SỞ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO TÂY NINH

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KỲ THI CHỌN HỌC SINH GIỎI LỚP 9 THCS VÒNG TỈNH
NĂM HỌC 2020-2021
Ngày thi: 01 tháng 4 năm 2021
Môn: TIẾNG ANH (THI VIẾT)
Thời gian: 150 phút (không kể thời gian giao đề)
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ĐIỂM BÀI THI CHỮ KÍ GIÁM KHẢO Mã Phách
Bằng số Bằng chữ Giám khảo 1 Giám khảo 2 (Do HĐ chấm thi ghi)

ĐỀ CHÍNH THỨC
(Đề thi gồm có 11 trang, thí sinh làm bài trực tiếp vào đề thi này)
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I. LISTENING (3/18 points)
Part 1: You will hear 12 short conversations. From the three answer choices given, choose
the answer which means about the same thing as what you hear or that is true based upon
what you hear.
1. A. The woman is a manager.
B. The woman has had the same job for years.
C. The woman really liked her new job at first.
Shared by: Angels
2. A. She's not doing anything about her problem. of Otto Channel
B. She plans to move soon.
C. She's not usually so tired.
3. A. The woman liked the ending.
B. The man has only read two chapters so far.
C. The book belongs to the man.
4. A. Julia doesn't usually dance.
B. Julia didn't go to the party.
C. The woman didn't dance.
5. A. The man is going to New York for work.
B. The man is sure he'll have time to visit some museums.
C. The woman dislikes New York.
6. A. The man is going to take Bus 14.
B. Bus 14 is arriving at the stop now.
C. Bus 11 follows a more direct route than Bus 14.
7. A. Michelle usually gets very good grades.
B. The man is shocked to hear about Michelle's bad grades.
C. Michelle is being punished for her low grades.
8. A. The man has never had a car.
B. The man used to drive to work.
C. The man lives in the city.
9. A. The man has already asked Lisa for help.
B. Lisa is not at work today.
C. The woman doesn't know how to use a computer.
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10. A. She will buy some fruit. Shared by: Angels
B. The man doesn't like ice cream. of Otto Channel
C. They will serve ice cream for dessert.
11. A. He rarely takes care of his children in the evenings.
B. His wife works at a restaurant.
C. His wife works every evening.
12. A. She's made a lot of errors at work.
B. Someone has helped her learn her new job.
C. She's taken a job with another company.
Your answers:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Part 2: You will hear someone talk about a serious threat that the UK's forests are facing.
For questions 13-20, complete the sentences with a word or short phrase (NO MORE
THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR NUMBERS).
The presence of foreign pests and diseases in the UK has led to large numbers of trees being
(13) ______.
The ash dieback fungus is just one (14) ______ that threatens the health of the UK's trees.
The European Union Plant Health Regime aims to prevent plant diseases and pests entering
countries as a result of the (15) ______ in live plants.
To date, Phytophthora ramorum has not begun attacking (16) ______ in the UK.
Just as many tree diseases have taken hold in the UK in the last decade as in the last (17)
______.
Trees that are infested with oak processionary moth are more (18) ______ to diseases.
Commercial forests infected with Dothistroma needle blight produce low (19) ______.
Thanks to it being a centre of world trade, Britain is especially (20) ______ to plant
pathogens.
Your answers:
13. 14. 15. 16.
17. 18. 19. 20.
Part 3:
Questions 21-30 Which type of accommodation offers
Label the map below. each of the following features? Write
Write the correct letter, A-F, next to questions the correct letter, A, B or C next to
21–24. questions 25–30.
21. bowling green Types of accommodation
22. residential complex A. Independent Living
23. healthcare centre B. Supported Living
24. staff headquarters C. Full-time Care
25. on-site medical facilities
26. catered room service
27. mobility aids
28. emergency alarm buttons
29. themed décor
30. travel companionship

Your answers:
21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.
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II. LEXICO-GRAMMAR (5/18 points)
Part 1: (2 points)
Choose the word or phrase that best completes each sentence. Write your answer (A, B, C
or D) in the numbered boxes.
31. The small investors agreed to ______ their resources to purchase and develop the
property.
A. bind B. pool C. fasten D. bond
32. Losing the contract dealt a ______ to Lee’s chances of getting a promotion.
A. punch B. hit C. blow D. slap
33. The meeting was so ______ that we were able to solve many of our immediate problems.
A. abundant B. fruitful C. futile D. profuse
34. After years of being ______, Sara finally got a well-paid job.
A. hard to get B. hard up C. hard-hitting D. hard-nosed
35. “Maria hasn’t arrived yet.” – “She ______ gotten the message, or she would have been
here by now.”
A. shouldn’t have B. wouldn’t have C. won’t have D. can’t have
36. What I really admire about Martin Luther King, Jr. is that he devoted his life ______ what
he believed in.
A. for the fight in B. with fighting C. in the fight with D. to fighting for
37. Nicola ______ me to understand that she would be taking charge of the arrangements.
A. gave B. made C. had D. did
38. They were talking ______. He was talking about John and she thought he’d said Tom.
A. at the outside B. on the level C. on the cards D. at cross purposes
39. Because I run around at work all day long, only in the evening ______ a breath and
unwind.
A. can I take B. I have taken C. would I take D. I could have taken
40. The crowd of environmentalists ______ their slogans all day long at the protest march.
A. shrilled B. murmured C. chanted D. grumbled
Your answers:
31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.
Part 2: (1 point)
The passage below contains 5 mistakes. Underline the mistakes and write their correct
forms in the numbered boxes. (0) has been done as an example.
The (0) destroy of the rainforests is a pressing problem of our times but not one that is
regarded equally serious by everyone. The more affluent nations regard the issue as one of
preservation; deforestation must stop. When it comes to the poorer countries, the issue is not
so cut and dried. For these people, the rainforests represent a source of economic prosperity, a
point that obviously takes precedence on ecological concerns. A solution must be found
before the damage caused by the deforestation that is destroying the rainforests becoming
irrevocable. Deforestation is carried out by those involving in the timber industry and also by
migrant farmers. The later occupy an area of land, strip it, farm it until its natural mineral
supply is used up and then move on. The land is left useless and exposed and a process of
erosion comes into effect, washing soil into rivers thereby killing fish and blocking the
water's natural course.
Your answers:
0. destroy → destruction 41. 42.

43. 44. 45.

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Part 3: (2 points)
Read the text below. Use the word given in capitals in brackets to form a word that fits in
the gap. Write your answers in the numbered boxes.
War-torn country
I'd like to thank you all for your (46, HOSPITABLE) ______ at these peace talks. I can't
emphasise enough the importance of the two sides meeting and stating (47, TRUE) ______
what their hopes and aspirations are. We certainly do not want to be (48, INTRUDE) ______
on the running of your country, but we cannot allow this conflict to spread and (49, LONG)
______. We (50, SYMPATHY) ______ with all that your people have gone through and
respect your traditions. In all (51, HONEST) ______, we have no interest in (52, WEST)
______ your country, but simply wish to be of help. We have to look at the (53, WISE)
______ of allowing foreign troops on your territory, and the (54, USE) ______ of talking to
the rebels. At this point we cannot afford (55, FAIL) ______. We must succeed.
Your answers:
46. 47. 48. 49. 50.
51. 52. 53. 54. 55.

III. READING (5/18 points)

Part 1: (1 point)
Read the following passage and choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best
according to the article. Write your answer (A, B, C or D) in the numbered boxes.
Geolocation
It is rare these days to see someone unfolding a paper map and searching for a location
on it. Electronic devices have taken over this task with digital maps and location technologies.
Like all high tech, their fast speed, accuracy and ease of use are behind their quick and
widespread adoption. Not to forget, of course, multiple other useful applications of location
technologies, in particular the Wi-Fi positioning System (WPS).
An already common digital location technology is GPS or Global Positioning System
and it is used in many map-based apps. A GPS receiver uses a group of satellites in Earth's
orbit to work out its position on the ground. Knowing the satellites' locations and the distance
to them allows the receiver to precisely pinpoint its position on the Earth's surface. However,
there are limitations to GPS. For example GPS is not always accessible. Urban environments
can be a challenge to GPS with skyscrapers blocking GPS satellites from getting a fix on the
GPS receiver.
An alternative to GPS is WPS which uses only Wi-Fi signals from routers, cell phone
towers, and beacons. This detection of signals and where they are being broadcast allows
WPS to calculate how far away from the signal the device is and determine a triangular area
of the device's position although it is not as precise as a GPS. Wi-Fi signals are abundant,
though, especially in cities so the possibility of blind spots is reduced. Many companies are
using WPS alongside GPS to improve precision and coverage which makes good business
sense.
WPS technology is being further implemented in apps that address emergency
situations such as finding lost or endangered people. Using the Wi-Fi signals and cell phone
location data, rescuers can locate people even when they are unconscious or can't talk. This
ability allows rescues a high rate of success regardless of the condition of the person in
distress. Critics, still voice concerns, however, about privacy issues with such apps but let's
not forget it is up to the user to download these apps or not. Furthermore, regardless of such

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fears and anxieties, we can see that WPS technology clearly has the potential to be a very
positive force for good.
56. What is the main purpose of this passage?
A. to compare two types of digital location technologies
B. to introduce a new digital location technology
C. to argue against a digital location technology
D. to describe digital location technology
57. According to the passage, what is an advantage of GPS?
A. its accuracy
B. its constant availability
C. its accessibility in urban environments
D. its signal strength
58. Why are skyscrapers mentioned in the passage?
A. to point out why GPS technology is best in the city
B. to explain a potential drawback of GPS technology
C. to indicate a good location for GPS receivers
D. to describe how GPS receivers work
59. In the second sentence of paragraph 3, what does “it” refer to?
A. WPS B. a device C. a triangular area D. a signal
60. What implication in the passage does the author likely disagree with?
A. WPS might be exploited harmfully.
B. WPS can be a useful safety tool.
C. WPS concerns are unjustified.
D. WPS improves user choice.
Your answers:
56. 57. 58. 59. 60.
Part 2: (2 points)
The global decline of reptilians
Their increasing vulnerability and the wider impact
A. Through seed dispersal and the cross-pollination of plants, reptiles play an indispensable
role in supporting biodiversity. This means that any significant reduction in the reptilian
population is likely to disrupt the delicately balanced ecosystem significantly. Despite this, a
recent worldwide assessment of the extinction risk for reptiles concluded that as many as 19%
of the world's reptiles are threatened with extinction.
B. The fragmentation of habitats is widely cited as one of the main threats affecting the
survival of many reptiles. Urban expansion has meant the residential and commercial
development of rural areas along with the expansion of transport networks which, in turn, has
destroyed natural habitats. Likewise, in more tropical corners of the world, where large areas
of land are being exploited and commercialised for the purpose of tourism, reptilian
communities are being decimated at an alarming rate. Reptilians are often depicted as robust
and adaptable animals; however, their specific anatomical features mean they are increasingly
predisposed to the negative consequences of habitat loss. Indeed, they are highly adapted to
their environment, meaning that any environmental change is likely to have an impact. For
instance, unlike mammals, which regulate their temperature via metabolically (internally)
driven processes, thermoregulation in reptilians is dependent on external (environmental)
factors. When overly hot, reptiles regulate their bodily temperature by seeking shelter under
vegetation and, when cold, spend larger periods of time in the sun absorbing the heat.
Therefore, any reduction in the volume of vegetation is likely to seriously increase their

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vulnerability to temperature – as global temperatures are set to rise, this is likely to become an
even greater concern.
C. The potential threat of habitat loss on population sustainability has been the subject of
investigation in recent years. Regarding turtles, for example, there is some suggestion that,
due to the removal of vegetation in their nesting sites (coastal areas), nesting conditions are
becoming less conducive to producing male turtles. A phenomenon observed in many reptiles
is that of temperature-dependent sex (male/female) determination - which means that the sex
of the animal is determined by the temperature to which the embryo is exposed during the
incubation period, as opposed to a chromosomal influence. During this period, turtles bury
their eggs in the sand – embryos exposed to higher temperatures when buried tend to produce
females, whereas lower temperatures tend to produce males. Researchers documenting the
sand temperature across turtle nesting sites have reported that temperatures are cooler in areas
more densely populated with vegetation compared to the open areas with less vegetation.
Given an increase in deforestation in some coastal areas, this finding is significant. Fewer
'cooler' nesting sites may affect the male-female ratio, as the likelihood of male hatchlings
being produced becomes lower, potentially creating a gender imbalance. Aside from this, if
ideal nesting conditions are not achieved, the risk of embryonic abnormalities (or even failure
to develop at all) increases. This highlights the urgency for conservationists to target their
efforts on the preservation of male-producing nesting sites. Indeed, the turtle serves a very
important functional role within marine ecosystems, feeding off seabed vegetation, primarily
sea grass, and thereby encouraging its growth, which is essential for the survival of other
marine life.
D. An equally significant threat facing reptilian communities is the introduction of non-native
flora and fauna. This refers to both plant and animal life which historically did not exist at a
particular geographical location – arriving usually as a result of human activity. Non-native
species can have an adverse effect on the habitat they invade by destabilizing the local
ecosystem, which jeopardises important reptile-environment interactions. That said, in some
cases there are important benefits connected with some non-native species; some plants have
the potential to enhance the food supply and offer more shelter in areas where this was
previously lacking, thereby offering protection to reptiles. In some parts of the world,
conservation efforts have focused on the removal of non-native plants, with some research
suggesting that this may have a positive impact on some reptilian species which, following
the removal of such vegetation, actually increased in numbers. Moreover, the impact of
introduced animals can have dire consequences, introducing issues of predation that otherwise
would not exist. Such an example is noted in the Galápagos Islands; the addition of non-
native rats, which preyed on young, defenceless tortoises and feasted on the nutrient-rich
tortoise eggs, was one of several factors that significantly contributed to the reduction of the
tortoise population. The accumulative impact over the years was profound; a comprehensive
assessment the tortoise population revealed that, on one island, a mere 14 tortoises remained.
E. The increasing prevalence of disease in reptilians is another major threat to their survival,
but of an even greater concern is how environmental change exacerbates this problem. Fungal
infections are a particular concern - they invade the skin and in some cases can result in death.
A recent example is observed in the snake population, where the emergence of a type of
'snake fungus' is having a devastating effect on the global population. While the exact cause
of fungal infections in reptilians is not always clear, one factor which may increase their
susceptibility is lack of sunlight, as fungus thrives in dark, damp environments. This may be a
particular problem for reptilians whose habitat is being encroached upon by non-native plants,
and consequently the availability of sunlight is limited. Moreover, one of the leading causes
of respiratory conditions in reptilians is poor nutrition. Increased changes to the natural
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habitat may lead to reduced food supplies, which in turn compromises nutrition and, along
with it, the immune system.
Questions 61-65
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 61-65 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
61. Almost 2/3 of reptiles on Earth may be wiped out in the future.
62. In some parts of the world, an increase in the number of tourists has been detrimental to
reptile habitats.
63. Environmental factors rather than genetics determine gender in some reptiles.
64. Several gains have been associated with non-indigenous flora.
65. Population sustainability in some reptiles is seriously undermined by an increase in
disease, particularly diseases affecting the blood.
Questions 66-70
The Reading Passage has five paragraphs, A-E. Which paragraph contains the following
information? Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 66–70 on your answer sheet.
NB You can use any letter more than once.
66. a climatic factor which predisposes reptilians to specific ailments
67. an example of how invasive fauna can impact the continuation of a population
68. a direct comparison with another animal group
69. a justification for why the conservation of a particular animal is necessary to protect
aquatic ecosystems
70. an explanation of how reptiles generate body heat
Your answers:
61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70.
Part 3: (1 point)
Read the following passage and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.
Write your answers in the numbered boxes.
I thought it better that we set off at the (71) ______ of dawn to avoid the blistering midday
heat, which would be torture for the men. We had to walk at least 20 kilometres, a hard
enough task under any conditions in the Arabian desert. Most of the group were the (72)
______ for wear in any case, having been out here for weeks. I was (73) ______ between
calling the whole thing off or making one final push forward, but our Commander seemed
(74) ______ on us reaching the enemy-held town whatever the cost. I have to admit I couldn't
help feeling (75) ______ about the whole mission.
71. A. chip B. top C. crack D. dent
72. A. crushed B. worse C. rotten D. bad
73. A. torn B. pulled C. tempted D. ripped
74. A. torn B. bent C. dented D. worn
75. A. mouldy B. frayed C. rotten D. crushed

Your answers:

71. 72. 73. 74. 75.

Shared by: Angels

of Otto Channel
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Part 4: (1 points)
Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only ONE word in
each gap. Write your answers in the numbered boxes.
It came as no surprise that the United States, Japan and Russia were finally given the (76)
______ ahead to send their best astronaut to take part in a two-year joint mission in space,
even though, at one point, people thought it had been (77) ______ to failure. Before they left,
each astronaut was given a choice of taking, admittedly at short notice, whatever he wanted
with him, as long as it did not weigh more than 60 kilos. “Well, I (78) ______ great store by
having a family,” said the American astronaut, “so I'd like to take my wife, and just to set the
record straight, she weighs 57 kilos." He was given permission and (79) ______ the whole
seemed satisfied with everything.
"I've always set my (80) ______ on learning Greek,” said the Japanese astronaut, "I’d like to
take 60 kilos of books to learn the language." His request (81) ______ also approved. "We'll
be away so long," said the Russian astronaut, “I'd like 60 kilos of my best Havana cigars to
(82) ______ sent into space with me."
Finally, the two years in space (83) ______ to an end, and the astronauts returned to Earth.
The American stepped out of the spacecraft, with his wife, holding a baby. Everyone
applauded. Then the Japanese astronaut stepped out. He had broken fresh (84) ______ by
learning perfect Greek in space. Again the crowd cheered wildly.
Obviously, nothing had gone wrong. Then the Russian stepped out. Judging (85) ______ the
expression on his face he was very angry. He had a cigar in his mouth. He rushed up to the
microphone and shouted “a match?”
Your answers:
76. 77. 78. 79. 80.
81. 82. 83. 84. 85.
IV. WRITING: (5/18 points)
Part 1: (1 point)
Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using
the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and eight words,
including the word given.
86. Everyone thinks the Queen’s horse will win the Derby. (hot)
→ The Queen’s horse ……………………………………………………………… the Derby.
87. Something sounds familiar about that name, David. (rings)
→ That …………………………………………………………………………………, David.
88. Turner couldn’t explain why she had left. (loss)
→ Turner ..........................................................................................................why she had left.
89. Bernie finds it quite easy to run ten miles a day. (nothing)
→ Bernie …………………………………………………………….…………ten miles a day.
90. I got the impression that she was depressed last week. (ebb)
→ I got the impression that she …………………………………………………….. last week.
Part 2: (1.5 points)
The bar chart below provides information on the monthly visitor attendance figures
across three museums in the UK between 2013–2014, while the table indicates the total
number of visitors in the same period.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.

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Shared by: Angels

Part 3: (2.5 points) of Otto Channel
One important role of the education system is to prepare young people for the world of
work. Some people believe that schools should do more to teach children skills which will
help them to find a job or which will be useful in the workplace. What do you think?
Discuss, giving specific examples to support your point of view.
Write at least 250 words.

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--Hết--
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