UBND THÀNH PHỐ THANH HÓA

TRƯỜNG THCS TRẦN MAI NINH

ĐỀ THI CHÍNH THỨC

(Đề thi có 5 phần, gồm 11 trang)

KỲ THI KHẢO SÁT VÀO LỚP 10 THPT CHUYÊN LAM SƠN

Năm học 2025-2026

Môn thi: Tiếng Anh

(Đề dành cho thi sinh thi vào lớp 10 chuyên Anh)

Thời gian làm bài: 150 phút (không kể thời gian phát đề)

Ngày thi: 10 tháng 05 năm 2025

PART A: LISTENING (20 points)

SECTION 1.

Questions 1-10: You will hear a lecture about kite making. Listen and write ONE WORD ONLY in each gap. Then write your answers on the corresponding numbered boxes below.

Kite-making by the Maori people of New Zealand

Making and appearance of the kites:

- the priest who made the kites had rules for size and scale.

- (1) was not allowed during a kite’s preparation

Kites:

- often represented a bird, a god, or a (2) .

- had frames that were decorated with grasses and (3) .

- had a line of noisy (4) attached to them.

- could be triangular, rectangular or (5) shaped.

- had patterns from clay mixed with (6) oil.

- sometimes had human-head masks with (7) and a tattoo.

Purpose and function of kites:

- a way of sending (8) to gods.

- a way of telling other villages that a (9) was necessary.

- a means of (10) if enemies were coming.

SECTION 2

Questions 11-15: You will hear an interview with a woman called Sally Wainwright, who recently started singing classes. Listen and choose the best answer. Then write your answers on the corresponding numbered boxes below.

11. Sally wanted to sing because ______.

A. her husband wanted her to.

B. her mother told her she would love it.

C. she didn’t want to feel embarrassed about singing.

12. What does Sally say she likes about the group?

A. The people are very kind.

B. You don’t need to show you can sing well to join.

C. You only sing on your own if you want to.

13. What does Sally say about the first session?

A. She had problems with her car.

B. She felt better after talking with the organiser.

C. She was asked to stand at the back.

14. Since she has been singing with the group______.

A. Sally now sings with her children.

B. Sally has achieved all her goals.

C. Sally is more confident about singing on her own.

15. What does Sally say about singing?

A. It can make you physically stronger.

B. She is sure it is good for her health.

C. She ends a session feeling cheerful.

SECTION 3

Question 16-20. You will hear part of an interview with Ranulph Fiennes, an explorer. Decide whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F) and write your answers in the numbered boxes.

The explorer

16. It could be said that Ranulph Fiennes’s expeditions over the last five years have been successful.

True

False

17. Ranulph Fiennes thinks that the planning of his expeditions has been reasonably good.

True

False

18. One of the aims of his expedition to Antarctica is to raise money for a wildlife research centre.

True

False

19. The second aim is to find out how much the human body can tolerate when working in extreme temperatures without eating enough food.

True

False

20. Next year there will be six people in the expedition team, four of them actually on the travel team.

True

False

PART B: PHONETICS (5 points)

Questions 21-23. Choose the word whose underlined part is pronounced differently from that of the others in the each question and write A, B, C o D on your answer sheet.

21.

A. fixture

B. wilderness

C. examine

D. strike

22.

A. exaggerated

B. existence

C. exhibition

D. exhaustion

23.

A. masked

B. beloved

C. needed

D. naked

Questions 24-25. Choose the word whose stress pattern is different from that of the others in each question and write A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.

24.

A. innovate

B. interfere

C. sacrifice

D. fertilize

25.

A. academic

B. confidential

C. comparable

D. advantageous

PART C: GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY (25 points)

Questions 26-30. Supply the correct form of the verbs in brackets. Write the answers on your answer sheet.

26. We suggest that all students (inform) of the change in the timetable as soon as possible.

27. He pretended (write) when the teacher came into the classroom. He expected she wouldn’t notice him.

28. There is no excuse for your late submission. You (finish) the report by last Friday.

29. I wish I (live) in the countryside, I would have enjoyed the peace of summer evenings there.

30. There (say) to be between 4,000 to 6,000 languages in the world, depending on how you count them.

Questions 31-35. Supply the correct form of the words in brackets. Write the answers on your answer sheet.

31. Despite the initial (courage) result, they decided to go on with the proposed scheme.

32. The project went over budget because of (calculate) at the planning stage.

33. Vaccines must be (exhaust) tested before being injected into human body.

34. The (break) of war between Russia and Ukraine has made thousands of people homeless.

35. Our bodies are naturally (toxic) by our organs of elimination- the skin, lungs, intestines, kidneys and liver.

Questions 36-40. There are SIX mistakes in the passage. Find out and correct them. Write the answers on your answer sheet. The first one has been done for you as an example.

Example: considerate => considerable

Homework is an established part of school life in most countries around the world. However, there is still considerate debate among teachers about whether homework has a significant educational value. On the one side are those who claim that it spends too much time away from other more useful activities. On the other are those who see homework like reinforcing school lessons so that concepts will not be forgotten. What is 5often neglected in this debate is the role of parental involve and whether or not the child’s home provides support for effective homework. Middle-class families regularly spend time helping with homework by providing facilities and being interested. These are the same families who can afford another educational experiences like overseas holidays and weekend museum visits. Moreover, the idea that only middle-class parents support their children’s education is quite obviously wrong. Not all well-to-do parents give the support 10they should, and some parents living in the most impoverished circumstances find the time and energy to involve themselves in their children’s homework. In general, consequently, the family’s economic status is not a major factor in determining the value of homework.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

Questions 41-50. Choose the word/ phrase that best fits the gap in each of the following sentences and write A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.

41. Some English words have the same pronunciation ______ they are spelled differently, for example, dear and deer.

A. as if

B. even though

C. if only

D. as though

42. They rarely let her stay out late, ______?

A. do they

B. don’t they

C. are they

D. aren’t they

43. You can buy goods on the Internet with a credit card, but there is a danger of ______ someone else obtains the number.

A. corruption

B. disruption

C. fraud

D. embezzlement

44. I think you need to ______ your ideas more clearly so that the reader doesn’t get confused.

A. dawn on

B. set out

C. come across

D. give in

45. The company can’t expect me to move my home and family______.

A. at the drop of a hat

B. on the fence

C. off the top of my head

D. in hot water

46. ______, Edison didn’t have much schooling and he was taught by his mother.

A. When was a boy

B. A boy was when

C. Was a boy

D. When a boy

47. In order to learn a new language well, you should ______ the initiative to learn independently and purposefully.

A. pursue

B. take

C. lead

D. adopt

48. I have helped my mother with the cleaning, though ______ not for some time.

A. in contrast

B. especially

C. alternatively

D. admittedly

49. I don’t want to sound ______, but I thought my picture was the best.

A. slow-witted

B. quick-witted

C. narrow-minded

D. big-headed

50. Jack and Jenny are talking about the air quality in their city.

Jack: “The air quality in our city is getting worse and worse”.

Jenny: “______”. I can’t see anything in the morning because of too much smoke.

A. I don’t really think so

B. I don’t quite agree

C. You can say that again

D. That’s not a matter

PART D: READING (30 points)

Questions 51-58. Read the passage then fill in each gap with ONE suitable word. Write the answers on your answer sheet.

Vietnam’s 50th Reunification Day Celebration

On April 30th, 2025, Vietnam will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Reunification Day, a historic moment (51) marked the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of the country. This day holds deep emotional and historical (52) , symbolizing not only the victory of national independence but also the spirit of unity, resilience, and hope for a better future.

Across the nation, large-scale celebrations will take place. In Ho Chi Minh City, a grand (53) parade will be held, with thousands of soldiers, students, and workers proudly marching through the streets. Public spaces will be transformed with vibrant decorations, (54) national flags, banners, and colorful lights. Special exhibitions showcasing historical artifacts, photographs, and personal stories from the war period will allow younger generations to better understand the sacrifices made (55) peace and reunification.

Cultural events will (56) an important role during the celebrations. Traditional music performances, art shows, and poetry readings will take place in parks and theatres. In schools and universities, students will participate in discussions, storytelling sessions, and competitions to deepen their knowledge of Vietnam’s journey toward unity.

Families across the country will also take this time to gather, share stories, and pay (57) to those who contributed to the nation's freedom. It is not only a day of celebration but also a day of remembrance and gratitude. The 50th anniversary of Reunification Day serves (58) a powerful reminder of how far Vietnam has come, and it inspires all citizens to work together toward an even stronger, more prosperous future.

Questions 59-66. Read the passage and choose the most suitable word from the ones given in each question to fill in each gap. Write A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.

In today's competitive world, what responsible parent would not want to give their children the best possible start in life? For this reason, many parents want their children, often as young as ten months old, to become (59) ______ with computers. They seem to think that if their children grow up with computers, they will be better (60) ______ to face the challenges of the future.

No one has proved that computers make children more creative or more intelligent. The truth may even be the opposite. Educational psychologists claim that too much (61) ______ to computers, especially for the very young, may negatively affect normal brain development. Children (62) ______ valuable experience of the world from their interaction with physical objects. Ten month-old babies may benefit more from (63) ______ their heads or putting various objects in their mouths than they will from staring at eye-catching cartoons. A four-year-old child can improve hand-eye coordination and understand cause and effect better by experimenting with a crayon than by moving a cursor around a computer screen. So, as educational psychologists suggest, instead of government funding going to more and more computer classes, it might be better to devote (64) ______ to music and art programs.

It is ludicrous to think that children will (65) ______ if they are not exposed to computers from an early age. Time is too (66) ______ to spend with a "mouse". Now is the time when they should be out there learning to ride a bike. There will be time later on for them to start banging away at keyboards.

59.

A. introduced

B. accustomed

C. familiar

D. skilled

60.

A. educated

B. equipped

C. adapted

D. modified

61.

A. access

B. usage

C. exposure

D. action

62.

A. gain

B. create

C. achieve

D. make

63.

A. bumping

B. shaking

C. turning

D. beating

64.

A. sources

B. resources

C. reserves

D. courses

65.

A. fall behind

B. fall through

C. fall off

D. fall down

66.

A. perilous

B. available

C. precise

D. precious

Questions 67-74. Read the passage and choose the best answer to each question that follows. Write A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.

The main difference between herbs and drugs is that, while herbs are simply parts of plants, drugs are specific chemicals in a pure form. Many modern drugs are derived from chemicals found in plants. One example is aspirin, which is made from a chemical extracted from the bark of the willow tree. Other drugs are entirely synthetic. Even those drugs that are derived from natural sources are heavily processed in order to purify and concentrate them. This allows drugs to be administered in very precise amounts. Different kinds and degrees of illnesses often require dosages that differ only slightly. A little too much or not enough of a certain drug can have negative effects on the patient. Many drugs also produce negative effects even when taken in the recommended dosage. These undesired negative effects are called "side-effects"

The possibility of dangerous and unexpected side-effects from drugs has led many people back to traditional medicine. Herbal treatments seem more natural than modern drugs. Many feel that traditional medicine is more concerned with treating the underlying causes of disease instead of just the symptoms, though the truth of this claim is not yet clear. In any case, there is a certain comfort in taking nat ural herbal treatments instead of the processed, synthetic chemicals derived from them.

There are, however, disadvantages to herbal treatments, some of them are serious. Few herbal treatments have been scientifically studied. While the active chemicals in the herb may be known, it may not be clear what they really do, or if they are really effective at all. Because the active chemicals are not used alone, it is very difficult to determine the proper amount for treatment, since the levels of the chemical are not constant throughout the plant. Therefore, the risk of underdose and overdose is higher than with drugs. A more serious problem is that certain herbal treatments may have no real medicinal effect, thus giving the patient a false sense of security. This is particularly harmful when the patient refuses treatment with modern drugs that could be effective.

There are even certain herbs that can cause side-effects, just like a drug. One of these is ma- huang, also called ephedra, which is taken to increase energy. It has been known to cause damage to the heart and nervous system. Garlic and ginger are common elements in food that are also taken as herbal treatments, but they can be dangerous for people with diabetes. Certain herbs have also been known to be harmful for people suffering from astha. In general, herbs are most dangerous when they are taken along with common drugs. This may happen in two ways: a patient decides to supplement his or her regular treatment with herbs, or a dishonest manufacturer adds modern drugs to an herbal treatment. In both cases, the results can be very serious. The herb St. John's wort is often used to treat depression, but if it is used along with conventional antidepressants, such as Zoloft, the combination can cause confusion, headaches, allergic reactions, and other problems.

Finally, because production of herbal treatments is seldom regulated, harmful substances can be present in herbal preparations. Herbs grown in polluted soil may contain lead, arsenic, or mercury. They may also be tainted with pesticides. It is for these reasons that herbs should not be treated as the perfect substitute for drugs. Although herbs appear to be quite distinct from modern drugs, it is important to use them with the same sort of care.

67. What is best title of this passage?

A. Are Herbs the Best Substitute for Drugs?

B. Can Herbs and Drugs Be Used at the Same Time?

C. Undesired Negative Effects of Herbs and Drugs

D. Herbs-the Preferred Treatment of the Modern Time

68. Why does the author mention "side-effects" of drugs in the first paragraph?

A. To illustrate that drugs are not natural.

B. To emphasize the importance of taking the recommended dosage.

C. To point out that drugs cannot compete with natural herbs.

D. To show that drugs, taken in whatever dose, are not always safe.

69. The phrase "underlying" in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to ______.

A. direct

B. indirect

C. real

D. possible

70. According the passage, herbal treatments may be dangerous because ______.

A. traditional treatments only deal with symptoms of diseases

B. they are brand new in the medical field

C. we do not fully understand the chemicals in herbs

D. people tend to use herbs in moderate quantity

71. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

A. Patients tend to have a sense of security when using traditional treatments.

B. Some herbal treatments are not effective in fighting diseases.

C. Herbs are not absolutely safe although derived from natural sources.

D. It is easier to prescribe the correct dose of herbs than drugs.

72. The word "This" in paragraph 4 refers to ______.

A. taking ineffective herbs instead of drugs

B. taking herbs in combination with drugs

D. using herbs as a supplement

C. taking herbs which can cause side-effects

73. According to the passage, which of the following can cause undesired negative effects?

A. Ephedra

B. Willow trees

C. St. John's wort

D. Zoloft

74. It can be inferred from the passage that ______.

A. the side-effects of drugs are more serious than those of herbs.

B. the drug industry is under tougher regulations than the herb industry.

C. all the harmful substances are supposedly eliminated in the production of herbal treatments.

D. people who use drugs instead of herbs recover more quickly.

Questions 75-80. Read the passage and choose the most suitable sentences from A to G to fill in each gap. There is one extra phrase that you don’t need to use. Write the answers on your answer sheets.

A. We all know the misery of the child who always comes last at sports day.

B. There will always be winners and losers and we have to be prepared for the fight.

C. Some parents approve unconditionally of this.

D. Recently, competitive football for children under eight years old was banned.

E. At least with after-school sports children are given the choice of whether they wish to compete or not.

F. The rewards system in schools that gives stars and merits for good performance is a part of this and claims to spur children on to great achievements.

G. Or is encouraging youngsters to compete simply setting many up to fail, and creating a situation where a loss of confidence is inevitable, with all the consequences that this brings?

WHEN SHOULD WE START COMPETING?

Alfie Kohn, an American lecturer, wrote “Competition is to self-esteem what sugar is to teeth.” How right was his assessment of the competitive world we inhabit today? Is competition, as many believe, a vital element of life and therefore something to be prepared for from as early an age as possible? [75. ] It is certainly a debate that is engaging everyone from educators and government, to parents and children themselves.

On the one hand, there are those who maintain that competition comes into every aspect of our lives. [76. ] For proponents of this idea, it is essential for children to be exposed to the trials and tribulations, and occasional joys, of competing in all areas of school life. [77. ] In answer to critics who suggest that weaker performers may feel inferior, it is argued that rewards can be given as encouragement in less demanding categories such as punctuality. Critics would reply that children know when they’re being patronised.

The subject of competitive sports in schools is also hotly debated. [78. ] They say ‘someone has to come last’. But do they? Is it really a good thing for that child’s development to be seen to fail time after time? [79. ] But then we find ourselves considering another thorny issue – that of the pushy parent who hopes to achieve his or her lifelong ambition through the child.

[80. ] The children can play, but no league tables can be compiled, and there are no trophies or medals given out. The aim of this move was to protect children from ambitious parents and aggressive coaches on the sidelines, from bullying and from peer pressure.

There is no doubt that we live in a very competitive world and children must at some time learn to be able to make their way through it. However, perhaps school is a time for learning to co-operate rather than to compete. That will all come later.

PART E: WRITING (20 points)

I. Rewrite each of the following sentence beginning as shown so that the meaning stays the same as the one given. Write the answers on your answer sheet.

81. Although he looks reserved, he has a marked sense of humour.

→ Reserved

82. They thought there could be another explanation for the inscription.

→ There was

83. She was very relieved when she realized that her bag hadn't been stolen.

→ She breathed a

84. I’m sure it wasn’t Mrs. Elton you saw yesterday because she is in Bristol now.

→ It can’t

85. I just opened the window of my room when a gust of wind blew in.

→ No sooner

II. Rewrite each of the following sentences beginning as shown and including the word capitalized at the end of it so that the meaning stays the same. Write the answers on your answer sheet.

86. The new manager blames me for everything that goes wrong. (PICKING)

→ The new manager keeps

87. I just saw Vicky for a moment as she walked past the restaurant. (GLIMPSE)

→ I caught

88. Mike is never reluctant to make tough decisions as a manager. (SHRINKS)

→ Mike never

89. A great many people will congratulate her if she wins. (SHOWERED)

→ She

90. A lack of support is threatening the success of the carnival. (UNDER)

→ The carnival’s success

III. Essay writing (10 points)

Parents should encourage their children to pursue their own passions and interests, even if they differ from the parents’ expectations.

Do you agree or disagree with this? Write an essay of approximately 250 words to express your opinion and support your answer with relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.