Read the following passage about urbanisation and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions.
URBANISATION: A GROWING PHENOMENON
Urbanisation is the process through which cities grow, and higher populations begin to inhabit urban areas. This phenomenon has accelerated significantly over the past few decades due to various factors. One of the primary drivers is the search for better employment opportunities. In rural areas, job prospects are often limited to agriculture and small-scale industries, which might not provide sufficient income. Consequently, people migrate to cities seeking better livelihoods and living standards.
Additionally, urban areas offer more advanced educational facilities and healthcare services compared to rural regions. Many families move to cities to provide their children with higher-quality education and greater future opportunities. Access to hospitals and specialized medical services also attracts people to urban centers, especially in countries where rural healthcare is underdeveloped.
However, rapid urbanisation brings about several challenges. Overcrowding in cities can lead to inadequate housing, strained infrastructure, and increased pollution. The expansion of urban areas often results in the loss of green spaces and agricultural land, impacting food production and the environment. Governments and city planners must address these issues to ensure sustainable urban growth.
"Access to hospitals and specialized medical services also attracts people to urban centers, especially in countries where rural healthcare is underdeveloped."
Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks.
ChihiraAico is an advanced humanoid robot designed by Toshiba, (9) _______ . She made her debut at the CEATEC electronics show in Japan in 2014, showcasing her ability to communicate and interact in ways that closely mimic human behavior. Her design combines cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) technology (10)_______. ChihiraAico is capable of speaking multiple languages, engaging with people at exhibitions, and even providing directions at shopping malls and tourist centers.
11) ________, ChihiraAico and robots like her are intended to bridge the gap between humans and machines, offering personalized services and enhancing customer experiences. She is equipped with sensors, voice recognition software, and realistic facial expressions (12)________. This enables her to respond naturally to questions, recognize emotional cues, and perform practical tasks like delivering information to visitors.
Read the following passage about the future of energy and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions.
[I] As the world grapples with the finite nature of fossil fuel reserves and the detrimental impact of climate change, the future of energy undeniably lies in renewable sources. [II] Scientists and engineers are making substantial advancements in the development of technologies that more efficiently harness solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy. [III] Although the transition to these renewable sources presents significant challenges, it is also regarded as a pivotal step towards establishing a sustainable and resilient energy system. [IV]
One of the most promising advancements in renewable energy is the enhancement of solar panel efficiency. Progress in photovoltaic technology has led to the creation of panels that convert a higher proportion of sunlight into electricity. Likewise, wind turbines are becoming more and more efficient. They are capable of generating power even under low-wind conditions. These innovations are essential for making renewable energy more feasible and accessible to a broader population.
However, the transition to renewable energy is fraught with obstacles. The intermittent nature of sources like solar and wind necessitates reliable storage solutions to ensure a consistent power supply. Although battery technology has seen significant improvements, further advancements are imperative to meet growing demand. Moreover, the infrastructure for distributing renewable energy requires expansion and upgrading to accommodate these new power sources.
The economic impact of transitioning to renewable energy is another critical consideration. While the initial investment in renewable energy infrastructure can be substantial, the long-term benefits include reduced energy costs and job creation in the green energy sector. Governments and private enterprises are increasingly acknowledging the necessity of investing in renewable energy projects, which is crucial for fostering innovation and diminishing reliance on fossil fuels.
Ultimately, the future of energy hinges on our capacity to innovate and adapt. By continuing to invest in research and development, improving infrastructure, and addressing economic and technical challenges, we can transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system.
(Adapted from the Ha Nam Provincial Gifted exam 2023 - 2024)
"The shift towards renewable energy is seen as a necessary response to the global energy crisis."
"While the initial investment in renewable energy infrastructure can be substantial, the long-term benefits include reduced energy costs and job creation in the green energy sector."
Read the following advertisement and mark the letter A, B, C and D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks.
LET'S JOIN MULTICULTURAL CAMP
Are you eager to join the upcoming multicultural camp? Residing in a multicultural camp significantly enhances our existence in myriad ways. It provides us with the opportunity to engage with (24) _________ traditions, cuisines, languages, and perspectives. Interactions with individuals from (25)________ facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the world around us. For example, celebrations (26) ________ Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Thanksgiving serve not only to unite different cultures but also to impart knowledge regarding one another's customs.
In educational institutions and professional environments, multicultural settings foster creativity and innovation through the amalgamation of varied viewpoints. Nevertheless, it is paramount to approach others' cultures (27)________ open-mindedness and respect, as this attitude is essential for (28)________harmony and unity within our communities. Embracing multiculturalism not only cultivates an appreciation for the distinctiveness of each culture but also contributes to the development of a more inclusive and vibrant community for all individuals (29) __________.
(Adapted from https://copilot.microsoft.com)
Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions.
Hi Taylor,
a. I also appreciate you recommending those support groups - they turned out to be more helpful than I expected.
b. Your advice and encouragement really helped when I needed it.
c. I just wanted to say thank you for being there for me during such a tough time.
d. Let's catch up soon-maybe over coffee?
e. I'm still taking things day by day, but having your support made a big difference.
Thanks again for everything.
Alex
a. Alex: It starts at 5 PM. Hope you can make it!
b. Alex: Hey, Jamie, do you want to come to my birthday party this Saturday?
c. Jamie: Sure, that sounds fun! What time does it start?
a. It often starts with the excitement of being in a new place, followed by feelings of confusion and frustration as differences become more apparent.
b. As time passes, adapting becomes easier, and many even learn to appreciate or blend the new culture with their own.
c. Culture shock is a common experience when moving to a different country or culture, as it involves adjusting to unfamiliar norms and practices.
d. For instance, language barriers, customs, and different social norms can make even everyday tasks challenging.
e. Eventually, a sense of balance is found as people grow more accustomed to their surroundings, resulting in personal growth and a broader perspective.
a. This includes reducing waste by recycling, conserving water through careful usage, and switching to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, all of which help to protect the planet for future generations.
b. Green living emphasizes a lifestyle focused on sustainability, encouraging people to make environmentally conscious choices that minimize harm to the Earth.
c. Small everyday actions, such as using reusable bags, turning off lights when not in use, and choosing energy- efficient appliances, can have a big impact on reducing your carbon footprint.
d. Many individuals are now embracing green practices in their daily routines, such as reducing plastic use, supporting eco-friendly businesses, and conserving energy at home.
e. By incorporating these habits into daily life, people can collectively help reduce pollution and conserve natural resources, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
a. An: True! But I think it's important to verify the information. Still, when used right, it saves a lot of time and makes things more efficient.
b. Binh: Not exactly, but it's a powerful support tool. I mean, it's great to have something ready to respond whenever you need it, right?
c. An: Hey Binh, have you been using ChatGPT lately?
d. An: I quite agree with you. Sometimes, when I'm stuck on a report or need a clear explanation of a tough topic, ChatGPT really helps. Do you think it can completely replace human interaction?
e. Binh: Yeah, I use it a lot! It's really helpful when I need quick information or brainstorming ideas.