Created by Mr. Lam Thanh Trung

PHAN NGOC HIEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIFTED STUDENTS

FORMAT 2025 GCSE

PRACTICE TEST

Read the following advertisement and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the

option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.

VOLUNTEER IN ECOVILLAGES

Have you ever wondered what is it like to spend some time in an ecovillage, where people live in a

way that has none to (1)________ impact on the environment?

An ecovillage can either be traditional or intentional - that means created by people (2)________

together with a common mission and work towards it.

Therefore,

there

are

very

(3)________: educational

centres,

permaculture

projects,

ecological

farms and others.

With Worldpackers you can live in 156 ecovillages worldwide. No matter if you choose to go to

Thailand, Portugal, Colombia or many other countries, volunteering in an ecovillage you will (re)connect

(4)________nature and expand your environmental consciousness.

This type of volunteer work also allows you (5)________ learning about sustainability with other

interests you might have.

France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom are great places to (6)________ opportunities

to live and work in ecovillages in Europe

.

(source: www.worldpackers.com)

Question 1: A. minimal

B. minimize

C. minimally

B. minimalism

Question 2: A. come

B. came

C. who come

D. are coming

Question 3: A. projects different ecovillage

B. ecovillage different projects

C. different projects ecovillage

D. different ecovillage projects

Question 4: A. on

B. with

C. by

D. for

Question 5: A. combining

B. combine

C. to combining

D. to combine

Question 6: A. find

B. look

C. give

D. do

Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option

that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

VOLUNTEER OVERSEAS: YOUR GUIDE TO DISCOVER THE WORLD

Have you ever fantasized about taking a risk, leaving your familiar environment (7)________ pursue

an honorable ambition? Imagine packing your bags and (8)________ on an adventure that takes you thousands

of miles away from home. Not just any trip - but one where you volunteer overseas.

A journey full of unique experiences; immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, forging lifelong friendships with

locals, making meaningful contributions to communities. The sort of journey that changes not only lives

around you but (10)________ yours too.

This is more than just about travel. It's about personal growth and understanding our shared humanity.

Are you ready?

Let's dive deeper together into (11)________ guide and uncover the perks of volunteering abroad with

platforms like Worldpackers. Whether it's Costa Rica’s lush rainforests or Cape Town’s breathtaking

(12)________, there are opportunities waiting for you.

Question 7: A. in view of

B. so as to

C. instead of

B. with regard to

Question 8: A. coming up

B. taking out

C. setting off

D. going off

Question 9: A. friendships

B. relations

C. acquaintances

D. networks

Question 10: A. confronts

B. transforms

C. transacts

D. constructs

Question 11: A. these

B. those

C. both

D. this

Question 12: A. landscapes

B. scenes

C. visions

D. looks

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or

sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 13 to 17.

Question 13:

a. Ben: Morning! Yeah, I did! It was intense. Did you watch it, too?

b. Lily: Of course! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!

Created by Mr. Lam Thanh Trung

PHAN NGOC HIEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIFTED STUDENTS

FORMAT 2025 GCSE

c. Lily: Morning, Ben! Did you catch the game last night?

A. c – a – b

B. b – c – a

C. c – b – a

D. a – c – b

Question 14:

a. Anna: Me too. I heard they’re bringing performers from all over the world!

b. Anna: Yeah, a few friends. You should join us!

c. Tom: I am! I can’t wait to see the traditional dances.

d. Tom: Really? That’s awesome. Are you going with anyone?

e. Anna: Hey, Tom! Are you going to the cultural festival this weekend?

A. e – d – c – a – b

B. b – c – a – d – e

C. c – e – a – b – d

D. e – c – a – d – b

Question 15:

Hello Jane,

a. If so, can you think of a good place to have the party?

b. Also, I’m thinking of hiring a DJ for the party. Do you know what sort of music Olivia likes best?

c. Would it be best to have it on a weekday or at the weekend?

d. I’m writing because, as you know, Olivia is leaving our school and moving to Canada.

e. I thought we could organize a surprise party for her. Do you think it’s a good idea?

Email me soon!

Nina

A. d – b – a – e – c

B. d – e – a – c– b

C. e – d – b – c – a

D. e – a – c – b – d

Question 16:

b. The pressure faced by teenagers is normally attributed to three main facets: academic, social, and personal.

e. Academic pressures entail the rising demands to do well at school, usually promoted through parents,

teachers, and competitive policies of college entrance. Indeed, these can be a source of stress, especially when

there are large amounts of work and tests.

a. Socially, there is the pressure to fit with peers, to wear specific clothes, or to have an image on social media.

Such pressure makes them feel sensitive in terms of self-esteem and their mental health.

c. It could also be family pressures-for instance, pressuring a child to pursue a certain career path or achieve

specific personal goals-can lead to stress.

d. Combined, these pressures test the resilience of teenagers and, ultimately, their well-being.

A. d – c – b – a – e

B. b – c – a – d – e

C. b – e – a – c – d

D. d – b – c – a – e

Question 17:

c. Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, has transformed significantly over the past decade.

b. Rapid urbanization and economic growth have reshaped the city, leading to a boom in population as people

flock to Bangkok for job opportunities in expanding sectors like tourism, commerce, and technology.

e. However, despite this growth, certain parts of the city still lack sufficient public facilities, with residents

sometimes needing to travel far for medical services.

a. Once abundant green spaces are gradually being replaced by high-rise buildings and shopping complexes,

marking a shift towards urbanization.

d. This change has attracted a wave of new businesses, making Bangkok increasingly commercially vibrant

yet contributing to rising traffic congestion.

A. c – b – e – a – d

B. c – d – e – b – a

C. c – a – e – b – d

D. c – e – d – a – b

Created by Mr. Lam Thanh Trung

PHAN NGOC HIEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIFTED STUDENTS

FORMAT 2025 GCSE

Read the following passage about humanoid robots and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet

to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

Cultural diversity is a vital aspect of any society, and festivals of ethnic groups play an essential role

in (18)________. Embracing cultural values through festivals is an important way of staying connected with

one community as well as its history and traditions, and the well-known Katê Festival of the Chăm people in

Vietnam is an example to prove so.

The Katê Festival, also known as Mbăng Katê, is the biggest yearly festival for the Cham people in

Vietnam. It is a special time of year (19)________ and the dead in their families. The Katê Festival takes place

on the first day of the seventh month in the Chăm calendar, usually in September or October. It lasts for three

days and takes place around three important ancient structures in Ninh Thuận Province: the Po Klaung Yägrai

Tower, the Po Rome Tower, and the Po Inú Nagar Temple. (20)________.

On the morning of the first day, Chăm families take part in processions as they travel to the towers and

temple, bringing gifts of fruit, meat, and rice. In a special ceremony, (21)________ from the Raglai people, a

cultural group with close connections to Champa culture. The Chăm carry the costumes to the temple to

celebrate Po Nagar, then they open the gates. Inside the temple, they start bathing the statues of important

figures and watching sacred dances. After those performances, people enjoy lively parties until the evening of

the festival's second day.

On the last day, people make special offerings to their gods at community houses in their villages and

pray for luck and good health for the coming year. Once this is over, there are traditional music performances,

and then (22)________.

The Katê Festival is a popular celebration of the Chăm people's traditional culture and beliefs. It is not

only an important event in the Chăm calendar but also a symbol of the Chăm community's unity and rich

cultural heritage.

(Source: Tieng Anh 12-Bright)

Question 18:

A. celebrating cultural values in many communities

B. sharing cultural heritage among all generations

C. preserving the cultural identity of a community

D. strengthening cultural diversity in the world

Question 19:

A. on which they honour cultural traditions and festivals

B. celebrated the historical and cultural significance

C. they celebrate with local traditions and festivals there

D. when they honour important figures in their history

Question 20:

A. All of these places are very important to Champa culture and history

B. The temples are famous for their historical value

C. These places are related to the Cham people's mythology

D. The towers represent cultural unity and solidarity in Chăm families

Question 21:

A. the traditional costumes are given by the Raglai people to Chăm people

B. the Chăm people receive the costumes of the Goddess Po Nagar

C. Traditional costumes for the Goddess are presented by the Raglai

D. the Raglai people bring the traditional costumes for the Chăm people

Question 22:

A. activities like music and football games are conducted for fun to attract more visitors

B. people organize sports competitions after the ceremony to create more fun

C. people do fun activities like playing football and participating in weaving competitions

D. entertainment activities are followed by music performances to end the ceremony

Created by Mr. Lam Thanh Trung

PHAN NGOC HIEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIFTED STUDENTS

FORMAT 2025 GCSE

Read the following passage about endangered languages and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer

sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

In any web search for the world’s famous scientists, Marie Curie always receives a mention. Curie, a

Polish and naturalised French physicist and chemist, discovered radiation, helped apply it in the field of X-

rays, and coined the term radioactivity. She made a huge contribution to science, but was one of the very few

women who gained the recognition they deserved.

Science was man's world in the nineteenth century. And yet, Mary Anning became an expert in fossils

and geology. Coming from a poor family, she collected fossils on the beach and sold them to make a little

money. She found fossils of complete marine reptiles that became extinct over 100 million years ago. She

gained the respect of scientists, but living in an era when women weren't allowed to vote or attend university,

she was not allowed to join the Geological Society of London.

A hundred years later, conditions were still difficult for female scientists. Rosalind Franklin, a chemist

born in 1920, was part of a team who discovered the molecular structure of DNA. Tragically, she died aged

thirty-seven, four years before her fellow scientists, all men, were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1962. They

made no reference to Franklin in their acceptance speech.

In cases where women's achievements were recognised, we still find evidence of discrimination

in the way these were reported in the press. When the brilliant chemist Dorothy Hodgkin was awarded the

Nobel Prize in 1964 for discovering the molecular structure of penicillin and vitamin B12, the paper headline

was Oxford Housewife Wins Nobel. In fact, this housewife was also a professor at Oxford University. Today,

the gender gap in the world of science is slowly closing, and there are many female scientists inspiring new

generations of girls to study scientific subjects. But there are still some ways to go for women to be equally

represented in science.

(Source: Tieng Anh 12-English Discovery)

Question 23: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a famous female scientist?

A. Marie Curie

B. Mary Anning

C. Ada Lovelace

D. Rosalind Franklin

Question 24: The word Tragically in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _______.

A. Fortunately

B. Sadly

C. Regrettably

D. Depressingly

Question 25: The word They in paragraph 3 refers to _______.

A. the molecular structure of DNA

B. the fellow scientists of Rosalind Franklin

C. the researchers at Oxford University

D. the men who awarded the Nobel Prize

Question 26: The word evidence in paragraph 4 could be best replaced by _______.

A. facts

B. proof

C. excuses

D. opinions

Question 27: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. The media always praises female scientists for their contributions.

B. Female scientists’ achievements are not respected in general.

C. Women’s scientific achievements are not equally recognised in the media.

D. Women scientists’ work is always acknowledged but not discussed.

Question 28: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. The gender gap in science is gradually closing, but challenges remain.

B. Marie Curie was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize.

C. Dorothy Hodgkin was given a Nobel Prize for her discovery of penicillin.

D. Rosalind Franklin received the Nobel Prize for her DNA research.

Question 29: In which paragraph does the writer describe how women’s scientific achievements were treated

unfairly?

A. Paragraph 1

B. Paragraph 2

C. Paragraph 3

D. Paragraph 4

Question 30: In which paragraph does the writer mention an example of gender discrimination in science?

A. Paragraph 1

B. Paragraph 2

C. Paragraph 3

D. Paragraph 4

Read the following passage about the urban shift and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to

indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

Created by Mr. Lam Thanh Trung

PHAN NGOC HIEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIFTED STUDENTS

FORMAT 2025 GCSE

George Washington’s Childhood and Early Education

George Washington’s early childhood was spent on the Ferry Farm near Fredericksburg, Virginia,

where he received sporadic education until the age of 15. [I] His formal schooling included instruction from

a local church sexton and later a schoolmaster named Williams.

[II] Although he studied practical

mathematics, geography, and some Latin, much of his learning came from hands-on experiences rather than

books. [III] He developed skills in tobacco growing, stock raising, and surveying, which were essential in

shaping his practical knowledge and future endeavors. [IV]

Influence of Family and Upbringing

After the death of his father when he was 11, Washington became the ward of his half-brother

Lawrence, who provided him with a nurturing environment at Mount Vernon. This estate, inherited by

Lawrence, was a significant influence on George’s upbringing. Surrounded by cultured individuals such as

Anne Fairfax Washington and their esteemed neighbor George William Fairfax, young Washington was

exposed to a more refined and educated society. This environment fostered his manners and character, setting

the foundation for his future leadership.

Surveying Career and Experiences

At the age of 16, Washington began his career in surveying, working alongside the official surveyor

of Prince William County. His experiences during this time included a notable surveying expedition to the

Shenandoah Valley, where he documented the challenges faced, such as uncomfortable sleeping conditions

and encounters with local populations. This role not only honed his skills but also instilled in him a sense of

resourcefulness and endurance, laying the groundwork for his later interests in western development and land

speculation.

Life at Mount Vernon and Personal Interests

By age 20, following the death of Lawrence, Washington became the head of Mount Vernon, where

he took pride in managing the estate. Over the next two decades, he focused on improving agricultural

practices, expanding the estate to over 8,000 acres, and experimenting with new farming techniques.

Washington also engaged in various recreational activities such as riding, hunting, and dancing. His physical

presence and involvement in community affairs enhanced his reputation, leading him to express

aspirations for political participation in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Despite managing a significant

number of enslaved individuals, he held complex views on slavery, ultimately planning for their emancipation

in his will.

(Source: Britannica.com)

Question 31. Where in paragraph 1 does the following sentence best fit?

"During these formative years, he began to cultivate the traits of hard work and independence."

A. [I]

B. [II]

C. [III]

D. [IV]

Question 32. The phrase "hands-on experiences" in paragraph 1 could best be replaced by _______.

A. practical tasks

B. academic activities C. advanced studies

D. formal lessons

Question 33. The word "ward" in paragraph 2 refers to _______.

A. someone who inherits an estate

B. a young person under legal protection

C. a half-sibling

D. a close friend with whom one hangs out

Question 34. According to paragraph 2, which of the following influenced Washington's upbringing?

A. his early independence

B. his experiences in the Shenandoah Valley

C. his exposure to refined society

D. his formal education

Question 35. Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 3?

A. Washington’s career in surveying was vital to his financial success.

B. The challenges Washington faced during his surveys taught him resilience.

C. Washington’s surveying career prevented him from engaging in other interests.

D. His early surveying experience fostered his passion for agricultural expansion.

Question 36. The word "resourcefulness" in paragraph 3 is CLOSEST in meaning to _______.

A. ambition

B. restlessness

C. adaptability

D. contentment

Question 37. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Washington’s formal education equipped him with all the skills he needed for future leadership.

B. Washington’s survey work directly led to his political career in the House of Burgesses.

Created by Mr. Lam Thanh Trung

PHAN NGOC HIEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIFTED STUDENTS

FORMAT 2025 GCSE

C. Washington managed Mount Vernon for over twenty years after inheriting it.

D. Washington’s upbringing involved exposure to a cultured and educated society.

Question 38. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Washington’s reputation grew from his involvement in the community, leading to political ambitions.

B. Washington’s aspirations in the Virginia House of Burgesses made him well-respected in the community.

C. Washington was only able to express his political ambitions after managing Mount Vernon for a long time.

D. Washington’s management of Mount Vernon prevented him from achieving political aspirations.

Question 39. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Washington felt burdened by the responsibilities of managing Mount Vernon.

B. Washington’s lack of formal education was compensated by practical experiences.

C. Surveying led Washington to aspire to a military career.

D. Washington’s neighbors discouraged his political ambitions.

Question 40. Which of the following best summarizes the passage?

A. Through extensive formal schooling and family influence, Washington grew into a disciplined leader with

a strong sense of community.

B. Despite inheriting Mount Vernon early in life, Washington preferred the adventurous lifestyle of a surveyor

over estate management.

C. Washington’s early years involved limited formal education, with most of his learning coming from

practical experiences, eventually leading to political aspirations.

D. Washington’s upbringing at Mount Vernon, combined with his refined social connections, shaped his future

military ambitions.