Lưu ý: Thí sinh làm bài trên tờ giấy thi

• LISTENING (50/200 points)

      HƯỚNG DẪN PHẦN THI NGHE HIỂU

• Bài nghe gồm 4 phần; mỗi phần được nghe 2 lần, mỗi lần cách nhau 05 giây; mở đầu mỗi phần nghe có tín hiệu.

• Mọi hướng dẫn cho thí sinh đã có trong đề bài nghe.

Part 1. For questions 1-5, listen to a report about the rainforest in Africa and decide 

whether the following statements are True (T), False (F) or Not Given (NG).

1. The Congo Basin rainforest in Africa, spreading out in a disorganised way, ranks second to  the Amazon in size.
2. There was no change in very large area of foliage over time. 
3. During the 1990s,  nearly 3,000 sq km of rainforest were being cut down each year. 
4. The year 2010 witnessed a rapid fall in the rate of  rainforest destruction. 
5. Agriculture  priorized in Africa’s economy has  maintained the original condition of 

    the Congo Basin. 

   Your answers:

Part 2. For questions 6-10, you will listen to a talk about TikTok. Answer the following questions  with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS taken from the recording. 

6. What is TikTok facing according to the recording? 

______________________and_______________________________

7. What did the guy in the recording start filming the hospital for?

______________________________________________________

8. What did people get when they filmed their hospitals?

______________________________________________________

9. What group is Angelo Carusone the president of?

______________________________________________________

10. Who is trying another tactic to advertise  a trending topic?

_______________________________________________________

Part 3. You will hear an interview in which two filmmakers, Tilly Woodford and Lee Davies, are talking about a documentary they have made about animals. For questions 11-15, select the best answer A, B, C or D. 

 Your answers:

Part 4. For questions 16- 25, listen to a recording about an AI government and complete the summary below using words taken from the recording. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS in each blank.

A world where decision makers do not have (16) __________________in maintaining popularity seems too good to be true.

According to scientists, there are no (17) __________________ where governments can be fully substituted by machines or since they cannot objectively judge between right and wrong and lack a(n) (18) __________________ of deciding what the right course of action is.

There is a risk that a(n) (19) __________________will be started if drones, one of many 

(20) _________________, ever made a wrong decision in life-or-death situations.  

In the future, AI will still continue its (21) __________________: being used to support the process of making decisions.

Discriminatory patterns being perpetuated by (22) __________________ is one example of how machines can still be affected by (23) _________________.

It appears that AI would not be a(n) (24) __________________ for humans, given their      inability  to make (25) __________________.

II. LEXICO-GRAMMAR (25/200 points)

Part 1. For questions 26-40,  choose the correct answer A,  B,  C,  or D to each of the following questions.

26. She always has a witty _____ to any question.

27. Although Paul is having a hard time, he doesn’t want to throw himself _____ his friends and ask for their help.

28. Owning and living in a freestanding house is still a goal of young adults, _____ earlier generation.

29. She really has the children eating _____! They do whatever she tells them to.

30. What a selfish old ______ he had been, always thinking of himself and his own likes and dislikes!

31. The Government is trying to _____when it says it will spend more on the health service without raising taxes.

32. The authorities only sit in the _____without knowing anything about the real desire of ordinary people.

33. They sold 1 million cards in the first year of business -_____feat, given the problems many businesses  are facing.

34. Despite their disagreement, the representatives of the two nations managed to reach a(n) _____ settlement, bringing temporary peace for both sides.

35. Entirely new organizations of industrial and political struggle must be built that are independent of and  opposed to this degenerate and _____ apparatus. 

36. Most academic articles bounce around from topic to topic, really without _____, but are informative.

37. Dr. Johnson is _____qualified for the position of chief surgeon, with over twenty years of experience  and numerous awards in medical research.

38. Although he came to work the day before his retirement, everyone knew he was just _____.

39. The first round of interviews only really serves to _____ the very weakest of applicants.   

40. Criminals phone them claiming to be from their bank. Everything seems _____, bit the unsuspecting victims are tricked into revealing confidential information and are robbed.

Your answers:

Part 2. For questions 41- 45, choose  the letter A,  B,  C or  D  to indicate the underlined part that needs correction in each of the following questions. 

41. Obviously, the source and amount (A) of stress are relative (B) to the individual. Just as causes and quantities of stress are subjective (C) to personal factors, so (D) is the way in that a person deals with them.
42. The core sports have long histories (A) within the Olympics, and they are so closely (B) associated with the event (C) that the Olympics would feel weird with, saying (D), gymnastics or track and field or swimming.
43. Governments and businesses are hoping to plant trees and store forests (A) in order to
    reach net-zero emissions must sharply (B) limit such efforts as to (C) avoid driving up food
    prices in the developing world, the charity Oxfam has warned (D).
44. According  to a report entitled (A) “Tightening the net”: Net zero climate targets (B) implications for (C) land and food equitation (D).
45. Playing in large ensembles (A), also called big bands, swing filled (B) the dance halls and nightclubs. Jazz, once considered risqué, was made more accessory (C) to the masses with the vibrant (D), swinging sounds of these big bands.

Your answers:

Part 3. For questions 46-50, write the correct form of each bracketed word in each sentence in the  numbered space provided in the column on the right.

III. READING (70/200 points)

Part 1. For questions 51-60,  read the following text and fill in the blank with ONE suitable word.

THE BEST REFEREE IN THE WORLD

     I am delighted to see that the Italian referee, Pierluigi Collina, has (51) _____ more been voted the best in the world. Every since I saw him (52) _____ down a gesticulating player by approaching to within millimetres of him  and daring him to move (53) _____, I have had nothing but admiration for him.  

    What could possibly induce anyone to become a referee? Surely, it is enough to have to put up with foul- mouthed players cheeting all the time, managers who refuse to (54) _____ transgressions at one and while protesting bitterly about those at the other, spectators jeering your every (55) _____ (or any award against their team). Yet on top of that, there is a whole  host of television commentators waiting to pounce (56) _____ your errors and, if they were players themselves, calling you harsh (57) _____you send a player off.

      Collina points out that referees are bound to make mistakes that the camera pick up and are replayed in slow motion. They have one pair of  (58) _____, while the cameras can focus from many angles. But he believes that it is vital for discipline  that their decisions should be maintained except when playeers “dive”. Making the referee  believe they have been 

 (59) _____. In such cases, players should be punished (60) _____ for the deceit. My personal preference would be a yellow card every time a player commits a cynical foul but then raises his hands above his head in a gesture of injured innocence. But this is why I am not a referee. If I were, there would only be two or three players left on the pitch by the end. 

 Your answers:

 Part 2. For questions 61-73, read the following passage and do the tasks that  follow. 

WHEN CONVERSATIONS FLOW

We spend a large part of our daily life talking with other people and, consequently, we are well    accustomed to the art of conversing. But why do we feel comfortable in conversations that have flow, but get nervous and distressed when a conversation is interrupted by unexpected silences? To answer this question, we will first look at some of the effects of conversational flow. Then we will explain how flow can serve different social needs. 

The positive consequences of conversational flow show some similarities with the effects of “processing fluency”. Research has shown that processing fluency – the ease with which people process information – influences people’s judgments across a broad range of social dimensions. For instance, people feel that when something is easily processed, it is more true or accurate. Moreover, they have more confidence in their judgments regarding information that came to them fluently, and they like things that are easy to process more than things that are difficult to process. Research indicates that a speaker is judged to be more knowledgeable when they answer questions instantly; responding with disfluent speech markers such as “uh” or “um” or simply remaining silent for a moment too long can destroy that positive image. 

One of the social needs addressed by conversational flow is the human need for “synchrony” to be “in sync” or in harmony with one another. Many studies have shown how people attempt to synchronize with their partners, by coordinating their behavior. This interpersonal coordination underlies a wide array of human activities, ranging from more complicated ones like ballroom dancing to simply walking or talking with friends. 

In conversations, interpersonal coordination is found when people adjust the duration of their utterances and their speech rate to one another so that they can enable turn-taking to occur, without talking over each other or experiencing awkward silences. Since people are very well trained in having conversations, they are often able to take turns within milliseconds, resulting in a conversational flow of smoothly meshed behaviors. A lack of flow is characterized by interruptions, simultaneous speech or mutual silences. Avoiding these features is important for defining and maintaining interpersonal relationships. The need to belong has been identified as one of the most basic of human motivations and it plays a role in many human behaviors. That conversational flow related to belonging may be most easily illustrated by the consequences of flow disruptions. 

What happens when the positive experience of flow is disrupted by, for instance, a brief silence? We all know that silences can be pretty awkward, and research shows that even short disruptions in conversational flow can lead to a sharp rise in distress levels. In movies, silences are often used to signal noncompliance or confrontation (Piazza, 2006). Some researchers even argue that “silencing someone” is one of the most serious forms of exclusion. Group membership is of elementary importance to our wellbeing and because humans are very sensitive to signals of exclusion, a silence is generally taken as a sign of rejection. In this way, a lack of flow in a conversation may signal that our relationship is not as solid as we thought it was. 

Another aspect of synchrony is that people often try to validate their opinions to those of others. That is, people like to see others as having similar ideas or worldviews as they have themselves, because this informs people that they are correct and their worldviews are justified. One way in which people can justify their worldviews is by assuming that, as long as their conversations run smoothly, their interaction partners probably agree with them. This idea was tested by researchers using video observations. Participants imagined being one out of three people in a video clip who had either a fluent conversation or a conversation in which flow was disrupted by a brief silence. Except for the silence, the videos were identical. After watching the video, participants were asked to what extent the people in the video agreed with each other. Participants who watched the fluent conversation rated agreement to be higher than participants watching the conversation that was disrupted by a silence, even though participants were not consciously aware of the disruption. It appears that the subjective feeling of being out of sync informs people of possible disagreements, regardless of the content of the conversation. 

Because people are generally so well trained in having smooth conversations, any disruption of this flow indicates that something is wrong, either interpersonally or within the group as a whole. Consequently, people who do not talk very easily may be incorrectly understood as being less agreeable than those who have no difficulty keeping up a conversation. On a societal level, one could even imagine that a lack of conversational flow may hamper the integration of immigrants who have not completely mastered the language of their new country yet. In a similar sense, the ever-increasing number of online conversations may be disrupted by misinterpretations and anxiety that are produced by insuperable delays in the Internet connection. Keeping in mind the effects of conversational flow for feelings of belonging and validation may help one to be prepared to avoid such misapprehensions in future conversations.

Questions 61-66: Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in the text? In boxes 61- 66, write:

YES (Y) if the statements agree with the claims of the writer

NO (N) if the statements contradict the claims of the writer

NOT GIVEN (NG) if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

61. Conversation occupies much of our time.
62. People assess information according to how readily they can understand it.
63. A quick response to a question is thought to show a lack of knowledge.
64. Video observations have often been used to assess conversational flow.
65. People who talk less often have clearer ideas than those who talk a lot.
66. Delays in online chat fail to have the same negative effect as disruptions that occur in natural conversation.

Question 67- 73: Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.

SYNCHRONY

There is a human desire to co-ordinate (67) ______ in an effort to be “in harmony”. This co-ordination can be seen in conversations when speakers alter the speed and extent of their speech in order to facilitate (68) ______.This is often achieved within milliseconds: only tiny pauses take place when a conversation flows; when it doesn’t, there are (69) ______ and silences, or people talk at the same time. Our desire to belong is also an important element of conversation flow. According to research, our (70) ______ increase even if silences are brief. Humans have a basic need to be part of a group, and they experience a sense of (71) ______ if silences exclude them. People also attempt to co-ordinate their opinions in conversation. In an experiment, participants’ judgement of the overall (72) ______ among speakers was tested using videos of a fluent and a slightly disrupted conversation. The results showed that the (73)______ of the speakers’ discussion was less important than the perceived synchrony of the speaker.

  Your answers: 

Part 3. In the passage below, seven paragraphs have been removed. For questions 74-80, read the passage and choose from the paragraphs A-H the one which fits each gap. There is ONE extra paragraph which you do not need to use.

A global phenomenon: The rise of K-POP

In recent years , one genre of music has captured the attention of music lovers around the world, breaking language barriers and cultural differences, K-POP, short for Korean Pop, has become a global sensation, captivating audiences with its infectious beats, stunning visuals and jaw-dropping performances. The rise of K- POP has been nothing short of remarkable, and its impact on the global music industry is undeniable.

However, it was in the late 2000s and early 2010s that K-POP truly began to take off on the  global stage. This can be attributed to the emergence of talet agencies like SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment and JYP Entertainment, which played a pivotal role in shaping and promoting K-POP acts. These agencies meticulously trained their artists in singing, dancing and stage presence, fostering a level of  professionalism and perfectionism rarely seen in the music industry.

One of the defining characteristics of K-POP is its emphasis on visuals and performances.

K-POP groups are known for their impeccably coordinated dance routines, elaborate music videos, and fashion-forward aesthetics. These carefully crafted productions created a visually stunning experience that captivates viewers and sets K- POP apart from other genres. In addition, K-POP artists often engage in fan interactions through social media, live broadcasts and fan meetings, providing a deep sense of connection with their global fanbase.

It has even made a significant impact on the market in the USA. K-POP acts have managed to break into the highly competitive American music scene, gaining recognition and amassing a dedicated fanbase. Artists like BTS, BLACKPINK and EXO have not only charted on the Billboard Hot 100 but have also performed on major American television shows and received mainstream media coverage. Their success in the US market has opened doors for other K-POP acts, leading to increased visibility and opportunities for them.

Despite its undeniable global popularity, K-POP has faced criticism on several fronts. One of the main concerns revolves around the manufactured nature of the genre. K-POP groups are often assembled by talent agencies through rigorous auditions and training processes, prioritising marketability over genuine artistic expression. This has led some critics to argue that K-POP is more about the image and packaging rather than the music itself, raising questions about authenticity and artistic integrity.  

     In spite of the criticism of the genre, the future of K-POP looks promising, with even greater opportunities for expansion and influence, K-POP is evolving and diversifying, experiencing with new sounds and concepts. The genre’s ability to adapt and incorporate global trends ensures its continued relevance in the ever-changing music landscape. Futhermore, collaborations between K-POP artists and international acts have become more frequent and this has fostered a cultural exchange and opened doors to new markets.

While the Brits may have had more mainstream recognition in the Western market, K-POP bands have managed to make significant strides and have strong and developed fanbases that rival those of any Western pop art. The success of K-POP bands demostrates the global appeal and influence of the genre. Its place in the international music industry now seems to assured. 

The paragraphs:

1. The success K-POP has achieved amongst music enthusiasts around the world is undeniably impressive, and its appeal is not limited to its home land of South Korea. It has spread like wildfire across Asia, Europe, the Americas and beyond. International tours by K-POP groups have sold out arenas and stadiums worldwide, breaking attendance records and generating a fervour rarely seen in the music industry. Social media platforms, particualrly Twitter and YouTube, have played a significant role in aplifying K-POP’s reach. 
2. When comparing the success of K-POP bands to that of a group like the British group One Direction, it is important to note that both have achieved remarkable levels of popularity in their own right. One Direction enjoyed immense success in the early 2010s, becoming a global sensation and amassing a massive fan following. Similarly, K-POP bands like BTS have gained a dedicated fanbase worldwide, selling out arenas and stadiums during their international tours. 
3. To understand the meteoric rise of K-POP, you need to consider its history, K-POP, emerged in South Korea in the 1990s as a fusion of Western pop music, hip hop and traditional Korea music. Influenced by Amerian and European pop acts such as Micheal Jackson and Madonna, as well as the local Korean music scene, K-POP artists began crafting a unique sound that blended catchy melodies with energetic choreography. The first wave of K-POP groups, such as H.O.T and Seo Taiji and Boys, laid the foundation for what was to come. 
4. It has also been claimed that the emphasis on spectacle and choreography can sometimes result in shallow and formulaic music that lacks depth and innovation. This has led to accusations that K-POP is more focused on commercial success and maintaining a polished image rather than pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic territories.
5. The influence of Western music on K-POP during these formative years cannot be overlooked, K-POP draws inspiration from various genres, including pop, R& B,  hip hop, EDM and rock. Collaborations with  Western producers and songwriters such as Teddy Riley, William and Ryan Tedder have helped K-POP artists create songs with an international appeal. This cross-pollination of musical styles has been    instrumental in K-POP’s success.
6. While K-POP has achieved such a remarkable success, this has not come without its  challenges. The intense training regimens and rigorous schedules often take a toll on the mental and physical well- being of K-POP artists. This has sparked discussions about the industry’s demanding nature and the need to prioritise the health and welfare of its performers. Additionally, cultural-appropriation controversies and issues of representation have been raised.  
7. G. This has caused some to draw parallels between the impact that K-POP has had in the US and that of British bands in the so-called British invasion of the 1960s. There, again, music that had its roots in American culture found its way back to that country through the recordings and performances of artists from very different cultural backgrounds. In the 1960s, this embellishment led to the richest and most profound changes in popular music, culture and, eventually, civil rights in the US.
8. The question now is: Will it be possible for K-POP artists and bands to sustain their incredible recent success in the future, or will it prove to be just a flash in the pan, as they say? All the indicators are that as long as industry insiders continue  to unearth performers that capture the imagination, and as longas those performers continue to put out reords that the publics can really connect with, the global community will continue to want to listen to them. 

 Your answers:

Part 4. For questions 81–90, read an extract from an article and choose the answer A, B, C or D that fits best according to the text.

A POPULAR ENLIGHTENMENT

Alternative medicine has never enjoyed such popularity and respect as it does today. Therapies once dubbed ‘pseudoscience’ or ‘quackery’ are now typically referred to as ‘alternative’, ‘complementary’ or ‘holistic’. Practices that used to circulate on the fringes are now accepted as mainstream. But the rise of alternative medicine poses a problem for defenders of science. Many see the fight-back as a lost cause, but I cannot share this view because the factors that allow quackery to prosper can and are being harnessed for a counter-revolution in defense of science itself.

In the past, those exploring alternative lifestyles joined groups of like-minded people and subscribed to counter-cultural magazines. They now participate in online communities and surf the Internet, where they encounter alternative websites and blogs by the dozen, but also come across mainstream scientific viewpoints. In other words, the defense of science is also increasingly being undertaken by members of the public because the web has proved to be a crucial mobilising instrument for pro-science activists. Such defense was once conducted primarily by scholars; today the battle is often fought at an individual level via cut-and-thrust debate in blog postings. This social phenomenon of ‘angry nerds’ and ‘guerrilla bloggers’, dedicated to defending evidence-based medicine and challenging quackery, is important. Rather than relying on scientists to defend the boundaries of science, we are seeing a much more socially embedded struggle – a popular enlightenment project. Can such a project work? Reasserting goals of progress through reason and evidence is one thing, but whether it has any effect remains an open question. How easy is it to persuade people through factual corrections?

The answer seems to depend a great deal on the individual. For example, according to recent research, providing people who are ideologically committed to a particular view with incongruent information can backfire by causing them to dig their heels in and support their original argument even more strongly. This problem is a general one. A substantial body of psychological research suggests that humans tend to seek out and evaluate information that reinforces their existing views. The digital revolution has exacerbated the problem because, as journalist Farhad Manjoo writes, “whenever you want; seek out and discuss, in exhaustive and insular detail, the kind of news that pleases you; and indulge your political, social or scientific theories… among people who feel exactly the same way”. I believe such pessimism goes too far, though. [A] However, the world has yet to enter what political scientist Michael Barkun of Syracuse in University in New York calls ‘complete epistemological pluralism’. [B] Indeed, the fact that quacks keep trying to get the imprimatur of science for their discredited ideas, by trying to publish their work in peer-viewed journals, for examples, speaks to the continued public prestige and power of science. [C] Furthermore, their support base is far from fixed in stone. Some people are so committed to unorthodox views that they cannot be moved, but they are the exception. [D] In general, people motivated to explore the ‘cultic milieu’ – that fluid countercultural space in which alternative therapies and conspiracy theories flourish – are open to changing their minds.

In his seminal work on the cultic milieu, sociologist Colin Campbell of York University in the UK, stresses that it is not a space where firm opinions are held but rather a ‘society of seekers’ – people who ‘do not necessarily cease seeking when a revealed truth is offered to them’. This creates the space for pro-science activists to compete for attention. When they do so, the Internet becomes a tougher place for people to sequestrate themselves in a comfortable cocoon of the like-minded. This is good news for the enlightenment project. People may be biased in favour of interpretations that align with their prejudices but this does not mean that they just believe what they like. Faced with information of sufficient quantity or clarity, people do change their minds.

So the challenge for the pro-science movement is to keep an active and credible online presence. The web is an anarchic space where defense of science ranges from ridicule and banter to serious discussion about findings along with links to scientific articles and reports. It looks, in other words, like that space that used to be the preserve of the cultic milieu – but with greater informational depth. The weapons of science and reason are still very much in contention.

81. The writer expresses disapproval of scientists who _____.
82. overlook the significance of alternative medicine
83. embrace the ideas put forward by proponents of alternative medicine
84. use pejorative language to refer to alternative medicine
85. abandon attempts to challenge claims made by alternative medicine
86. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned?
87. the transition of alternative medicine from ‘quackery’ to mainstream
88. the expansion of pro-science groups from academic settings to online platforms
89. the inclusion of laypersons into supporters of science
90. the diversification of magazines into counter-culture
91. Which of the following statements best clarifies the sentence “The answer seems to depend a great deal on the individual” in the passage?
92. People who have amour propre are narrow-minded and therefore unable to accept contradictory proof, unlike their open-minded counterparts.
93. People with an idée fixe are confined to their personal unconventional viewpoints, while those interested in a counter-cultural space are more willing to modify their opinions.
94. Ideologues are devoid of the ability to change their mind, whereas those eager to explore the ‘cultic milieu’ are more susceptible to changes in opinions.
95. Those with idiocy are resistant to shifts in their opinions, but whoever motivated enough are open to leave their viewpoints changed.
96. The use of the quote by a journalist in the passage suggests that the Internet is a meeting place for _____.
97. people with very fixed viewpoints to support each other
98. pro-science activists attempting to defame alternative medicine
99. users seeking reinforcement of their ideologies
100. amateurs desiring to corroborate their beliefs with facts

85. Proponents of discredited ideas about complementary medicine _____. 
86. are consistent in the arguments they put forward
87. feel that they are given a raw deal by the scientific community
88. are inclined to ignore the evidence to the contrary produced by scientists
89. are interested in gaining the approval of the scientific community
90. Which of the following square brackets [A], [B], [C], or [D] best indicates where in the paragraph the sentence “The boundary between mainstream and alternative knowledge may have become more permeable.” can be inserted?
91. [A] B. [B] C. [C] D. [D]
92. According to the passage,  how the Internet has assisted pro-scientists in their attempts to defend their principles?
93. has become a place for discussions about complementary medicine held by its supporters.
94. It has caused people to be exposed to viewpoints to the contrary,  not just similar opinions as theirs.
95. It has tarnished the fame of alternative medicine and eased criticism levelled at science-based medicine.
96. It has fuelled passion for science in scholars and scientists alike.
97. The writer emphasizes the need for pro-scientists to _____.
98. cite relevant data on any discussions on the Internet
99. avoid getting engaged in heated discussions with laypersons on the Internet
100. maintain the integrity and exposure of scientific viewpoints on the Internet
101. recede from any discussion which is getting more fiery
102. From the passage, it can be inferred that _____.
103. concepts behind alternative medicine have been roundly castigated by people of the public
104. attempts to belabor the point that complementary medicine remains ‘quackery’ have been to no avail
105. the social phenomenon instigated by debates between alternative and science-based medicine has culminated in the victory for the latter
106. the enlightenment project entails people with prejudices altering their views
107. It can be deduced from the passage that the author _____.
108. consents to the action of retreating into a world of like-minded people
109. yearns to avert the flourishing of science-based medicine
110. takes a sanguine view of science and reasoned arguments
111. objects to the use of the Internet for the sake of science

Your answers:

Part 5. The passage below consists of four paragraphs marked A, B, C and D. For questions 91-100, read the passage and do the task that follows.

THE LIFE OF AN EXTRA

Most films and TV dramas require extras, those people we glimpse in the background behind the main actors. Mike Jones describes what it’s like to be an extra.

1. During a break in the filming of a TV drama, I gravitated towards the table laden with hot coffee and biscuits. As I reached it, however, I was duly informed that is was reserved for the “talent” – the real actors – and was directed towards a rickety table, on which sat an urn of hot water, some sugar packets, and nothing else. I tell this tale, not just to grumble, but because it sums up the stark divide between the cast and the little people in the background. Referring to us on set by our technical name of “supporting artistes” is meant to make us feel more important, I suppose. “Walking background” and “human props” are common, faintly humorous labels for us, but they’re fitting. Extras aren’t supposed to say anything during a take; we aren’t paid to talk. Nor are we allowed to talk between takes when everything is being reset. A gentle murmur of conversation will inevitably well up among some groups, at which point one of the assistant directors will immediately bellow for silence.

1. There are other non-negotiables, and failing to obey them could result in you being fired and blacklisted from the industry. Your contract specifically orders you not to talk to any of the actors. On one production, I was introduced to the lead actor and told what my role would be in that particular scene. I smiled at him in a mild attempt at camaraderie and he started right through me. Then, the expression on the face of the lead actress made it clear she had decided not to make an effort with me. I knew I was only an extra, but they might have at least feigned some interest. So why go through this? Well, when I first signed up, I, like many others I know, saw it as an interesting way of earning a second income. The far from generous fees, however, soon meant I regarded it as little more than a hobby, and had I had a family, I probably wouldn’t have been able to do it.

1. Occasionally, you’re picked out to play a more substantial part in one scene, and you feel as if maybe the professional supporting artist divide isn’t so insurmountable after all. Then, when you’re finally released to go home at 2 a.m., after walking up and down some stretch of pavement 50 times, and you realize that the actors still have hours more to go, their job no longer seems quite so glamorous or privileged. Actually, night shoots tend to be the worst, although the extra money you receive almost makes up for it. Once on the set of a blockbuster, a mix-up in the costume department resulted in me spending two nights in an aircraft hangar, drinking terrible coffee and reading books – and getting paid for it. Meanwhile, the other extras all ran around outside in the freezing drizzle for an action scene. Every time they trudged back in from a take, their very visible fatigue and discomfort made me feel somewhat fraudulent, aware as I was that we were all being remunerated at the same rate for our efforts.

1. One of the bonuses of being an extra is the free catering. Getting up at 4 a.m. isn’t so bad when you can go straight in for a large breakfast, and a filling lunch is always provided, though obviously aren’t allowed to eat anything before the “talent” and the crew. For period dramas, you will also get a free haircut, although this can sometimes make things awkward. On one shoot, I had to phone in “stick” to my day job, and then had trouble explaining to my boss the next morning why I now had a 1950s-style haircut. Another plus may be seeing yourself on screen, usually as a blurry outline to one side or a tiny figure in the distance. That’s what extras do: blend into the background and not divert attention from the main characters. Would I encourage anyone to sample this life? Hardly, if the aim is to make money or get into the industry. If, however, you like the idea of dressing up, with the possibility of glimpsing yourself on the big screen for a few seconds, well maybe.

IV. WRITING (55/200 points)

Part 1. Graph writing (20 points)

The chart below gives information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040. 

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Part 2. Essay writing (35 points)

Write an essay of about 350 words on the following topic.

Some people prefer to provide help and support directly to those in need. Others, however, prefer to give money to  charitable organizations launched by celebrities. 

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.     

     — THE END —