.

SCORE HIGH ON YOUR EXAMS WITH BLUEPRINT TEST PREP!

Are you preparing for the MCAT or LSAT?

With Blueprint Test Prep, you don't have to (1) __________ it alone. Our AI-driven platform is designed to give you the tools and support you need to succeed, (2) __________ you are in your studying.

With 24/7 access to your own AI tutor, you can tackle (3) __________ parts of the exam, like critical reasoning and analysis. Blueprint's AI adapts to your unique strengths and weaknesses, giving you the (4) __________ support you need to succeed. Plus, our question banks (5) __________ to keep you engaged and on track.

Blueprint Test Prep is more than just a study tool—it's your personal exam coach! Thousands of students have already used our platform to boost (6) __________ scores and achieve their goals. So, why wait? Step up your study game with Blueprint Test Prep today!

Read the following advertisement/ announcement and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your  answer sheet to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 10 to 15.

BADMINTON CLUB

Are  you already a badminton player? Do you want to learn to play badminton? Everyone (13)______at our club, especially beginners.

We meet in the school (14)_______ every Thursday at 4 p.m. We play for fun, but we also play matches and practise our skills.

Come to our club!

(15)_______ you have any questions, please phone Laura on 07700 900227.

Read the following passage and choose the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.

➹ Take Your Communication Skills to the Next Level!

Do you want to (1) _______ in your career and lead with confidence? Strong communication skills are the secret to success in today's competitive business world!

The "Effective Communication Skills" program by PACE (2) _______ for professionals who want to:

✔ Improve their ability to work confidently and effectively with (3) _______.

✔ Strengthen their interpersonal and communication skills.

✔ Increase workplace performance through enhanced communication.

This program offers a(n) (4) _______ with:

✔ Interactive discussions to boost understanding.

✔ Real-world case studies and hands-on activities.

✔ Expert trainers (5) _______ personalized advice.

Who Should Join?

✔ Managers, leaders, and department heads seeking to sharpen their communication skills.

✔ Professionals ready to work smarter, collaborate better, and succeed faster.

Transform your communication (6) _______ your greatest strength! Limited seats available—don't wait!

➤ Sign up now!

Choose the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 13 to 17.

Dear Ms. Nguyen,

I hope this email finds you well.

a. I am writing to seek your valuable advice regarding the process of applying for a scholarship to support my academic goals.

b. Additionally, I am curious about how to choose references who can support my application.

c. Your insights would be incredibly helpful to me as I navigate this process, and I am truly grateful for your time and expertise.

d. I would like to know how to write a strong personal statement and what documents are usually required for the application.

e. My name is Lan Tran, and I am currently a senior student at Tran Hung Dao High School.

Thank you in advance for your kind assistance.

Best regards,

Lan Tran

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct arrangement of the  sentences to make a meaningful paragraph/letter in each of the following questions.  

a.Best wishes.

b.First of all, self-study gives learners more freedom. They decide what they should study and how to learn depending on their abilities.

c.Dear Lucy; I hope you are well. I am thinking about the advantages of self-study - learning at home without a teacher.

d.Secondly, they can make learners responsible. They set their learning goals and make study plans to achieve them.

e.Finally, it makes them more confident. Completing tasks and solving problems on their own boost learners' confidence.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.

Jack was so frustrated as _______ had informed him about the meeting.

Listen to the whole conversation. For each question, choose the correct answer. Question 36 to 40.

Andy doesn’t use his computer to ________

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.

Jimmy hardly ever sings karaoke, ________?

Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how we live and learn. [I] It offers many benefits for students, especially in personalizing education. [II] AI adjusts the learning speed to fit each student's progress, ensuring no one is left behind or rushed. [III] It also adapts to different learning styles, using visual, auditory, and interactive methods. [IV] This support improves both academic knowledge and essential life skills, making learning more meaningful.

2. AI is reshaping education with personalized experiences, flexible programs, and easy access to opportunities. According to the International Data Corporation, the global AI in education market is expected to exceed 150 billion dollars by 2027. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies create immersive learning experiences by bringing abstract ideas to life. AR overlays digital content onto the real world, while VR offers a fully immersive, simulated environment. These technologies help make difficult concepts easier to understand through hands-on learning, such as virtually exploring space or dissecting a frog. AI enhances these experiences, making them more engaging and effective.

3. UNESCO emphasizes AI's role in addressing challenges like limited access to quality education, teacher shortages, and lack of resources. Countries like Singapore and the U.S. are leading in AI adoption. Singapore's "Smart Nation" strategy uses AI to automate grading and provide personalized feedback, even for students with special needs. In the U.S., government programs focus on adaptive learning and personalized assessments to improve education.

4. While AI has the potential to improve education, it also presents several challenges and ethical concerns. AI systems depend on large amounts of data, including sensitive student information such as academic records and learning preferences. It is essential to handle this data responsibly, ensuring students' privacy is protected. Additionally, AI tools may not always be designed with all students in mind, particularly those with disabilities. Therefore, accessibility must be prioritized during development to ensure that AI provides equal opportunities for all learners.

Where in paragraph 1 does the following sentence best fit?

Beyond academic subjects, AI helps students develop important soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Read the following advertisement/school announcement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ENGLISH SPEAKING COMPETITION

The school youth union would like to announce:

·       We (13) __________ an English Speaking Competition in a couple of weeks to help boost your confidence in speaking English.

·       We encourage all students (14) ______________in improving their English speaking skills to take part in this exciting contest!

·       It's a fun opportunity to refine your speaking abilities and express your ideas confidently. (15) _________, you will build your self-assurance in using English

·       Get ready to share your thoughts and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Keep an eye out for more details on how to participate!

Choose the word that differs from the other three in the position of primary stress in each of the following questions.

Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Trade Schools: A Practical Path to Career Success

1. If you prefer hands-on learning and seeing the results of your hard work, a trade school could be an excellent option. Trade schools focus on practical education, providing students with the skills they need to succeed in specific industries. They are an affordable and efficient way to prepare for in-demand jobs and enter the workforce quickly.

2. Trades are skilled jobs that require specialized training. While traditional trades include fields like construction and manufacturing, the range of trades has expanded to include technology, healthcare, culinary arts, and more. Trade programs are available at trade schools, vocational schools, and some community colleges. Unlike four-year colleges, trade schools focus entirely on the chosen field, skipping general elective courses. Programs usually take a few months to two years and award certificates instead of degrees.

3. One of the biggest advantages of trade schools is their affordability compared to four-year colleges. Students at accredited trade schools can apply for financial aid through FAFSA, which provides access to scholarships, grants, and loans. Scholarships and grants are particularly helpful because they don't need to be repaid. Costs vary by program, so researching options is important.

4. Trade schools offer many benefits. Classes are often small, so students receive personalized support from instructors. Graduates enter stable, high-paying fields that often provide union benefits and protections. Programs are often designed around local industry needs, offering strong employment opportunities in fields like energy, maritime work, or wind farming.

5. Many trade schools partner with employers to provide internships or apprenticeships. These paid opportunities allow students to gain valuable on-the-job experience, making trade schools a smart choice for career-focused individuals.

In which paragraph does the author mention how students can receive financial aid?

Read the following advertisement/school announcement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ENGLISH SPEAKING COMPETITION

The school youth union would like to announce:

·       We (13) __________ an English Speaking Competition in a couple of weeks to help boost your confidence in speaking English.

·       We encourage all students (14) ______________in improving their English speaking skills to take part in this exciting contest!

·       It's a fun opportunity to refine your speaking abilities and express your ideas confidently. (15) _________, you will build your self-assurance in using English

·       Get ready to share your thoughts and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Keep an eye out for more details on how to participate!

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that best combines each pair of sentences in the following questions.

Amelia purchased a blue dress. Then she decided to exchange it for the red one.