PRACTICE READING

READ 01
Learning a new language is always an excellent idea. It provides you incredible benefits that come with
the backing of science! One of the most useful languages to learn is English.
Learning a second language is one of the best ways to keep your brain active and challenged. Studies
have shown that the brain undergoes changes in electrical activity and even structure and size while learning a
foreign language that do not occur when learning any other type of task or skill. Learning another language
offers important cognitive benefits at any age, helping to keep the mind active and even reducing the risk of
mental disease and slowing mental decline later in life.
When learning English as a second language, you approach new ways to think and express yourself
through written and spoken words. Learning multiple languages can help you communicate more clearly in
any language as you learn more about how language itself works and how to use it to promote ideas and reach
out to others in a variety of social and work situations.
The world may not have a global language, but English is the default option for countless forms of
communication across the globe. That’s why one of the benefits of learning English is that it significantly
boosts your hiring potential. In addition, it can offer you educational opportunities. If you desire access to
some of the best schools like Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge or MIT, then knowing English provides
you an incredible edge. It’s expected that around 2 billion people around the world will learn English over the
next decade.
1. The passage mainly discusses ________.
a. ways to improve your English level b. how to keep your mind active
c. the advantages and disadvantages of language learning d. the benefits of learning English
2. According to the text, learning English as a second language can ________.
a. have a negative effect on the brain b. slow the mental decline due to aging
c. reduce brain function d. lower the risk of heart disease
3. The word “cognitive” in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to ________.
a. mental b. intellectual c. emotional d. subjective
4. Learning multiple languages makes you a better communicator because________.
a. you can improve your writing and speaking skills
b. you know how to get the attention of someone
c. you learn more about how to promote your ideas and make contact with others
d. you can communicate more effectively in your mother tongue
5. All the following sentences are the benefits of learning English except:
a. it helps prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s. b. it provides better employment opportunities.
c. it’s easy to use in communication. d. it gives you access to the world’s best universities.
READ 02
Street food shoulder pole is familiar with Saigon people throughout many years. Nowadays it has become
a special thing that makes travelers curious. In small areas of District 1 and District 3, we could count more
than 100 vendors who earned money using shoulder poles. A shoulder pole, also called a carrying pole, is a
yoke of wood or bamboo, used by people to carry a load. The vendors put their goods in two baskets from
each end of the yoke.
In the downtown, we can meet young women with their shoulder poles. The baskets are covered with
plastic wrap carefully to protect the foods from the street dust. In a tight space of one basket, she could mix
the ingredients and bake the cake on a small charcoal which was defended by carton. The ready cakes were
put in other basket.
In the morning or evening, on rainy or sunny day, Saigon streets are marked by shoulder poles of people
from different regions of the country, which has become a unique part of Saigon. It has been said that it isn’t
hard to live in Saigon if you work hard. With the carrying pole on shoulders, the vendor has turned it into a
“store”. The reason is very simple, they don’t have enough money to open a real store. Every day these
women continue their journey through Saigon streets under the sun and the rain, selling cheap things or street
foods to earn money and feed their children.
1. A shoulder pole .
A. is used to put goods on street vendor’s shoulders B. is the connection between wood and bamboo
C. used to be called a carrying pole D. is a bar made of wood or bamboo
2. Street food shoulder pole is .
A. a way for passer-by to have food B. a characteristic of District 1 and 3
C. used to make foreign travelers curious D. used by street vendors to carry things
3. All of the following are true about shoulder poles EXCEPT that .
A. the two baskets have the same function B. street vendors can bake cakes there
C. they can contain enough things to serve some customers D. they can be protected from dust
4. All of the following are benefits of shoulder poles EXCEPT that .
A. women are marked by unique shoulder poles from different regions
B. they can help street vendors to sell many things without a store
C. street vendors can support their families with the help of shoulder poles
D. it is a way for street vendors to carry goods around the streets
5. The best tittle of the passage is .
A. A Wooden Bar B. Street Food Shoulder Poles on Saigon streets
C. Street Vendors in Saigon D. Saigon Then and Now
READ 03
Over the past 600 years, English has grown from a language of few speakers to become the dominant
language of international communication. English as we know it today emerged around 1350, after having
incorporated many elements of French that were introduced following the Norman invasion of 1030. Until the
1600s, English was, for the most part, spoken only in England and had not extended even as far as Wales,
Scotland, or Ireland. However, during the course of the next two centuries, English began to spread around the
globe as a result of exploration, trade (including slave trade), colonization, and missionary work. Thus, small
enclaves of English speakers became established and grew in various parts of the world. As these
communities proliferated, English gradually became the primary language of international business, banking,
and diplomacy.
Currently, about 80 percent of the information stored on computer systems worldwide is in English. Two-
thirds of the world’s science writing is in English, and English is the main language of technology,
advertising, media, international airports, and air traffic controllers. Today there are more than 700 million
English users in the world, and over half of these are non-native speakers, constituting the largest number of
non-native users than any other language in the world.
1. What is the main topic of this passage?
A. The expansion of English as an international language B. The number of non-native users of English
C. The French influence on the English language D. The use of English for science and technology
2. Approximately when did English begin to be used beyond England?
A. After the 1600s B. Before 1600 C. Around 1350 D. In 1066
3. According to the passage, all of the following contributed to the spread of English around the world
EXCEPT .
A. the Norman invasion B. the slave trade C. missionaries D. colonization
4. The word “enclaves” in the passage could best be replaced by which of the following?
A. communities B. organizations C. regions D. countries
5. The word “proliferated” in the passage is closest in meaning to which of the following?
A. prospered B. organized C. disbanded D. expanded
READ 04
Education is another area of social life in which information technology is changing the way we
communicate. Today’s college students may not simply sit in a lecture or library to learn about their field.
Through their computers and the wonders of virtual reality they can participate in lifelike simulated
experiences and consider the following scenario of the future for education made possible through
developments in information technology.
For children over the age of 10, daily attendance at schools is not compulsory.
Yet, some of the older children attend school only once or twice weekly to get tutorial support or
instruction from a teacher. For the most part, pupils are encouraged to work online from home. Students must
complete a minimum number of study hours per year; however, they may make up these hours by studying at
home at times that suit their family schedule. They can log on early or late in the day and even join live
classes in other countries. In order to ensure that each student is learning adequately, computer software will
automatically monitor the number of hours a week each student studies online as well as that students’
learning materials and assessment activities. Reports will be available for parents and teacher. The software
can then identify the best learning activities and condition for each individual student and generate similar
activities. It can also identify areas of weak achievement and produce special programs adjusted to the
students’ needs.
1. What is the topic of the passage? A. The effects of information technology on education.
B. Computer software will make sure students learn at home.
C. Students don’t have to go to school any more. D. Students can know about their weak aspects to focus.
2. How many times are children who are older than 10 required to go to school weekly?
A. four. B. Three. C. Once or twice four. D. No time.
3. Who / what counts the number of hours per week that students spend learning?
A. Computer software. B. Teacher.C. Virtual reality. D. Parents.
4. What CAN’T the software do?
A. Design materials for the students. B. Monitor the time the students learn.
C. Find out the best activities for the students. D. Identify weaknesses of the students.
5. What is NOT MENTIONED as a benefit of information technology to the students?
A. Students’ learning time won’t be monitored. B. Students can stay at home to learn.
C. Students can learn at times that suit their schedule. D. Students’ weak achievement can be identified.
READ 05
Have you ever had a dream about traveling to another planet in our solar system? If you have, there is an
actual programme that is happening right now, and it hopes to send people to Mars in 2023. Known as the
Mars One Mission, it will send a crew of four people on a one-way mission to colonize Mars. Those chosen
people will have to be ready to say good-bye to the earth forever, as there will not be a return trip.
For the people chosen, they will have to learn to do many different things. First of all, they will be living
the rest of their lives with just a handful of other people, so they all must have personalities that allow them to
get along. Second, the living quarters that they will have won’t be very spacious, so they will have to deal
with that condition as well. If they feel homesick, they will only be able to communicate with people back on
the earth via e-mail and videos and audio sent back and forth. However, there won’t be any real-time
communication. Even at the speed of light, communication between the earth and Mars takes about 20
minutes.
Whether the Mars One Mission will actually happen is the big question that a lot of people are asking.
There is an enormous scepticism in the science community, and Wired magazine gave the mission a miserable
score of two out of ten on its probability scale. However, for those who dream to go to Mars, at least they can
say there is a possibility that it could happen.
1. Who might like to go on this mission?
A. People who get along with others B. People who get homesick easily
C. People with angry personalities D. People who don't like to communicate
2. What will NOT happen to the people who go on the Mars One Mission?
A. They will return to do the earth. B. They will have to live with other people.
C. They will live in quarters that don’t have a lot of space inside.
D. They will communicate with people on the earth.
3. What will NOT be spacious?
A. The magazines B. The living quarters C. The mission D. The spaceship
4. Which of the following is considered miserable?
A. A score of the programme on the probability scale. B. A crew on board of the Mars One Mission.
C. A personality of people taking part in the programme. D. A mission of astronauts to the ISS.
5. What is the best tittle of the passage?
A. A Mission to Mars B. A dream about traveling to another planet
C. A Holiday on Mars D. Scepticism about living on Mars
READ 06
Do you ever think about what schools will be like in the future? Many people think that students will study
most regular classes such as maths, science and history online. Students will probably be able to learn these
subjects anywhere using a computer. What will happen if students have problem with a subject? They might
connect with a teacher through live videoconferencing. Expert teachers from learning centres will give
students help wherever they live.
Students will still take classes in a school, too. Schools will become places for learning social skills.
Teachers will guide students in learning how to work together in getting along with each other. They will help
students with group projects both in and out of the classroom.
Volunteer work and working at local businesses will teach students important life skills about the world
they live in. This will help students become an important part of their communities. Some experts say it will
take five years for changes to begin in schools. Some say it will take longer. Most people agree, though, that
computers will change education the way TVs and telephones changed life for people all over the world years
before.
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Computers will change education in the future. B. Teachers will help students from home in the future.
C. Kids won’t have to go to school in the future. D. All classes will be taught online in the future.
2. What will happen if students meet difficulties with a subject?
A. Teachers from learning centres will give them help through live videoconferencing.
B. Schools will organise a live videoconference for teachers to help students with problems.
C. They will telephone the teachers who are staying at the school to seek their help.
D. They will meet their teachers in person for help with problems with the subject.
3. The main role of teachers in the future will be .
A. helping students with group projects B. organising live videoconferences
C. providing students with knowledge D. guiding students to learn computers
4. Students will still go to school to .
A. use computers B. learn all subjects C. play with their friends D. learn social skills
5. Students will learn important life skills through .
A taking online classes B. working in international businesses
C. going to school every day D. doing volunteer work
READ 07
There are as many kinds of careers as there are people. They vary greatly in the type of work involved and
in the ways they influence a person’s life. The kind of career you have can affect your life in many ways. For
example, it can determine where you live and the friends you make. It can reflect how much education you
have and can determine the amount of money you earn. Your career can also affect the way you feel about
yourself and the way other people act toward you. By making wise decisions concerning your career, you can
help yourself build the life you want. To make wise decisions and plans, you need as much information as
possible. The more you know about yourself and career opportunities, the better able you will be to choose a
satisfying career. People differ in what they want from a career. Many people desire a high income. Some
hope for fame. Others want adventure. Still others want to serve people and make the world a better place.
Before you begin to explore career fields, you should determine your values, your interests, and your aptitudes
(abilities). Most people are happiest in jobs that fit their values, interests and aptitudes. Each person has many
values, which vary in strength. For example, money is the strongest value for some people – that is, wealth is
more important to them than anything else. As a result, they focus their thoughts, behavior, and emotions on
the goal of earning a high income. Other values include devotion to religion, taking risks, spending time with
family, and helping others. People should understand their values prior to making a career decision. You can
develop an understanding of your values by asking yourself what is most important to you and by examining
your beliefs. For example, is it important to you to work as a member of a team? Or would you rather be in
charge or work alone? If working alone or being in charge is important to you, independence is probably one
of your primary values.
1. The passage is about .
A. kinds of career and its influence on people’s life B. the changes in career
C. career decisions and plans D. opportunities in career
2. To make wise career decisions and plans you need .
A. as much information as possible B. a wise advice
C. a lot of money D. a lot of friends
3. The more you know about yourself and career opportunities .
A. the better able you will be to choose a satisfying career B. the better choice you will do
C. the better friend you make D. the better education you get
4. Most people are happiest in jobs that .
A. fit their values, interests and aptitudes B. fit their financial well-being
C. fit their devotion to religion D. fit their goal of earning a high income
5. People should understand their values prior .
A. to making a career decision B. to spending time with family
C. to taking risks D. to asking some pieces of advice
READ 08 Son Doong Cave
Located in the limestone mountains of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Son Doong Cave was
first found in 1991 by Ho Khanh, a local man. In 2009, the cave was explored and published by a
group of scientists from British Cave Research Association.
Son Doong Cave was formed from 2 to 5 million years ago, when the river flowed through the
limestone mountain area and was buried. The water eroded limestone and created an underground
tunnel. In soft limestone areas, the collapse of tunnel ceiling formed large holes which became giant
domes afterward. The cave is about 200m high, 200m wide and at least 8 5km long. Especially, Son
Doong consists of two entrances, which is unique among explored caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang
National Park. Exploring the cave, visitors were surprised with spectacular scenery of numerous
stalactites of which some giant stalagmites are more than 70 metres high. Deep inside the cave exists
a grandiose tropical jungle called “Garden of Eden" by the explorers. The jungle is home to a
diversified system of fauna and flora. Besides, the cave possesses a 2.5-kilometre underground river.
Not far from the “Garden of Eden” lies an enormous “pearl collection” consisting of tens of
thousands of small stone pieces in dry ponds, contributing to magnificent beauty of the cave.
Question 17: The reason why Son Doong Cave was formed is that ………..
A. the river was buried in the limestone mountains B. the limestone areas were soft
C.it only happened from 2 to 5 million years ago D. an underground tunnel was buried in the area
Question 18: The most important feature of “Garden of Eden” is ……….
A. the river below B. giant stalagmites C. the biggest length D. the biodiversity
Question 19: We can infer from the passage that …………..
A. “pearl collection” contains a lot of precious stones
B. tunnels and giant domes were formed at the same time
C. we can live the cave with the air and water D. “Garden of Eden” is in the underground river
Question 20: All of the following are the wonderful features of Son Doong Cave EXCEPT ………
A. a river flowing over 2.5 kilometers along the cave
B. spectacular scenery of numerous stalactites and stalagmites
C. the big sizes of the cave and the giant domes
D. tropical jungle inside with the biodiversity
Question 21: The thing that makes it different from other caves in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National
Park is ………. A. stalactites and stalagmites
B. the two entrances into the cave C. its discovery by a local man D. large holes in the ceiling
READ 09 Life in the big city is face-paced, fun and exciting. There are countless job opportunities and
activities to occupy your time. However, with the good, there also comes the bad. Although the big city has
more job opportunities; there are also more people competing for a single job. This can make your job search
frustrating. Oddly enough, you will see hundreds, if not thousands of jobs available each week, but you still
might remain unemployed, especially when the economy is down. In addition, the cost of living is typically
higher in big cities, and it can cost you an arm and a leg for a small apartment in a decent area of the city,
not to mention other costs to fulfill your basic demands. Diversity is a good thing, but the amount of people
can be a bit overwhelming if you are not accustomed to it. There will always be crowds and always be people
around. Moreover, traffic can be a nightmare in the big city. It can get so bad that it can turn you into an evil
person. If you hate driving in traffic, then the big city life is not for you. Heavy traffic also contributes to the
pollution, which is one of the biggest disadvantages of living in the city. Obviously, our health is affected
most with certain diseases relating to respiratory system and other body parts. A lot of premature deaths are
supposed to be the result of long-term exposure to small particles. Most importantly, there is always more
crime in a big city, causing you second case your decision for living in a big city. You are much more likely to
be a victim of a crime living in a big city than in a small town.
1. The passage is mainly about________
A. the disadvantages of living in the big city. B. the advantages of living in the big city.
C. life pace in the city D. job opportunities in the city
2. While big cities have more job opportunities, it also gives .
A. more competition for a single job B. higher salary
C. growing economic crisis D. greater chances of being unemployed
3. What does the phrase “cost an arm and a leg” mean?
A. cost a lot of money B. you must work hard to earn money
C. cost a small amount of money D. your legs and arms have good value
4. According to the paragraph, city is not a perfect place for .
A. people who hate driving in traffic B. extroverted people
C. people who prefer a busy life D. introverted people
5. Which of the following sentences is NOT true?
A. Crime is not a serious problem in big cities. B. Pollution causes health problems.
C. Cities are always crowded. D. It costs a lot of money to live in a big city.
READ 10
To preserve and develop traditional craft villages, in recent years, the local authorities have
conducted preservation of four traditional crafts: brocade weaving, silver carving, blacksmithing, and
carpentry to bring about economic and social efficiency for the development of provincial tourism...
Currently, the province of Lao Cai has formed the clear models of traditional villages. Cat Cat
villages has gradually built its brand with the forging and casting products, textiles of linens of
Hmong people. The famous alcohol villages have found their footholds in the market such as Pho
village corn wine (Bac Ha), Xeo village wine (in Bat Xat commune).
The villages in the province have been associated with tourism spots and promote tourism
development in the community, improve living standards of many families through their home
business, selling handicrafts, brocade products.
In the past, in the villages in Sa Pa, people mostly make their living in agriculture, forestry, but
now there have been many households getting involved in tourism activities of the village.
With the aim of preserving and developing traditional village linked to tourism development, most
of the villages have created its own definition for tourists to learn and explore. In particular, brocade
weaving is dominant, serving the needs of families and tourists. Only in Sa Pa district has 11
embroidery and weaving villages, in Ta Phin village, and San Sa Ho village with about 1000
households participating and a number of groups from the district women society, put on the market
each year more than 30,000 metres of fabric. Other districts like Van Ban, Bac Ha have also formed
several embroidery villages, attracting thousands of workers.
1. We can infer from the passage that tourism has .
A. prevented forests from being cut down B. found its footholds in the market
C. raised labour income in rural areas D. made all farmers quit farming
2. Cat Cat village is famous for .
A. blacksmithing B. silver carving
C. corn wine D. its textiles of linens
3. The word “definition” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to .
A. quality of being clear B. what tourism means
C. descriptions of features D. explanation of the meaning
4. The purpose of preservation of traditional craft villages is bringing about .
A. the start of tourism B. economic and social development
C. the clear models of traditional villages D. weaving 30,000 metres of fabric
5.All of the following are true EXCEPT that .
A. other districts should start preserving their craft like Sa Pa
B. preservation of traditional crafts can be associated with tourism
C. brocade weaving has become the most important craft in Sa Pa and nearby districts
D. local people can sell handicrafts, brocade products to tourists
READ 11
Recently, we made a trip to visit Dong Ho village with a desire to meet the old artisan – Nguyen Huu Sam.
Just when we arrived villagers at the dyke in the village and talked with the villagers about the artisan, they
immediately told us about him.
The old house owned by the artisan is situated in a long alley of the village. On the walls of the house there
are many folk paintings in different genres, from daily life paintings to landscape paintings shown in a set of
“four seasons”.
Mr. Sam told us about his past. When he was three years old, he was instructed in the craft of making Dong
Ho paintings by his father. At five, he could help his father apply the Dong Ho paintings, and learn how to
print the paper with proper colours. At seven, he was able to draw with a pen and make the most difficult
samples. Years went by and the soul of Dong Ho folk paintings has kept seashell powder paint to the poonah-
paper.
In the 1940s, this craft flourished. At that time, he was assigned by his parents to take the paintings to
the market for sale. Mr. Sam said that 17 families in the village have been engaged in making Dong Ho
paintings.
Artisan Sam has always been devoted to the making of Dong Ho paintings and has waited for
opportunities to restore this traditional craft. In 1967, when the local authorities assigned him to restore the
traditional genre of Dong Ho folk paintings, he gathered 50 villagers with professional skills and collected
hundreds of woodblocks to establish the Dong Ho Painting Cooperative. Thanks to his efforts, such famous
painting as "Rat's wedding", “Rooster”, “Scene of jealousy” and “Writing verses about precious flowers" have
been revived. Dong Ho paintings have been available in many parts of the world such as Japan, France,
Germany, Singapore and the United States.
1. The passage is about______
A. Dong Ho paintings B. weddings C. various aspects of life D. animals and flowers
2. In order to make Dong Ho paintings, we need seashell powder paint, the poonah-paper and___.
A. woodblocks B. water C. markets D. proper colours.
3. From paragraph 3, we can infer that when Mr. Sam was very young, he mostly helped his parents by _____
A. applying the woodblocks with proper paints and pressing them on sheets of paper
B. applying seashell powder to make various paints for painting making
C. drawing with a pen and using proper paints to make many copies of paintings
D. collecting and taking the paintings to the market for sale
4. All of the following can be inferred about the artisan - Mr. Sam – EXCEPT that .
A. he could paint when he was three B. he is popular in the village
C. he keeps a collection of Dong Ho paintings in his house
D. the local authorities tried to revive the traditional genre
5. In the writer's opinions, the future of Dong Ho paintings is .
A. optimistic B. concerning C. international D. negative
READ 12
The coronavirus pandemic could cut up to 50 million jobs worldwide in the travel and tourism industry.
This is according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The tourism industry could shrink by up
to 25 per cent. Many people are staying at home and not travelling. Many people cannot travel as more and
more countries are taking action to fight COVID-19. This action includes closing borders, requiring people
self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving in a country, and banning flights from other countries. The head of
the WTTC said the pandemic, "clearly presents a significant threat to the industry as a whole, to those
employed within it, and those wishing to continue travelling".
The tourism industry makes up 10 per cent of the world’s GDP and jobs. It is one of the industries hardest
hit by the COVID-19 virus. Airlines, cruise ships and hotels have suffered big losses. Korean Air has warned
that the coronavirus could threaten its survival. Australia’s Qantas has reduced its international flights by
nearly 25 per cent because of the outbreak. World-famous sites are deserted. This could cause restaurants and
cafes to go out of business as tourists stay away from crowded places. Tourism is a key industry in Hawaii.
Experts there predict that over half of Hawaii’s hotel rooms will be empty over the next few months. The
WTTC said that tourism would take 10 months to recover after the virus.
1. What does the text mainly discuss?
a. The global spread of the deadly coronavirus outbreak
b. Factors contributed to the decline in tourism
c. Coronavirus’s effect on the travel and tourism industry
d. The industries hit by the COVID-19 pandemic
2. What are countries banning from other countries?
a. borders b. people c. tourists d. flights
3. The word "deserted" in the second paragraph means ________.
a. empty of people b. left and no longer used
c. extremely dry and sunny d. full of tourists
4. It can be inferred from the passage that the travel and tourism industry _______.
a. has been slightly affected by the spread of coronavirus
b. is severely damaged due to coronavirus outbreak
c. will be recovered in ten months’ time
d. is expected to emerge stronger in the future
5. All the information are right EXCEPT:
a.The WTTC said the tourism industry could become 25 per cent smaller.
b.Countries are asking people to self-quarantine for 14 weeks.
c.Ten per cent of the world’s GDP and jobs comes from tourism.
d.Qantas airlines is only putting on 25% of its international flights.