KIỂM TRA HỌC SINH GIỎI 2021-2022

I. LISTENING (50 points)

HƯỚNG DẪN PHẦN THI NGHE HIỂU
 Bài nghe gồm 4 phần; mỗi phần được nghe 2 lần, mỗi lần cách nhau 15 giây; mở đầu và kết
thúc mỗi phần nghe có tín hiệu.
 Mở đầu và kết thúc bài nghe có nhạc hiệu. Thí sinh có 02 phút để hoàn chỉnh bài trước tín hiệu
kết thúc bài nghe.
 Mọi hướng dẫn cho thí sinh đã có trong đề bài nghe.

Part 1: You will hear two students, Bella and Tom, discussing an article they have read about a
woman astronaut. For questions 1-5, decide whether the following statements are True (T) or False
(F). Write your answers on the answer sheet. (10 points)

1. The speakers agree that being an astronaut is an unexpected job for women.
2. Bella particularly admires the astronaut Ellen Ochoa because of her determination to fulfill a
childhood dream.
3. Tom was surprised to learn that people who want to become astronauts should have experience
as aeroplane pilots.
4. Bella thinks the most interesting part of Ellen’s life is coping with unexpected problems.
5. Tom and Bella both now decide to go to some talks on space travel in films and literature.

Part 2: Listen to an introduction of a new invention and answer questions 6-10. USE NO MORE
THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer. Write your answers on the answer
sheet. (10 points)

6. How much was the watch used by Fossett sold for?

………………………………………………………………………
7. Where were the two men near when the accident happened?
………………………………………………………………………
8. Who might benefit a lot from this watch?
………………………………………………………………………
9. What is the maximum range of the watch at sea?
………………………………………………………………………
10. When was the self-winding watch invented?
………………………………………………………………………

PART 3: You will hear part of a discussion between two environmentalists, Ken Forbes and Maggie
Dimas, who are talking about cars of the future and cyclists. For questions 11-15, choose the
answer (A, B, C or D) which fits best according to what you hear. Write your answers on the answer
sheet. (10 points)

11. What main point does Ken make about driverless car?
A. They will mean that cyclists will be in more danger.
B. They will make punishments for drivers redundant.
C. They will ensure that cyclists remain unharmed.
D. They will be perfect in every way but construction.

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12. When discussing the implications of driverless cars, Maggie reveals _____.
A. that non-drivers, not driverless vehicles, might be the biggest problem
B. that she is frightened by the ideas of car having no driver
C. her doubt that increased road regulations will guarantee safety
D. her concern that Ken is too optimistic about the future
13. On what subject do Ken and Maggie share a common view?
A. Non-drivers will use the driving lanes if given the chance.
B. Traditional street lights must not be removed.
C. Automatic breaking systems will save many lives
D. The job of those in charge will become more difficult.
14. When discussing driverless cars and research, both environmentalists ______.
A. acknowledge that various organizations are involved in it
B. agree that the Google organization is leading the way
C. suggest there are still many design problems to be solved
D. admit they cannot predict when driverless cars will be marketable
15. What can be inferred from Ken’s closing remarks?
A. He feels driverless technology will have a positive effect on cyclists.
B. He is in two minds about how driverless technology will affect cyclists.
C. He is certain that special laws will be needed to make driverless cars safe.
D. He believes faster cars will pose a threat to both passengers and cyclists.

Part 4: You will hear a critic called Dan Fallon talking on a radio show about a film called “The
Man from Snowy River”. For questions 16-25, complete the sentences with NO MORE THAN
FOUR WORDS. Write your answers on the answer sheet. (20 points)

Australia’s biggest (16) _______________, which also boasted a (17) _______________ in the ranks
of its cast, was The Man from Snowy River until the release of a popular 1986 film.
The Hollywood star Kirk Douglas has an unusual (18) _______________ in The Man from Snowy
River.
Fallon praises the (19) _______________ between Burlinson and his co-star Thornton and is
complimentary of the quality of the acting in general in the film.
Fallon suggests that the great cinematography of the film shows the (20) _______________ in a very
positive light.
On the death of his father, Craig must relocate to (21) _______________ in search of work.
Craig’s origins are a disadvantage to him in his new workplace where he has to deal with
(22) _______________ from some of the other ranch hands.
Craig’s financial situation and his (23) _______________ make it unlikely that Jessica’s father will
approve of him.
Fallon suggests that although the storyline has a romantic flavour to it, it really centres on the lead
character’s (24) _______________.
Fallon suggests that using a big Hollywood actor in one of the leading parts did not prevent this
Australian film from remaining (25) _______________.

II. LEXICO-GRAMMAR (40 points)

Part 1: For questions 1-10, choose the best answer (A, B, C, D) to each of the following questions
and write your answers (A, B, C, or D) in the corresponding numbered boxes.
26. The government ordered that the experimental drug _____ to the laboratory for further study.

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 A. might be sent B. would be sent C. could be sent D. be sent
27. I would like to _____ my thanks to Ms. Porter, the hotel clerk who located my missing luggage.
A. expand B. expect C. extend D. exhale
28. Because the flight was slightly overbooked, there is a chance that a seat will not be available ever
for a person with a _____ reservation.
A. appointed B. notified C. cancelled D. confirmed
29. Our customers expect good service from us and we should do our best to live _____ their
expectations.
A. in for B. on for C. up for D. up to
30. The university football player _____ his success and development as a player to his mother and his
coach.
A. accounts B. attributes C. accuses D. appraises
31. We request that students edit their essay carefully before _____, or else they will receive major
point reductions.
A. submit B. submitting C. submission D. submitted
32. Citizens are so frustrated by traffic that more than half want things improved, _____ it means they
must pay higher taxes.
A. which B. despite C. even if D. as well as
33. Employees wanting to attend the Christmas Ball can _____ tickets to the event at the front desk in
the Personnel Department.
A. join in B. pick up C. get over D. find out
34. The managers hope that the new plan will increase sales both in the coming year and _____.
A. beyond B. within C. above D. along
35. To remain _____ for financial aid, recipients are required to show satisfactory progress toward a
degree according the guidelines.
A. eligible B. entitled C. responsible D. considerate
36. John had a ______ experience when having to wait at the unemployment office for hours.
A. heart-stopping B. thought-provoking
C. soul-destroying D. all-embracing
37. Having delivered a thorough and insightful report, Mark deserves a real ______.
A. slap on the wrist B. peck on the cheek C. pain in the neck D. pat on the back
38. In order to recover from the sadness, he threw himself into a ______ of activities.
A. cyclone B. typhoon C. whirlwind D. hurricane
39. The answer to the interviewer’s question came to me ______ as I had a good knowledge of the
subject.
A. in a flash B. in a daze C. in the bag D. in the way
40. They’ve been working hard on the project for a month, so they decide to go out and ______.
A. face the music B. steal the show
C. read between the lines D. paint the town red
26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35.

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 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.

Part 2: For question 11-15, write the correct form of each bracketed word in the corresponding
numbered boxes.
Why can’t you say no to certain foods?
Are you a chocoholic or a fast food addict? Don’t blame yourself – certain foods can trigger an eating
binge, but there are ways to control the cravings. Even if you are a fairly disciplined eater, there are
sure to be foods you’ll have no resistance to. For some it’s a bar of chocolate, for others a burger. You
probably think there’s no one to blame but your weak-willed self. But the reassuring truth is that when
it comes to controlling your junk food intake, the odds are heavily stacked against you. High-fat, high-
sugar foods can act like an (41. ADDICT)__________ drug, making us crave even more of the same.
In the States, where obesity rates are reaching epidemic proportions, there’s even a group called Junk
Food Anonymous, which aims to help people recover from their dependence on synthetic or refined
foods. Fat is often added to food to make it more palatable so it’s a good way of making (42.
EXPENSE) __________, bland food seem tastier. Another reason why certain foods are so (43.
RESIST) __________ is that they have a very real effect on our mood, making us feel relaxed. Our
eating habits develop when we are young and as we move into adulthood the chocolate that we were
rewarded with as a young child becomes a guilty (44. INDULGE) __________. We might feel we’ve
earned the right to treat ourselves after a hard day at work, for example. Past (45. ASSOCIATE)
__________ can reinforce bad eating habits that are difficult to break free from.
Your answers:
41. 42. 43. 44. 45.
Part 3: For questions 41-50, identify 10 errors in the following passage and get them right. Write
your answers on the answer sheet. (10 points)
Line Passage
1 “The originality of human language is truly secret and marvelous,” wrote Jacob Grimn in 1851.
2 The marvelous secret has long proved launch padding for strange ideas. “Primitive man was likely
3 to make sounds like “meuh” when sensed danger,” claimed Charles Caller in 1928. “Meuh” has a
4 plaintive sound. The human who wandered over a hostile land habited by awesome beasts uttered
5 desperate noises, and languages have reserved some echo of his lamentation so as malaria meaning
6 “fever” or the Latin moors meaning “death”.
7 Faced to such weird speculations, many avoided the topic, regarding it as playground for
8 cranks, but recently, language origin and evolution have become keying research areas.
9 Language probably developed in East Africa, around 100,000 years ago. In the main, speech
10 was used for friendly interaction, and was an important tool in powerful struggles.
11 Information-swapping was probably not an important original role - contrary to the views of
12 philosopher John Locke, who spoke of language as a “great conduit” for surveying knowledge.

Your answers:

Line Mistake Correction

46
47
48
49

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 50
51
52
53
54
55

Part 4: Read the text below and think of one word which best fits each space from 51 to 60. Use
only ONE WORD for each space. Write your answers on the answer sheet. (10 points)
MYTH BUSTED
The tradition of presenting your loved one with a diamond ring as an engagement gift began in much
the same (56) ____________ as that of Christmas – as a marketing ploy. It was a prominent jewelry
firm’s advertising campaign that first gave (57) ____________ to the notion that you can’t propose on
one knee without that precious cut stone there on (58) ____________ person, ready to place on her
finger if she answers affirmatively.
To make matters (59) ____________, the notion that diamonds are very rare is a complete
misconception. Their rarity is down (60) ____________ to careful control of the market and a
restriction on the supply of these ‘precious’ stones than actual scarcity. Here again, as with the
engagement tradition itself, it seems that diamond companies are having the last (61) ____________.
They willed the so-called ring-giving ‘custom’ into existence and then inflated diamond prices
artificially.
Perhaps knowing these facts puts (62) ____________ to the supposed romanticism of the proposal
tradition. (63) ____________ than break the bank purchasing a piece of love, the release value of
which allegedly halves the moment you walk out of the shop, would (64) ____________ putting down
a deposit on a house be a more romantic gesture? It would certainly help newlyweds get their priorities
in (65) ____________.

III. READING (5.5 points)

Part 1: You are going to read a newspaper article about job hunting. For questions 1-6, choose
the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.
APPYING A MODERN-DAY APPROACH TO JOB HUNTING
London-based recruitment consultant Lucas Murphy offers his advice on the best approach to
finding a job.
Undeniably, the way in which we seek out employment opportunities has undergone a massive
transformation in recent decades. Gone are the days when flicking through the employment section of
the local newspaper would be enough; for the jobseekers of today, obtaining an interview depends on
extensive online searches and completing what often seems like an endless number of lengthy
electronic applications. With more graduates than ever before attempting to enter the job market,
together with a shrinking economy, acquiring the insight into how best to pursue one’s job search has
never been more important.
An important step we can all take to maximise our chances of obtaining an interview is to increase our
online presence. Nowadays, employers routinely put the names of applicants through online search
engines as part of the initial screening process; if the search results produce nothing, or very little, then
the candidate appears out of touch. One way to boost your online presence and impress a potential
employer or recruiter is through blogging, and specifically, contributing to industry-relevant threads
and expressing your opinion on topical issues. This presents the candidate as professional, well

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informed and passionate about their industry. It is essential that a jobseeker dedicates time to
researching what these current industry trends are and then initiating and contributing to online
debates. After all, we live in the digital age and, therefore, must be able to demonstrate our
competence and willingness to engage with the Internet.
In a world filled with talent, standing out from the crowd has never been more difficult and, with
around 100 applicants per job opening, competition is fierce. I believe that the key to getting noticed
lies very much in how a candidate presents and promotes their skills and qualifications. In the
advertising industry, a product is cleverly branded to increase its sales. For instance, energy drinks are
marketed in such a way that people associate them with a higher level of performance when
participating in sporting activities and, consequently, people buy them based on this. Increasingly, this
same idea is being applied to an employee's skill set as a way of enhancing employability. Everyone
has something to offer: the important thing is to decide what it is you want to be known for in your
industry and then create your very own 'personal brand'. If you are seen by others as an expert in a
particular field or as somebody that has a specific or unique skill, then you are more likely to be
considered for posts' that require such skills.
It may be discouraging to learn that a large number of jobs are never even advertised; rather they are
offered to current employees or to people who have been recommended. Given this, networking is an
essential part of obtaining an interview and, in some industries, is listed as the number one way to get
ahead in one’s career. Thanks to the rise of professional social networking sites, this has allowed
people to establish new industry contacts like never before. Track down influential people on social
platforms, for instance, those working in successful corporations or people in managerial positions -
these are the people that you need to add to your contact list. Think very carefully about which people
will be of the most value to you in your efforts to find a job. While it is important to move with the
times and welcome change, I cannot emphasise enough the value of the more traditional face-to-face
networking. The interaction that occurs when physically attending events, conferences and industry-
relevant social occasions allows bonds to be built between people in a way that online networking can
never compete with and. therefore, should never be neglected.
Similarly, one should not overlook more old-fashioned forms of job hunting - namely, the curriculum
vitae. Arguably, the CV is still central to the application process; however, the way in which the CV is
constructed has changed. Nowadays it must be search-engine friendly. There has been a considerable
increase in online CV databases which employers routinely search for talent. To ensure that your CV
shows up in their headhunting searches, key words must be included in your CV. This can be achieved
by going through job specifications in order to get a feel for the kind of skills required. Establish the
vocabulary and phrasing which commonly appears in such job specifications and simply add this
phrasing to your CV.
Although finding employment may seem like a tedious, exhausting process, it is one that all jobseekers
go through. Importantly, having the right material is only half the battle: a jobseeker must check posts
and online job sites daily; calling recruiters and making follow-up calls to check the progress of any
submitted applications should be routine.
Indeed, finding a job is often a full-time job in itself.
1. In the first paragraph, the writer implies that ________
A. modern jobseekers must be Internet savvy.
B. job hunting used to be less straightforward.
C. the job market demands better qualified candidates.

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 D. job hunting is becoming more effortless.
2. According to the writer, a strong online presence points to ________
A. the ability to perform many tasks at the same time.
B. excellent communication skills.
C. an active engagement with one's chosen field.
D. an understanding of how corporations have changed.
3. Why does the writer make reference to energy drinks in the third paragraph?
A. to emphasise why a product is popular
B. to highlight how concepts from other areas are ineffective in recruitment
C. to explain how a concept works in practice
D. to prove that personal branding is not a useful technique
4. What does the writer believe successful online networking relies on?
A. registering on the most popular social networking sites
B. choosing wisely when making contacts online
C. daily interaction with contacts online
D. the number of contacts a person establishes online
5. What is the writer's opinion of face-to-face networking?
A. It is less important nowadays compared to the past.
B. Online networking is set to replace it in the near future.
C. It produces the same results as online networking.
D. Alternative forms of networking cannot replace it.
6. What point is conveyed in paragraph five?
A. The CV must be individually adapted for each field.
B. The CV is slowly being abandoned in the corporate world.
C. A CV must never include inaccurate information about qualifications.
D. It is not always necessary to submit a CV for a job application.

Read the text. Then answer the questions according to the information given in the text. Choose
A, B, C or D.
THE TREE THAT CRIES
The mastic tree may be common throughout Europe and North Africa, thriving in many places that
have hot, dry summers, but it is only the trees indigenous to the Greek island of Chios which are
typically harvested for the much-prized resin. Aromatic, and with an almost transparent crystal-like
appearance, the thick, sticky substance known as mastic has a refreshing taste, but requires a
substantial amount of chewing before being swallowed. Interestingly, the word 'mastic' and the word
'masticate', meaning to chew food, both come from the same ancient Greek root, 'mastikhan'.

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Mastic resin is harvested from July to September. Before harvest begins, calcium carbonate, a white
powder derived from rocks, is spread under each tree. This powder prevents the resin from being
dirtied by leaves or soil. Depending on the size of the tree, five to ten cuts are made in its bark every
few days, and these cuts produce the thick sap which drips down onto the powder-covered ground
where it dries and forms resin. Although collecting the resin is relatively easy, cleaning it, washing it,
and preparing it for final use is extremely labour- intensive. Each mastic tree yields on average 150-
180 grams of resin annually, although individual trees have been known to produce much less or
significantly more.
In antiquity, mastic was believed to be medicinally effectual, with the ancient Greeks consuming it not
only as a breath freshener, but also as a way of preventing tooth cavities and keeping gums strong.
Today, mastic has been scientifically proven to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it is
no wonder it helps promote mouth hygiene. It has also been proven effective in treating respiratory
problems, ulcers and high cholesterol. As for culinary uses, it is an essential ingredient in celebratory
breads, sweets, and beverages throughout the Mediterranean and Arab worlds. Some cultures find it to
be an excellent condiment for meat dishes.
The versatility of mastic is truly amazing. Aside from its culinary uses and health benefits, it is also an
essential ingredient in many of today's cosmetic products, where it forms a superior moisturiser thanks
to its antibacterial action, high mineral content and natural aromatic oil.
7. What is the main purpose of the text?
A. to explain the origins of a particular word
B. to list the different uses of the mastic tree
C. to present an agricultural product
D. to describe how a certain substance is farmed
8. According to the text, what can be inferred about the production of mastic?
A. It is limited to a particular area.
B. It is at its peak at the end of the year.
C. It depends on the amount of calcium carbonate used.
D. It is widespread throughout the Mediterranean.
9. What is true about mastic tree resin?
A. Each tree can produce a maximum of 180g per season.
B. It needs to be constantly looked after until it is collected.
C. It.is made from the bark of the mastic tree.
D. Processing it is very hard work.
10. Which ancient Greek belief has been proven true by modern research?
A. Mastic is resistant against bacteria.
B. Mastic helps to maintain one’s dental health.
C. Mastic lowers blood cholesterol.
D. Mastic can be used to whiten one’s teeth.
11. In the last paragraph, what does the use of the word ‘versatility’ tell us about mastic?

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 A. It is an irreplaceable component of industrial products.
B. It is extremely useful for healing purposes.
C. It can be used for many different purposes.
D. Its smell and texture make it an ideal product ingredient.
Part 2: Read the passage, then select the word or phrase that fills the blank in both meaning and
grammar.
HUMAN SOCIETY
The question of how human beings organize themselves in order to live together successfully is an
interesting one. This organization is what we _______ (12) society. A human society inevitably shares
a language and a system of rules and customs that _______ (13) members’ obligations toward one
another.
This definition of society is, of course, an oversimplification. There are various_______ (14) of
obligation within a society. For instance, every individual is also a member of a family - the basic unit
of social organization.
Societies also change over time. In a primitive society, people grow or catch their own food, _______
(15), and build their own shelters. As societies grow in complexity, however, work ceases _______
(16) and is divided up into a growing variety of specialized functions which are_______ (17) the scope
of any one person. Someone who must grow their own food will not have_______ (18) to learn to
build airplanes. _______ (19), brain surgeons do not have the liberty or the skills to make their own
tools.
Each society develops a system of techniques and tools that enable people to modify nature and make
it _______ (20). This body of social knowledge is handed down from one generation to the next.
Passed on by word of mouth or written record, it forms _______ (21) across generations.
12. A. title B. term C. describe D. tag
13. A. delineate B. circumvent C. assure D. imitate
14. A. cords B. batches C. degrees D. allowances
15. A. shop for what they don’t have B. search for jobs
C. make their own tools D. design their own clothes
16. A. having being generalized B. to be generalized
C. generalization D. generalizing
17. A. over B. beyond C. under D. away from
18. A. a second chance B. a similar way C. the free time D. the same level
19. A. Likewise B. Nonetheless C. Hence D. Namely
20. A. habitat B. inhabited C. habituated D. habitable
21. A. durability B. continuity C. vitality D. perpetuity
Part 3: READ AND CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER
How Well Do We Concentrate?
A. Do you read while listening to music? Do you like to watch TV while finishing your homework?
People who have these kinds of habits are called multi-taskers. Multitaskers are able to complete two

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tasks at the same time by dividing their focus. However. Thomas Lehman, a researcher in Psychology,
believes people never really do multiple things simultaneously. Maybe a person is reading while
listening to music, but in reality, the brain can only focus on one task. Reading the words in a book
will cause you to ignore some of the words of the music. When people think they are accomplishing
two different tasks efficiently, what they are really doing is dividing their focus. While listening to
music, people become less able to focus on their surroundings. For example, we all have experience of
times when we talk with friends and they are not responding properly. Maybe they are listening to
someone else talk, or maybe they are reading a text on their smart phone and don't hear what you are
saying. Lehman called this phenomenon "email voice".
B. The world has been changed by computers and its spin-offs like smart-phones or cellphones. Now
that most individuals have a personal device, like a smart-phone or a laptop, they are frequently
reading, watching or listening to virtual information. This raises the occurrence of multitasking in our
day to day life. Now when you work, you work with your typewriter, your cellphone, and some
colleagues who may drop by at any time to speak with you. In professional meetings, when one
normally focuses and listens to one another, people are more likely to have a cell phone in their lap.
reading or communicating silently with more people than ever. Even inventions such as the cordless
phone has increased multitasking. In the old days, a traditional wall phone would ring, and then the
housewife would have to stop her activities to answer it. When it rang, the housewife will sit down
with her legs up, and chat, with no laundry or sweeping or answering the door. In the modem era, our
technology is convenient enough to not interrupt our daily tasks.
C. Earl Miller, an expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, studied the prefrontal cortex,
which controls the brain while a person is multitasking. According to his studies, the size of this cortex
varies between species. He found that for humans, the size of this part constitutes one third of the
brain, while it is only 4 to 5 percent in dogs, and about 15% in monkeys. Given that this cortex is
larger on a human, it allows a human to be more flexible and accurate in his or her multitasking.
However, Miller wanted to look further into whether the cortex was truly processing information about
two different tasks simultaneously. He designed an experiment where he presents visual stimulants to
his subjects in a way that mimics multi-tasking. Miller then attached sensors to the patients’ heads to
pick up the electric patterns of the brain. This sensor would show if the brain particles, called neurons,
were truly processing two different tasks. What he found is that the brain neurons only lit up in
singular areas one at a time, and never simultaneously.
D. Davis Meyer, a professor of University of Michigan, studied the young adults in a similar
experiment. He instructed them to simultaneously do math problems and classify simple words into
different categories. For this experiment. Meyer found that when you think you are doing several jobs
at the same time, you are actually switching between jobs. Even though the people tried to do the tasks
at the same time, and both tasks were eventually accomplished, overall, the task took more time than if
the person focused on a single task one at a time.
E. People sacrifice efficiency when multitasking. Gloria Mark set office workers as his subjects. He
found that they were constantly multitasking. He observed that nearly every 11 minutes people at work
were disrupted. He found that doing different jobs at the same time may actually save time. However,
despite the fact that they are faster, it does not mean they are more efficient. And we are equally likely
to self-interrupt as be interrupted by outside sources. He found that in office nearly every 12 minutes
an employee would stop and with no reason at all, check a website on their computer, call someone or
write an email. If they concentrated for more than 20 minutes, they would feel distressed. He
suggested that the average person may suffer from a short concentration span. This short attention span
might be natural, but others suggest that new technology may be the problem. With cellphones and

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computers at our sides at all times, people will never run out of distractions. The format of media, such
as advertisements, music, news articles and TV shows are also shortening, so people are used to
paying attention to information for a very short time.
F. So even though focusing on one single task is the most efficient way for our brains to work, it is not
practical to use this method in real life. According to human nature, people feel more comfortable and
efficient in environments with a variety of tasks. Edward Hallowell said that people are losing a lot of
efficiency in the workplace due to multitasking, outside distractions and self-distractions. As a matter
of fact, the changes made to the workplace do not have to be dramatic. No one is suggesting we ban e-
mail or make employees focus on only one task. However, certain common workplace tasks, such as
group meetings, would be more efficient if we banned cell-phones, a common distraction. A person
can also apply these tips to prevent self-distraction. Instead of arriving to your office and checking all
of your e-mails for new tasks, a common workplace ritual, a person could dedicate an hour to a single
task first thing in the morning. Self-timing is a great way to reduce distraction and efficiently finish
tasks one by one, instead of slowing ourselves down with multi-tasking.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
22. a reference to a domestic situation that does not require multitasking
23. a possible explanation of why we always do multitask together
24. a practical solution to multitask in work environment
25. relating multitasking to the size of prefrontal cortex
26. longer time spent doing two tasks at the same time than one at a time
Match each statement with the correct scientist, A-E.
Write the correct letter, A-E.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
List of Scientists
A. Thomas Lehman
B. Earl Miller
C. David Meyer
D. Gloria Mark
E. Edward Hallowell

27. When faced multiple visual stimulants, one can only concentrate on one of them.
28. Doing two things together may be faster but not better.
29. People never really do two things together even if you think you do.
30. The causes of multitask lie in the environment.
31. Even minor changes in the workplace will improve work efficiency.
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
32. A term used to refer to a situation when you are reading a text and cannot focus on your
surroundings is___________.
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33. The ___________part of the brain controls multitasking.
34. The practical solution of multitask in work is not to allow use of cellphone in ______________
Part 4: Choose from paragraphs A-H the one which fits each gap in the main text. There is one
extra paragraph which you do not need.
A. But talking further revealed a simple truth: that having pretty much discovered all there is to know
about our world on the Earth, astronomy looks at the vast Terra Incognita which surrounds us. These
scientists see themselves very much as a mixture of Renaissance men and women: all questing for
further knowledge.
B. Every evening an engineer is assigned to one of these telescopes and his or her job is to get it ready
so that it can then be taken over at night by a three-person team. The engineer runs through a series of
tests in preparation for the work which will be done later that night.
C. The central unit inside weighs 450 tonnes and houses the main 8.5 m mirror. A second, smaller
mirror is made from beryllium, a rare metal. The external walls can all slide open to allow the
telescope to point in any direction as it rotates soundlessly on its base.
D. As we drive further into the desert, the road starts to rise gradually, with hills and steep valleys all
around us. The environment is harsh in the extreme and it’s hard to imagine that a community of
European scientists have chosen this place to establish a world-leading laboratory.
E. It is a question that many in Paranal find a little difficult to answer. Maybe because scientists, due to
the nature of their research and also, maybe, their mindsets, tend to focus on very specific areas of
competence and therefore are not required to have a broader ‘strategic’ view.
F. The other big consideration in the desert is the absence of cloud cover and, higher up, the lack of
atmospheric dust and all the other interference caused by humans or nature which contributes to
partially hiding the secrets of the universe. ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star’ is just what astronomers do not
want to hear, as this means there is debris between the eye, the telescopes and the stars.
G. We are in Paranal, in Chile’s Atacama Desert, where at 2,600 m above sea level, Europe has its
most advanced astronomical observatory. It’s a leading site, a joint undertaking by fourteen European
countries focused on developing the most advanced scientific tools for observing the universe and
enhancing the knowledge base for industry, education and culture.
H. Astronomers have also used the data from VLT for another purpose - to attempt to find out how old
the universe is. It seems that the oldest star is 13.2 billion years old, which means the universe must be
even older. They also use VLT to look into galaxies beyond ours, and where they continue to find
evidence of supermassive black holes, where all kinds of violent activity occurs.
Heavens on Earth
The white and silver buildings of the VLT or Very Large Telescope at the ESO (European
Organisation for Astronomical research in the Southern Hemisphere) stand tall and imposing on top of
a mountain shining brightly under the desert sun. At night they come alive, the outer walls open up and
silently slide through 360 degrees, allowing an uninterrupted view of the Southern Hemisphere sky.
Inside, a giant eye looks deep into the stars and beyond, looking for life, mysteries and making sense
out of the darkness.
35. ________________________
Getting to the place is a journey of discovery in itself. After leaving the Pacific Ocean, you head south
and hook up with the Panamericana Highway and into the desert, the driest on Earth. It's a two-hour
drive to the observatory, but it feels longer as the harsh light, the rocky, dusty desert, the complete
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absence of any form of life, except for the giant trucks plying their trade along the highway, is
unsettling.
36. ________________________
The reason, we are told, is simple. Astronomers need a clear view of the sky at night. Optimal
conditions are to be found in deserts; there are fewer of the negative factors like light pollution that can
make the four telescopes which form VLT work less effectively. Here no lights are allowed after dark,
all windows are screened, and even the main residence where 108 people sleep, leaks no more than
40W when the lights are turned on.
37. ________________________
These monsters and their smaller auxiliaries bring to mind the set of Star Wars. But at sunset, they take
on another look. This could be Stonehenge, another magic circle where our forefathers tried to make
sense of the stars. Soon after arriving, we are taken to see the inside of one of the telescopes. They
have all been named in the indigenous Mapuche language following a competition among Chilean
schoolchildren.
38. ________________________
Once these have been completed, the telescope is handed over to the team who will operate one or
more of the telescopes from a control room. All night long these giants will be moving and pointing to
the sky helping the scientists unravel new problems. Fourteen countries contribute around 160 million
euros to their joint astronomical cause, and Paranal is allocated 20% of that figure. Standing in the
shadow of the VLT, one wonders what all this taxpayers' money buys.
39. ________________________
They all answered with the usual 'finding out where we came from, where we are going, are we alone
in the universe...?’ And, as the ESO has no commercial use and is a not-for-profit organization, it's
easy to imagine these scientists indulging in their research and being cut off from reality.
40. ________________________
One of Paranal's great achievements was the discovery of a planet outside our solar system. It is huge:
five times bigger than Jupiter, and the work being done now is aimed at understanding the physical and
chemical composition of this, and other, giant Earth-like planets. Truly a quest for life in outer space.
41. ________________________
'We needed even sharper images to settle the issue of whether any other configuration is possible and
we counted on the ESO VLT to provide those,' says Reinhard Genzel, director at the Max-Planck
Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics. 'Now the era of observational physics has truly begun.'

Part 5: You are going to read a newspaper article in which people talk about their experiences at
job interviews. For questions 20-34, choose from the people (A—F). When more than one answer
is required, these may be given in any order.
Which person mentions the following?
establishing how the interview will be conducted 42. ________________________
the importance of keeping to the point 43. ________________________
revealing what motivates you 44. ________ OR ________
awareness of body language 45. ________________________
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 sources of information about your prospective employer 46. ________________________
dressing appropriately 47. ________________________
taking responsibility for past errors 48. ________________________
appearing to have rehearsed responses 49. ________________________
preparing inquiries to put to a prospective employer 50. ________________________
foreseeing the consequences of feeling apprehensive 51. ________________________
an abrupt ending to an interview 52. ________________________
indicating that you view the interview as a transaction 53. ________________________
a relaxed atmosphere in the workplace 54. ________________________
advantages in being honest about your failings 55. ________________________

Tell us Something about Yourself

Being interviewed for a job can be a stressful experience. We asked six people what they learnt from
being in that situation.
A. My first interview for a job taught me a great deal. I was applying for the position of junior account
executive in an advertising company, which involves dealing with clients on a face-to-face basis. It
follows that you have to be good at interpersonal skills, and unfortunately, that’s not the impression I
gave. Like a lot of people, I tend to babble when I’m nervous. The interviewer began by asking me to
say something about myself, and I started talking about my hobbies. But I got carried away and went
off at a tangent, which made a bad impression. The other lesson I learnt was that if you are asked what
your weaknesses are, you really shouldn’t be evasive. You could mention a weakness that can also be
a strength. For example, being pedantic is not always a bad thing in certain circumstances, and you
should explain how you cope with that weakness, but you have to say something.
B. In my present job I have to interview applicants, and I can offer a few general tips. Firstly, a
candidate should not learn a speech off by heart; you will come across as insincere, as if you have
practised everything in front of a mirror. Secondly, it is crucial to understand what the interviewer
wants you to talk about. For instance, an interviewer might ask about a situation where your supervisor
or manager had a problem with your work. Now, what the interviewer is really after is to see how you
react to criticism, and the best thing is to say that you tried to leant from this. Finally, don’t try to
conceal your real character. When 1 was interviewed for a job many years ago, the interviewer asked
me at the end of our talk if I had any questions. I was very keen to get the job, so I asked what
opportunities there were for promotion if I were hired. I wondered if perhaps I had been too direct, but
I later discovered that employers like you to seem eager, and I think they were impressed by my
enthusiasm and ambition.
C. One good way to prepare for an interview is to find out as much as you can about the company you
have applied to from its website and promotional material. When you are asked if you have any
questions, you can show that you have done this preparatory work, which will impress the interviewer.
1 also think a lot of candidates are too defensive in interviews. It’s not enough just to avoid giving the
‘wrong’ answers; you should also actively try to make a good impression. Make it clear that the
interview is a two-way process: after all, you want to be sure the company is the right place for you.

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It’s acceptable to take the opportunity, when one is offered, to interview the interviewer! One way to
do this is to ask him or her some penetrating questions such as why he or she has stayed with the
company for so long. Some people might think such a question is arrogant, so size up the interviewer
first and decide whether it would be an appropriate thing to ask.
D. I remember one interview I attended with a company that makes ice cream and other dairy
products. I didn’t know much about the company, and it was brought home to me that I should have
found out some basic facts. I turned up in a smart business suit and tie, only to find that my prospective
employers were in jeans! They believed in being casual: no private offices, everyone ate in the same
canteen, people all used first names with each other etc. I realised I should have done more research.
Needless to say, I didn’t get the job. On another occasion, at the end of an interview, I was asked if I
had anything to say. I was so relieved that the interview was over that I just smiled and blurted out:
‘No thanks!’ I later realised this was a mistake. A candidate should decide in advance on at least ten
things to ask the interviewer: it’s not necessary to ask more than two or three questions, but you need
to have some in reserve in case the question you wanted to ask is answered in the course of the
interview.
E. Preparation is of extreme importance; things like finding out what form the interview will have.
Will there be any sort of written component, for instance, and will you be talking to one person or a
panel? And of course, you need to prepare answers to those awkward questions designed to find out
more about your character. For example, you might be asked about your most important achievement
so far; don't answer this in a way that makes you seem swollen headed or complacent as this will
suggest that you don’t learn easily. Actually, it's not so much what people say that makes them seem
arrogant as the way they sit, how they hold their heads, whether they meet the interviewer’s eye, so
bear that in mind. Another question interviewers sometimes ask, to find out how well you work in a
team, is about mistakes you have made. You should have an example ready and admit that you were at
fault, otherwise it looks as though you are the kind of person who shifts the blame onto others. But you
should also show that you learnt from the mistake and wouldn’t make it again.
F. Being nervous can make you forget things, so always take detailed notes with you to an interview,
even about the simplest things - this will help you feel less nervous. I also think you have to strike the
right balance between being too arrogant and too self- effacing. For example, if you are asked where
you see yourself in five years’ time, don’t be diffident about showing that you are ambitious. You
could even say you’d like to be doing the interviewer’s job! Show that your ambition is the force that
drives you - employers are happy to see this characteristic because it also suggests you will work hard.
Take every opportunity to reinforce the impression that you are eager; one way is by asking questions
about the job. This suggests that you will take it seriously. You could also ask what made the last
person to fill the position you have applied for successful, or what you could accomplish in the job that
would satisfy the interviewer. Naturally, the answers to questions like this are valuable in themselves,
but frankly, the main reason for asking is to ensure you make the right impression.
----------- HẾT -----------

Họ và tên thí sinh:................................................Số báo danh..........................................................

Cán bộ coi thi số 1:..............................................Cán bộ coi thi số 2:..............................................

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