Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each numbered blank. BEYOND SUCCESS The Human Stories Behind Great Achievements The Journey Behind Every Triumph Success is more than a final result—it is a long journey filled with lessons. Although many people admire great achievements, few understand the challenges that (1) ________ them. Most innovators remember the mentors they once (2) ________ to for guidance during difficult moments. Their resilience, built through years of effort, often became their strongest strength in times of adversity. After ________ (3) long failure, they continued moving forward until they finally reached their goals. Their determination has (4) ________ them to inspire others who dream of success. A (5) ________ of high achievers say that support from family and friends played an important role in their accomplishments. Today, countless inspiring stories remind us that success is not only a destination but also a journey of growth and courage. These experiences have (6) ________ the way we understand achievement.

Read the job advertisement and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each numbered blank. JOB ADVERTISEMENT: JOIN OUR TEAM ! We are looking for a friendly, responsible, and hardworking person to join our growing company. Our company values teamwork, creativity, and a positive attitude, so we welcome applicants who are excited to develop professionally and contribute to (1) ________ working environment. Job Title: Customer Service Assistant • What we are expecting: ✓ Basic computer knowledge (email, typing, simple office tools) ✓ Positive attitude and strong teamwork skills ✓ Willing (2) ________, improve, and handle customer questions ✓ Good communication skills and polite behaviour when speaking with clients • How to Apply: ✓ Send your resume to: email@binhminh.com (mailto:email@binhminh.com) ✓ Include a short (3) ________ explaining why you want to join our team ✓ Mention any past experience, even small tasks like volunteering or school projects We (4) ________ for hearing from you soon! Many applicants (5) ________ gained valuable experience after joining our team, and these opportunities have (6) ________ their confidence in communication and customer service.

Read the following destination text and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each numbered blank. Discover Green Valley City – A Modern Urban Destination Green Valley City, one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the region, has recently ________ (1) a small farming town into a lively modern centre. Over the past decade, the city ________ (2) new housing zones, transport systems, and recreational areas that attract visitors and residents. These improvements have provided ________ (3) with better facilities, new job opportunities, and safer public spaces. With its clean parks, friendly community, and innovative businesses, Green Valley offers ________ (4) unique lifestyle that blends tradition with modernity. Visit Green Valley today! Come and explore the rich cultural heritage, taste local food, and enjoy exciting festivals. Whether you want to study, work, or simply relax, Green Valley City is ready to welcome you and help you ________ (5) new experiences. Many travellers say that the city ________ (6) their view of urban life after spending time here. Plan your trip now!

READING 4 passage: A shop assistant typically holds a high school diploma, with coursework in mathematics, communication, and basic computer skills being advantageous. (1) ____________, classes in retail management, customer service, and business can provide a solid foundation for this role. Shop assistants often enter the role with varied levels of experience, ranging from newcomers to those with some familiarity. On-the-job training is a common pathway, (2) ____________ in customer service, product knowledge, and sales techniques. Experience in customer-facing roles can be beneficial, improving communication skills that are essential for (3) ____________ in this position. (4) ____________. Dress codes are generally in place, ranging from casual to formal uniforms, reflecting the store’s brand. The role requires constant interaction with customers and teamwork with colleagues, promoting a community like culture within the workplace. A shop assistant can get promoted to a supervisor or store manager role by demonstrating excellent customer service, sales ability, and a deep understanding of store operations. Besides, gaining experience in different departments within the store broadens one’s understanding of the business, (5) ____________. Showing initiative by taking on additional responsibilities and consistently meeting or exceeding sales targets can also pave the way for promotion. Understanding the financial aspects of retail, such as budget management and sales analysis, positions a shop assistant for roles with greater responsibility. Adapted from https://climbtheladder.com/shop-assistant/

READING 5: Read the passage and answer the questions. Life Stories We Admire: The Life of General Võ Nguyên Giáp One of the most admired life stories in Vietnam is that of General Võ Nguyên Giáp, a legendary military leader and a hero of the nation. Born in 1911 in Quảng Bình Province, he was raised in a family with a strong tradition of patriotism. When he was a student, he joined groups that fought against the foreign rulers. He took part in many student protests and became one of the first members of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He started working for his country when he was still very young. During the First Indochina War, General Võ Nguyên Giáp played a crucial role in leading the Vietnamese army to victory over French colonial forces. His leadership during the Battle of Điện Biên Phủ in 1954, which was one of the most significant military victories in history, marked a turning point in the history of Vietnam’s struggle for independence. His clever plans combined small-scale attacks with traditional military methods, and they brought great success. Even though the battle was very hard, he stayed strong and confident. Because he was a brave and clever leader, after the victory he continued to lead the army and helped protect Vietnam in the war against America. General Võ Nguyên Giáp’s life shows the spirit of strength, good leadership, and love for the country. He proved that one person’s hard work and courage can change the future of a nation. Even after he stopped working in the army, people still respected and loved him. He is remembered as a great hero and a wise leader of Vietnam. (Adapted from https://www.qdnd.vn/)

READING 6: Read the passage and answer the questions. A Guide on Tet: How to Celebrate Like a Local “Tết Nguyên Đán”, also known as the “Lunar New Year”, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It usually happens in January or February. For many days, the whole country celebrates. This time is all about a new beginning and having hope and happiness. [I] Getting ready for Tet often takes about two weeks. [II] The first and biggest task is to clean the house completely. [III] Vietnamese people believe that good luck will only visit homes that are clean and tidy. This big cleaning job must be finished before Ông Táo (the Kitchen God) goes up to Heaven to make his yearly report. [IV] After the cleaning is done, homes are nicely decorated. People like to use bright flowers and plants. The three most important plants are peach blossoms (in the North), apricot blossoms (in the South), and the kumquat tree. They are important symbols. They stand for good fortune, wealth (having money), and a happy life in the new year. The flower markets get very busy and full of people before Tet, and many families go there to buy these beautiful things. Food is the heart of Tet. The Vietnamese phrase for “celebrating Tet” is “Ăn Tết”. This shows how central food is! Families cook many special meals to offer to their ancestors first. After that, everyone in the family enjoys the food together. The most famous traditional food is chung cake (or “bánh chưng”). This is a sticky rice cake filled with pork and bean paste. The fun tradition of making this cake together is a way to make family members feel closer and stronger. In conclusion, Tet is mainly a time for family reunions. It encourages family members who live far away to travel home. This trip is very important to the meaning of the holiday. It is a special time to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one with a lot of love and strong family ties. (Adapted from https://www.qdnd.vn/)

Meeting with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong

We are pleased to announce an important diplomatic meeting between General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong of (1) ______ Communist Party of Vietnam and the President of the United States. The event, which will take place next week in Hanoi, marks a special moment in the partnership between the two nations.

During the meeting, the leaders will discuss (2) ______ issues and cooperation plans. The more both sides communicate, the (3) ______ their relationship becomes. The program also includes a short press conference, which aims to provide (4) ______ information for the public.

This meeting highlights key areas that both countries are interested in working on, including trade and sustainable development. For (5) ______ details, please visit the official website or follow the announcement published (6) ______ on national television

Want to become a chef? If you dream of becoming a professional chef, our apprenticeship programme is the perfect place to begin your journey. Here, you will learn essential culinary skills (1) _____ experienced chefs who have worked in many multicultural kitchens. The programme helps you gain a valuable (2) _____ in the food industry and understand how a real restaurant operates. The more you practise, the (3) _____ your cooking becomes, especially when you work with mentors (4) _____ guide you every day. You will also develop into (5) _____ confident, hard-working chef who can create dishes that reflect both creativity and green living. Join us now to start building a future (6) _____ passion meets opportunity in the world of work.

City Life: Then and Now Exhibition. Step back in time and discover how city life has transformed over the years! The new exhibition, “City Life: Then and Now”, showcases the (1) _____ of urban living, from traditional lifestyles to modern innovations. Visitors will enjoy (2) _____ displays of vintage photographs, creative artworks, and historical artefacts. The exhibition features a (3) _____ of engaging activities, including guided tours and interactive zones. Thanks to the experts (4) _____ prepared every detail, the event highlights the contrast between the bustling streets of the past and today’s fast-paced digital world. Organisers have made great efforts to ensure the event is accessible and enjoyable for all ages. The more you explore, the (5) _____ you understand how cities change over time. Don’t hesitate (6) _____ the City Museum next week to experience this inspiring journey. Join us at the City Museum from January 4 to January 8. Admission is free!

Read the following advertisement / announcement and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks. To Conserve Energy, Start at Home! Let’s explore what we can do at home each day to save energy. Facts and figures: In the U.S., buildings ______ (1) 40% of total energy consumption. The number of families choosing energy-saving appliances has grown steadily in recent years. Last year, many families ______ (2) more energy because they were not aware of efficient habits, and this unnecessary energy ______ (3) leads to higher bills and environmental damage. Positive Action at Home! ✓ Use LED bulbs. LED bulbs use up to 80% less electricity and last longer, helping reduce your monthly ______ (4). ✓ Unplug unused devices. Many electronics continue to use electricity even when turned off, so unplug chargers, laptops, and ______ (5) devices to prevent energy loss. ✓ Choose renewable energy. Before replacing any part of your home’s electrical system, consider investing in solar panels. They reduce carbon emissions and provide ______ (6) sustainable long-term solution.

London’s Tropical Carnival is an annual three-day festival that ______ (1) on the last weekend of August. It celebrates Caribbean cultural diversity in the UK and takes place on the lively streets of Notting Hill in West London. There are many cultural activities to enjoy, and you may feel as though you were in ______ (2) Caribbean. Visitors can watch the colourful parade or even take part in it. Last year, thousands of people ______ (3) the parade for the first time. You can also enjoy eye-catching dance shows and listen to lively traditional music at the UK’s biggest ______ (4) band competition. The delicious ______ (5) of Caribbean cuisine fills the air. Visitors can try spicy jerk chicken, goat curry, and corn on the cob. They can enjoy these dishes with smooth carrot juice while exploring ______ (6) exciting traditions of the carnival.

READING 4: Read the following passage and answer the questions by choosing the option that best fits each numbered blank. Passage: I think earphones are probably the most important invention of modern times (21) _____. Earphones stop you annoying other people in the same room. For example, you could not play music, watch movies with the sound up, or play games without being told to “turn the sound down!” if you did not have them. Earphones are great for journeys, such as going to school or ((22) _____ because you can listen to podcasts or music (23) _____. I always listen to something on the school bus, so I do not get bored, and it makes the journey seem quicker, too. Earphones have changed the way people study. For example, I use my earphones when I want to do (24) _____. They stop any other noise from disturbing me when I am working. I also use my earphones when I am talking to someone on my cell phone. Even if I am on a busy street, I can hear (25) _____. Earphones help us in many ways, and that is why I think they are the most important invention.

BÀI ĐỌC SỐ 2: Read the following passage and answer the questions by choosing the option that best fits each numbered blank. Passage: More and more people are looking at ways to reduce their ecological footprint: driving less, eating less meat, and (1) _____. As individuals, we are increasingly aware of the impact we have on the planet and our fellow humans. But is greening our own lifestyle enough? By getting involved in our communities, by talking to our neighbours, by supporting local groups, and by reimagining where we live, we can green not only our own lifestyles, but our streets, neighbourhoods, towns, cities and, ultimately, our societies. (2) _____. Limiting car use can be a great way of reducing your individual carbon footprint, but it doesn’t end there. (3) _____, we also help make it easier for others to do the same, and it can be a great way of meeting people. More tips on redefining travel can be found here. You can even help others by (4) _____ - could you set up a car club or a walking bus to get the kids to school? It can be lonely going it alone. Why not find out about environmental groups in your area? Increasingly, there are specialist local groups dedicating themselves to specific aspects of sustainability. Besides, if you’re a member of a faith group, or even a sports club, why not look at steps that you can take together. From energy efficiency measures to local community action, there are countless ways to get (5) _____ or church members involved. Adapted from https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-go-green-in-the-community-4858124

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow. Hawaii is often considered to be one place in the world where you can find paradise. But when I arrived in Hawaii, I was shocked to discover beaches were covered in plastic rubbish washed up from around the world. As I dug through the sand, I realised the sandy beach was being transformed into a plastic beach. A chill went down my spine. From the beaches of Hawaii to the seas around Britain, we are polluting our own environment. Beaches are now covered in more rubbish than ever before. The plastic we see on our beaches is just a small amount of the plastic waste that exists in our oceans. Scientists believe that sea currents have created five huge garbage areas in our oceans, including the one in the North Atlantic. This is a global problem for which we are all responsible. Plastic makes our life easier, but its production and use are completely out of control. Because plastic rubbish in the oceans looks like food, it is being eaten by small fish, which in turn is eaten by large fish, which in turn is eaten by us. Plastic is damaging our beaches, polluting the oceans, and poisoning our food chain. The consequences are still not fully understood, but they are likely to be terrible. We need to stop using plastic bags for packaging and single-use water bottles. These make up most of the plastic garbage in the oceans. In Bangladesh and Kenya, they have stopped using plastic bags completely. The UK has put a tax on plastic bags. Many supermarkets around the world are not packing goods in plastic. The future of our beaches, our seas, and the food chain is at risk. This is an environmental problem that we need to solve immediately.

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow. [I] Recent research has highlighted that people in demanding jobs with little control are more likely to become ill or leave the labour market early. [II] However, a new study in Sweden suggests that for some workers, having a demanding job can be associated with positive outcomes. [III] Governments in developed countries are keen to understand how working conditions influence whether people continue working longer. [IV] This discussion has become crucial as falling birth rates and increasing life expectancy mean governments want people to stay in jobs rather than retire early. [V] The Swedish study followed all 55-64 year-olds living and working in December 2001 and tracked them 11 years later, in 2012. [VI] It found that workers with low levels of control over their tasks in 2001 were less likely to be in paid work in 2012, whereas those with high levels of control tended to stay longer in employment. [VII] Regarding job demands, the picture was more nuanced: workers in high-demand jobs were less likely to rely on pensions, sick-leave benefits, or social assistance 11 years later, while those in low-demand, low-control roles were less likely to continue working. [VIII] The study also highlighted differences between men and women. [IX] Women with high-control jobs were more likely to remain in paid work, whereas men stayed longer only if their jobs were both high-demand and high-control. [X] This may reflect differences in job types, family responsibilities, income, or health rather than control or stress alone. [XI] Overall, the findings indicate that psychologically demanding jobs are not necessarily harmful; they can positively affect older workers and support their continued participation in the labour market.