SỞ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO KỲ THI CHỌN HỌC SINH GIỎI TỈNH LỚP 9

HÀ TĨNH NĂM HỌC 2024 - 2025

Môn thi: TIẾNG ANH
ĐỀ THAM KHẢO Thời gian làm bài: 120 phút, không kể thời gian phát đề

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 (Đề thi có 10 trang)

- Thí sinh không được sử dụng tài liệu.

- Cán bộ coi thi không giải thích gì thêm.

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

I. LISTENING
HƯỚNG DẪN PHẦN THI NGHE HIỂU
●Bài nghe gồm 4 phần, mỗi phần được nghe hai lần, mở đầu và kết thúc mỗi phần có tín hiệu.
●Mọi hướng dẫn cho thí sinh (bằng tiếng Anh) đã có trong bài nghe.
Part 1.
Questions 1-5: Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/ OR A
NUMBER for each answer.
1. The speaker describes letter writing as a_________________.
2. Writers used to use_________________ to exemplify their ideas.
3. Writers could talk about their _________________ in letters.
4. The speaker keeps her treasured letters in a_________________.
5. The speaker compares letters to a_________________.
Questions 6-10: Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
Tips for letter writing.
Find a (6) _________________room.
• Avoid using (7) _________________which may not last.
• Letters can act as a (8) _________________ (e.g. for seeking advice).
• Word every (9) _________________ carefully.
• Ensure you use an appropriate (10) _________________.
Your answers
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

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Part 2. Questions 11 - 15: Listen to the talk and choose the correct answer A, B or C.
11. Joanne says that visitors to Darwin are often surprised by _______
A. the number of young people. B. the casual atmosphere. C. the range of cultures.
12. To enjoy cultural activities, the people of Darwin tend to _______
A. travel to southern Australia.
B. bring in artists from other areas.
C. involve themselves in production.
13. The Chinese temple in Darwin_______
A. is no longer used for its original purpose.
B. was rebuilt after its destruction in a storm.
C. was demolished to make room for new buildings.
14. The main problem with travelling by bicycle is _______
A. the climate. B. the traffic. C. the hills.
15. What does Joanne say about swimming in the sea?
A. It is essential to wear a protective suit.
B. Swimming is only safe during the winter.
C. You should stay in certain restricted areas
Your answers
11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

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Part 3. Questions 16 - 20: You will hear five short extracts in which teenagers are talking about
finding a valuable object by chance. Choose from the list (A-G) what each speaker says about the
experience. Use the letters only ONCE. There are TWO extra letters which you do not need to use.
A. eating unhealthy food
В. doing too much exercise
C. buying unnecessary items
D. watching too much television
E. spending too much time online
F. oversleeping
G. arriving late for everything

16. Speaker 1: _______

17. Speaker 2: _______
18. Speaker 3: _______
19. Speaker 4: _______
20. Speaker 5: _______

Your answers
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

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Part 4. Questions 21-25: Listen to the conversation between two friends and decide whether these
statements are true (T) or False (F). Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes
provided.
21. Andy is writing an essay about different ancient civilizations.
22. The land where the Aztecs used to live is now part of the USA.
23. The Aztec people lived later than the 12th century.
24. It was very important for a boy to know how to fight well.
25. Wendy thinks it was a shame that not all girls went to school.
Your answers
21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

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II. GRAMMAR AND LEXICAL ITEMS
Part 1. Choose the correct word or phrase to complete each sentence. Write your answers A, B, C,
or D in the numbered boxes.
1. The firm was in desperate need of a large-scale reconstruction when she _______as a new manager.
A. held up B. held on C. took over D. looked out
2. The government has made _______ efforts to improve the education system.
A. tremendous B. a tremendous amount C. tremendously D. tremendous much
3. - John: "Can you believe it? We have to finish the report by tomorrow!"
- Mary: "_______!"
A. Yeah, I'm not surprised at all B. I’d love to hear that
C. You must be kidding D. It's out of question
4. I haven’t decided on the gift yet, but I’m thinking of ______ flowers and a card as appropriate ones.
A. either B. both C. neither D. none
5. _______ in his speech was his commitment to the environment.
A. Highlighted B. A highlight C. Highlight D. The
highlight
6. The minister suggested that the dire prophecies of certain leading environmentalists were _______
exaggerated.
A. somehow B. somewhere C. somewhat D. someway
7. _______ your hard work and dedication, the project would never have been completed on time.
A. Due to B. Provided C. Except for D. But for
8. The room was beautifully decorated, with _______ furniture and vibrant colors.
A. antique dark brown wooden B. dark wooden antique brown
C. brown dark wooden antique D. antique wooden dark brown
9. He was on _______ saying something but stopped and shook his head.
A. the edge for B. the fence of C. the verge about D. the way
to
10. We must be careful not to park here for too long. There’s a 30-minute parking _______.
A. rule B. law C. regulation D. principles
11. If you're going to present someone else's work, make sure you _______ to them correctly.
A. name B. quote C. mention D. refer
12. His two recent publications, _______, are critically acclaimed.
A. both of them B. both of which C. which both D. all of them
13. During the meeting, the secretary took the _______.
A. main points B. notes C. details D. minutes
14. The police were in pursuit of the _______ for over two hours before he was finally caught.
A. prisoner B. suspect C. victim D. witness
15. I would rather you _______ me about the changes in the plan earlier.
A. told B. had told C. have told D. could tell
Your answers
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

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Part 2. Use the word given in CAPITAL to form a word that fits in the text. Write your answers in
the numbered space provided in the column on the right.
Not too long ago, most of our interactions with colleagues were in person, while communications
with clients or associates were handled by phone or letter. However, the landscape of communication
has seen a radical shift, and not all of it for the better. Email, though undeniably a rapid way to
exchange information as long as your server is fully (16) FUNCTION _______ and the address you’re
using is free from (17) ACCURATE _______, has significantly influenced people’s behavior both at
home and in the workplace.
For some, email usage has become almost (18) ADDICT_______, to the point that it’s starting to
jeopardize their mental and physical well-being. These individuals find themselves (19)
COMPULSION_______ checking for new messages, often feeling anxious when their server is
down. Research suggests that one in six individuals spends nearly four hours a day managing emails-
equivalent to more than two full workdays each week. The detrimental effect on overall (20)
PRODUCE _______is something employers have increasingly taken note of.
Your answers:

16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

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Part 3. Match the words in column A with their strongest collocates in column B and then use the
full phrases to fill the gaps in the sentences below, using the correct form of the matched phrases.
Write your answers in the numbered boxes.

A B
try green
go up to
think a mark
live twice
make in vain

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21. The film didn't _______ my expectations at all.
22. She always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but she didn’t _______.
23. You should _______before you make any important decisions.
24. The fox _______ to reach the grapes.
25. A lot of building material manufacturers are _______by using recycled and sustainable products.

Your answers
21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

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III. READING
Part 1. Read the following passage and decide which answer A, B, C or D best fits each gap. Write
your answers in the numbered boxes.
The phenomenon of lucid dreaming
Lucid dreaming is a fascinating phenomenon that people around the world may (1) _______ at
some point in their lives. A lucid dream occurs when the dreamers become aware that they are
dreaming and may even gain (2) _______over the narrative of the dream. Researchers have studied
lucid dreaming for years to (3) _______ what factors make it possible. One key discovery is that
certain techniques can help individuals (4) _______ their chances of having a lucid dream. For
example, reality testing, a method
where people regularly question (5) _______ they are awake or dreaming, tends to increase the
likelihood of awareness during dreams.
Studies have shown that certain parts of the brain, (6) _______as the prefrontal cortex, are more
active while people are dreaming. This suggests that lucid dreaming involves a higher level of
cognitive (7) _______ compared to regular dreams. Although lucid dreaming can be enjoyable or even
beneficial, it may not (8) _______ to everyone. Nonetheless, lucid dreaming remains a topic of great
interest, especially for those who wish to (9) _______ more about the hidden potential of the human
mind.
Ultimately, lucid dreaming offers a unique insight into how our minds work, especially during
sleep. Whether for scientific study or personal exploration, the phenomenon continues to (10) _______
attention from dreamers and researchers alike.
1. A. affect B. disturb C. experience D. fascinate
2. A. situation B. control C. condition D. position
3. A. determine B. prove C. investigate D. recognize
4. A. heighten B. foster C. increase D. advance
5. A. what B. how C. when D. whether
6. A. much B. such C. even D. like
7. A. ability B. control C. performance D. function
8. A. appeal B. suit C. match D. benefit
9. A. learn B. explore C. reveal D. understand
10. A. gather B. present C. attract D. pay
Your answers
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

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Part 2. Fill in the gap with ONE suitable word. Write the answers in the numbered boxes.
The importance of healthy eating
In today's fast-paced world, many people find it difficult to maintain a balanced diet. However,
healthy eating is essential (11) _______ maintaining good physical and mental health. A balanced diet
provides the body (12) _______ the necessary nutrients to function properly and helps to prevent
various diseases.
One of the main reasons people fail to eat healthily is (13) _______ they often choose convenience
over nutrition. Fast food and processed meals are readily available and can be (14) _______ tempting
option for those who lead busy lives. However, these foods are typically high in sugar, salt, and
unhealthy fats, which may lead to long-term health issues (15) _______ as obesity and heart disease.

It is important to remember that a healthy diet (16) _______ of a variety of foods, including fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Drinking plenty of water and limiting (17) _______ of
sugary drinks is also crucial. Additionally, preparing meals at home allows you to have more control
(18) _______ what you eat, ensuring that you are making healthier choices.
While it can be challenging to change unhealthy habits, taking small steps, such as reducing
portion sizes or adding more vegetables to your meals, can (19) _______ a big difference. In the long
term, adopting a healthy eating plan not only improves your physical health but also (20) _______ to
better mental well-being and higher energy levels.
Your answers
11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

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Part 3. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to
indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 21 to 30.
Social media and communication
In recent years, social media has transformed the way people communicate. Platforms like
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have allowed individuals to stay connected with friends, family, and
even strangers across the globe. This constant connectivity has had both positive and negative effects
on communication.
On the positive side, social media enables people to share ideas, experiences, and moments
instantly, no matter the distance. It has also provided a voice to those who may not have been heard in
traditional media, enabling greater diversity of opinions. Furthermore, businesses have utilized social
media to connect with customers, promote their products, and receive feedback in real-time.
However, social media has also brought challenges. One concern is that it encourages superficial
connections rather than deep, meaningful relationships. Many people tend to communicate through
brief messages, photos, or icons rather than engaging in thoughtful conversations. This shift may
reduce the quality of interpersonal communication. Another issue is the spread of misinformation,
which can influence public opinion and cause confusion. Social media algorithms often prioritize
sensational or emotionally charged content, which may not always be accurate.
Additionally, the overuse of social media can lead to problems such as addiction, anxiety, and
decreased face-to-face interactions. Many users report feeling pressure to present a perfect image
online, which can lead to stress and a fear of missing out (FOMO). As a result, some people are
choosing to limit their time on these platforms in order to focus on real-life interactions and personal
well-being.
Despite the challenges, social media may remain an integral part of modern communication. It
offers opportunities for connectivity and self-expression, but it also requires users to be mindful of
how they use it and the potential consequences on their mental and emotional health.
21. What is the best title for the passage?
A. The dangers of social media addiction
B. How businesses use social media for marketing
C. The positive and negative impacts of social media on communication
D. Why social media replaces traditional media
22. According to the passage, what is one positive effect of social media?
A. It encourages face-to-face communication.
B. It allows people to instantly share experiences across distances.
C. It eliminates the need for traditional media outlets.
D. It reduces the spread of misinformation.
23. In paragraph 2, the word “constant” is closest in meaning to _______.
A. temporary B. steady C. irregular D. variable
24. What is one of the negative effects of social media mentioned in the text?
A. It limits access to traditional forms of communication.
B. It causes businesses to lose customers.
C. It encourages brief, superficial communication.
D. It decreases the importance of sharing personal moments.
25. Which of the following is NOT TRUE according to the passage?
A. Social media enables people to share experiences instantly.

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B. Social media helps strengthen all the deep and meaningful relationships.
C. Businesses use social media to connect with customers in real-time.
D. Overuse of social media can lead to anxiety and stress.
26. What problem do some users face as a result of social media overuse?
A. An increase in personal face-to-face conversations.
B. The pressure to present a perfect image online.
C. A lack of business opportunities.
D. Better mental and emotional health.
27. What is FOMO, as described in the text?
A. Fear of missing opportunities to promote on social media.
B. Fear of making mistakes in face-to-face conversations.
C. Fear of missing out on social media interactions and events.
D. Fear of posting inaccurate information online.
28. The word “their” in the last paragraph refers to_______.
A. challenges B. consequences C. social media D. users
29. What is one advantage of social media for individuals?
A. It helps people avoid emotionally charged content.
B. It allows users to avoid traditional forms of communication.
C. It provides a platform for diverse opinions to be heard.
D. It encourages face-to-face conversations with strangers.
30. What does the passage suggest users should do when using social media?
A. Be mindful of the potential impact on their mental health.
B. Avoid all forms of social media to protect their privacy.
C. Use social media to communicate only with friends and family.
D. Share as much personal information as possible.
Your answers
21. 22. 23. 24. 25.
26. 27. 28. 29. 30.

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Part 4. Read the passage including seven paragraphs and do the following tasks.
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below. Write the correct
number, i-viii, in boxes 31-35 below.
List of Headings
i. The importance of developing study skills early
ii. The growing role of technology in education
iii. A shift in assessment methods
iv. The challenges of motivating young learners
v. Creating environments for collaborative learning
vi. The rise of personalized learning
vii. Teacher roles in the modern classroom
viii. Traditional vs. modern teaching methods

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 Paragraphs Your answers:
Paragraph A iii
31. Paragraph B
32. Paragraph C
33. Paragraph D
34. Paragraph E
35. Paragraph F
Paragraph G i

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 The changing landscape of lower secondary education
An exploration of recent developments in lower secondary education, with a focus on how new
approaches are shaping student learning and experience.
A In recent years, there has been a marked shift in how lower secondary school students are
assessed. While traditional exams have long been the standard, educators are increasingly moving
towards a more holistic approach. Continuous assessments, project-based learning, and peer reviews
are all being incorporated into student evaluations. These new methods allow teachers to measure
students’ understanding over time rather than relying on one-time tests.
B One of the most significant changes in education today is the introduction of personalized
learning. No longer are students expected to fit into a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Instead, lessons are
increasingly tailored to individual student needs and interests. This shift is designed to ensure that each
student can progress at their own pace and receive the support they need.
C Technology has revolutionized the modern classroom, and lower secondary schools are no
exception. From interactive whiteboards to online learning platforms, technology is enabling students
to engage with material in new and exciting ways. Many schools have embraced blended learning
models, combining traditional teaching with digital tools to enhance the learning experience.
D In the past, students were often expected to work alone, with collaboration limited to
occasional group projects. However, schools are now focusing on the benefits of collaborative learning
environments. By working together, students develop important social and communication skills.
Teachers are using techniques such as group discussions, team-based projects, and peer-to-peer
teaching to encourage students to learn from one another.
E One of the key challenges facing educators today is how to motivate lower secondary school
students. With so many distractions in the modern world, keeping students focused on their studies is
not always easy. Many teachers are experimenting with different methods to engage their students,
such as using gamification techniques or incorporating more real-world applications into lessons to
demonstrate the relevance of what students are learning.
F Teachers have always been central to the learning process, but their roles are changing. Rather
than simply delivering information, teachers are increasingly becoming facilitators of learning. In this
new role, they guide students in their own learning journeys, helping them develop critical thinking
and problem-solving skills. This shift allows students to take greater ownership of their education.
G Developing strong study skills is crucial for students at the lower secondary level. At this stage,
they are transitioning from primary school and beginning to face more complex subjects and
workloads. Learning how to manage time, organize information, and approach tasks systematically can
make a significant difference in their academic success. Schools are placing more emphasis on
teaching these essential skills to help students become independent learners.

Questions 36-38: Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
Write
True if the statement agrees with the information
False if the statement contradicts the information
Not Given if there is no information on this

36. Personalized learning is designed to allow students to learn at their own pace.
37. Through collaborative learning, students no longer work together to enhance essential interpersonal
and communication abilities.

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38. Many schools are using technology to completely eliminate traditional classroom teaching
methods.
Questions 39-40: Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for
each answer.
39. The new focus of student assessment includes _______ learning and peer reviews.
40. One method of engaging students in lessons is to show them the _______ applications of what they
are learning.
Your answers
36. 37. 38. 39. 40.

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IV. WRITING

Part 1. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence,
beginning with the given word.
1. The building got demolished because of its poor state.
→ The reason _________________________________
2. I need somebody to fix my car before we can leave.
→ I need to have _______________________________
3. People say that the weather will become worse.
→ The weather_________________________________
4. Working is much less tiring than simply doing nothing.
→ Simply doing nothing is _______________________
5. I missed the meeting because my car broke down.
→ Had _______________________________________

Part 2. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first, using the word
given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words including the word
given.
1. Sarah is not going to help you with this matter. (INTENTION)
→ Sarah _______________________ you with this matter.
2. You can spend the night here if you promise to keep it down. (CONDITION)
→ You can spend the night here _______________________ keep it down.
3. It is reported that he is now recovering in hospital. (RECOVERY)
→ He is reported _______________________ in hospital now.
4. I made a sandwich for you to make you feel better. (UP)
→ To _______________________ you a sandwich.
5. I don’t think it is going to rain today. (UNLIKELY)
→ I think _______________________today.

Part 3. ESSAY
It is believed that parents should push their children to study hard to achieve academic success. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
In about 250 words, write an essay to express your opinion on the issue. Use reasons and examples to
support your composition.

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THE END

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