Đề thi tham khảo ĐGNL Đại học Sư phạm TP.Hồ Chí Minh môn Tiếng Anh có đáp án - Đề số 1

A. LISTENING

In this section of the test, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to understand conversations and talks in English. There are three parts in this section with special directions for each part. Answer all the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied by the speakers in the recording. The recording will be played ONCE only.

Part 1: Question 1-8

In this part, you will hear EIGHT short announcements or instructions. There is one question for each announcement or instruction. For each question, choose the right answer A, B, C or D. First you have some time to look at questions 1 to 8.

Part 2: Questions 9-20

In this part, you will hear THREE conversations. The conversations will not be repeated. There are four questions for each conversation. For each question, choose the right answer A, B, C or D. You will hear the recording ONCE only.

Part 3: Questions 21-35

In this part, you will hear THREE lectures. The lecture will not be repeated. There are five questions for the lecture. For each question, choose the right answer A, B, C or D. You will hear the recording ONCE only.

B. READING

In this section of the test, you will read FOUR different passages, each followed by 10 questions about it. For questions 1-40, you are to choose the best answer to each question. Answer all questions following a passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in that passage.

You have 60 minutes to answer all the questions.

Passage 1:

       In recent years, the concept of a “digital detox” - a period during which an individual refrains from using electronic devices - has surged in popularity. From luxury retreats that confiscate guests’ smartphones to mobile applications designed to limit screen time, the market for “unplugging” is expanding. While the idea of resetting the brain by disconnecting from technology is appealing to many chronically connected users, researchers are now questioning whether this practice provides genuine psychological benefits or is merely a passing health trend.

       To understand the phenomenon, one must first define its scope. For some, a digital detox involves complete abstention from all digital tools for a week. For others, it is more targeted, such as silencing notifications or deleting a specific social media app that consumes excessive time. The primary motivations behind these efforts are usually to break compulsive habits, reclaim focus, and redirect energy toward more productive, real-world activities. Proponents of the practice claim that it reduces stress and improves mental clarity.

       However, the growing demand for these interventions does not necessarily guarantee their effectiveness. Much of the support for digital detoxing comes from anecdotal evidence and online testimonials. While these positive reviews can be persuasive, they are often biased. For instance, an individual who invests a significant amount of money in an expensive tech-free retreat may feel psychologically compelled to report a positive outcome to justify the expense. This is a common bias in self-reported wellness data.

       To determine if digital detoxing truly works, scientific scrutiny is essential. Controlled experimental studies are needed to distinguish between the “placebo effect” of taking a vacation and the actual benefits of removing technology. Early research suggests that while temporary disconnection can lower immediate anxiety, the effects often vanish once the individual returns to their normal routine.

       Therefore, the long-term solution may not be a total detox, but rather the development of sustainable digital habits. As the debate continues, the focus is shifting from “quitting” technology to finding a healthier balance in an increasingly digital world.

(Adapted from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/digital-detox#benefits)

Passage 2:

       Imagine the following scenario: on your way home, a so-called tourist approaches you in the street and politely asks you to take a photograph with their camera. You oblige, and afterwards they begin describing how they recently purchased the camera and how it happens to be on special offer. This is the essence of stealth marketing. You may assume you have never encountered such a tactic, yet that assumption is precisely what makes it effective. In all probability, you already have.

       Unlike conventional advertising, stealth or so-called word-of-mouth marketing is not openly recognizable. We immediately identify advertisements on billboards or in glossy magazines, but stealth marketing is deliberately concealed; it relies on subtle manipulation. Globally, more than $500 billion is spent on advertising each year, yet compared with large-scale campaigns, stealth strategies are comparatively inexpensive and strikingly effective. How does this mechanism function in practice? Consider Company X. Hoping to launch a product aimed at teenagers, the company seeks to ensure that it appears cool and desirable. To achieve this, they recruit young people to discreetly promote it. Seventeen-year-old Tanya Fulham is one such participant. As the campaign expanded online, Company X gradually took over several popular teen blogs without users realizing they were being commercially influenced.

       Tanya is attractive, athletic, and academically capable. She follows fashion, enjoys shopping, and listens to the latest music trends. With over 150 friends on her social media page, she exerts considerable influence over her peers' opinions and choices. She is now engaged by an undercover marketing agency. Individuals like Tanya promote brands in blogs and across digital platforms. “It’s exciting to receive free samples of fashionable new products that my friends don't yet know about,” Tanya remarks. “It makes me feel significant, as though I possess privileged, insider knowledge.” But do her friends realize she is financially compensated? “No, they don't,” she admits, “but I don't regard it as dishonest. If I genuinely like something, I share it. Payment does not change that fact.”

       Nonetheless, critics remain concerned. “We assume that a person is simply being helpful,” explains retail psychologist David Green, “yet it is entirely different when their comments are motivated by payment. Such practices erode authenticity, leaving us uncertain about whom to trust." In reality, stealth marketers are already among us – and what makes the phenomenon so disquieting is that they are indistinguishable from everyone else.

(Adapted from Insight)

Passage 3:

       The Olympic Games have long been a symbol of unity, athleticism, and international cooperation. Dating back thousands of years, the history of the Olympic Games is as fascinating as it is inspiring.

       The roots of the Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC in Olympia, Greece. Initially established as a festival honoring Zeus, these athletic competitions were held every four years and featured participants from various Greek city-states. The games included events like running, wrestling, boxing, and chariot racing, emphasizing physical prowess and skill. The Olympics not only showcased athletic talent but also served as a unifying event that fostered peace among rival city-states during its celebration.

       As centuries passed, the Olympic Games evolved significantly.  However, in 393 AD Emperor Theodosius I banned pagan festivals including the Olympics as part of his effort to promote Christianity across his empire. This led to a decline in popularity until they faded into obscurity for over a millennium.

       In 1896, French educator Pierre de Coubertin spearheaded efforts to revive the ancient tradition by establishing the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In the same year, the first modern Olympics took place in Athens with 13 nations participating in 43 events. This revival aimed not only to restore athletic competition but also to promote international unity through sportsmanship - principles that continue to define today’s games.

       Since its revival in 1896, participation has expanded dramatically. The introduction of winter sports in 1924 allowed athletes from colder climates to compete alongside their summer counterparts. As countries worldwide began sending teams and athletes emerged on an international scale, barriers about gender and race were gradually dismantled – culminating in significant milestones such as women competing for medals starting in 1900 and diverse representation becoming more prominent over time.

       Today’s Olympic Games are celebrated globally but face challenges such as political controversies and concerns about doping among athletes. Despite these issues, they remain an enduring symbol of resilience and unity among nations — a platform where athletes can showcase their talents while inspiring hope across borders during times of uncertainty.

       From their ancient beginnings rooted deeply within Greek culture to their current status as one of humanity’s most beloved sporting events, understanding the history behind the Olympic Games helps people appreciate both its past achievements and future potential.

Passage 4:

         [A] In the past, television programs aimed at young viewers using email as the main form of interaction. [B] Today, in Europe, this has largely shifted to mobile phones, allowing viewers to text shows. [C] In fact, texting has become even more popular than Internet use among teenagers in countries like France, Britain, and Germany, making it a major tool for engaging with TV content. [D]

         This shift is strongly influenced by reality shows such as Big Brother, where viewers vote via text to affect the results. Beyond voting, texting is used in many other ways: news programs collect audience opinions, game shows involve viewers in contests, music programs accept song requests, and broadcasters even offer live on-screen chats. As a result, television has become more interactive, with viewers actively participating instead of just watching.

         Text messaging has also proven to be highly profitable. For instance, the British version of Big Brother received 5.4 million votes, earning over £1 million. Similarly, Germany’s MTV show Videoclash gets tens of thousands of texts per hour, while Belgian quiz shows attract large numbers of participants each month. Typically, mobile network operators take 40–50% of the revenue, with the remainder shared among broadcasters and other partners. Some companies, such as Endemol, are now working on direct billing systems to increase their share of profits.

         One important reason for the success of TV texting is the use of short, easy-to-remember codes. These codes, which were once controlled separately by different providers, are now more standardized, making it simpler for viewers to participate across various networks. These codes are easier to remember on-screen and have made participation simpler, boosting engagement.

         Cooperation among mobile operators has also played a key role. Earlier technologies like WAP failed partly because providers were unwilling to share profits. Learning from this, firms like Orange now offer clear and flexible revenue-sharing systems, helping interactive mobile services grow.

         Television itself is also changing. Instead of being a one-way medium, it now includes audience interaction. Earlier attempts at interactive TV using set-top boxes were expensive and not widely adopted. In contrast, mobile phones are more accessible, cheaper to develop, and quicker to implement. Some providers are even combining texting features with set-top boxes to merge traditional and modern approaches.

         Overall, the rise of TV texting shows that audiences prefer active participation over passive viewing. Even simple technologies can successfully replace more complex systems, meeting the demand for interaction. This trend demonstrates that interactive services are both popular and profitable, transforming the way people experience television.

C. WRITING

In this section of the test, there are TWO writing tasks, with specific directions for each parts. You have 60 minutes to finish the two tasks.