SỞ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO

KỲĐỀ CHÍNH
THI CHỌNTHỨC
HỌC SINH
GIỎI CẤP TỈNH
LỚP 12 THPT NĂM HỌC 2022
– 2023
MÔN: TOÁN
Thời gian làm bài: 180 phút, không
kể thời gian giao đề
(Đề thi có 13 trang)

I. LISTENING (20 points)

Part 1. You will hear two psychologists talking about modern childhood. For each of the following
questions, choose the option which fits best to what you hear. (10 points)
1. What does Daniel imply about past images of childhood?
A. They are entirely fictional.
B. They are diverse.
C. They represent the innocence of childhood.
2. When mentioning the children throwing bags on the bus-stop, Louise is____________.
A. critical B. angry C. sarcastic
3. According to Daniel, ____________.
A. children are failing to learn adequate social skills
B. children do not eat a balanced diet
C. children are far more sociable than they used to be
4. What does Louise say about the media?
A. Manipulative actors have a negative effect on children.
B. Adverts are aimed more at young people than adults.
C. It glorifies unrealistic ideals.
5. Daniel implies that____________.
A. children would be happier if their parents taught them at home
B. machines are more of a menace to children than people are
C. teachers aren’t helping children to be competitive enough

Write your answers here:

1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________ 5. ____________

Part 2. You will hear a conversation between a Scottish student called John and a Finnish student
called Pirkko about the Tampere Student Games in Finland. For questions 1-5, complete the notes
below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer in the
corresponding numbered boxes. (10 points)
Tampere Student Games
Dates of the games: (1) ______________.
Cost of taking part (2) ______________ euros per day each.
Entry fee includes competition entrance, meals and (3) ______________.
Hotel (4) ______________ has a special rate during the games.
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Hotel is close to (5) ______________.
Website address: www.sellgames.com

Write your answers here:

1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________ 5. ___________

II. PHONETICS (5 points)

Part 1. Choose the word whose stress pattern is different from the other three of the group. Write
your answers in the space provided.
1. A. viticulture B. concertina C. preferential D. misbegotten
2. A. internal B. interval C. external D. interpret
Part 2. Choose the word whose underlined part is pronounced differently. Write your answers in the
space provided.
3. A. advanced B. established C. preferred D. stopped
4. A. obstacle B. obscure C. obsession D. oblivious
5. A. etiquette B. conqueror C. statuesque D. bequest

Write your answers here:

1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________ 5. ____________

III. LEXICO-GRAMMAR (50 points)

Part 1. Choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D) to complete each of the following sentences. Write
your answers in the space provided. (30 points)
1. Only a few companies were found to be in __________ with the new law.
A. submission B. obedience C. compliance D. fulfilment
2. The volunteers involved in the sustainability project live in a small settlement designed as a
__________ society where everyone is equal.
A. classic B. classy C. classical D. classless
3. Leo was __________ from the meeting after he began objecting loudly to other people’s ideas.
A. ejected B. rejected C. dejected D. injected
4. A: “This computer program would be a great way to brush up on my Italian, wouldn’t it?
B: “________ with your pronunciation.”
A. It was because it can’t help B. What it can’t do is help
C. All it can’t help is D. The thing that it can’t help
5. The brother and sister were ________ over who would get to inherit the beach house.
A. at large B. at odds
C. at a standstill D. at a loose end
6. ________ that Kim was getting married, we were sorry she’d be leaving home.
A. Delighted though we were B. As we were delighted
C. However delighted were we D. As we were so delighted
7. Peter’s so ________! I think he’d think things through a little more carefully.
A. impulsive B. repulsive C. compulsive D. expulsive
8. I’ve yet ________ a person as Theo.
A. to meet as infuriating B. to have met such infuriating
C. been meeting as infuriating D. been meeting such infuriating

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9. Sniffer dogs are able to locate survivors beneath the rubble with ________.
A. precision B. correctness C. meticulousness D. exactitude
10. The locks to the doors of the building are controlled ________.
A. mainly B. centrally C. solidly D. completely
11. ________, the balcony chairs will be ruined in this weather.
A. Leaving uncovered B. Having left uncovered
C. Left uncovered D. Been left uncovered
12. I know you didn’t want to upset me but I’d sooner you ________ me the whole truth yesterday.
A. could have told B. told C. have told D. had told
13. They haven’t selected the candidates for interview yet because there’s a ________ of applications.
A. build-up B. back-up C. backlog D. backing
14. Having never worked on a major newspaper before, he was all at ________ when he first started.
A. loss B. water C. coast D. sea
15. A: “I’ve had a ________ pain in my side all day.”
B: “It’s probably indigestion.”
A. whimpering B. nagging C. pestering D. muttering
16. It was predicted that business would be destroyed and the town’s economy would be in _______.
A. tatters B. scraps C. segment D. fragments
17. Not only is little Jonny’s grammar incoherent and his spelling atrocious but also his pronunciation
__________.
A. hazard B. sluggish C. haphazard D. slothful
18. The Prime Minister will decide whether to release the prisoner or not; that’s his _________.
A. prerogative B. derogatory C. abdication D. humanity
19. The difference between your estimate and mine is just too small to mention. It makes no sense to
_________ about it.
A. chew the fat B. split hairs C. talk shop D. brave the element
20. Toxic _____ disfigure black neighborhoods, degrade property values, and discourage investment.
A. gatecrashers B. eyesores C. keystones D. watersheds
21. Victor __________ all odds and ended up winning the championship title in boxing.
A. defied B. debated C. defended D. defeated
22. His future in the job is balanced on a __________ .
A. cutting-edge B. razor-edge C. cliff-edge D. knife-edge
23. He’s a very __________ writer whom few people have ever heard of.
A. wrinkled B. congested C. pale D. obscure
24. I find the prose style of many American writers virtually __________ .
A. illegible B. impenetrable C. impermeable D. incorrigible
25. It is strongly recommended that an immunization programme __________ to prevent epidemics.
A. conducts B. conducted C. should conduct D. be conducted
26. In basketball, Sheffield __________ defeated London 86-85.
A. tightly B. narrowly C. finely D. thinly
27. The 5% wage increases they propose are __________ .
A. all for once B. by and large C. top to bottom D. across the board
28. After a fall in profits, the company decided to __________ the hotel business.
A. pull out of B. back off from C. take out of D. keep away from
29. I could hear __________ of the conversation from across the room.
A. shreds B. pieces C. snatches D. patches
30. The latest __________ of meningitis has eclipsed any over the past few years.

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 A. breakout B. outbreak C. offset D. outburst

Write your answers here:

1. ___________ 2. ___________ 3. ___________ 4. ___________ 5. ___________

6. ___________ 7. ___________ 8. ___________ 9. ___________ 10. ___________
11. ___________ 12. ___________ 13. ___________ 14. ___________ 15. ___________
16. ___________ 17. ___________ 18. ___________ 19. ___________ 20. __________
21. ___________ 22. ___________ 23. ___________ 24. ___________ 25. ___________
26. ___________ 27. ___________ 28. ___________ 29. ___________ 30. __________

Part 2. Choose the word or phrase that is CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined part in each of the
following questions. Write your answers in the space provided. (5 points)
1. Thanks to the invention of microscope, biologists can now gain insights into the nature of the human
cell.
A. deep understanding B. far-sighted views C. spectacular sightings D. in-depth studies
2. Laws on military service since 1960 still hold good.
A. remains for good B. is still in good condition
C. stands in life D. remains in effect
3. In rural Midwestern towns of the USA, the decisions that affect most residents are made at general
assemblies in schools and churches.
A. concerts B. public libraries C. gatherings D. prayer services
4. Her refusal to answer was tantamount to an admission of guilt.
A. common B. counted C. unlikely D. equivalent
5. Eventually, her efforts bore fruit and she got the job she wanted.
A. got successful results B. was full of herself C. was good to go D. gain time

Write your answers here:

1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________ 5. ____________

Part 3. Choose the word or phrase that is OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined part in each of
the following questions. Write your answers in the space provided. (5 points)
1. Nutritionists believe that vitamins circumvent ngăn ngừa diseases.
A. defeat B. nourish C. help D. treat
2. The young are now far more materialistic than their precedents years ago.
A. monetary B. greedy C. spiritual D. object - oriented
3. I've made the rounds of all the agents, but nobody has any tickets left.
A. ask around B. take turns C. disconnect D. refuse
4. The insomniac musician from Washington released an album under the moniker Sleepless in Seattle.
A. nickname B. pen name C. big name D. real name
5. The company saw a few bright spots early in the year, but overall demand for their products remained
lackluster.
A. dull B. abundant C. scattered D. median

Write your answers here:

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1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________ 5. ____________

Part 4. Choose the underlined word or phrase in each sentence that needs correcting. Write your
answers in the space provided. (10 points)
1. The old and the new (A) in transportation also contrast (B) sharply (C) in Middle East (D).
2. The ocean probably (A) distinguishes the earth from (B) other planets of the solar system, for (C)
scientists believe that large bodies of water are not existing (D) on the other planets.
3. Geothermal energy (A) is energy to obtain (B) by using (C) heat from the Earth’s (D) interior.
4. In general (A) the only kinds of cells that (B) cannot replace itself (C) are nerve (D) cells.
5. Historians believe that (A) some forms (B) of advertising (C) must be as old as barter (D) and trade.
6. Many television (A) newscasters make the public an eyewitness (B) to the news by means of (C) on-
the-spot, alive reports (D).
7. Asteroids may be fragments (A) of a planet shattered (B) long ago (C) or material (D) from the
nuclei of old comets.
8. Beside (A) the ages of nine and fifteen, almost (B) all young (C) people undergo a rapid (D) series of
physiological changes.
9. Ponds are noted (A) for their rich and varied types of (B) plant and animal life, which all maintain (C)
in a delicate ecological balance (D).
10. The explorers said that (A) they could make (B) the round trip shorter if (C) the weather had not
been that bad (D)

Write your answers here:

1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________ 5. ____________

6. ____________ 7. ____________ 8. ____________ 9. ____________ 10. ___________

IV. LANGUAGE FUNCTION (5 points).

Choose the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct response to each of the following exchanges.
Write your answers in the space provided.
1. Two friends Diana and Anne are talking about their upcoming exams.
- Diana: “Our midterm exams will start next Tuesday, are you ready?”
- Anne: “___________”
A. I’m half ready. B. God save you.
C. Thank you so much D. Don’t mention it!
2. Lucy is asking for permission to play the guitar at Pete’s home.
- Lucy: “Is it all right if I play the guitar in here while you’re studying?”.
- Pete: “______”.
A. Oh, I wish you wouldn’t. B. Well, I’d rather not.
C. Well, actually, I’d prefer it if you didn’t. D. Well, if only you didn’t.
3. Mr Smith is having lunch in a restaurant.
- Mr. Smith: "Could you bring me some water?" - Waiter: "_________."
A. No, thanks. B. Of course you can.
C. I'm afraid not. D. Certainly, sir.
4. Mary and John are talking about John's new house.
- Mary: "What a lovely house you have" - John: "_________."
A. Thanks. Hope you will drop in. B. I think so.
C. No problem. D. Of course, thanks.

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5. Lucy is asking for permission to play the guitar at Pete’s home.
- Lucy: “Is it all right if I play the guitar in here while you’re studying?”. - Pete: “______”.
A. Oh, I wish you wouldn’t. B. Well, I’d rather not.
C. Well, actually, I’d prefer it if you didn’t. D. Well, if only you didn’t.

Write your answers here:

1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________ 5. ____________

V. READING COMPREHENSION (60 points)

Part 1. Read the passage then choose the best answer from A, B, C or D to fill in each answer. (20
points)
THE CONCEPTS OF EVOLUTION
Charles Darwin may well be the most controversial scientist who ever lived. Although ‘On the
Origin of Species’ was his highly acclaimed book, he did not invent the concept of evolution. When he
was a student in Edinburgh in the late 1820s, evolution was already the (1) _______ of the town. But
evolution was rejected by the establishment. Those who (2) ______ to evolutionary thinking were called
Lamarckists, after the French scientist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck first proposed that species are not static
but change over time and give (3) ______ to new species. Lamarck had presented this (4) _____ in a
book published in 1809. However, a correct mechanism for (5) _____ species change into each other
was missed out. Later on, the mechanism was discovered first by Charles Darwin and independently by
Alfred Russel Wallace. From reading the economist Thomas Malthus’s works, Darwin was aware of the
consequences of (6) ______ growing populations. Once resources become limited, only a (7) _____ of
individuals can survive. Additionally, Darwin, as an (8) _____ observer of animal breeders, analyzed
their (9) _____ and studied their results. Slowly but (10) _____, he understood that nature is like a
gigantic breeder.
1. A. talk B. topic C. gossip D. subject
2. A. combined B. cohered C. cleaved D. complied
3. A. occasion B. evidence C. raise D. rise
4. A. standpoint B. mindset C. panorama D. vista
5. A. which B. how C. way D. mode
6. A. expressly B. exponentially C. exquisitely D. exclusively
7. A. plethora B. division C. portion D. fraction
8. A. agile B. arduous C. ardent D. amorous
9. A. methodologies B. methods C. manners D. behaviors
10. A. surely B. definitely C. ultimately D. clearly

Write your answers here:

1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________ 5. ____________

6. ____________ 7. ____________ 8. ____________ 9. ____________ 10. ___________

Part 2. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer A, B, C or D. Write your answer in the
space provided. (20 points)
ISLAND BIOGEOGRAPHY MODEL
Since the 1960s, scientists have been studying the composition and stability of island
communities. Specifically, they have been interested in what it takes to maintain life in these isolated
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areas. As a result, they developed the island biogeography model, a model that not only provides
information on island populations, but also provides insights into conservation.
The island biogeography model theorizes that the number of different species on an island will
maintain equilibrium, or a state of balance, amid the fluid: changes of immigration and extinction. In
other words, the number of species on an island remains constant. In an experiment in the US state of
Florida, islands of mangrove trees were found to house many different species of arthropods. Scientists
documented the numbers and types of species. They then sprayed insect poison over the islands,
destroying all of the arthropods there. They observed the islands over the next year, as species of
arthropods from the area surrounding the mangrove islands moved onto the island and repopulated it.
Within a year, the number of species of arthropods was almost identical to what it had been before
spraying the poison. However, the scientists soon discovered that the individual species were not
identical to the ones that had been there before. So, while the number of species was the same, the
diversity of species was quite different. This study proves that although the species number remains
constant, the types of species do not.
The island biogeography model can also apply in places that are not technically islands. In fact,
the islands used in this research were man-made, isolated areas that had been created to meet an ever-
increasing demand for land and natural resources. These islands form when humans clear out vast
amounts of vegetation for arable land and living space. Their actions cut off small areas of land and
forest from larger communities, such as when loggers separate a small parcel of forest area from the
larger forest. Hence, these isolated pockets become "islands," or areas separated from their larger
communities.
By reducing areas of land into islands, humans have a significant impact on wildlife. The island
biogeography model states that the larger the island, the higher the rate of extinction . ■ A) This is due
in part to a larger number of species coming to the island to colonize it. As new species immigrate,
there begins a competition for resources on the island. ■ B) Since there is a fixed amount of resources
on any given island, some species will not survive in the struggle. ■ C) On a smaller island, the rate of
extinction would be lower, and so would the corresponding immigration of new species. ■ D) The
more isolated these small islands are, the fewer species they are able to sustain. Certain species of
birds and animals may only be found on these islands. If they lose the competition for resources, they
will be gone forever. For example, the Bogor Botanical Garden in Indonesia was created fifty years
ago, leaving an isolated woodland area where lush forest had once been. Twenty of the sixty-two
original species of exotic birds have disappeared completely, and four species are severely endangered.
The model scientists developed has provided beneficial information regarding the conservation of
these areas that are threatened by man's need for resources. While the demand for land and natural
resources will continue, many feel that with planning and a concerted effort, life in these precious
island ecosystems can be preserved to some degree. One solution suggests that a natural corridor be
sustained between the isolated communities. For example, scientists in the Netherlands are looking at
the possibility of leaving paths of trees and shrubs between these islands. They feel it will aid in
maintaining the diversity of species there. The island biogeography model has inspired biologists to
begin researching conservation methods. Such methods include the establishment of nature reserves and
programs to help plan the use of land in a way that would protect the natural habitat as much as possible.
It is a harsh reality that much of the life on these islands cannot be sustained. Some species will
inevitably become extinct. The island biogeography model first started as a way to explain life in the
communities of these isolated ecosystems but has developed into a catalyst that has sparked heavier
conservation efforts on behalf of these endangered habitats. The model has served as a tool that has
opened the eyes of many who hope to conserve as much tropical forest life as possible.

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 1. The word “fluid” in the passage is closest in meaning to ______.
A. unpredictable B. unstable C. changing D. graceful
2. The word “they” in paragraph 2 refers to ______.
A. species B. arthropods C. mangrove trees D. scientists
3. Why does the author discuss the mangrove tree islands in Florida?
A. To demonstrate the equilibrium hypothesis.
B. To contrast man-made and natural islands.
C. To explain the origin of the island biogeography model.
D. To confirm the research regarding immigration.
4. According to paragraph 4, why is the extinction rate higher on larger islands?
A. Larger islands house a larger number of predators.
B. The rate of immigration is higher on larger islands.
C. Newer species take over all the resources.
D. They house a number of older species.
5. Which of the following is NOT true about the repopulation of islands?
A. Nature tends to keep the islands in equilibrium.
B. Immigration balances species extinction.
C. The number of species usually remains constant.
D. The diversity of the species stays the same.
6. The word “sustain” in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to ______.
A. cultivate B. encounter C. feed D. support
7. Which of the following can be inferred from paragraph 4?
A. Man's destruction of nature must come to a halt to preserve island life.
B. Endangered species will be saved when humans stop creating isolated islands.
C. Species will maintain equilibrium if these islands are left untouched.
D. Most island extinctions are caused by human's need for resources.
8. Which of the following best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence?
A. Life in isolated areas can be conserved despite the high demand for natural resources.
B. With planning, substitutes for natural resources can be found and island life preserved.
C. The number of islands can be reduced, so more species will survive the danger of extinction.
D. The danger of extinction can be lessened if humans work to conserve natural energy and
resources.
9. The word “catalyst” in the passage is closest in meaning to ______________.
A. means B. process C. awareness D. legislation
10. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the
passage.
“However, while many of the island's older inhabitants may lose out to newer species, the number
of species on the island will stay the same.”
Where would the sentence best fit?
A. First square B. Second square C. Third square D. Fourth square

Write your answers here:

1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________ 5. ____________

6. ____________ 7. ____________ 8. ____________ 9. ____________ 10. ___________

Part 3. Read the text and do the tasks that follow. (20 points)
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The reading passage has six paragraphs.
For questions 1-6, choose the correct heading for paragraphs A - F from the list of headings
below.

List of headings
i. Differences between languages highlight their impressiveness
ii. The way in which a few sounds are organised to convey a huge range of meaning
iii. Why the sounds used in different languages are not identical
iv. Apparently incompatible characteristics of language
v. Even silence can be meaningful
vi. Why language is the most important invention of all
vii. The universal ability to use language

1. Paragraph A _______________
2. Paragraph B _______________
3. Paragraph C _______________
4. Paragraph D _______________
5. Paragraph E _______________
6. Paragraph F _______________
This Marvellous Invention
A. Of all mankinds manifold creations, language must take pride of place. Other inventions -the wheel,
agriculture, sliced bread - may have transformed our material existence, but the advent of language is
what made us human. Compared to language, all other inventions pale in significance, since everything
we have ever achieved depends on language and originates from it. Without language, we could never
have embarked on our ascent to unparalleled power over all other animals, and even over nature itself.

B. But language is foremost not just because it came first. In its own right it is a tool of extraordinary
sophistication, yet based on an idea of ingenious simplicity: ‘this marvellous invention of composing out
of twenty-five or thirty sounds that infinite variety of expressions which, whilst having in themselves no
likeness to what is in our mind, allow us to disclose to others its whole secret, and to make known to
those who cannot penetrate it all that we imagine, and all the various stirrings of our soul’ This was
how, in 1660, the renowned French grammarians of the Port-Royal abbey near Versailles distilled the
essence of language, and no one since has celebrated more eloquently the magnitude of its achievement.
Even so, there is just one flaw in all these hymns of praise, for the homage to languages unique
accomplishment conceals a simple yet critical incongruity. Language is mankind s greatest invention -
except, of course, that it was never invented. This apparent paradox is at the core of our fascination with
language, and it holds many of its secrets.

C. Language often seems so skillfully drafted that one can hardly imagine it as anything other than the
perfected handiwork of a master craftsman. How else could this instrument make so much out of barely
three dozen measly morsels of sound? In themselves, these configurations of mouth p, f, b, v, t, d, k, g,
sh, a, e and so on - amount to nothing more than a few haphazard spits and splutters, random noises with
no meaning, no ability to express, no power to explain. But run them through the cogs and wheels of the
language machine, let it arrange them in some very special orders, and there is nothing that these
meaningless streams of air cannot do: from signing the interminable boredom of existence to
unravelling the fundamental order of the universe.

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D. the most extraordinary thing about language, however, is that one doesn’t have to be a genius to set
its wheels in motion. The language machine allows just about everybody from pre-modern foragers in
the subtropical savannah, to post-modern philosophers in the suburban sprawl - to tie these meaningless
sounds together into an infinite variety of subtle senses, and all apparently without the slightest exertion.
Yet it is precisely this deceptive ease which makes language a victim of its own success, since in
everyday life its triumphs are usually taken for granted. The wheels of language run so smoothly that
one rarely bothers to stop and think about all the resourcefulness and expertise that must have gone into
making it tick. Language conceals art.

E. Often, it is only the estrangement of foreign tongues, with their many exotic and outlandish features,
that brings home the wonder of languages design. One of the showiest stunts that some languages can
pull off is an ability to build up words of breath-breaking length, and thus express in one word what
English takes a whole sentence to say. The Turkish word çehirliliçtiremediklerimizdensiniz, to take one
example, means nothing less than ‘you are one of those whom we can’t turn into a town-dweller’. (In
case you were wondering, this monstrosity really is one word, not merely many different words
squashed together - most of its components cannot even stand up on their own.)

F. And if that sounds like some one-off freak, then consider Sumerian, the language spoken on the
banks of the Euphrates some 5,000 years ago by the people who invented writing and thus enabled the
documentation of history. A Sumerian word like munintuma'a (‘when he had made it suitable for her’)
might seem rather trim compared to the Turkish colossus above. What is so impressive about it,
however, is not its lengthiness but rather the reverse - the thrifty compactness of its construction. The
word is made up of different slots, each corresponding to a particular portion of meaning. This sleek
design allows single sounds to convey useful information, and in fact, even the absence of a sound has
been enlisted to express something specific. If you were to ask which bit in the Sumerian word
corresponds to the pronoun ‘it’ in the English translation ‘when he had made it suitable for her’, then the
answer would have to be nothing. Mind you, a very particular kind of nothing: the nothing that stands in
the empty slot in the middle. The technology is so fine-tuned then that even a non-sound, when carefully
placed in a particular position, has been invested with a specific function. Who could possibly have
come up with such a nifty contraption?
For questions 7-10, complete the summary of the Reading Passage using words from the box
below.
List of words
difficult complex original
admired material easy
fundamental

The importance of language

The wheel is one invention that has had a major impact on 7 .................... aspects of life, but no
impact has been as 8 .................... as that of language. Language is very 9 .................... , yet composed
of just a small number of sounds. Language appears to be 10 .................... to use. However, its
sophistication is often overlooked.

Write your answers here:

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1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________ 5. ____________
6. ____________ 7. ____________ 8. ____________ 9. ____________ 10. ___________

VI. WRITING (50 points)

Part 1. Choose the option A, B, C or D that has the same meaning as the sentence provided. Write
your answers in the space provided. (5 points)
1. As there was a great deal of rain in the spring we are expecting a good fruit harvest this year.
A. It rained so heavily all through the springtime that fruit harvest will certainly be affected.
B. This year we can expect a better fruit harvest ever, though we didn’t have a wet spring.
C. Though it rained often this spring, the fruit trees are yielding plenty of fruit.
D. There should be an abundance of fruit this year as it rained so much in the spring.
2. I've been out of the country for nearly a year, so I'm out of touch with everything.
A. A year or so abroad will make you feel different about your own country.
B. On my return after almost a year, I was touched to find so few changes here.
C. I feel quite like a stranger now that I’m back after almost a year abroad.
D. The year abroad has estranged me, so I don’t want to go back to my own country
3. Both dogs and cats have been domestic animals for millennia, yet in general, cats have retained their
independent nature much more than dogs.
A. Cats, unlike dogs, have never become fully domestic, and so they have managed to preserve their
independent spirit for millennia.
B. Cats have generally remained more self-reliant than dogs, though both kinds of animals have been
domesticated for thousands of years.
C. Although neither animal has really been wild for millennia, cats have never been totally dependent on
people like dogs.
D. Dogs and cats are both domestic animals that have kept their independent nature ever since they were
domesticated thousands of years ago.
4. As I understand it, the advantages of the scheme and the disadvantages just about balance each other
out.
A. I really cannot decide whether the advantages of the scheme outweigh the disadvantages, or whether
it is the other way round.
B. If you want my opinion, I would say the scheme has fewer advantages than disadvantages.
C. In a scheme of this sort one would expect there to be both advantages and disadvantages.
D. It is essential that the advantages and the disadvantages of the scheme are given equal attention.
5. The West's main response to events in Yugoslavia has been to avoid any direct involvement.
A. The West could have responded to the situation in Yugoslavia with a policy of active involvement.
B. By and large, the West has been reluctant to commit itself actively to affairs in Yugoslavia.
C. The involvement of the West in Yugoslavia was in response to certain major events.
D. Direct intervention was the response of the West to happenings in Yugoslavia.

Write your answers here:

1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________ 5. ____________

Part 2. Choose the sentence that best combines each pair of the following sentences. Write your
answers in the space provided. (5 points)
1. He fulfilled his dream of traveling the world. He decided to get a job and settle down.

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A. If he had fulfilled his dream of traveling the world, he would have decided to get a job and settle
down.
B. Having fulfilled his dream of traveling the world, he decided to get a job and settle down.
C. Although he had fulfilled his dream of traveling the world, he decided not to get a job and settle
down.
D. As he decided to get a job and settle down, he didn't fulfill his dream of traveling the world.
2. Wealthy venture investors are willing to pour money into African startups. It is their poor
understanding of this market that restrain the development of the young's innovative ideas.
A. The ignorance about the African market by the deepest-pocketed investors has stunted many
indigenous youths on the continent with promising ideas.
B. There are a lot of issues as a black founder raising money abroad from outside ventures, which
reforms their ideal business plans.
C. Abroad investors have a lot of money, but they hardly have any experience in African markets,
especially emerging startups.
D. African business has been not attractive to outside partners due to its uncreative strategies of young
start-ups.
3. She prepared so thoroughly for a talk show about the solution to the crisis. Unfortunately, it has not
been widely spread by the public.
A. She suggested some solutions for the crisis but no one cares about it.
B. Her speech about the need for a pacific solution to the crisis fell on stony ground.
C. The solution to political situation is spoken, thus it is popular in public.
D. Her suggestive solution for the crisis has been ignored.
4. There is no need to worry about the sales drop. Just wait and hope the situation will be improved.
A. Waiting for the higher sales is everything that should be done at this time.
B. Some actions like exaggerating about current case cannot solve the problem.
C. Don't panic about the low sales - let it ride for a while and see if business picks up.
D. Try to stay calm because the situation will quickly rise up.
5. There are many criticisms around his personal life. All he does is keep silent and brushes them off.
A. Criticisms seem not to affect much to his normal life.
B. He ignored to be gossiped about his privacy and stayed in quiet.
C. The matter of his life is revealed to all, and he does nothing but let it be.
D. He refuses to listen to what critics sarcastically say about his private life.

Write your answers here:

1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________ 5. ____________

Part 3. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the
original one. (10 points)
1. Absolute secrecy was crucial to the success of the mission.
Without _______________________________________________.
2. I don’t really like her, even though I admire her achievements.
Much _________________________________________________.
3. Were Jack not so affluent a man, she would not be dating with him.
But for_________________________________________________.
4. You should not lock this door for any reason when the building is open to the public.
Under no _________________________________________________.

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5. A bee sting is more likely to cause death these days than a snake bite.
Death _________________________________________________.

Part 4. Rewrite the following sentences with the given words in such a way that the second sentence
has the same meaning as the first one. Do not change the form of the word in brackets. Write your
answers in the space provided. (10 points).
1. The bank robbers escaped in a stolen car. (GETAWAY)
________________________________________________________________________________
2. Some people will do anything to lose weight. (LENGTHS)
________________________________________________________________________________
3. My bank manager and I get on together very well. (TERMS)
________________________________________________________________________________
4. She made sure everyone knew she was there as soon as she entered the building. (PRESENCE)
________________________________________________________________________________
5.Whether his arrogance was fake or genuine, it only masked his insecurity. (BEHIND)
________________________________________________________________________________

Part 5. Essay writing (30 points)

Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such
as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think
about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions
about matters that affect them.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.

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