SỞ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO
THÀNH PHỐ HỒ CHÍ MINH
ĐỀ CHÍNH THỨC
(Đề thi gồm 04 trang) |
KÌ THI TUYỂN SINH LỚP 10 THPT NĂM HỌC 2025-2026
KHÓA NGÀY 06, 07 THÁNG 6 NĂM 2025
Môn chuyên: TIẾNG ANH
Ngày thi: 07 tháng 06 năm 2025
Thời gian làm bài: 150 phút (Không tính thời gian phát đề) |
Họ và tên thí sinh: ______
số báo danh: ______
I. USE OF ENGLISH (30 PTS)
PART A: CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER TO FILL IN THE BLANK. (10 PTS)
- Although not everyone Is a fan of Justin Bieber, most people agree he is worthy of his ______ success.
| A. influenced |
| B. aspiring |
| C. phenomenal |
| D. resourceful |
- Helen’s plan to study abroad didn’t ______ due to a lack of her family’s finances.
| A. fall through |
| B. knuckle down |
| C. pull off |
| D. pan out |
- The empty shops with their ______ windows and graffiti-covered walls are a sorry sight.
| A. off-limits |
| B. clear-cut |
| C. boarded-up |
| D. top-heavy |
- To my parents’ disappointment, my attempts to learn to play the piano were ______.
| A. a seminal contribution |
| B. a credit to me |
| C. a turn-up for the books |
| D. a dismal failure |
- You’ll have to reverse out of this road – it’s a ______, we can’t go any further.
| A. dead-end |
| B. run-down |
| C. write-off |
| D. built-up |
- The solicitor advised his client to ______ not guilty to all charges.
| A. condone |
| B. plead |
| C. punish |
| D. charge |
- Robbie is no ______ student; he gets straight As in all subjects and is captain of the football team.
| A. run-of-the-mill |
| B. up-and-coming |
| C. off-the-record |
| D. out-of-the-box |
- She was hesitant to quit her job, but she finally ______ and pursued her passion.
| A. kept it at bay |
| B. washed her hands |
| C. got her lines crossed |
| D. took the plunge |
- The children were ______ by the magician’s wonderful performance.
| A. interrogated |
| B. entranced |
| C. exacerbated |
| D. suppressed |
- It’s amazing how the band’s popularity has never ______, even after all these years.
| A. plunged |
| B. waned |
| C. spiralled |
| D. slumped |
- ______ to your health problems is a bad idea. You need to start taking care of yourself.
| A. Not have faced up |
| B. Not facing up |
| C. Not having faced up |
| D. To face up not |
- ______ visit the British Museum while you’re in London, you mustn’t forget to look at the famous Rosetta Stone.
| A. For fear that you |
| B. In case you |
| C. When you might |
| D. If you should |
- Minh made a decision to book a ticket back home only one day in advance, ______ the fare was exorbitant!
| A. by which time |
| B. in which case |
| C. during which |
| D. in which event |
- You acted as though you ______ Jake when we saw you last night.
| A. didn’t meet |
| B. wouldn’t have met |
| C. weren’t meeting |
| D. hadn’t met |
- Shelves ______, the hypermarket was ready to open its door to the public.
| A. to stack |
| B. stacking |
| C. stacked |
| D. having stacked |
- Linh: Do we need anything from the market?
Hung: No, we’ve got ______ everything for the weekend.
| A. a lot |
| B. plenty of |
| C. too much |
| D. enough |
- In reality, there’s ______ a stress-free job. It’s time you got your foot in the door.
| A. no such thing as |
| B. nothing as |
| C. nothing that compares |
| D. nothing compared to |
- Mary: I’m surprised he didn’t perform well at the job interview.
Anne: He might have ______ better preparations.
| A. if he made |
| B. had he made |
| C. did he make |
| D. if he would make |
- Phuong: Why are you so depressed?
Lan: ______
| A. Losing the contract was a bitter pill to swallow. |
| B. My boss gave my contract the red light. |
| C. My contract was left in the lurch. |
| D. My boss made a big thing of the contract. |
- Binh: Living in a new neighbourhood is really challenging.
An: That’s right. We need to get used to those small ______ that come from engaging with new people.
| A. doses of anxiety |
| B. bouts of anxiety |
| C. lumps of anxiety |
| D. dabs of anxiety |
PART B: CHOOSE THE WORD OR PHRASE THAT BEST FITS EACH BLANK IN THE FOLLOWING PASSAGES. (20 PTS)
PASSAGE 1
The 300 or so species of octopuses have been around for over 250 million years and are known to (1) ______ in every ocean on the globe. They belong to the class Cephalopoda, from the Greek word meaning “head feet.” This comes from their lack of a true body, as their eight legs extend (2) ______ out from their bulbous heads. Each of these legs has an independently functioning brain at its base, which (3) ______ movement and sends signals to a ninth central brain. Octopuses also have three hearts and unusually blue blood. (4) ______ the blood of most animals contains iron which carries oxygen around the body, octopus blood uses copper for this purpose, allowing the oxygen to be absorbed better at low temperatures. It is also this metal that (5) ______. With neither a skeleton nor a shell for (6) ______, the survival of these creatures for so many millennia may seem (7) ______ miraculous. Several explanations have been (8) ______: perhaps their survival depends on their ability to eject black ink, in some cases poisonous, as a defense, or on their impressive (9) ______ for learning. They can also squeeze themselves into tiny spaces and change the texture and color of their skin, rendering them exceptionally difficult to detect, a trait that (10) ______ their survival against predation.
-
| A. inhabit |
| B. dwell |
| C. populate |
| D. settle |
-
| A. directly |
| B. clearly |
| C. absolutely |
| D. precisely |
-
| A. commands |
| B. switches |
| C. inspects |
| D. controls |
-
| A. While |
| B. Whereupon |
| C. Wherein |
| D. Whereby |
-
| A. changes how it moves |
| B. Improves the circulation |
| C. makes it resistant to cold |
| D. gives the blood its unusual color |
-
| A. guard |
| B. shelter |
| C. fortune |
| D. protection |
-
| A. nothing less than |
| B. not in the least |
| C. only a little |
| D. all but |
-
| A. drawn forward |
| B. given out |
| C. put forward |
| D. passed out |
-
| A. capacity |
| B. ability |
| C. discipline |
| D. power |
-
| A. hinges |
| B. bolsters |
| C. underpins |
| D. enforces |
PASSAGE 2
I was recently offered free tickets to the opening night of the theatrical adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window at the Sun Royal Theatre. Naturally, given the press hype (1) ______, the production, not to mention the exorbitant ticket prices, I jumped at the (2) ______. Having seen the movie countless times and with vast sections of the script (3) ______ to memory, I was intrigued to experience the stage adaptation of the story. On the night in (4) ______, I eagerly took my seat in the stalls and waited for the curtain to open. That night there was a full (5) ______ and you could palpably feel the anticipation hanging in the air. The curtains drew back and revealed a set which had been (6) ______ modelled on the New York apartment in the movie, so much so that there was an audible (7) ______ from the audience in recognition of the attention to detail. The female (8) ______ was played to perfection by a little-known actor, who managed to really capture the essence of her onscreen (9) ______. The very spirit of Hitchcock (10) ______ through every scene, creating a show that was truly inspired on every level. Overall, a magnificent production.
-
| A. surrounding |
| B. encompassing |
| C. binding |
| D. corresponding |
-
| A. occasion |
| B. moment |
| C. outcome |
| D. chance |
-
| A. entrusted |
| B. committed |
| C. assigned |
| D. accomplished |
-
| A. principle |
| B. question |
| C. effect |
| D. hand |
-
| A. crew |
| B. audience |
| C. house |
| D. group |
-
| A. faithfully |
| B. decisively |
| C. obediently |
| D. steadfastly |
-
| A. pant |
| B. gasp |
| C. groan |
| D. rumble |
-
| A. main |
| B. head |
| C. chief |
| D. lead |
-
| A. comrade |
| B. fellow |
| C. counterpart |
| D. peer |
-
| A. moved |
| B. went |
| C. came |
| D. sensed |
II. READING (35 PTS)
PART A: READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE AND CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS. (10 PTS)
There’s growing alarm about our relationship with food, transcending the simplistic “live to eat or eat to live” debate. Childhood obesity is escalating, with sedentary lifestyles becoming the norm. The focus has shifted from tobacco-related diseases to obesity as the primary health concern. Obese children face social ostracization, which can exacerbate the problem by leading to comfort eating. Research indicates a significant drop in moderate activity levels among children, particularly teenage girls. Parents often lack the nutritional knowledge to support their children in changing their lifestyles. The pressures of work and family contribute to a reliance on pre-cooked or fast food options, worsening the situation. While initiatives like Weight Loss Camps exist, they aren’t widely promoted.
Schools bear some responsibility for marginalizing physical education due to national curriculum pressures and financial constraints, often selling off playing fields to invest in computers, ironically furthering sedentary habits. The food industry also contributes through advertising campaigns that target children with high-fat, high-sugar products. These items are often marketed as affordable options, leading to overconsumption. Experts advocate for government intervention, similar to the approach taken with the tobacco industry, including health warnings on fast food and bans on vending machines in schools. Obesity isn’t limited to children. Surveys reveal that a significant portion of adults eat on the hoof, relying on convenience foods in the hope of sparing more time for work. This reflects a culture that promotes fast food while simultaneously presenting unattainable beauty standards through images of excessively thin models. This paradox leads to overeating and its extreme opposite, anorexia.
It’s crucial to re-evaluate our relationship with food. The ideal diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, protein, and limited carbohydrates, acknowledging the occasional indulgence. The old adage of “a little of what you fancy does you good” remains relevant.
- What is the main idea of the passage?
| A. The multifaceted causes and consequences of childhood obesity |
| B. The increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among adults |
| C. The ethical implications of the “live to eat” philosophy |
| D. The socioeconomic factors influencing food choices in low-income families |
- What does the author imply about social isolation among obese children?
| A. It is a direct result of parental neglect. |
| B. It primarily stems from academic underachievement. |
| C. It can paradoxically reinforce unhealthy eating habits. |
| D. It is effectively addressed by participation in Weight Loss Camps. |
- What does the phrase “marginalizing physical education” most closely mean?
| A. Completely eliminating PE from school curriculum |
| B. Deeming PE as less critical compared to other academic fields |
| C. Reducing funds to improve facilities to better physical health |
| D. Creating programmes for pupils that are overweight |
- According to the passage, why are the food industry’s marketing strategies particularly concerning?
| A. Because they promote healthy eating habits among children. |
| B. Because they are primarily targeted at adults. |
| C. Because they encourage children to consume excessive amounts of fruits and vegetables. |
| D. Because they exploit the vulnerability of low-income families. |
- What can be inferred from the passage about Weight Loss Camps?
| A. They address the psychological aspects of obesity. |
| B. They are sufficiently widespread and accessible to all children. |
| C. They are a universally effective solution for childhood obesity. |
| D. They primarily focus on physical exercise and restrictive dieting. |
- When using the comparison with the tobacco Industry, what does the author argue for?
| A. The complete prohibition of fast food advertising |
| B. Increased government regulation of the fast food industry |
| C. The implementation of higher taxes on sugary drinks |
| D. Mandatory nutritional education in schools |
- What does the phrase “eat on the hoof” mean?
| A. A preference for organic, locally sourced food |
| B. A return to traditional eating habits |
| C. A rejection of processed convenience foods |
| D. A lifestyle characterized by rapid consumption |
- What is highlighted regarding a paradoxical relationship between contemporary culture and health?
| A. The increasing popularity of vegetarian diets |
| B. The promotion of unattainable beauty standards alongside unhealthy food options |
| C. The widespread availability of nutritional information |
| D. The growing awareness of environmental sustainability in food production |
- What is the author’s tone when contemporary beauty standards are discussed?
| A. Laudatory |
| B. Ambivalent |
| C. Cynical |
| D. Dismissive |
- What does the phrase “a little of what you fancy does you good” mean?
| A. Strict dietary adherence is of great importance. |
| B. Eliminating processed foods completely is beneficial. |
| C. The occasional indulgence can be incorporated to have a balanced diet. |
| D. All dietary guidelines and restrictions need to be rejected. |
PART B: READ THE PASSAGE AND THEN CHOOSE FROM THE LIST A-G GIVEN BELOW THE BEST SENTENCE TO FILL IN EACH OF THE BLANKS. TWO OF THE SUGGESTED ANSWERS DO NOT FIT ANY BLANK AT ALL. (5PTS)
Hydroelectricity, a form of solar energy due to the sun driving the precipitation-supplying water cycle, is globally the most utilized renewable energy source. Nations like New Zealand and Nepal, blessed with abundant rainfall and mountainous terrain ideal for water storage, generate over half their electricity through hydropower. This involves water falling onto turbines, causing them to spin. (1)______. However, once operational, the ongoing running costs are minimal.
(2)______. For example, it is possible to build several dams on the same river. This helps multiply the productivity of the water flowing through. (3)______. These pump-storage dams function effectively when hydroelectric dams supplement, rather than supplant, coal power stations. Coal stations require days to power up and often operate continuously. (4)______. At night, demand for electricity is much less than during the day, and so coal stations are generating electricity for which there is no need. A pump-storage dam uses some of this surplus power to pump water uphill from one lake to another during this time. (5)______.
- (A) This means the water is effectively recycled and available for re-use when the next peak in demand occurs.
- (B) For these reasons, hydroelectric dams are a vital part of the environment.
- (C) The initial investment – dam construction, turbine installation, and power line networks – is substantial.
- (D) Another resource-saving strategy involves developing pump-storage dams.
- (E) Instead, they should be supplementing the reliability of hydroelectric systems.
- (F) In contrast, hydroelectric dams rapidly respond to fluctuating power demands by simply adjusting a valve.
- (G) There are various ways of managing hydroelectric facilities to conserve the water resource.
PART C: READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE AND SUPPLY EACH BLANK WITH ONE SUITABLE WORD. (20 PTS)
PASSAGE 1
The blind box trend is more than just a passing (1)______; it’s a window into the contemporary teenage experience. The appeal lies not simply in the acquisition of collectible items, (2)______ in the ritualistic aspect of the unboxing and the subsequent sharing of that experience on (3)______ like TikTok and Instagram. This feeds (4)______ the desire to create an online persona, showcasing carefully selected interests and displaying a sense of (5)______ to a specific community. Furthermore, blind boxes often feature characters and themes from popular culture, allowing (6)______ to tap into existing fandoms and connect with (7)______ individuals. However, the trend also raises concerns about the manipulation of consumer desires. Some companies exploit the addictive nature of blind boxes by creating ultra-rare figures that are almost (8)______ to obtain, setting up a cycle of relentless purchasing and disappointment. It’s crucial that teenagers learn to take with a (9)______ of salt the claims made by manufacturers and influencers. The key is to encourage a balanced approach, where blind boxes are enjoyed as a lighthearted hobby, rather than becoming an all-consuming obsession that puts a (10)______ in one’s bank account.
PASSAGE 2
Some people possess extraordinary memory, a result of brains naturally optimized for (1)______. They recall effortlessly, (2)______ most who struggle. While few are born this way, hope remains for others to improve. Boris Konrad exemplifies this: a self-trained champion memorizer who, (3)______ starting with average recall, achieved remarkable feats. Konrad’s example underscores the dedication needed. However, new research suggests significant improvement is possible with just 30 minutes of daily practice using (4)______ like the Memory Palace. The Memory Palace technique, also known as the method of loci, is widely used, (5)______ by innate memorizers. Dating back to Ancient Greece, It Involves (6)______ information with specific locations in an imagined space. Impressively, recall performance remained high even (7)______ training ceased. A study divided participants into three groups: no training, everyday techniques, and Memory Palace. The Memory Palace group more than doubled their recall capacity and exhibited brain patterns (8)______ to natural super memorizers. This indicates a potential for total (9)______ rewiring, suggesting that memory is less about innate ability and (10)______ about training. Most people can significantly improve their memory with the right approach.
(Note: The passage for questions 67-74 is missing from the provided scan.)
- The word “harmonious” in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ________.
| A. balanced |
| B. consistent |
| C. discordant |
| D. complementary |
- According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true about Vietnamese cuisine?
| A. It emphasizes fresh ingredients and avoids using too much oil in cooking. |
| B. Family meals typically involve sharing a single dish. |
| C. Different regions contribute unique culinary specialties. |
| D. Herbs and dipping sauces add depth to the flavors of Vietnamese dishes. |
- The word “which” in paragraph 3 refers to ________.
| A. the communal sharing of meals |
| B. a fundamental aspect |
| C. Vietnamese dining |
| D. togetherness and community |
- Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?
| A. Vietnamese meals are known for their diverse flavors, often combining fresh herbs, spices, and local ingredients to create a balanced and healthy cuisine. |
| B. A key highlight of Vietnamese meals is their vibrant presentation, with dishes showcasing a mix of colors and textures that reflect the country’s rich culinary traditions. |
| C. Vietnamese dining emphasizes communal meals, with shared dishes at the table boosting family ties and collective harmony. |
| D. Vietnamese meals play a significant role in offering a wide variety of affordable and delicious options that capture the essence of the nation’s flavors. |
- Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
| A. All Vietnamese dishes require complex and delicate preparation methods. |
| B. Central Vietnamese cuisine is primarily sweet, salty and mild in flavor. |
| C. Southern cooking avoids using too many herbs and vegetables in its dishes. |
| D. Northern cuisine is known for its subtle flavors and classic dishes like Pho. |
- The phrase “hallmark” in paragraph 4 could best be replaced by ________.
| A. ingredient |
| B. substitute |
| C. symbol |
| D. decoration |
- Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
| A. Vietnamese cuisine reflects the country’s history, culture, and traditions. |
| B. Vietnamese food is appreciated because it is good for mental health. |
| C. Spices and herbs are rarely used in many traditional Vietnamese dishes. |
| D. Communal dining is considered less important in modern Vietnamese culture. |
- Which of the following best summarises the passage?
| A. Vietnamese dishes are well-known for their balance of flavors, combining various elements in a single meal. |
| B. Vietnamese cuisine blends fresh ingredients, regional diversity, and communal dining with cultural significance. |
| C. The heart of Vietnamese cooking lies in its use of different herbs, adding a fresh twist to every dish. |
| D. Popular dishes like Pho and Bun bo Hue reflect the country’s vibrant culture and culinary creativity. |
Questions 75 – 80. Read the following passage and choose the most suitable phrase from A – G to fill in each gap. There is one extra sentence that you don’t need to use. Write the answers on your answer sheet. (6 points)
Infrastructure is widely understood to include roads, bridges, and public vehicles like buses and subways. (75)______. Besides, social infrastructure and sanitation infrastructure are equally important components. They are considered fundamental factors for sustainable urbanisation.
(76)______. First, the most important thing for most people is a roof over their heads, so planning for residential areas is widely considered as the first priority of social infrastructure. Second, one of the pull factors of urbanisation is job opportunities with high income. (77)______. Finally, it is imperative to construct facilities for the citizens, such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions and services, and recreational areas. To ensure a high quality of life, city residents often request access to modern medical treatments when they get sick. (78)______.
Sanitation infrastructure involves how to ensure residents thrive in a safe environment. (79)______. In addition, waste management is another matter affecting residents’ health. If waste management is poorly planned or implemented, water pollution will occur, and waterborne diseases like cholera and dengue fever will spread quickly, threatening the locals’ health and even causing fatalities. (80)______.
- A. Social infrastructure refers to three elements
- B. They also seek high-quality educational facilities and services for their children, as well as recreational spaces where they can spend their leisure time
- C. Therefore, sewage systems must be designed effectively, and household wastewater must be treated properly before being pumped into rivers
- D. Ensuring that residents can access clean water for their daily uses like cooking and bathing is crucial
- E. It is vital that city residents find secure jobs that provide adequate incomes
- F. Social and sanitation infrastructure are key elements in the overall process of urbanization
- G. These are examples of transportation infrastructure, which is just one type of infrastructure
III. ERROR CORRECTION (5 PTS)
IDENTIFY THE FIVE (05) MISTAKES IN THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE AND CORRECT THEM.
- The increasing online availability of books and other written material for download has forced many publishing
- companies to reevaluate their business models. The digital age has caused gradual shift in book-buying
- trends. Today, many books can be cheaply purchased online and then downloaded onto portable devices,
- which has made a good deal of actual printing necessary. Still, it should be noted that, while some analysts
- predict digital book sales will soon overpace those of printed books, there are many readers who remain loyal
- to read on paper. However, the real change is happening elsewhere, in what is called publishing on demand
- (POD). Publishers edit and lay out a new book on a computer. They then wait until somebody wants to buy
- one, and they print a copy. It’s a cost-effective alternative to traditional publishing and allows for a wider range
- of ideas being published.
IV. WORD FORMS (10 PTS)
SUPPLY THE APPROPRIATE FORMS OF THE WORDS IN BRACKETS.
- The little boy ______ consumed a tainted product, suffering severe food poisoning as a result. [know]
- The small startup quickly grew into a(n) ______ corporation with offices around the globe. [fledge]
- The intricate embroidery was clearly the ______ of a highly skilled artisan. [hand]
- It’s crucial that the broken arm need ______ immediately after the accident. [mobile]
- The structural engineer identified a dangerous ______ in the bridge supports, necessitating urgent repairs. [align]
- Unfortunately, there’s no ______ solution to such a complex problem. [dry]
- The school’s academic program is under the ______ of the principal and the faculty. [intend]
- The maths teacher often posed ______ to challenge his students’ critical thinking skills. [brain]
- Leaving the secondary school was a(n) ______ moment, filled with joy and nostalgia. [sweet]
- The painter tried to capture the stark contrast between the ______ lifestyle and the serenity of the countryside. [city]
V. WRITING (20 PTS)
COMPLETE THE SECOND SENTENCE SO THAT IT MEANS THE SAME AS THE FIRST ONE, USING THE WORD GIVEN. YOU MUST USE BETWEEN THREE AND TEN WORDS, INCLUDING THE WORD GIVEN.
- The charity faces lots of difficulties due to a lack of funding. (lacking)
→ Were the charity ______ straits.
- The company tried to keep the scandal secret, but it became known at last. (lid)
→ Much as the company ______ out at last.
- As soon as we arrived at the main square, we fell in love with the city. (moment)
→ The city took our ______ in the main square.
- The new employee was so completely incompetent that the task was slowly handled. (rank)
→ Such was his ______ with by the new employee.
- The adults usually object to how indifferent the young are nowadays. (exception)
→ The adults usually ______ of the young nowadays.
- A lot of the city’s one million unemployed are trying to make ends meet. (many)
→ There are one million ______ all out to make ends meet.
- “Don’t do anything mischievous!”, she told her child clearly and strongly. (uncertain)
→ Her child was told ______ mischief was a must.
- If you don’t spend hours reviewing, you can’t ensure good results in the upcoming exam. (likely)
→ The more hours you put ______ ensure good results in the upcoming exam.
- I think that if you don’t intervene too much, the students work much harder. (devices)
→ The students work much harder when left ______ standpoint.
- She remained calm rather than getting irritated by Jack’s behaviour. (being)
→ Far ______ cool head.
Essay writing (10 points)
Many young people today know more about events related to famous pop and movie stars than historical facts of their country. What are the main effects of this trend? What are the solutions to this problem?
Write an essay of 200–220 words to express your own ideas and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
HẾT
Họ và tên thí sinh: ________________________________
SBD: ________________________________
Chữ ký giám thị coi thi 1: ____________________
Chữ ký giám thị coi thi 2: ____________________
