ĐỀ THI THỬ HỌC SINH GIỎI- NĂM HỌC 2020

SỐ 10
DATE: 19/4/2020
NAME: PEER CORRECTION:
MARK:
SECTION A-LISTENING (30 pts)
I. You will hear an interview with the head of an employment agency, where she talks about expectations
in today’s job market. Choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which fits best according to what you hear.
(10pts)
1. How does Diane Webber view “job for life”?
A. She regrets the fact that this situation is no longer the norm.
B. She feels that many long-serving employees fail to make a useful contribution.
C. She believes that people should have challenged their employers’ motives more.
D. She wishes the workplace had been more secure in the past.
2. According to Diane, younger workers in today’s workplace
A. learn all the skills they need early on. B. accept lateral moves if they are attractive.
C. expect to receive benefits right from the start. D. change jobs regularly to achieve a higher level.
3. What does Diane say about continuity in companies?
A. It is desirable in both junior and senior management.
B. It is impossible to achieve in today’s more competitive environment.
C. It is unimportant, due to the greater emphasis on teamwork.
D. It is necessary, but only up to a point.
4. According to Diane, what is the actual benefit of higher levels of personnel movement?
A. Higher levels of output. B. Better problem-solving.
C. More creativity. D. Greater efficiency.
5. Diane considers that nowadays companies are at most risk from
A. run-of-the-mill employees who play safe. B. successful high-fliers who quickly move on.
C. unreliable staff who lack commitment. D. external advisors who have undue power.
Your answers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
II. You are going to hear an interview with a chef called Heston Blumenthal about the process of eating.
Decide whether these statements are true (T) or false (F). (10 pts)
1. Heston mentions eating fish from a paper plate with a plastic knife and fork as an example of what influences
the eating experience.
2. According to Heston, the number of taste buds on the tongue and in the mouth gradually decreases.
3. The experiment involving salt and other foods shows that it is impossible to taste something that you can’t
smell.
4. The story about the trainee waiters illustrates that one sense can strongly influence another.
5. According to Heston, reactions to bitterness don’t change overtime.
Your answers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
III. You will hear a radio report about Erik Weihenmayer, an adventurer. Complete the summary, using
the word or phrases you hear. Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each blank. (10 pts)
An American named Erik Weihenmayer standing out as an adventurer without the (1)…………………
explains how he faces those challenges in today’s “Great Big Story”. He said the most exciting part for him is
in fact the movement, not the (2)………………… .
At 4 or 5, he was diagnosed with an (3)………………… disease and he went blind, which he thought was a (4)
………………… as the worst thing had happened, so there’s nothing else to lose. Then there was a (5)
………………… taking blind kids rock climbing, which he thought he wouldn’t have as a blind person. 
When he got on to a rock face, he learned to do with his hands the things that (6)………………… learn to do
with their eyes. When clipping a bolt to a carabineer, he felt it to make sure it was correctly clipped or
that carabineer was going to hold him. Unable to look up the rock to see the holds and plan a route, he could
only see as far as his hands, which he thought was (7)………………… exciting. He loved the sound of
emptiness, which was meditative, very much like an (8)………………… .
Being a blind climber is really hard and you just have to embrace that suffering. Blindness is just like all (9)
………………… which you got to use as a catalyst to push you in new directions. It’s the idea of (10)
………………… into good things, and it’s something he thinks we all could use.
Your answers:
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
9. 10.
SECTION B- PHONETICS(10 points)
I. Choose the word whose underlined part is pronounced differently from that of the others.
1. A. precious B. preparation C. pretty D. repetition
2. A. architect B. parachute C. choir D. psychology
3. A. treason B. reason C. season D. jealous
4. A. aggressive B. suggest C. energy D. garbage
5. A. measure B. vision C. pleasure D. pension
Your answers:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
II. Identify the word whose stressed pattern is different from that of the others.
1. A. official B. literacy C. inventory D. stationery
2. A. diversity B. severe  C. ecosystem  D. courageous
3. A. prediction B. compulsory C. intelligent D. judgement
4. A. valuable B. entertain C. honesty D. mountain.
5. A. realize B. product C. mechanic D. separate
Your answers:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
SECTION C-VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR(80 points)
I. Choose the best option A, B, C, or D to complete the following sentences and write your answers in the
corresponding numbered boxes. (20 points)
1. 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
2. Jack: “I’d rather stay at home.”
Tim: “_________”
A. Would you? B. Wouldn’t you? C. Had you? D. Hadn’t you?
3. After a six- year relationship, Martha and Billy have decided to _____.
A. break the bank B. turn the page C. tie the knot D. make the grade
4. Scientists are predicting that the volcano might erupt so people have been _____ from the area.
A. escaped B. emigrated C. exported D. evacuated
5. Jack discovered that his home had been___________ by burglars.
A. annihilated B. ransacked C. eliminated D. exterminated
6. The automobile had its windows_________ in the collision yesterday.
A. smash B. to be smashed C. smashed D. smashing
7. There was no one downstairs; so he turned off the lights again and decided that she ____________ imagined
things.
A. must have B. should have C. can’t have D. needn’t have
8. “But so,” I told him, “ you’re my own_________.”
A. heart to heart B. body and soul C. flesh and blood D. skin and bone
9. Some people enjoy training; for others it is only a _________ to an end.
A. means B. method C. way D. tool
10. Unfortunately, not all of us obtain our just____________ in this life.
A. demands B. deserts C. gains D. wins
11. It was felt that the new bonus for increased production would provide and ________ to work overtime.
A. incitement B. attraction C. initiative D. incentive.
12. Remember not to cough or sneeze at the table.________, excuse yourself.
A. For necessary B. As necessary C. With all need D. If need be
13. “ Edwards seems like a dog with two tails this morning”. Haven’t you heard the news? His wife gave birth
to a baby boy early this morning”
A. very proud B. exhausted C. extremely pleased D. extremely dazed
14. _________ it were well paid, I would accept this proposal.
A. Providing B. If only C. But for D. Unless
15. .Professor Baker was an ______________ on the greenhouse effects.
A. author B. authority C. authorized D. authorship
16. Little Deon : “This herb smells horrible!” Mommy:___________, it will do you a power of good.
A. Be that as it may B. Come what may
 C. How much horrible is it D. Whatever it smells
17. _____________, we probably would have arrived at the airport in time.
A. Had not we stopped for gas B. If we had stopped for gas
C. Had it not been for our stop for gas D. If not for having been stopped for gas
18. _____________ to the unaided eye, ultraviolet light can be detected in a number of ways.
A. Although is invisible B. Even though it invisible
C. Despite invisible D. Although invisible
19. Householders were told not to use hose-pipes as a(n)____________ against a serious water shortage .
A. preparation B. precaution C. attempt D. provision
20. The inflation rate in Greece is five times ___________ my country,” he said. .
A. as much as B. as high as that in C. more than D. as many as that in
YOUR ANSWERS:

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

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

II. The sentences below contain 10 mistakes. IDENTIFY and CORRECT these ten mistakes. Write your
answer on the number blanks given below. (10 points)
Most children with (0) health appetites are ready to eat almost anything that is offering to them. A child
seldom dislikes food unless it is badly cooked. The way a meal is cooked and served is most important and
an attractive served meal will often improve a child’s appetite. Never ask a child whether he likes and
dislikes a food and never discuss likes or dislikes in front of him or allow nobody else to do so. If the father
says that he hates fat meat or the mother refuses some vegetables under the child’s hearing he is likely to
copy this procedure.Take it for grant that he likes everything and he probably will. Nothing healthful should
be omitted out the meal because of a supposing dislike. At meal times it is good idea to give a child a small
part and let him come back for a second helping rather than give him as much as he is likely to eat all at once
Do not talk too much to the child during meal times but let him get on with his food; and do not allow him to
leave the table immediately after a meal or he will soon learn to swallow his food so that he can hurry back to
the toys. Under no circumstance must a child be coaxed or forced to eat.
YOUR ANSWERS:

Mistakes Correction
0. health healthy
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

III. Give the correct form of the verbs to complete the passage. (10 points)
1. We go to the restaurant for ________ whenever we ‘re tired of eating meat. (vegestable)
2. Don’t worry. I ‘ll be waiting for you at the ________ to the pagoda . (enter)
3. The old theater of our city is being enlarged and ________. (modern)
4. Advertisements acount for three fourths of the ________ of the newspaper. (come)
5. What is the ________ of the adjective “solid”. ( oppose)
6. ________ should complain if they are not satisfied with the service they recieve. (Consume)
7. If your work is ________ you won’t get a raise. (satisfy)
8. ________ are alarmed by the rate at which tropical rainforest are being destroyed.(Conserve)
9. The athletes take part in the Olympic Games in the true spirit of ________. (sport)
10. You can never be sure what he is going to do. He is so ________. (predict)
YOUR ANSWERS:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
IV. Fill in each blank with a suitable prepostion. (10 points)
1. If she takes __________ the job of director, she will have to work harder.
2. The government put __________ the rebellion with great severity.
3. There was a man giving __________ leaflets outside the church.
4. I can’t make __________ the postmark on the letter, it looks like Basing stoke.
5. If he refuses to fall __________ my phans I can probably find someone more co-operative.
6. Diana showed a complete disregard __________ her own safety.
7. We walked on tiptoe __________ fear of being discovered.
8. Mary broke down __________ tears when we told her about the accident.
9. The car pulled __________ beside me and the driver asked me the way to the post office.
10. I had to send __________ an electrician to mend the switch.
YOUR ANSWERS:

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

V. Give the correct tense or form of the verbs in brackets. (20 points)
1. It is imperative that the letter (send)_____________ at once.
2. By this time tomorrow, we (travel) _____________ to Nha Trang.
3. Up to now , we (complete)_ _____________ four tests.
4. The students (punish)_ _____________ yesterday is my brother .
5. I think the play (perform)_ _____________ now.
6. I didn’t do the test well. I (prepare)_ _____________ _ it very carefully at home.
7. It has been suggested that the government (assist) ______________ the poor in improving their
living condition.
8. By the time he_______________ become) heavy weight boxing champion, he (9) _____________ (win)
over thirty fights.
10. He looked frightened as if he ______________ (see) a ghost.
YOUR ANSWERS:

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

SECTION D- READING (40 points)

I. Choose the best answer from A, B, C or D to fill in each numbered blank in the following passage.
NEW HUNT FOR LIFE IN SPACE
British space scientists are planning to join the American in the race to find evidence of life on (1)_______
planets. Alan Penny and his team at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory have designed a telescope that is 40
times more powerful than Hubble. Known as ‘Darwin’, his telescope could tell if planets 50 (2) _______ years
away have any kind of life on them. Two days (3) _______, NASA scientists had shown a proof that one of
Jupiter’s moons could support life, Penny announced that his telescope may be included in a European Space
Agency mission. The Darwin project, with a (4)_______ of 500 million, is on a short list of two proposals. If
approved it will probably be (5)_______ around 2015, its destination somewhere between Mars and Jupiter.
The blueprint is actually for five telescopes positioned 50 meters apart in space, slowly circling a (6)_______
processing station. The combined data from these telescopes would build up a full picture of a planet, picking
out faint images that have never been seen before. Darwin would not be able to take detailed photographs of the
planets it (7) _______, but Penny believes a second- generation telescope could be sent up to do this. He claims
it is worthwhile mapping the universe around our (8) _______ galaxy, even though these planets lie (9)_______
our reach for the moment. The European Space Agency will make its decision (10) ______ Darwin within three
years.
1. A. another B. other C. others D. the other
2. A. light B. lighten C. lightening D. lighting
3. A. following B. after C. next D. later
4. A. price B. schedule C. charge D. budget
5. A. driven B. fetched C. launched D. taken
6. A. central B. centre C. middle D. heart
7. A. invents B. searches C. discovers D. looks
8. A. alone B. same C. one D. own
9. A. out B. toward C. beyond D. over
10. A. of B. on C. about D. with
YOUR ANSWERS:

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

II. Fill in each gap with ONE suitable word to complete the following paragraph. (20 points)
BICYCLE SAFETY
Having to obey rules and regulations when riding a bike is (0) __one__ of the first experiences children have of
the idea of obeying the law. However, a large number of children (1) _______ left to learn the rules by trial and
error, instead of being guided by experienced (2) _______. Every year, hundreds of children visit the doctor or
the hospital casualty department (3) ______ crashing on their bikes. This could be easily prevented by (4)
_______ them the basics of bicycle safety. Ideally, children should be allowed to (5) ______ only in safe
places, such as parks and cycle tracks. When this is not possible, and they are permitted to go on the (6)
______, it is important to teach them some basic safety principles.
First, they ought to learn and obey the rules of the road, which (7) _______ traffic signs, signals and road
markings. Second, they should (8) _______ wear a helmet. Studies have shown that wearing bicycle helmets
can (9) ______ head injuries by up to 85 per cent. In many places, helmets are required by law, particularly (10)
_______ children. Finally, children should be made to understand the importance of riding in areas that are
brightly lit and of wearing clothes that make them clearly visible on the road.
YOUR ANSWERS:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Part 3: (10 points) Read the passage and choose the correct answer (from A, B, C or D) for each question.
Write your answers in the space provided.
The biologist’s role in society as well as his moral and ethical responsibility in the discovery and
development of new ideas has led to a reassessment of his social and scientific value systems. A scientist can no
longer ignore the consequences of his discoveries; he is as concerned the possible misuses of his findings as he
is with the basic research in which he is involved. This emerging social and political role of the biologist and all
other scientists requires a weighing of values that cannot be done with the accuracy or the objectivity of a
laboratory balance. As a member of society, it is necessary for a biologist now to redefine his social obligations
and his functions, particularly in the realm of making judgments about such ethical problems as man’s control
of his environment or his manipulation of genes to direct further evolutionary development.
As a result of recent discoveries concerning hereditary mechanisms, genetic engineering, by which human traits
are made to order, may soon be a reality. As desirable as it may seem to be, such an accomplishment would
entail many value judgments. Who would decide, for example, which traits should be selected for change? In
case of genetic deficiencies and diseases, the desirability of the change is obvious, but the possibilities for
social misuse are so numerous that they may far outweigh the benefits.
Probably the greatest biological problem of the future, as it is of the present, will be to find ways to curb
environmental pollution without interfering with man’s constant efforts to improve the quality of his life. Many
scientists believe that underlying the spectre of pollution is the problem of surplus human population. A rise in
population necessitates an increase in the operations of modern industry, the waste products of which increase
the pollution of air, water, and soil. The question of how many people the resources of the Earth can support is
one of critical importance.
Although the solutions to these and many other problems are yet to be found, they do indicate the need for
biologists to work with social scientists and other members of society in order to determine the requirements
necessary for maintaining a healthy and productive planet. For although many of man’s present and future
problems may seem to be essentially social, political, or economic in nature, they have biological ramifications
that could affect the very existence of life itself.
1. According to the passage, a modern scientist should be more concerned about _____.
A. his basic research B. the development of new ideas
C. his manipulation of genes D. the consequences of his discoveries
2. The pronoun “it” in paragraph 2 refers to _____.
A. an accomplishment B. a reality C. genetic engineering D. hereditary mechanism
3. It is implied in the passage that genetic engineering _____.
A. may do us more harm than good B. is no longer desirable
C. is the most desirable for life D. will change all human traits
4. The pronoun “they” in paragraph 2 refers to _____.
A. cases of genetic deficiencies B. discoveries concerning hereditary mechanism
C. possibilities for genetic deficiencies D. effects of genetic engineering misuse
5. What is probably the most important biological problem mentioned in the passage?
A. social and economic deficiencies B. manipulation of genes
C. genetic engineering misuse D. environmental pollution
6. The word “which” in paragraph 3 refers to _____.
A. serious environmental pollution B. activities of an overpopulated society’s industry
C. activities of surplus human population D. the waste products dumped into our environment
7. The word “underlying” in paragraph 3 could best be replaced by _____.
A. noticing B. causing C. finding D. depriving
8. According to the passage, to save our planet, biologists should work _____.
A. harder and harder B. accurately and objectively
C. on social and political purposes D. with other social scientists
9. Which of the following is closest meaning to the word “ramifications” in paragraph 4?
A. useful experiments B. effective techniques
C. harmful consequences D. latest developments
10. What is the author’s purpose in this passage?
A. To conduct a survey of the biologist’s role in society.
B. To urge biologists to solve the problems of surplus human population.
C. To emphasize the biologist’s role in solving the world’s problems.
D. To advise biologists to carry out extensive research into genetic engineering.
YOUR ANSWERS:

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

IV. Read the following passage then do the tasks that follow. (10 pts)
List of Headings
i. Where the harmful particles come from
ii. The problem of fire ironed out
iii. Carbonex is idea for factories
iv. Carbonex works with more than one fossil fuel
v. Problems with fossil fuel
 vi. Alternative energy
vii. It is a two-way process
viii. Iron is the best
ix. Engine power vs. clean emissions
x. Greenhouse effect and global warming
xi. The side- effect of one solution
xii Increase engine efficiency - how it works.
The problem of fire Ironed Out
It has been quite a while since man discovered fire. But it is only recently that he has learnt enough
chemistry to think of improving it. Take fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, for example. They give off plenty of
heat when they burn ; unfortunately, they give off plenty of other things as well, including the particles that
make up smog and soot, the carbon dioxide responsible for the greenhouse effect and the oxides of nitrogen and
sculpture that help to made acid rain. A new fuel additive called Carbonex seems drastically to reduce
emissions of particles and of nitrogen oxides. It may thus help to solve half the problems.
To understand the solution, take a closer look at the problem. Fossil fuels are mostly made of carbon,
which reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (in the case of coal) or carbon dioxide and water (on the
case of petrol, diesel fuel and other refined oils). The combustion of fossil fuels is never quite complete. Small,
unburnt particles of fuel always escape, often as black smoke. These particles contain cancer- causing
chemicals and are ever more unpopular.
There is a standard fix for this. To reduce the problem of incomplete burning, combustion chambers are
routinely flooded with about 25% more air than they need to burn their fuel. The idea is to give the flame more
oxygen and hence, increase the efficiency of burning. But there is a snag. Dry air is 21% oxygen and 78%
nitrogen. Nitrogen, like carbon, reacts with oxygen at high temperature—in this case producing the nitrogen
oxides (NOX) that help cause aid rain. When extra air is added to a combustion chamber, emissions of soot and
smog go down but NOX emissions go up.
Carbonex, invented by an academic chemist, Dr. David Farrar. At the university of Toronto, and developed
by Velino Ventures of Toronto, tries to alleviate this. The active ingredient is a hydrocarbon molecule to which
an iron atom is bound. The molecule acts as a carrier for the iron, letting it dissolve in organic liquids like oil
and petrol. When sprayed into a flame at the same time as a carbon-based fuel, Carbonex makes it burn more
efficiently. The result is fewer particles and less need for extra air.
It seems to work at two points during burning. If Carbonex is sprayed into a steam of fuel entering a flame
in a combustion chamber, it coast the fuel and deposits iron atoms on the surface of the fuel particles. As the
particles enter the outer part of the flame, which is cooler than the core, the more volatile components in the
fuel vaporize. The faster these vapors leave the fuel, the sooner oxygen can get to the surface of the fuel particle
and react with the carbon. Carbonex appears to speed up the exodus. Fuel particles that survive the hot core of
the flame contain several large and unhealthy molecules that do not burn well without a fuel additive. Carbonex
also seems to lower the temperature at which these compounds burn, allowing them to disintegrate even while
the fuel particle is cooling.
Iron is not the only substance that can manage this trick; any metal should do. Barium, magnesium,
manganese, cobalt, nickel and lead have all been tried as fuel additives, but all are toxic and so in disfavour.
Iron was picked for Carbonex because it is non-toxic and very effective even in small doses.
Over the past two years, Carbonex has been tested by an independent research group at the Battelle
Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio. The researchers found that it reduced emissions of particles from diesel
engines by 43% and increased the yield of energy from combustion by 1.5-3%.When tested in a light-fuel-oil
industrial burner in Geneva, it cut emissions of particles by 67%; added to a coarsely ground bituminous coal it
reduced NOX emissions by 25%. In addition to reducing NOX and virtually eliminating black smoke,
Carbonex cut the amount of soot left behind in combustion chambers, and so made maintenance cheaper. The
fuel additive paid for itself in increased energy efficiency.
Although carbonex could be used in petrol for cars, Dr.Farrar thinks petrol is already refined enough to
make it unnecessary. The real need for his invention, he thinks, is in plants that burn coal and less refined oils
such as furnace and bunker oil. Farewell to those dark satanic mills
A. Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below. Write the
appropriate numbers (i -vii) in boxes 1-5. Paragraphs C, G and H have been done for you.
Your answers:
 Paragraph Answer
1. Paragraph A ………………………….
2. Paragraph B ………………………….
Paragraph C …………xi………….…
3. Paragraph D ………………………….
4. Paragraph E ………………………….
5. Paragraph F ………………………….
Paragraph G …………iv……….……
Paragraph H …………iii..………….
B. Using the words or phrases in the box below, complete the summary of the reading
Write your answers in boxes 6-10
vehicle NOX after hydrocarbon
inside black smoke Small acid rain
incomplete industrial input emissions
When fossil fuels burn, they produce elements that pollute the air, worsen the green-house effect, and cause (6)
____...... __. To alleviate the problem of incomplete combustion which produces particles and NOX, a
Canadian scientist invented Carbonex which is blended with the fuel before it burns .The iron atoms, carried by
(7) __...... ___ molecules which are the base of Carbonex, dissolve in the liquid fuel. These atoms help the fuel
to burn more thoroughly, promoting the engines’ combustion efficiency and producing cleaner exhaust. The
new product has been tested in America And Switzerland. The statistics show that it works better with (8)
___...... __ burners than with vehicle engines. Not only does Carbonex reduce parcticle and NOX (9) _...... __,
and increase energy output, it also helps to make the (10) __...... _ of engines cleaner, leading to cuts of
maintenance costs.
YOUR ANSWERS:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

SECTION E – WRITING (40 points)

I. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence
printed before it.
1. In the end we had to walk to the railway station.
We ended..........................................................................................
2. It was not until five years had elapsed that the whole truth about the murder came out.
Not for another……………………………………………..............
3. He was really jealous when he saw his brother’s new car.
He was green…………………………………………………………………….
4. My impression of him was that he was a very capable person
He struck …………………………………………………………..
5. You’re so lazy, you don’t deserve to pass your exams next month.
You are so lazy so it will serve ……………………………………
YOUR ANSWERS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

II. Rewrite the following sentences with the given word. The given words can’t be changed.
1. The students in his class come from many different places, which makes the place very special. WIDE
2. When I make my complaint, I hope that you will say you agree with me. BACK
3. I forgot his birthday last week and do not know how to make it up to him. AMENDS
4. She is likely to be shortlisted for the position. STANDS
5. Don’t hesitate to make use of the library’s resources. AVAIL
YOUR ANSWERS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
III. Paragraph writing (20 pts)
Youngsters now admire and imitate media and sports personalities even though they do not always set a
good example. Do you think that this is a positive or negative development?
Your essay should be about 180 to 250 words.
YOUR ANSWERS:

===THE END===