Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group SPRINGBOARD ENGLISH KÌ THI CHỌN HỌC SINH GIỎI LỚP 9 NĂM HỌC 2023-2024 ĐỀ CHÍNH THỨC Môn : Tiếng Anh Ngày thi : 04 tháng 11 năm 2023 Thời gian làm bài : 140 phút (Đề thi gồm: 14 trang) Điểm Bằng số Bằng chữ Giám khảo Họ và tên Phách Chữ ký 1. 2. Lưu ý: - Thí sinh làm bài trực tiếp vào Google Form đã cung cấp sẵn và không được sử dụng bất kỳ tài liệu nào, kể cả từ điển. - Cán bộ coi thi không giải thích gì thêm. ______________________________________________________________________ LISTENING (50 points) Part 1. For questions 1-5, listen to a podcast and decide whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F) according to what you hear. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. You will hear the recording twice. Question 1. Despite the absence of public funding and limited technological resources, the canals were constructed. Question 2. Between 1790 and 1929, numerous canals competed with each other while maintaining a uniform size. Question 3. The new union of canals provided a continuous link between major urban cities. Question 4. Abundant natural environments exist to support diverse wildlife in the vicinity of the canals. 1 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group Question 5. Pedestrians can visit the nearest waterway office to obtain details about circular walks that commence and conclude at the same location. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Part 2. For questions 6-10, listen to a radio interview about iris recognition systems (IRS) and choose the correct answer A,B, C or D which fits best according to what you hear. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. You will hear the recording twice. Question 6. Jim contends that the concept behind iris recognition systems (IRS) A. relies on cutting-edge technology B. was conceived many years ago C. depends on a basic camera D. necessitates advanced computer software Question 7. He is of the opinion that iris recognition machines will be widely adopted primarily because A. they offer reliability B. they accelerate the identification process C. they can be linked to a wide array of secondary devices D. the currently used machines are proving highly successful Question 8. Iris recognition machines were utilized at a school A. to assess students' responses B. to spark interest in science lessons C. to enhance efficiency in a school cafeteria D. to identify students upon entry to the school Question 9. Jim believes that individuals who oppose iris recognition machines A. to assess students' responses B. to spark interest in science lessons C. constitute a very small minority D. do not grasp their operation Question 10. According to Jim, his statement about the costs associated with registering the population is A. The government will not cover all the expenses. B. The expenses will be contingent on the project's scale. C. The costs will be modest initially. D. The costs will be initially high. 2 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Part 3. For questions 11-15, listen to a talk about mental health and complete the following sentences. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS taken from the recording for each blank. You will hear the recording twice. According to the conducted research, physical workouts are indicated to be more (11) __________ compared to traditional therapy and medication. When you do physical exercises, there are many (12) __________ occurring within your body. Even walking outside everyday rather than staying at home could help you with your (13) __________. Some more (14) __________ forms of workout are also suggested by the speaker, namely weight lifting, swimming, or running. One disclaimer is that the study concentrated on only participants with (15) __________ to medium levels of frustration. Part 4. For questions 16-25, you will hear 5 short extracts in which people talk about their weight. While you listen you must complete both tasks. You will hear the recording twice. TASK 1: For questions 16-20, choose from the list (A-H) the person who is speaking. A. a hair stylist E. a shop assistant B. a car park supervisor F. a receptionist C. a police officer G. a driving instructor D. a primary school teacher H. a gardener YOUR ANSWERS: 16. Speaker 1: 17. Speaker 2: 18. Speaker 3: 19. Speaker 4: 20. Speaker 5: 3 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group TASK 2: For questions 21-25, choose from the list (A-H) where each person is expressing A. I find pleasure in the support people offer each other. B. My fulfillment with my job motivated me to lose weight. C. We are not supposed to talk during working hours. D. I consume food at my workplace out of boredom. E. Special events encourage me to eat badly. F. My weight gain is attributed to convenience food G. I didn't realize I could find help for my illness. H. My job involves working with food so I eat too much. YOUR ANSWERS: 21. Speaker 1: 22. Speaker 2: 23. Speaker 3: 24. Speaker 4: 25. Speaker 5: USE OF ENGLISH (30 points) Part 1. For questions 26-35, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D to each of the following questions. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. Question 26. If she had apologized for her behavior, they __________ friends today A. would have been B. have become C. might still be D. are still Question 27. __________ my upcoming trip, I packed my suitcase the night before. A. Feel eager about B. I have excitement about C. Excited about D. Have feeling of eagerness Question 28. The doctor gave the patient a __________ smile, letting him know that everything would be okay. A. doubtful B. hesitant C. reassuring D. engaged Question 29. The new employee was a bit of a __________ cannon, and his manager was always worried about what he would do next. A. loose B. tight C. heavy D. soft Question 30. If she had apologized for her behavior, they __________ friends today 4 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group A. would have been B. have become C. might still be D. are still Question 31. The meeting was __________ to 10am. A. brought forward B. brought in C. brought out D. brought about Question 32. The artist's __________ style made her work stand out from the crowd. A. exclusive B. peculiar C. abnormal D. irregular Question 33. The weather forecast predicted rain, __________, we decided to go for a hike. A. nevertheless B. however C. notwithstanding D. given that Question 34. The government's overriding __________ is the safety of its citizens. A. concern B. anxiety C. fear D. unease Question 35. The accident __________ avoided if the driver had been paying attention. A. must have been B. could have been C. should have been D. ought to have been Part 2. For question 36-45, write the correct form of each bracketed word in each sentence in the numbered space provided in the column in the right. Part 2.1. In our quest to make dining experiences more 36. __________ (INCLUDE), we've crafted a menu that accommodates various dietary needs. Our commitment to serving only the finest 37. __________ (EAT) creations ensures a 38. __________ (SATISFY) visit for all our patrons. Whether you crave something sweet or 39. __________ (SAVOR), our diverse offerings provide a delightful array of options for your culinary journey. We understand that food is not just 40. __________ (SUSTAIN), but a means to create memorable moments and build connections among people from all walks of life. 5 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group Part 2.2. 41. Looking through old photo albums made her feel __________ (NOSTALGIA) for her childhood. 42. The city's urban planners aim to balance commercial and __________ (RESIDE) spaces to create a harmonious environment. 43. After achieving his lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut, John was filled with __________ (ECSTATIC). 44. The teacher remained __________ (INTEREST) in the class's internal conflicts, allowing them to resolve issues independently. 45. An __________ (AFFECT) note from a friend can brighten one's day and make them feel loved. Part 3. For question 46-55, mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the underlined part that needs correction in each of the following questions. Question 46. (A) To walk down the street, she (B) got drenched (C) as the rain started (D) pouring. Question 47. The manager put (A) down a new (B) proposal for the project, which (C) aimed to (D) enhance efficiency in our operations. Question 48. To (A) achieve more accurate results, the experiment (B) must have been conducted more (C) carefully, with thorough (D) attention to detail Question 49. (A) It (B) used to be at the beach (C) where we spent our vacation and relished every (D) moment with our friends. Question 50. She burned the (A) midnight candle to prepare for the exam, diligently (B) studying until the morning, (C) driven by her determination to (D) excel academically. Question 51. Though (A) tired from the long journey, (B) not for a moment did he (C) regretted (D) embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Question 52. (A) Amid the (B) heated conflict between two neighbors, it was clear that they needed a peaceful (C) alteration to (D) resolve their disputes, rather than keep arguing everyday. Question 53. (A) In spite of the (B) tight schedule, he always (C) finds time to write his wife (D) thoughtless love notes. Question 54. The (A) infectious disease was found (B) to originate from (C) contaminated water sources, which causes distress among public health (D) officials. Question 55. (A) Despite the fast-paced world (B) around them, they maintained a (C) leisurely pace of life, (D) value quality time and relaxation. 6 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group READING (60 points) Part 1. For questions 56-65, read the passage and fill each of the following numbered blanks with ONE suitable word. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. Learning history at schools is a window into our past, shaping our understanding of the past, (56) __________ and future. By delving into the intricacies of history, students gain valuable (57) __________ into the evolution of societies and cultures. History is (58) __________ merely about memorizing dates and events; it is also about grasping the context and consequences. The (59) __________ is in the details, and students must pay attention to the nuances to appreciate the full story. (60) __________, history education encourages students to think critically and analytically. It prompts them to evaluate different perspectives by asking probing questions. Through the use of primary educational resources and historical narratives, students are (61) __________ with a more profound understanding of events and their significance. History allows students to connect the dots, see the bigger (62) __________, and (63) __________ from the mistakes of the past. (64) __________ only we had recognized its importance earlier, we might have avoided repeating some historical blunders. Thus, a well-rounded education must include history, as it (65) __________ about the tools for students to navigate the complexities of our world. Part 2. For questions 66-75, read the passage on and choose the answer A, B, C or which fits best according to the text. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. The status quo of technology-driven education In recent years, technology has brought about a significant transformation in the field of education. The incorporation of technology into classrooms has reshaped the way students acquire knowledge, teachers deliver instruction, and educational institutions function. While this transformation offers various advantages, it also presents distinct challenges and considerations for both educators and students. One of the most notable benefits of using technology in education is its capacity to grant students access to an unparalleled wealth of information and educational resources. For example, the internet has evolved into a vast global library, enabling students to tap into an extensive repository of knowledge. Research papers, textbooks, and educational videos from around the world are now readily available, greatly enriching the learning experience and expanding students' horizons. 7 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group Moreover, digital platforms and tools have further revolutionized the educational landscape by providing tailored learning experiences. Adaptive learning software customizes lessons to suit individual students' specific needs, allowing them to advance at their own pace. Additionally, this technology offers real-time feedback to both students and teachers, helping identify areas where students may require additional assistance. Nonetheless, the integration of technology into education is not without its set of challenges. The digital divide remains a pressing concern, as not all students have equal access to technology and the internet. This digital gap results in disparities in educational opportunities and academic achievement. Therefore, it is imperative for educational institutions and policymakers to address this issue to ensure that technology-enhanced education is accessible to all students. Another challenge is the potential for technology to become a source of distraction and misuse in the classroom. The allure of smartphones and social media can divert students' attention away from learning, consequently impeding their academic progress. Teachers face the responsibility of effectively managing this challenge and finding ways to leverage technology for educational purposes while minimizing distractions. Furthermore, the role of teachers is evolving. In the digital age, educators are not only expected to facilitate learning but also to become experts in technology and mentors, guiding students through the ever-evolving digital landscape. This shift in roles necessitates continuous professional development for teachers to successfully integrate technology into their teaching practices. To maximize the advantages of technology in education, educational institutions must thoughtfully consider the selection and implementation of technology, address issues related to accessibility, and provide comprehensive training and support for both teachers and students. Effective policies and strategies are crucial to navigate the intricate landscape of technology-enhanced education successfully. Question 66. According to the passage, what is the most significant advantage of technology in education? A. Increased access to smartphones. B. Broadening students' horizons. C. Enhanced access to textbooks. D. Access to an unprecedented amount of information and resources. Question 67. How does the internet enhance the learning experience, as stated in the passage? A. By limiting students' access to research papers. 8 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group B. By providing access to educational videos from a single source. C. By offering access to research papers, textbooks, and educational videos from around the world. D. By restricting access to digital platforms and tools. Question 68. What is the role of adaptive learning software in education, as mentioned in the passage? A. It hinders students' progress. B. It provides one-size-fits-all lessons. C. It tailors lessons to individual students' needs. D. It discourages personalized learning. Question 69. What is one challenge of integrating technology into education mentioned in the passage? A. Increased academic progress for students. B. The elimination of the digital divide. C. The potential for distraction and misuse of technology in the classroom. D. The equal distribution of educational opportunities. Question 70. Which of the following best describes the role of teachers in the digital age, as discussed in the passage? A. Maintaining traditional teaching roles and not adapting to technology. B. Becoming solely technology experts and no longer mentors. C. Evolving to become facilitators of learning, technology experts, and mentors. D. Discouraging the use of technology in the classroom. Question 71. What challenge do institutions and policymakers need to address to ensure technology-enhanced education is accessible to all students, as mentioned in the passage? A. Maximizing the benefits of technology. B. The digital divide. C. Providing comprehensive training for teachers. D. Effective policies and strategies. Question 72. What is the overall impact of technology on education, according to the passage? A. Positive, with no challenges or considerations. B. Negative, with no advantages. 9 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group C. Balanced, offering numerous advantages and presenting unique challenges. D. Hindering access to technology and the internet. Question 73. What is one potential issue with the use of technology in the classroom, as mentioned in the passage? A. Enhanced access to smartphones. B. The potential for distraction and misuse. C. Tailoring lessons to individual students' needs. D. The role of teachers evolving. Question 74. What is one recommendation provided in the passage for maximizing the benefits of technology in education? A. Increasing academic progress for students. B. Carefully considering the selection and implementation of technology. C. Providing a vast amount of information and resources. D. Eliminating technology use in education. Question 75. Based on the passage, what does the term "digital divide" refer to? A. The division between traditional and modern teaching methods. B. The division between research papers and textbooks. C. The division between students with and without equal access to technology and the internet. D. The division between teachers and students. Part 3. The passage below consists of 4 paragraphs marked A, B, C, and D. For questions 76-85, read the passage and do the task that follows. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided. A. Person A Fashion wasn't my first choice of career: I only thought of it when I threw in a disastrous job in advertising, and sat wondering what to do next. A friend pointed out that I'd always been keen on fashion, and that made me realize that was what I wanted to do. I managed to get a place on a fashion course, and the tutors were very positive about my designs. I even won a couple of awards. Of course that made me think that when I left college I'd just walk into a job, but I soon found out my mistake! Eventually, though, I managed to talk my way 10 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group into an interview with a fashion business, and they took me on - they told me afterwards that I seemed over-confident, but my saving grace was that I was so eager to learn more about clothes design. It wasn't a very good job, really, but at least it gave me good experience for the next one I got. B. Person B As a child, I loved the glamor of the world of fashion and daydreamed about being the person whose designs the models were wearing. I took a fashion course, then begged for a job with a small fashion business. I think they took me on as a favor, really, because to be honest I had very little to offer them. Still, it was invaluable for me. It was a great introduction to the manufacturing process, and the boss seemed happy to teach me all about the business side of things. That really stood me in good stead when I eventually left to start my own fashion design business. Since then, we've branched out into household goods like tablecloths and bedding. It's still early days, so we'll wait and see how that goes. But don't let anyone tell you it's an easy life. There may be a touch of glamor occasionally, but ninetenths of the time it's sheer hard work, long hours and a lot of stress. C. Person C In my first job interview after leaving college, they wanted someone with strong skills in computer-aided design - CAD - and my college hadn't offered that as an option, so I didn't have a chance. That made me realize I needed to learn CAD, and I enrolled on a course, and got a job in a supermarket to finance it. When I finished, a tutor on the course put me in touch with a fashion business she knew, even though they weren't advertising for designers. Her recommendation must have swung them in my favor, because they took me on. It wasn't ideal, though, as it was a very inward-looking firm, and I didn't get the chance to go to fashion shows or network with other designers, which you need to do if you want to start your own business. In retrospect, I think I'd have been better off setting up on my own as soon as I got the CAD qualification, even though it would have been very hard work. D. Person D There are lots of people chasing very few jobs in fashion, so it's hard even to get as far as an interview - and a lot of firms don't even advertise: they can find staff more cheaply through contacts or unsolicited applications that people have sent in. After college, I applied to dozens of firms, but got nowhere. It was very demoralizing. So I took a chance and started a firm with a couple of friends who were in the same boat. What we knew about running a company you could write on the back of an envelope - we all saw ourselves as designers, not business people - but somehow we muddled through. To a great extent, that was down to contacts we met at networking events: a couple of established designers gave us some 11 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group invaluable advice on how to market our designs. Without that, we'd probably have gone under in the first six months. And given that we were trying to compete with them, it was remarkably generous of them. In which section are the following suggested? Your answers set up a business despite feeling unqualified? 76. found a job through a personal contact? 77. has broadened the range of products they manufacture? 78. found that their early success did not continue? 79. regrets accepting a job they were offered? 80. mentions impressing other people with their enthusiasm? 81. was surprised by the help they received from more experienced designers? 82. has found that working in fashion is different from what they expected? 83. realized the need to develop skills that were in demand? 84. learnt how to run a company before starting their own? 85. WRITING (60 points) Part 1. For question 1-10, rewrite the following sentences that keep the same meaning. Question 1. Jane is the spitting image of her sister (RESEMBLANCE). => __________________________________________________. Question 2. Minh attributed his 1st prize to his friends and family's relentless support. => Minh put __________________________________________________ Question 3. When Mrs. Brown won the jackpot, she began to realize just how lucky she was (DAWN). => When Mrs. Brown won the scholarship, it began ______________________________. Question 4. The children shouldn’t be left alone for any reason. 12 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group => On __________________________________________________ Question 5. The kids in SOS village were far underprivileged 5 years ago than they are today. => The kids are nowhere __________________________________________________ Part 2. Write an essay of 250 words on the following topic. In today's education system, students face various forms of pressure, including academic, social, and familial pressures. Discuss the causes behind these pressures. What solutions can schools and parents adopt to help students better cope with these pressures? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13 Designed & Collected by Springboard English Facebook Page Facebook Group …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ______ THE END OF THE TEST ______ 14