Kỳ thi học sinh giỏi vòng tỉnh thpt đề thi thử HSG tỉnh số 02 năm 2020 (có đáp án)
Kỳ thi học sinh giỏi vòng tỉnh thpt đề thi thử HSG tỉnh số 02 năm 2020 (có đáp án) giúp các bạn học sinh sắp tham gia các kì thi Tiếng Anh tham khảo, học tập và ôn tập kiến thức, bài tập và đạt kết quả cao trong kỳ thi sắp tới. Mời bạn đọc đón xem!
Môn: Đề thi chọn học sinh giỏi Tiếng Anh lớp 12 THPT & đội tuyển dự thi học sinh giỏi Quốc gia THPT
Trường: Đề thi chọn HSG Tiếng Anh từ lớp 9 đến lớp 12 cấp trường, quận/ huyện, tỉnh/ thành phố
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Tác giả:
Thông tin :
Môn:
Đề thi chọn học sinh giỏi Tiếng Anh lớp 12 THPT & đội tuyển dự thi học sinh giỏi Quốc gia THPT
Trường:
Đề thi chọn HSG Tiếng Anh từ lớp 9 đến lớp 12 cấp trường, quận/ huyện, tỉnh/ thành phố
Tác giả:
Tài liệu liên quan:
Preview text:
PAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO
KỲ THI HỌC SINH GIỎI VÒNG TỈNH THPT
ĐỀ THI THỬ HSG TỈNH SỐ 02 NĂM 2020 Môn thi: TIẾNG ANH
Thời gian thi:
180 phút (không kể thời gian giao đề) Ngày thi:
Đáp án có 20 trang
* Thí sinh không được sử dụng tài liệu, kể cả từ điển
* Giám thị không giải thích gì thêm.
I. LISTENING (50 POINTS)
Part 1. For questions 1-9, listen to a radio interview with a ghost hunter called Carlene Belfort and
decide whether these statements are True (T) or False (F). Write your answers in the corresponding
numbered boxes provided.
1. Carlene’s parents encouraged her to become a professional ghost hunter.
2. She believes a ghost hunter needs to possess a special power.
3. She mostly works for people who want reassurance.
4. Whenever ghosts are present, she feels them touching her hair.
5. There was one time when evils made her camera stop working.
6. She is most afraid when things move on their own accord.
7. She doesn’t understand why some scientists do not believe her.
8. She wants sceptics to experience a ghost hunt for themselves.
9. She feels she is providing a real service. Your answers 1. F 2. F 3. T 4. F 5. F 6. F 7. F 8. T 9. T
Interviewer: Well, we’re privileged to have in the studio with us today Carlene Belfort who is a
professional ghost hunter! Carlene, that’s an unusual hobby, how did you get into it?
Carlene: Well, when I was about 8 years old, my grandmother died and my family moved into her
house. And I kept hearing all sorts of strange noises in the night. I told my parents, and they told me
I was imagining things, but I knew it was ghosts. So you could say I started ghost-hunting whenever I
walked around the house alone at night!
Interviewer: So, what do you need in order to be a ghost hunter? Do you have some special psychic powers?
Carlene: Well, some people, mediums that is, have the gift to communicate with people who have
passed away, or at least they claim to do that. But, no, I don’t claim to have any special powers.
Ghost hunters aren’t the same as mediums. We use audio recorders, cameras and electromagnetic
devices to detect the presence of ghosts. But I think it helps if you have an open mind and a spirit of adventure.
Interviewer: So what sorts of people ask you for your services?
Carlene: Well, as I said, I don’t claim to communicate with ghosts. I do get phone calls from bereaved
people who want to communicate with their lost ones, but I have to turn them away. That’s not what I
do. No, my clients are those people who hear or see things in their homes and are worried they
might be going crazy. They call me in, and I can put their minds at rest. Of course I also get the
odd few who are desperate to have a ghost in their homes and interpret every creak in their house as a possible visitor.
Interviewer: So you don’t find ghosts everywhere you look.
Carlene: No, not at all.
Interviewer: So how do you detect the presence of ghosts? 1
Carlene: Well, sometimes it is just a feeling. Something that makes you hair stand on end, or
there may be a sudden drop in temperature. But the most conclusive way to do it is to get some sort
of proof, so we take photographs, voice recordings and meter readings.
Interviewer: And what has been your scariest moment?
Carlene: Oh, there have been so many! I mean, there was one time when I was with my team, and
my team-mate’s camera stopped working. My camera was still functioning, so I took a picture of
my colleague so that we could find out whether it was spirits causing the malfunction. When we looked
at the pictures later, we could see three streams of energy attacking the camera around my colleague’s
neck! That was certainly very spooky, but of course we didn’t know that was going on when we took
the picture, and when we looked at the photograph we were far away. There are some hair-raising
moments when you see things flying across the room on their own accord. But to tell the truth,
there’s nothing more frightening than being in the presence of true evil.
Interviewer: So there are evil ghosts out there?
Carlene: Oh yes, most definitely.
Interviewer: Now, as I’m sure you’re aware, there are a large number of sceptics out there, and I’m
sure there’ll be people among our listeners, who believe that ghost hunting is a lot of nonsense and that
you have no scientific basis for your work. What do you have to say to them?
Carlene: Well, I can see why people with more scientific minds are unconvinced, as there have
been a lot of hoaxes in the past. But now, with better technology, we’re able to take a lot more data
and evidence to back up our sightings, although I realise that some scientists are still not convinced by
that. But, well, if they’re not satisfied with the data, well I’d like to invite them on a ghost hunt and
see how they explain furniture flying across a room!
Interviewer: So it’s not just a big con? You’re not just filling up people’s mind with a lot of nonsense in return for their money?
Carlene: Well, I realise that some people see it like that, and that’s a shame. But as I see it, I’m no
different from a plumber or an electrician. If someone has a problem in their house, they call me,
and I come over with the right equipment and some skills, and I can solve their problem and put their minds at rest.
Interviewer: So what do you recommend that people should do if they feel their house is haunted?
Carlene: They can contact me via my website and arrange for a consultation. And I’m also happy to
take people out on hunts if they want a spooky experience!
Interviewer: Well, Carlene, it has been most interesting talking to you. Thank you very much for coming in.
Part 2. For questions 10-15, listen to a listen to a recording about someone giving advice on how to
ask their boss for a pay rise and choose the correct answer A, B or C which fits best according to
what you hear. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.
10. The key factor when asking for a pay rise is
A. voicing your demands in a convincing way.
B. making it clear you feel undervalued.
C. proving you are an asset in the business.
D. comparing yourself to the rest of the staff.
11. If you have any failings, you should
A. check that no one knows about them.
B. put them right gradually so that it is not too obvious.
C. accentuate your strengths, such as punctuality.
D. make sure your boss likes you as a person.
12. When preparing what to say in your salary negotiation
A. put yourself in your superior's shoes.
B. do not forget that you really need that extra money.
C. make a list of all the points in your favor. 2
D. focus on what you can do for the company in the future.
13. What should you do if your boss raises objections to your pay rise?
A. pre-empt them by raising them yourself and giving a counter argument
B. make sure you can quote company rules to him or her
C. appreciate that your boss is only doing his or her job
D. accept any offer as it is better than nothing
14. During salary negotiations, it is important to
A. mention that the company is very successful.
B. ensure your boss is aware that you are taking these negotiations seriously.
C. arrange to see your boss early in the day when he or she is fresh.
D. try not to put your boss in an awkward position.
15. What should you do if you do not get a pay rise or as much as you wanted?
A. be prepared for a long drawn-out conflict
B. know that you might have to resign as a matter of principle
C. either have an alternative or ask for constructive criticism
D. either get a colleague to back you up or talk to your boss again soon Your answers 10. C 11. B 12. A 13. A 14. B 15. C
One of the most important situations in our professional life is when we feel we have to ask for a pay
rise. It can be awkward but if you aren't assertive and say what's on your mind, it may lead to you
feeling undervalued and having a negative attitude to your work and workplace.
A positive attitude, forward planning and perfect timing are the keys to getting a pay rise. You may be
asking for a number of reasons, ranging from a bigger workload or the increased cost of living to the
fact that you've found out that a colleague is getting more than you. But these arguments will be
secondary to your worth to the company.
Start by taking an objective look at your career. Are you good at your job? Are you punctual and
reliable? Do people know who you are, and for the right reasons? Are you worth more than you're
getting paid? If so, how much?
Are there any problems that you need to address? If so, make the changes subtly, over a period of
time. Bosses are not stupid, and sudden bouts of punctuality just prior to a pay negotiation will seem
like the worst type of creeping.
When planning your negotiation, don't base it on your gripes. Even if you think your future in the
company doesn't look too rosy, hear in mind the 'what's in it for me?' factor. You may want extra money
for all those things that are on your want list, for a holiday or a car, but your boss will be more
convinced by an argument based on your quality of work and dedication.
To strengthen your viewpoint, plan for potential objections. If your boss is going to resist, what
points is he or she likely to bring up? You could raise some first, along with arguments in your
defence. For example, the sort of line you could take is, 'I know most pay rises are linked to set grades
in this company, but I believe that my job has changed sufficiently to make this an exceptional case.
Bartering can be embarrassing, but you will need to feel and sound confident. Remember that
negotiations are a normal part of business life. Never pluck a sum out of the air. Know exactly what
you will ask for and what you will settle for.
The timing of your communication can be crucial. Keep an eye on the finances and politics of the
company to avoid any periods of lay-offs or profit dips. If your boss can he moody, get an appointment 3
for his or her most mellow time of the day. Never approach the subject casually. An on the hoof
approach will make your boss twitchy.
There's always the chance that you won't get what you ask for. This is often the point at which
reasonable demands and negotiations can turn into conflict. Never issue ultimatums, and don't say you'll
resign if you don't mean it. Boost your confidence and your argument by having a backup plan (that is,
what you'll do if you don't get the pay rise you want). Plan for the future by staying positive, asking
when you could next apply and what can be done in the meantime to help your case.
Part 3. For questions 16-25, listen to a lecture about dust storms and supply the blanks with the
missing information. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS taken from the recording for each answer in the space provided.
Main focus of lecture: the impact of 16_________ on the occurrence of dust storms. • Two main types of impact:
A) break up ground surface, e.g. off-road vehicle use
B) remove protective plants, e.g. 17________ and__________ Name of area Details USA ‘dust bowl
Caused by mismanagement of farmland
Decade renamed the 18_____________ West Africa
Steady rise in dust storms over 20-year period Arizona
Worst dust clouds arise from 19_______________
Dust deposits are hazardous to 20_______________ Sahara
Increased wind erosion has occurred along with long- term 21___________ Drying-up of Aral Sea
Intensive 22_____________ in Central Asian Republics
Drop in water in major tributaries
Total volume of water in lake reduced by 23________________
Increase in wind-blown material
Lake has become more 24_______________
Serious effects on 25______________nearby 16. human activity/ activities 17. farming and drainage 18. Dirty Thirties/ 30s 19. dry thunderstorms 20. machine operators 21. drought 22. irrigation 23. two-thirds 24. salty/ saline/ toxic 25. crops/ plants/ agriculture 4
Lecturer: In the last lecture, we looked at the adverse effects of desert dust on global climate. Today
we're going to examine more closely what causes dust storms and what other effects they can have. As
you know, dust storms have always been a feature of desert climates, but what we want to focus on
today is the extent to which human activity is causing them. And it is this trend that I want to look at,
because it has wide-ranging implications. So — what are these human activities? Well, there are two
main types that affect the wind erosion process, and thus the frequency of dust storms. There are
activities that break up naturally wind-resistant surfaces such as off-road vehicle use and construction
and there are those that remove protective vegetation cover from soils, for example, mainly farming
and drainage. In many cases the two effects occur simultaneously which adds to the problem.
Let's look at some real examples and see what I'm talking about. Perhaps the best-known example of
agricultural impact on desert dust is the creation of the USA's 'dust bowl' in the 1930s. The dramatic rise
in the number of dust storms during the latter part of that decade was the result of farmers mismanaging
their land. In fact, choking dust storms became so commonplace that the decade became known as the 'Dirty Thirties'.
Researchers observed a similar, but more prolonged, increase in dustiness in West Africa between the
1960s and the 1980s when the frequency of the storms rose to 80 a year and the dust was so thick that
visibility was reduced to 1,000 metres. This was a hazard to pilots and road users. in places like
Arizona, the most dangerous dust clouds are those generated by dry thunderstorms. Here, this type
of storm is so common that the problem inspired officials to develop an alert system to warn people of
oncoming thunderstorms. When this dust is deposited it causes all sorts of problems for machine
operators. It can penetrate the smallest nooks and crannies and play havoc with the way things operate
because most of the dust is made up of quartz which is very hard.
Another example — the concentration of dust originating from the Sahara has risen steadily since the
mid-1960s. This increase in wind erosion has coincided with a prolonged drought, which has gripped
the Sahara's southern fringe. Drought is commonly associated with an increase in dust-raising activity
but it's actually caused by low rainfall which results in vegetation dying off.
One of the foremost examples of modern human-induced environmental degradation is the drying up of
the Aral Sea in Central Asia. Its ecological demise dates from the 1950s when intensive irrigation
began in the then Central Asian republics of the USSR. This produced a dramatic decline in the volume
of water entering the sea from its two major tributaries. In 1960, the Arai Sea was the fourth-largest lake
in the world, but since that time it has lost two-thirds of its volume, its surface area has halved and its
water level has dropped by more than 216 metres. A knock-on effect of this ecological disaster has been
the release of significant new sources of wind-blown material, as the water level has dropped.
And the problems don't stop there. The salinity of the lake has increased so that it is now virtually
the same as seawater. This means that the material that is blown from the dry bed of the Aral Sea is
highly saline. Scientists believe it is adversely affecting crops around the sea because salts are toxic to plants.
This shows that dust storms have numerous consequences beyond their effects on climate, both for the
workings of environmental systems and for people living in drylands …
II. PHONETICS (10 POINTS)
Part 1. Choose the word whose underlined part is pronounced differently from the others. 26. A. tipped B. begged C. quarrelled D. carried 27. A. holds B. notes C. replies D. sings 28. A. measure B. decision C. permission D. pleasure 29. A. torn B. work C. worn D. torch 30. A. coffee B. committee C. referee D. cookie
Part 2. Choose the word which is stressed differently from the others. 31. A. attend B. appear C. anthem D. apply 32. A. potential B. understand C. recommend D. volunteer 5 33. A. catastrophe B. agriculture C. dictionary D. supervisor 34. A. diplomacy B. delicacy C. peninsula D. pneumonia 35. A. mimosa B. karate C. graffiti D. anecdote Your answers 26. A 27. B 28. C 29. B 30. C 31. C 32. A 33. A 34. B 35. D
III. LEXICO-GRAMMAR (40 POINTS)
Part 1. For questions 36-55, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D to each of the following
questions and write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.
36. It has been suggested that Mary ______________ a computer course in preparation for a steady job. A. takes B. took C. take D. will take
It + be + suggested that + S + (should) V0.
37. Mr Black: “I‘d like to try on these shoes, please.”
Salesgirl: “________________.” A. By all means. sir. B. That’s right, sir. C. Why not? D. I’d love to. By all means: cứ tự nhiên
38. This project is ________________ for an introductory-level class. A. too much really hard B. much too really hard C. really much too hard D. really hard too much
much too bổ nghĩa cho tính từ hard, really bổ nghĩa cho much
39. The problem is not with the new design________________, but rather the way it is marketed. A. with or without itself B. in and of itself C. just by itself D. all by itself
in and of itself = intrinsically, without considering any other factors.
40. Nowadays, with the help of the computer, teachers have developed a ________________ approach to teaching. A. multilateral B. multilingual C. multiple-choice D. multimedia
41. There has been growing public concern about the use of chemicals in food _____________ recently. A. preservation B. protection C. reservation D. conservation
42. My sunburnt nose made me feel rather ________________for the first few days of the holiday. A. self-effacing B. self-centred C. self-conscious D. self-evident
self-conscious = ngượng ngùng, xấu hổ
43. The extensive winds that have been ________________ Florida will move away as the weekend draws to a close. A. battering B. punching C. cracking D. thumping
batter = to hit somebody/something hard many times, especially in a way that causes serious damage
44. The company management decided to ___________ more workers to meet the production schedule. A. take on B. make out C. take over D. make up take on = employ
45. At first the children enjoyed the game but quite soon the novelty ________________. A. went off B. died out C. wore off D. died down
wear off = to gradually disappear or stop
46. To get his proposal accepted, the Finance Manager had to _______ heavy pressure from colleagues. A. fend off B. laugh off C. send off D. push off
fend off = to defend or protect yourself from something/somebody that is attacking you
47. The football club decided to ________________ the team with a couple of world class players. A. beef up B. butter up C. dredge up D. drum up
beed up sth = improve the quality of sth
48. When I asked her where her brother was, she just _______________ her shoulders and looked away. A. shrugged B. clenched C. rolled D. nodded
49. Unfortunately, as he had no qualifications, all he could find was a ________________ job. 6 A. minor B. petty C. slight D. menial
menial job = a job that requires very little skill, also usually not prestigious.
50. Richard is ________________ confident, and this has helped him climb the corporate ladder. A. acutely B. blissfully C. supremely D. immensely
51. I'm sorry I didn't call you back sooner; it totally ________________ my mind. A. boggled B. slipped C. crossed D. faded
slip one’s mind = to be forgotten, especially of an obligation
52. I wish I hadn’t said it. If only I could ________________. A. turn the clock round B. turn the clock down C. turn the clock back D. turn the clock forward
turn the clock back = xoay ngược thời gian
53. I can't stand his behaviour. It is very easy for him to ________________ off the handle. A. rush B. jump C. move D. fly
fly off the handle = nổi nóng
54. Unions accept free accommodation and travel, yet they would scream ________________ murder if
the same was received by politicians. A. red B. blue C. yellow D. black
scream blue murder = to show your anger about something, especially by shouting or complaining in a very loud way
55. I grew up in California, so when I moved to Minnesota, I felt like I stuck out ________________. A. a kilometre B. an inch C. a yard D. a mile
stick out a mile = dễ nhận ra (do khác biệt) Your answers 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55.
Part 2. For questions 56-60, write the correct form of each bracketed word in the numbered space provided.
Historically called radium F, the element polonium-210 (Po-210) is a naturally-occurring radioactive
element that emits highly hazardous alpha particles. Po-210 was discovered in 1898 by Marie and Pierre
Curie. It is (56-EXCEED) ________________ rare in nature (tiny amounts exist in the soil and in the
atmosphere) and it does not (57-CUSTOM) ________________ present a risk to humans. Today, Po-
210 is studied in nuclear research laboratories where its high radioactivity requires special handling
techniques and (58-CAUTIOUS)________________. Po-210 is fantastically toxic but it does not
represent a risk to human health, as long as it remains outside the body. Internal exposure is the concern.
In order to get into the human body, Po-210 must be ingested or inhaled as It cannot pass through the skin.
It has been known since the 1960s that Po-210 is present in tobacco smoke as a contaminant. Tobacco
plants which are fertilised with phosphate fertilisers absorb Po-210 through their roots. Even though
direct root (59-TAKE) ________________ of Po-210 by tobacco plants is small, Po-210 is still
estimated to cause some 11,700 lung cancer deaths annually worldwide. (60-DEPOSIT)
________________ of Po-10 from the atmosphere on tobacco leaves also results in elevated
concentrations of Po-210 in tobacco smoke. 56. exceedingly = extremely
57. customarily = according to what is usual in a particular place or situation
58. precautions = biện pháp ngăn ngừa
59. uptake = the use that is made of something that has become available, the process by which
something is taken into a body or system
60. deposition = the natural process of leaving a layer of a substance on rocks or soil; a substance left in this way
Part 3. For questions 61-65, write the correct form of each bracketed word in the numbered space provided.
61. The success of the company in such a (COMPETE) ________________ market is remarkable. 7 competitive = cạnh tranh
62. His was a (SPEND) _______________ youth, devoted only to pleasurable pastimes and pursuits.
misspent: spent in a careless rather than a useful way
63. It’s a terribly (FUNCTION) ____________ relationship; I don’t know why they’re still together.
dysfunctional = not working normally or properly
64. He was a modest and (ASSUME) ________________ man who never gave the impression that he knew all the answers.
unassuming = khiêm nhường = modest
65. The one thing that can be said in favour is that it sends vegans and animal rights activists
(CANDLE) ________________ with rage.
incandescent = full of strong emotion; extremely angry
Part 4. For questions 66-75, find and correct 10 mistakes in the passage. Write them in the numbered boxes provided.
In today busy world of sports competition the inborn talent for running fast or jumping high isn't
enough to get to the top. The extraordinary relationship between training techniques and technological
advancement has prompted revolutionary changes in the field of athletics as well as in other variety of
sports disciplines. The close cooperation between science and sportsmen themselves have provided a
fresh inspiration aimed at helping the athletes to advance their performance. The complicated
mechanisms of the human body are scrutinized in laboratories where competitors are welcomed to act
like useful consultants whose skill cannot be imitated by even the most sophisticated computer
programs. The remarkable development in sports achievements has been initiated and led to the sports
equipment designers - the shoe manufacturers in particular. This fresh scientific approach and the
impressive collaboration between technology and competitors have stimulated a dramatic progress in
attaining record results. Whereas the average weight of a sports shoe two decades ago amounted at 320
grammes, today its equivalence is about fifty per cent lighter. In consequence, sportsmen like marathon
runners can cover long distances much faster than they did a hundred years before. But it's not only the
professional competitors that have benefited from the astounding breakthrough in the sports equipment
technologies. Amateur joggers and keep-fit enthusiasts can also take tremendous advantages of the
enormous changes in the science of sport. The expectations and tastes of casual sportsmen are also
running highly for the footgear and other accessories to guarantee maximum comfort and a betterment in performance. 66. today → today’s 67. other → the other 68. have → has 69. like → as 70. led to → led by 71. at → to 72. equivalence → equivalent
equivalence: the fact or state of being equal in value, amount, meaning, importance, etc.
equivalent: a thing, amount, word, etc. that is equal in value, meaning or purpose to something else 73. before → ago/earlier 74. advantages → advantage 75. highly → high
*run high = to be very intense; to increase to an intense level
III. READING (50 POINTS)
Part 1. For questions 76-85, fill each of the following numbered blanks with ONE suitable word and
write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.
The game of solving difficult puzzles has always filled people with the feeling of a profound
excitement. No 76.__________, then, that the fascination of treasure hunting has invariably been
associated with the possibility of 77.__________ the most improbable dreams. According to what the
psychologists claim, there is a little boy in every treasure hunter. Yet, the chase of hidden valuables has 8
recently become a serious venture with amateur and professional seekers 78.__________ with highly
sophisticated devices like metal detectors, radars, sonars or underwater cameras. What raises the
adrenaline 79.__________ in these treasure-obsessed fanatics are legends, myths, old maps and other
variety of clues promising immeasurable fortunes 80.__________ beneath the earth's surface or
drowned in the ancient galleys. For many treasure hunters the struggle of hint searching is even more
stimulating 81.__________ digging out a treasure trove composed of golden or silver objects, jewellery
and other priceless artefacts. The job is, 82.__________, extremely strenuous as even the most puzzling
clues must be thoroughly analysed. Failures and misinterpretations occur quite frequently, too. Yet, even
the most unlikely clue or the smallest find is 83.__________ to reinforce the hunter's self-confidence
and passion. Indeed, the delight in treasure finding doesn't 84.__________ depend on acquiring
tremendous amounts of valuables. Whatever is detected, 85.__________ it a rusty sundial or a marble
statue, brings joy and reward after a long and exhausting search. Your answers 76. wonder 77. realizing 78. equipped 79. level 80. buried 81. than 82. however 83. enough 84. always 85. be
85. be it sth or sth = whether it is sth or sth
Part 2. For questions 86-95, read the text below and decide which answer A, B, C or D best fits each
gap. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.
Dogs can 86.__________ a range of impressive skills in their portfolio, from leading the blind to
carrying out mountain rescues to 87.__________ those with contraband goods at border control posts.
Unquestionably, they have extremely 88.__________ senses compared to humans and recently,
scientists have been investigating the precise 89.__________ of their talents in relation specifically to
their sense of smell. In short, they wanted to find out if man’s best friend could 90.__________ out cancer.
Indeed, this notion has been around for a while, 91.__________ on the internet for the most part, where
anecdotal evidence abounds in the form of countless stories of family dogs persistently smelling certain
areas of their owner’s body, areas later shown to be cancerous. However, whilst the canine sense of
smell is unquestionably 92.__________, thus far at least, there appears to be little scientific
93.__________ for a canine cancer screening program.
The problem is that whilst studies have shown that dogs are right about cancer more often than could be
explained by pure chance, their 94.__________ rates are not high enough to make them reliable for screening purposes.
Therefore, sadly, whilst man’s best friend undoubtedly has some very impressive tricks in his repertoire,
he will not be turning up in cancer units any time soon other than to comfort his loved ones in their time of 95.__________. 86 A. boast B. praise C. brag D. applaud
boast sth = have sth that is impressive 87 A. recommending B. condescending C. comprehending D. apprehending apprehend = catch sb 88 A. broadened B. lengthened C. aggravated D. heightened
heightened = becoming stronger, better 89 A. length B. extent C. coverage D. dimension
extent = how large, important, serious, etc. something is 90 A. sense B. smell C. sniff D. scent
sniff out = to discover or find somebody/something by using your sense of smell 91 A. perpetuated B. commemorated C. conserved D. reserved
perpetuate: to make a situation, attitude etc, especially a bad one, continue to exist for a long time 92. A. astounding B. resounding C. compounding D. abounding
astounding: so surprising that it is difficult to believe 93. A. motive B. basis C. footing D. concept
scientific basis: cơ sở khoa học 9 94. A. identification B. recognition C. detection D. diagnosis
detection: the process of discovering or noticing something, especially something that is not easy to see, hear, etc. 95. A. distress B. appeasement C. harassment D. agitation
distress: a feeling of great worry or unhappiness; great mental pain Your answers 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95.
Part 3. For questions 96-108, read the following passage and do the tasks that follow. READING THE SCREEN
Are the electronic media exacerbating illiteracy and making our children stupid? On the contrary, says
Colin McCabe, they have the potential to make us truly literate.
The debate surrounding literacy is one of the most charged in education. On the one hand, there is an
army of people convinced that traditional skills of reading and writing are declining. On the other, a host
of progressives protest that literacy is much more complicated than a simple technical mastery of
reading and writing. This second position is supported by most of the relevant academic work over the
past 20 years. These studies argue that literacy can only be understood in its social and technical
context. In Renaissance England, for example, many more people could read than could write, and
within reading there was a distinction between those who could read print and those who could manage
the more difficult task of reading manuscript. An understanding of these earlier periods helps us
understand today's `crisis in literacy' debate. There does seem to be evidence that there has been an
overall decline in some aspects of reading and writing — you only need to compare the tabloid
newspapers of today with those of 50 years ago to see a clear decrease in vocabulary and simplification
of syntax. But the picture is not uniform and doesn't readily demonstrate the simple distinction between
literate and illiterate which had been considered adequate since the middle of the 19th century.
While reading a certain amount of writing is as crucial as it has ever been in industrial societies, it is
doubtful whether a fully extended grasp of either is as necessary as it was 30 or 40 years ago. While
print retains much of its authority as a source of topical information, television has increasingly usurped
this role. The ability to write fluent letters has been undermined by the telephone and research suggests
that for many people the only use for writing, outside formal education, is the compilation of shopping lists.
The decision of some car manufacturers to issue their instructions to mechanics as a video pack rather
than as a handbook might be taken to spell the end of any automatic link between industrialization and
literacy. On the other hand, it is also the case that ever-increasing numbers of people make their living
out of writing, which is better rewarded than ever before. Schools are generally seen as institutions
where the book rules — film, television and recorded sound have almost no place; but it is not clear that
this opposition is appropriate. While you may not need to read and write to watch television, you
certainly need to be able to read and write in order to make programmes.
Those who work in the new media are anything but illiterate. The traditional oppositions between old
and new media are inadequate for understanding the world which a young child now encounters. The
computer has re-established a central place for the written word on the screen, which used to be entirely
devoted to the image. There is even anecdotal evidence that children are mastering reading and writing
in order to get on to the Internet. There is no reason why the new and old media cannot be integrated in
schools to provide the skills to become economically productive and politically enfranchised. 10
Nevertheless, there is a crisis in literacy and it would be foolish to ignore it. To understand that literacy
may be declining because it is less central to some aspects of everyday life is not the same as
acquiescing in this state of affairs. The production of school work with the new technologies could be a
significant stimulus to literacy. How should these new technologies be introduced into the schools? It
isn't enough to call for computers, camcorders and edit suites in every classroom; unless they are
properly integrated into the educational culture, they will stand unused. Evidence suggests that this is
the fate of most information technology used in the classroom. Similarly, although media studies are
now part of the national curriculum, and more and more students are now clamouring to take these
course, teachers remain uncertain about both methods and aims in this area.
This is not the fault of the teachers. The entertainment and information industries must be drawn into a
debate with the educational institutions to determine how best to blend these new technologies into the classroom.
Many people in our era are drawn to the pessimistic view that the new media are destroying old skills
and eroding critical judgment. It may be true that past generations were more literate but — taking the
pre-19th century meaning of the term — this was true of only a small section of the population. The
word literacy is a 19th-century coinage to describe the divorce of reading and writing from a full
knowledge of literature. The education reforms of the 19th century produced reading and writing as
skills separable from full participation in the cultural heritage.
The new media now point not only to a futuristic cyber-economy, they also make our cultural past
available to the whole nation. Most children's access to these treasures is initially through television. It
is doubtful whether our literary heritage has ever been available to or sought out by more than about 5
per cent of the population; it has certainly not been available to more than 10 per cent. But the new
media joined to the old, through the public service tradition of British broadcasting, now makes our
literary tradition available to all.
Questions 96 – 99: Choose the appropriate letters A-D. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered box provided.
96. When discussing the debate on literacy in education, the writer notes that
A. children cannot read and write as well as they used to.
B. academic work has improved over the last 20 years.
C. there is evidence that literacy is related to external factors.
D. there are opposing arguments that are equally convincing.
97. In the 4th paragraph, the writer's main point is that
A. the printed word is both gaining and losing power.
B. all inventions bring disadvantages as well as benefits.
C. those who work in manual jobs no longer need to read.
D. the media offers the best careers for those who like writing.
98. According to the writer, the main problem that schools face today is
A. how best to teach the skills of reading and writing.
B. how best to incorporate technology into classroom teaching.
C. finding the means to purchase technological equipment.
D. managing the widely differing levels of literacy amongst pupils.
99. At the end of the article, the writer is suggesting that
A. literature and culture cannot be divorced.
B. the term 'literacy' has not been very useful.
C. 10 per cent of the population never read literature.
D. our exposure to cultural information is likely to increase. Your answers 96. 97. 98. 99. 96. C 11
On the other, a host of progressives protest that literacy is much more complicated than a simple
technical mastery of reading and writing. This second position is supported by most of the relevant
academic work over the past 20 years. These studies argue that literacy can only be understood in its social and technical context. 97. A
The first two sentences present two contrasting views. The rest of the paragraph expands on these. 98. B
How should these new technologies be introduced into the schools? It isn't enough to call for computers,
camcorders and edit suites in every classroom; unless they are properly integrated into the educational
culture, they will stand unused. 99. D
The new media now point not only to a futuristic cyber-economy, they also make our cultural past available to the whole nation.
But the new media joined to the old, through the public service tradition of British broadcasting, now
makes our literary tradition available to all.
Questions 100 – 105: Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer in the passage?
Write your answers in the corresponding numbered box provided.
YES if the statement agrees with the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
100. It is not as easy to analyse literacy levels as it used to be.
101. Our literacy skills need to be as highly developed as they were in the past.
102. Illiteracy is on the increase.
103. Professional writers earn relatively more than they used to.
104. A good literacy level is important for those who work in television.
105. Computers are having a negative impact on literacy in schools. Your answers 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. 100. YES
But the picture is not uniform and doesn't readily demonstrate the simple distinction between literate and
illiterate which had been considered adequate since the middle of the 19th century. 101. NO
While reading a certain amount of writing is as crucial as it has ever been in industrial societies, it is
doubtful whether a fully extended grasp of either is as necessary as it was 30 or 40 years ago. 102. NOT GIVEN 103. YES
On the other hand, it is also the case that ever-increasing numbers of people make their living out of
writing, which is better rewarded than ever before. 104. YES
While you may not need to read and write to watch television, you certainly need to be able to read and
write in order to make programmes. 105. NO
The computer has re-established a central place for the written word on the screen, which used to be
entirely devoted to the image. There is even anecdotal evidence that children are mastering reading and
writing in order to get on to the Internet.
Questions 106 – 108: Complete the sentences below with words taken, from the passage. Use NO
MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered box provided.
In Renaissance England, the best readers were those able to read 106_________________.
The writer uses the example of 107________________to illustrate the general fall in certain areas of literacy. 12
It has been shown that after leaving school, the only things that a lot of people write are 108_____________________. Your answers 106. 107. 108. 106. manuscript
In Renaissance England, for example, many more people could read than could write, and within
reading there was a distinction between those who could read print and those who could manage the
more difficult task of reading manuscript. 107. (tabloid) newspapers
There does seem to be evidence that there has been an overall decline in some aspects of reading and
writing — you only need to compare the tabloid newspapers of today with those of 50 years ago to see a
clear decrease in vocabulary and simplification of syntax. 108. shopping lists
The ability to write fluent letters has been undermined by the telephone and research suggests that for
many people the only use for writing, outside formal education, is the compilation of shopping lists.
Part 4. For questions 109-118, read the following passage and choose the answer A, B, C or D that
fits best according to the text. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.
In an effort to rekindle the dying embers of a once strong communal spirit, selected high schools are
piloting a community service scheme. This service directive requires students to complete a
predetermined number of field hours, sometimes as many as 60, to graduate. Those advocating it
perceive it as a unique opportunity to help young adults look beyond their personal needs, and concern
themselves with the needs of other less fortunate members of their community. Active involvement,
albeit compulsory, in community affairs is considered by them to be a good way to create awareness of
social issues and promote communal values and ideals. Rather than existing as isolated individuals, we
need to form a dynamic group and pool our valuable resources to create a community that is proactive
and highly responsive to its needs. To do this we need to, once again, foster an interest in the general well-being of our communities.
Our children need to be taught the significance of civic responsibility within a real-world context. It is
not enough to teach children about social issues prevalent in our societies today. This information is as
good as lost when taught in a static classroom. A practical, hands-on approach, on the other hand, where
children come into contact with real events and circumstances, will go a long way in broadening their
understanding of how people, regardless of background, are affected by them. This insight has the
potential to spawn feelings of altruism and empathy, which are the foundations of a strong social fabric
and important indicators of a collective conscience.
This incentive has been piloted by different districts with varying degrees of success. While nobody
doubts the value of community service, there are those who question the legitimacy of making it
compulsory. They are of the opinion that where it has failed it has done so because people,
notwithstanding age, cannot be forced to contribute. The crucial factor is interest which needs to be
generated so that involvement is voluntary, not forced.
109. Which best serves as the title for the passage?
A. The Value of Community Service B. A Community Affair C. A More Proactive Community
D. Interest: The Crucial Factor
Bài đọc chủ yếu viết về một chương trình đang được thử nghiệm liên quan đến việc bắt buộc học sinh
tham gia phục vụ cộng đồng như là một phần trong chương trình học.
110. What do we find out about the service directive in paragraph 1 ?
A. It involves only students who want to participate.
B. It requires no less than 60 field hours. C. It is experimental.
D. Participants must be graduates.
In an effort to rekindle the dying embers of a once strong communal spirit, selected high schools are
piloting a community service scheme. pilot = test, experiment
111. What do schools hope to achieve by making community service compulsory?
A. to get all members of society interested in community affairs 13
B. to sensitise young individuals to the needs of other community members
C. to get students to resolve long-standing social problems
D. to help young individuals utilise social resources for their own benefit
Active involvement, albeit compulsory, in community affairs is considered by them to be a good way to
create awareness of social issues and promote communal values and ideals.
112. The word “pool” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to __________ A. boost B. share C. manage D. reduce
113. What does the writer mean by 'responsive'?
A. capable of reacting quickly and favourably to problems that arise
B. capable of thinking carefully about issues
C. capable of foreseeing problems before they occur
D. capable of planning a particular course of action
114. Why is a real-world context essential in the teaching of civic responsibility?
A. It helps children comprehend the dynamics behind social occurrences and their impact.
B. It inevitably leads to altruistic sentiments.
C. It encourages interaction between like-minded individuals.
D. It is static by nature and therefore conducive to learning.
A practical, hands-on approach, on the other hand, where children come into contact with real events
and circumstances, will go a long way in broadening their understanding of how people, regardless
of background, are affected by them.
115. The word “them” in paragraph 2 refers to __________ A. communities B. social issues C. children D. feelings
116. What do we learn in paragraph 3 about the service directive?
A. It has met with unanimous approval.
B. It is widely regarded as the best way to bring about active involvement.
C. Its success depends on a crucial factor.
D. It is only feasible when young people are involved.
The crucial factor is interest which needs to be generated so that involvement is voluntary, not forced.
117. What does the writer mean by 'legitimacy' in paragraph 3?
A. the quality of being reasonable
B. the quality of being revolutionary
C. the quality of being authentic
D. the quality of being possible
118. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. The scheme no longer makes community service a compulsory part.
B. The scheme is characterised by partly extended teaching outside of the classroom.
C. All participants in the scheme are altruistic and empathetic.
D. The majority of districts which implement the scheme enjoy great success.
This service directive requires students to complete a predetermined number of field hours, sometimes as many as 60, to graduate. Your answers 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118.
Part 5. In the passage below, seven paragraphs have been removed. For questions 119-125, 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. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered box provided.
HELP GUIDE US THROUGH THE UNIVERSE
Sir Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, launches this year's Young Science Writer competition 14
If you ask scientists what they're doing, the answer won't be 'Finding the origin of the universe', 'Seeking
the cure for cancer' or suchlike. It will involve something very specialised, a small piece of the jigsaw
that builds up the big picture. 119.
So, unless they are cranks or geniuses, scientists don't shoot directly for a grand goal - they focus on
bite-sized problems that seem timely and tractable. But this strategy (though prudent) carries an
occupational risk: they may forget they're wearing blinkers and fail to see their own work in its proper perspective. 120.
I would personally derive far less satisfaction from my research if it interested only a few other
academics. But presenting one's work to non-specialists isn't easy. We scientists often do it badly,
although the experience helps us to see our work in a broader context. Journalists can do it better, and
their efforts can put a key discovery in perspective, converting an arcane paper published in an obscure
journal into a tale that can inspire others. 121.
On such occasions, people often raise general concerns about the way science is going and the impact it
may have; they wonder whether taxpayers get value for money from the research they support. More
intellectual audiences wonder about the basic nature of science: how objective can we be? And how
creative? Is science genuinely a progressive enterprise? What are its limits and are we anywhere near
them? It is hard to explain, in simple language, even a scientific concept that you understand well. My
own (not always effective) attempts have deepened my respect for science reporters, who have to
assimilate quickly, with a looming deadline, a topic they may be quite unfamiliar with. 122.
It's unusual for science to earn newspaper headlines. Coverage that has to be restricted to crisp
newsworthy breakthroughs in any case distorts the way science develops. Scientific advances are
usually gradual and cumulative, and better suited to feature articles, or documentaries - or even books, •
for which the latent demand is surprisingly strong. For example, millions bought A Brief History of
Time, which caught the public imagination.
*cumulative (adj): chồng chất dần, tích lũy (eg: cumulative evidence; the cumulative effect of two years of drought)
* latent (adj): ẩn, tiềm tàng (Eg: latent talent, latent demand,etc) 123. 15
Nevertheless, serious hooks do find a ready market. That's the good news for anyone who wants to enter
this competition. But books on pyramidology, visitations by aliens, and suchlike do even better: a
symptom of a fascination with the paranormal and 'New Age' concepts. It is depressing that these are
often featured uncritically in the media, distracting attention from more genuine advances. 124.
Most scientists are quite ordinary, and their lives unremarkable. But occasionally they exemplify the
link between genius and madness; these 'eccentrics' are more enticing biographees. 125.
There seems, gratifyingly, to be no single 'formula' for science writing - many themes are still under-
exploited. Turning out even 700 words seems a daunting task if you're faced with a clean sheet of paper
or a blank screen, but less so if you have done enough reading and interviewing on a subject to become
inspired. For research students who enter the competition, science (and how you do it) is probably more
interesting than personal autobiography. But if, in later life, you become both brilliant and crazy, you
can hope that someone else writes a best-seller about you.
A. However, over-sensational claims are a hazard for them. Some researchers themselves 'hype up' new
discoveries to attract press interest. Maybe it matters little what people believe about Darwinism or
cosmology. But we should be more concerned that misleading or over-confident claims on any topic of
practical import don't gain wide currency. Hopes of miracle cures can be raised; risks can be either
exaggerated, or else glossed over for commercial pressures. Science popularisers perhaps even those
who enter this competition - have to be as skeptical of some scientific claims as journalists routinely are of politicians.
B. Despite this there's a tendency in recent science waiting to be chatty, laced with gossip and
biographical detail. But are scientists as interesting as their science? The lives of Albert Einstein and
Richard Feyman are of interest, but is that true of the routine practitioner?
C. Two mathematicians have been treated as such in recent books: Paul Erdos, the obsessive itinerant
Hungarian (who described himself as 'a machine for turning coffee into theorems') and John Nash, a
pioneer of game theory, who resurfaced in his sixties, after 30 years of insanity, to receive a Nobel prize.
D. For example, the American physicist Robert Wilson spent months carrying out meticulous
measurements with a microwave antenna which eventually revealed the 'afterglow of creation' - the
'echo' of the Big Bang with which our universe began. Wilson was one of the rare scientists with the
luck and talent to make a really great discovery, but afterwards he acknowledged that its importance
didn't sink in until he read a 'popular' description of it in the New York Times.
E. More surprising was the commercial success of Sir Roger Penrose's The Emperor's New Mind. This
is a fascinating romp through Penrose's eclectic enthusiasms - enjoyable and enlightening. But it was a
surprising best seller, as much of it is heavy going. The sates pitch 'great scientist says mind is more 16
than a mere machine' was plainly alluring. Many who bought it must have got a nasty surprise when they opened it.
F. But if they have judged right, it won't be a trivial problem - indeed it will be the most difficult that
they are likely to make progress on. The great zoologist Sir Peter Medawar famously described
scientific work as 'the art of the soluble'. 'Scientists,' he wrote, 'get no credit for failing to solve a
problem beyond their capacities. They earn at best the kindly contempt reserved for utopian politicians.'
G. This may be because, for non-specialists, it is tricky to demarcate well-based ideas from flaky
speculation. But its crucially important not to blur this distinction when writing articles for a general
readership. Otherwise credulous readers may take too much on trust, whereas hard-nosed skeptics may
reject all scientific claims, without appreciating that some have firm empirical support.
H. Such a possibility is one reason why this competition to encourage young people to take up science
writing is so important and why I am helping to launch it today. Another is that popular science writing
can address wider issues. When I give talks about astronomy and cosmology, the questions that interest
people most are the truly `fundamental' ones that I can't answer: 'Is there life in space?', Is the universe
infinite?' or 'Why didn't the Big Bang happen sooner?' Your answers 119. 120. 121. 122. 123. 124. 125. 119. F
In the first sentence of F, the first it refers back to the phrase what they're doing in the opening
paragraph, which it at the beginning of the second sentence in the opening paragraph also refers to. The
writer continues with this point in the first sentence of the paragraph after the gap. 120. D
In D For example, links the paragraph before the gap with the example of Robert Wilson, who the writer
believes was 'wearing blinkers' and “not seeing his work in its proper perspective'. In the paragraph
after the gap, having made the point that scientists can become too absorbed in their work and not relate
it to other people, the writer says that personally he wants his work to be of interest to non-specialists
rather than only a few other academics. 121. H
At the start of H, Such a possibility refers back to the possibility of someone 'converting an arcane
paper' into something inspiring for other people, mentioned at the end of the paragraph before the gap.
At the start of the paragraph after the gap, on such occasions refers back to the writer's talks mentioned
at the end of H and means 'when I am giving talks'. 122. A
In the first sentence of A, “them” refers back to the science reporters mentioned in the last sentence of
the paragraph before the gap. The writer says that a problem they face is over-sensational (exaggerated
in order to surprise and attract attention) claims on the part of scientific researchers. In the paragraph
after the gap, the writer moves on to a new aspect of his subject - the lack of coverage (the extent to
which something is present or discussed) that science gets in newspapers, 17 123. E
In the first sentence of E, More surprising refers back to the success of the book mentioned at the end
of the paragraph before the gap. The writers says that the success of the book he mentions in E was
more surprising than the success of the other book, and he then describes the second book. In the
paragraph after the gap Nevertheless refers back to what he says about the second book at the end of E. 124. G
At the beginning of G, This refers back to the `depressing' fact he describes at the end of the paragraph
before the gap, of certain scientific matters being given more publicity than others he regards as “more
genuine'. In the paragraph after the gap, the writer moves on to another aspect of the subject the
characteristics of most scientists. 125. C
In the first sentence of C, have been treated as such refers back to what he says about certain scientists
in the paragraph before the gap, and means have been treated as eccentrics'. He then gives examples
of two scientists who fit into this category. In the final paragraph, the writer moves on to another aspect
of the subject and talks about the topic of science writing from the point of view of people who may be
considering entering the competition. IV. WRITING (50 points)
Part 1. Rewrite the following sentences using the words given.
126. She is proud of her cooking.
- She prides herself on her cooking. - P
ride oneself on something : to feel a satisfaction at a quality or a skill that you have.
127. The loss of the account was not our fault.
- We were not to blame for the loss of the account. - Be
to blame for something : used to say that someone or something is responsible for something bad
128. Buenos Aires is much hotter than London.
- London is nowhere near as hot as Buenos Aires. - N owhere n ear : not in any way
129. I can’t believe he said that to her face.
- I can’t believe he came out with that to her face. C
ome out with something : say something
130. Tom didn’t understand the situation and so made a terrible mistake.
-Tom got the wrong end of the stick and so made a terrible mistake. G
et the wrong end of the stick: m
isunderstand something
Part 2. The chart below shows figures for attendances at hospital emergency care departments in
Northern Ireland by age group in December 2016 and December 2017.
Attendances at emergency care departments per 1000-population 18
The bar chart compares the number of visits made by people in six age categories to hospital emergency
wards in Northern Ireland in the December of 2016 and 2017.
It is clear that elderly people and the youngest children were the most frequent visitors to A&E (accident
and emergency) departments. Also, there was a slight increase in the rate of emergency care attendances
among all six age groups from December 2016 to December 2017.
Looking first at the older age groups, roughly 65 people, per 1000 population, aged 75 and over
attended A&E wards in December 2016, and this rose to almost 70 attendances per 1000-population one
year later. Interestingly, those aged 65 to 74 were less than half as likely to require emergency
treatment, with around 30 attendances per 1000-population in both months.
At the other end of the age scale, the figures for A&E visits by under-5s rose marginally from around 50
to approximately 52 per 1000-population over the one-year period. Children aged 5 to 15 made the
fewest visits, at just over 20 per 1000-population in both months. Finally, there was almost no difference
in the figures for emergency care attendances among people aged 16 to 44, 45 to 64 and 65 to 74.
Part 3. Write an essay of 300 words on the following topic:
Some people claim that tourism can help to bridge cultural gaps between peoples of different
nationalities and cultures. Do you agree or disagree? Write your essay (approximately 350 words).
It has been claimed that tourism can diminish the differences between cultures and break down
stereotypes. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement on the grounds that international travel offers
opportunities for cross-cultural interaction between visitors and locals, thereby enhancing their
cultural knowledge and removing cultural barriers.
Firstly, exposure to cultural heritage and direct communication between tourists and indigenous people
allows each side to acquire a proper understanding of the other’s cultural backgrounds. Travellers can
learn about the host‘s rich legacy of artefacts by visiting local landmarks. For example, those who pay
a visit to Rome would experience first-hand the immense fortifications constructed during the Roman
Empire while visitors to the Louvre Museum in Paris are accessible to vast collections of paintings and
sculptures displayed in its galleries. Visitors also gain insights into Ancient Roman Architecture or
Renaissance Art, which otherwise would be endless mysteries to them were it not for these valuable
trips. Besides, people also obtain a unique perspective on exotic customs by observing or by talking
openly to each other. Eastern inhabitants may be excited to find out how western travellers become
versed with using knives and forks during meals and imitate this peculiar habit. Meanwhile, having
been explained how Indian curry is made, Westerners may try Asian cooking techniques. Clearly,
tourism provides both sides numerous chances for improving knowledge, which contributes to resolving
cultural discrepancies.
Secondly, transnational travel helps overcome language obstacles and culture-based prejudices. The
meticulous arrangement at tourist attractions means that misunderstanding arisen from language
barriers can be eliminated. For instance, travel guidelines and signposts at museums are all translated 19
into English, which makes it easier for foreigners to follow art exhibitions organised there. Tourist
guides who master different foreign languages are also willing to give visitors more details about the
originality of artworks. Tourism also serves as a go-between, resolving deep-rooted conflicts
between ethnic groups and countries. Looking through their own cultural lens, Americans used to
treat Vietnamese people as sworn foes and perceive Vietnam as a culturally barren country during
Vietnam’s Civil War. Formal normalization of U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations took place in 1995,
followed by soaring numbers of American tourists flocking to Vietnam for vacations. Over time, they
have appreciated the diversity of Vietnamese culture, and the previous assumption gradually
disappeared. These shreds of evidence highlight the fact that tourism plays an important role in
getting rid of cultural barriers and facilitating cultural exchange.
To sum up, tourism plays a vital role in resolving cultural differences. It promotes understanding and
eliminates barriers and conflicts. 20