Bồi dưỡng học sinh giỏi tiếng anh lớp 12

ĐỀ LUYỆN HSG – 2010 – 2011
Practice 1
(Time allowed: 180 minutes)
A. LISTENING. (15 points)
You are going to hear a radio news broadcast. You will hear the news headlines, followed by the
news in details. Read the questions 1 – 15.
For questions 1 -4, fill in the missing word in each headline.
For the questions 5 – 15 tick whether the statements are true or false.
I. Headlines:
1. Fire follows ……………….chemical factory explosion.
2. Serious ……………. crash in South Wales.
3. Narrow escape from …………… ash.
4. 16-year-old gets award as most promising ………………… .
II. True or false.
T F
5.
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
The explosion occurred outside High town.
Only two people were injured in the blast.
500 residents had to go to emergency rest centres until the next morning.
The coach was carrying the Cardiff football team.
After the crash, some roads in the area were closed to traffic.

Special equipment was needed to lift the wreckage.
Yesterday a B. B. Jumbo jet had a narrow escape.
One of the planes exploded when loading.
An emergency landing took place in that area 6 weeks ago.
Twelve awards went to the film.
Susan had not been a film star before.
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
….
B. PHONETICS (5 points)
Find the word with the stress pattern different from that of the other three words in each question.

16. A. obvious B. notorious C. credulous D. numerous
17. A. dialect B. diagram C. diagonal D. diamond
18. A. Europe B. monument C. province D. minority
19. A. obsolete B. complete C. compete D. deplete
20. A. consent B. obstinacy C. condolence D. equality
B. VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR
I. Choose the word or phrase which best completes each sentence. (15 points)
21. The greater increase in population, the harder it is for people to find adequate housing.
A. of B. is the C. the D. is of the
22. As soon as you buy a car, it starts falling in
A. cost B. worth C. value D. price
23. – “Thank you very much for your lift” – “ …………………!”

1
A. That was all I could do B. I see C. Delighted I was able to help D.
Thank you.
24. Since they aren't answering their telephone, they left
A. must have B. should have C. need have D. can have
25. She $ 20 out of the bank every Monday.
A. pulls B. draws C. moves D. removes
26. The thief was to six months' imprisonment.
A. given B. sent C. sentenced D. changed
27. “Would you rather have wine or coke?” – “…………….”
A. It doesn’t matter B. No problem C. Sure D. None, please.
28. Houses in big cities are expensive because land is in supply.
A. short B. brief C. little D. slight
29. He's not very sensible as far as money are concerned.
A. matters B. objects C. things D. aspects
30. He considers shares to be a good investment.
A. long-time B. long-term C. long-age D. long-run

31. There's no point in telephoning him. He's certain by now.
A. to leave B. to have left C. left D. having left
32. – “……………… ” – “Thank you.”
A. What a nice house!B. Thanks for coming C. Please help me with this D. Sorry
33. Giving up smoking is just one of the ways to heart disease.
A. push off B. put off C. ward off D. throw off
34. The windows don't fit very well and this makes the room awfully
A. airy B. draughty C. breezy D. ventilated
35. –“May I go out?” – “ ……………….”
A. Go ahead B. It doesn’t matter C. You may D. Be quick
II. Supply the correct form of the word provided in brackets in each sentence. (10 points)
36. Doubts about the government’s policies are being expressed even by people who have been ………
of the government in the past. ( SUPPORT)
37. Paul is directly …………… for the efficient running of the office. (RESPONSIBILITY)
38. Women often lose …………… when they stop work to have a baby. (CONFIDENT)
39. Students are expected to be quiet and ………… in the classroom. (OBEDIENCE)
40. Children need to feel …………… in order to do well at school. (SECURITY)
41. I’ve always thought of Jo as a very ……………… person. He is very helpful and always thinks about
what other people feel. (CARE)
42. The English have a reputation for being ………………… . (RESERVE)
43. Attempts are being made to ………… the problem of waste disposal. (SOLUTION)
44. He wrote a book about the ……………… tricks of his ten-year-old daughter. (MISCHIEF)
45. If you are ………………. to fly at night, you can get a much cheaper ticket. (WILL)
III. From the four underlined words or phrases (A), (B), (C), or (D), identify the one that is not

2
correct. (5 points)
46. A good exercise program helps teach people to avoid the habits that might shorten the lives.
A B C
D

47. Forgery, in law, is the fabrication or altering of a written document with the intent to deceive or
defraud.
A B C
D
48. Since rats are destructive and may carry disease, therefore many cities try to exterminate them.
A B C D
49. In that age of computers, it is difficult to imagine how tedious the work of accountants and clerks
must
A B C
have been in the past.
D
50. Made up of more than 150 member countries, the organization known as the United Nations were
established
A B C
after World War II to preserve international peace and security.
D
C. READING (20 points)
I. Read the passage and then decide which word (A, B, C, or D) best fits each space. (10 points)
WHALING
Rock carving suggest that Stone Age people were hunting whales for food as early as 2200 B.C. Such (1)
________ hunting is still practiced today in a number of (2) ________ including the Inuit people of
Greenland and North America.
Whaling became big business from the seventh century as the (3) ________ for whalebone and whale oil
rose, and humpback and sperm whales were hunted in (4) ________ large numbers. But just as stocks of
these species began to fall, the explosive harpoon-gun was (5) ________. This weapon, together with the
development of steam-power ships, (6) ________ the whalers to hunt the fast-moving fin and blue
whales.
In 1905 the whaling (7) ________ moved to the waters of Antarctica. The introduction of massive factory
ships enabled the whales to be processed at sea. As a result, the blue whale had (8) ________ disappeared
by the 1950s. In 1946 the International Whaling Commission was established to maintain the declining

whale populations. Quotas were (9) ________ but these were often (10)________ and numbers continued
to fall. Hunting of many species continued until 1986 when the IWC finally responded to international
pressure and a ban on commercial whaling was introduced.
51. A. survival B. essential C. basic D. subsistence

3
52. A. groups B. societies C. races D. nationalities
53. A. demand B. desire C. request D. reliance
54. A. repeatedly B. frequently C. continually D. increasingly
55. A. invented B. discovered C. assembled D. applied
56. A. managed B. employed C. enabled D. empowered
57. A. lines B. troops C. staff D. fleets
58. A. virtually B. possibly C. uniquely D. commonly
59. A. made B. set C. placed D. done
60. A. refused B. denied C. ignored D. exempted
II. Read the following passage carefully, then choose the ONE best answer to each question.
Water scarcity is fast becoming one of the major limiting factors in world crop production. In many
areas, poor agricultural practices have led to increasing desertification and the loss of formerly arable
lands. Consequently, those plants species that are well adapted to survival in dry climates are being
looked at for an answer in developing more efficient crops to grow on marginally arable lands.
Plants uses several mechanisms to ensure their survival in desert environments. Some involve purely
mechanical and physical adaptations, such as the shape of the plant’s surface, smaller leaf size, and
extensive root systems. Some of the adaptations are related to chemical mechanisms. Many plants, such
as cacti, have internal gums and mucilages which give them water-retaining properties. Another chemical
mechanism is that of the epicuticular wax layer. This wax layer acts as an impervious cover to protect the
plant. It prevents excessive loss of internal moisture. It also protects the plant from external aggression,
which can come from inorganic agents such as gases, or organic agents which include bacteria ant plant
pets.
Researchers have proposed that synthetic waxes with similar protective abilities could be prepared
based on knowledge of desert plants. If successfully developed, such a compound could be used to greatly

increase a plant’s ability to maintain health in such adverse situations as inadequate water supply, limited
fertilizers availability, attacked by pets, and poor storage after harvesting.
61.This passage deals mainly with
A. desertification B. decreasing water supply
C. factors limiting crop production D. developing efficient plants
62. The word “arable” is closest in meaning to
A. fertile B. parched C. barren D. marsh
63. Which of the following is a mechanical or physical mechanism that desert plants use?
A. The plant’s shape B. The small root system
C. The vast leaf size D. The high water system
64. The word “extensive” is closest in meaning to
A. spongy B. shallow C. widespread D. comprehensive
65. Which is one of the ways in which the epicuticular wax protects the plant?
A. It helps the plant to avoid excessive moisture intake B. It helps the plant to attack
aggressors.
C. It releases gases against plant pets. D. It guards against bacteria.

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66. The word “it” refers to
A. another chemical mechanism B. the epicuticular wax layer
C. an impervious plantlike cover D. the loss of internal moisture
67. The word “aggression” is closest in meaning to
A. attack B. agitation C. conditions D. surroundings
68. What is an example of an inorganic agent that may attack plants?
A. Bacteria B. Insects C. Gas D. Pets
69. It can be inferred that synthetic simulated waxes
A. have not been developed yet B. have not succeeded
C. have been determined to be impervious to organic and inorganic agents.
D. have the quality of causing bacteria.
70. All of the following are examples of an adverse situation for crops except

A. inadequate water B. insufficient fertilize C. pest aggression D. proper storage
D. WRITING (30 points)
I. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence
printed before it. (10 points)
71. People say that the president wanted to be a film star.
-> The president is ……………………………………………………………. .
72. In the unlikely event of a fire, please do not use the lift.
-> Should …………………………………………………………………… .
73. It’s impossible for them to have found him in that jungle.
-> He …………………………………………………………………………. .
74. I am very much looking forward to seeing my great grandson for the first time.
-> What …………………………………………………………………………. .
75. If you want to save your eyesight, we must operate immediately.
-> Only by ………………………………………………………………………… .
76. It was his own fault that he lost his job. He was lat for work every morning.
-> If …………………………………………………………………………………. .
77. Attendances at the exhibition have been down this year.
-> The exhibition ……………………………………………………………… .
78. I’m more interested in the people than the job.
-> It’s not the ………………………………………………………………… .
79. They declared war on the pretext of defending their territorial rights.
-> The excuse ………………………………………………………………………………… .
80. Although Johnny Brax drives carefully on public roads, he is a terror on the race track.
-> Johnny Brax is a …………………………………………………………………………… .
II. Choose the sentence that is closest in meaning to the one in italics. (10 points)
81. The train came suddenly to a stop and some passengers were injured.
A. Coming suddenly to a stop, some passengers were injured.
B. Coming suddenly to a stop, the train made some passengers injured.
C. Suddenly stopping running, some passengers were injured.

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D. Suddenly stopped, some passengers injured themselves.
82. No sooner had Alice registered for the course than she received the scholarship.
A. As soon as Alice registered for the course, she received the scholarship.
B. Registering for the course helped Alice receive the scholarship.
C. Alice registered for the course soon after receiving the scholarship.
D. Rather than receive the scholarship, Alice registered for the course.
83. No one but you and me knows who the robber was.
A. Only you know who the robber was. B. Only I know who the robber was.
C. Only one knows who the robber was. D. Only you and I know who the robber was.
84. The sport of skiing owes much development to the Norwegians.
A. The sport of skiing depends a lot on the Norwegians for it development.
B. The sport of skiing developed due to the Norwegians.
C. The sport of skiing owes much of its development to the Norwegians.
D. The sport of skiing is developed since the Norwegians.
85. The fare of my airline ticket costs more than the hotel.
A. The fare of my airline ticket costs more than the hotel does.
B. The fare of my airline ticket costs more than any hotel.
C. The fare of my airline ticket costs more than the price of the hotel.
D. The fare which I paid for my airline ticket was more than the hotel.
86. The critics were bore with the play while I found it absorbing.
A. The critics were bored with the play which I found it absorbing.
B. The critics were bored with the play, therefore, I found it absorbing.
C. The critics were bored with the play so I found it absorbing.
D. The critics were bored with the play but I found it absorbing.
87. I wish my English were fluent enough to go for the interview.
A. My English were too fluent to go for the interview. B. My English is fluent enough to go for the
interview.
C. If only my English were fluent enough for me to go for the interview.
D. My English were fluent enough and I could go for the interview.

88. William runs faster than any boys in his class.
A. No one in William’s class can run as fast as him. B. William is the quickest boy in his class.
C. William is running faster than anyone else in his class. D. William runs the fastest in his school.
89. I’d prefer to go swimming rather than go surfing.
A. Swimming is more interesting. B. I like going swimming to going surfing.
C. I would like to go swimming, not go surfing. D. Swimming is better than surfing, in my opinion.
90. In order to settle the matter, I will accept their suggestion.
A. To settle the matter, you should accept their suggestion.
B. Settling the matter, I accept their suggestion.
C. I will accept their suggestion in case the matter is settled.
D. I will accept their suggestion to settle the matter.

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III. Write a paragraph (100 – 120 words) about either the advantages or disadvantages of
computers. ( 10 points)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………….……
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………….……
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………….………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………….………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………… ………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………….………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………… ………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………….………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………….………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………….…
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………….…
KEYS TO ĐỀ LUYỆN HSG – 2010 – 2011
Practice 1
(Time allowed: 180 minutes)
A. LISTENING. (15 points)
You are going to hear a radio news broadcast. You will hear the news headlines, followed by the
news in details. Read the questions 1 – 15.
For questions 1 -4, fill in the missing word in each headline.
For the questions 5 – 15 tick whether the statements are true or false.
I. Headlines:
1. Fire follows …large…………….chemical factory explosion.
2. Serious …coach…………. crash in South Wales.
3. Narrow escape from …volcanic………… ash.
4. 16-year-old gets award as most promising …actress……………… .
II. True or false.
T F

7
5.
6
7
8
9
10

11
12
13
14
15
The explosion occurred outside High town. -> in
Only two people were injured in the blast. -> no one
500 residents had to go to emergency rest centres until the next morning.
The coach was carrying the Cardiff football team. -> a party of football fans
After the crash, some roads in the area were closed to traffic.
Special equipment was needed to lift the wreckage.
Yesterday a B. B. Jumbo jet had a narrow escape. -> A. A.
One of the planes exploded when loading. -> its engines
An emergency landing took place in that area 6 weeks ago.
Twelve awards went to the film.
Susan had not been a film star before.
…
…
*…
…
*…
…*
…
…
…*
….*.
… *
…*.
…*.
….

…*.
….
….
…*.
…*.
….
….
….
B. PHONETICS (5 points)
Find the word with the stress pattern different from that of the other three words in each question.
16. A. obvious B. notorious C. credulous D. numerous
17. A. dialect B. diagram C. diagonal D. diamond
18. A. Europe B. monument C. province D. minority
19. A. obsolete B. complete C. compete D. deplete
20. A. consent B. obstinacy C. condolence D. equality
B. VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR
I. Choose the word or phrase which best completes each sentence.
21. The greater increase in population, the harder it is for people to find adequate housing.
A. of B. is the C. the D. is of the
22. As soon as you buy a car, it starts falling in
A. cost B. worth C. value D. price
23. – “Thank you very much for your lift” – “ …………………!”
A. That was all I could do B. I see C. Delighted I was able to help D.
Thank you.
24. Since they aren't answering their telephone, they left
A. must have B. should have C. need have D. can have
25. She $ 20 out of the bank every Monday.
A. pulls B. draws C. moves D. removes
26. The thief was to six months' imprisonment.
A. given B. sent C. sentenced D. changed

27. “Would you rather have wine or coke?” – “…………….”
A. It doesn’t matter B. No problem C. Sure D. None, please.
28. Houses in big cities are expensive because land is in supply.
A. short B. brief C. little D. slight
29. He's not very sensible as far as money are concerned.
A. matters B. objects C. things D. aspects
30. He considers shares to be a good investment.

8
A. long-time B. long-term C. long-age D. long-run
31. There's no point in telephoning him. He's certain by now.
A. to leave B. to have left C. left D. having left
32. – “……………… ” – “Thank you.”
A. What a nice house! B. Thanks for coming C. Please help me with this D. Sorry
33. Giving up smoking is just one of the ways to heart disease.
A. push off B. put off C. ward off D. throw off
34. The windows don't fit very well and this makes the room awfully
A. airy B. draughty C. breezy D. ventilated
35. –“May I go out?” – “ ……………….”
A. Go ahead B. It doesn’t matter C. You may D. Be quick
II. Supply the correct form of the word provided in brackets in each sentence. (10 points)
36. Doubts about the government’s policies are being expressed even by people who have been ………
of the government in the past. ( SUPPORT) - > SUPPORTERS
37. Paul is directly …………… for the efficient running of the office. (RESPONSIBILITY) ->
RESPONSIBLE
38. Women often lose …………… when they stop work to have a baby. (CONFIDENT) ->
CONFIDENCE
39. Students are expected to be quiet and ………… in the classroom. (OBEDIENCE) -> OBIDIENT
40. Children need to feel …………… in order to do well at school. (SECURITY) -> SECURE
41. I’ve always thought of Jo as a very ……………… person. He is very helpful and always thinks about

what other people feel. (CARE) -> CARING
42. The English have a reputation for being ………………… . (RESERVE) -> RESERVED
43. Attempts are being made to ………… the problem of waste disposal. (SOLUTION) -> SOLVE
44. He wrote a book about the ……………… tricks of his ten-year-old daughter. (MISCHIEF) ->
MISCHIEVIOUS
45. If you are ………………. to fly at night, you can get a much cheaper ticket. (WILL) -> WILLING
III. From the four underlined words or phrases (A), (B), (C), or (D), identify the one that is not
correct. (10 points)
46. A good exercise program helps teach people to avoid the habits that might shorten the lives.
A B C
D
47. Forgery, in law, is the fabrication or altering of a written document with the intent to deceive or
defraud.
A B C
D
48. Since rats are destructive and may carry disease, therefore many cities try to exterminate them.
A B C D
49. In that age of computers, it is difficult to imagine how tedious the work of accountants and clerks
must

9
A B C
have been in the past.
D
50. Made up of more than 150 member countries, the organization known as the United Nations were
established
A B C
after World War II to preserve international peace and security.
D
C. READING (35 points)

I. Read the passage and then decide which word (A, B, C, or D) best fits each space. (10 points)
WHALING
Rock carving suggest that Stone Age people were hunting whales for food as early as 2200 B.C. Such (1)
________ hunting is still practiced today in a number of (2) ________ including the Inuit people of
Greenland and North America.
Whaling became big business from the seventh century as the (3) ________ for whalebone and whale oil
rose, and humpback and sperm whales were hunted in (4) ________ large numbers. But just as stocks of
these species began to fall, the explosive harpoon-gun was (5) ________. This weapon, together with the
development of steam-power ships, (6) ________ the whalers to hunt the fast-moving fin and blue
whales.
In 1905 the whaling (7) ________ moved to the waters of Antarctica. The introduction of massive factory
ships enabled the whales to be processed at sea. As a result, the blue whale had (8) ________ disappeared
by the 1950s. In 1946 the International Whaling Commission was established to maintain the declining
whale populations. Quotas were (9) ________ but these were often (10)________ and numbers continued
to fall. Hunting of many species continued until 1986 when the IWC finally responded to international
pressure and a ban on commercial whaling was introduced.
51. A. survival B. essential C. basic D. subsistence
52. A. groups B. societies C. races D. nationalities
53. A. demand B. desire C. request D. reliance
54. A. repeatedly B. frequently C. continually D. increasingly
55. A. invented B. discovered C. assembled D. applied
56. A. managed B. employed C. enabled D. empowered
57. A. lines B. troops C. staff D. fleets
58. A. virtually B. possibly C. uniquely D. commonly
59. A. made B. set C. placed D. done
60. A. refused B. denied C. ignored D. exempted
II. Read the following passages carefully, then choose the ONE best answer to each question
Water scarcity is fast becoming one of the major limiting factors in world crop production. In many
areas, poor agricultural practices have led to increasing desertification and the loss of formerly arable

10
lands. Consequently, those plants species that are well adapted to survival in dry climates are being
looked at for an answer in developing more efficient crops to grow on marginally arable lands.
Plants uses several mechanisms to ensure their survival in desert environments. Some involve purely
mechanical and physical adaptations, such as the shape of the plant’s surface, smaller leaf size, and
extensive root systems. Some of the adaptations are related to chemical mechanisms. Many plants, such
as cacti, have internal gums and mucilages which give them water-retaining properties. Another chemical
mechanism is that of the epicuticular wax layer. This wax layer acts as an impervious cover to protect the
plant. It prevents excessive loss of internal moisture. It also protects the plant from external aggression,
which can come from inorganic agents such as gases, or organic agents which include bacteria ant plant
pets.
Researchers have proposed that synthetic waxes with similar protective abilities could be prepared
based on knowledge of desert plants. If successfully developed, such a compound could be used to greatly
increase a plant’s ability to maintain health in such adverse situations as inadequate water supply, limited
fertilizers availability, attacked by pets, and poor storage after harvesting.
1. This passage deals mainly with
A. desertification B. decreasing water supply
C. factors limiting crop production D. developing efficient plants
2. The word “arable” is closest in meaning to
A. fertile B. parched C. barren D. marsh
3. Which of the following is a mechanical or physical mechanism that desert plants use?
A. The plant’s shape B. The small root system
C. The vast leaf size D. The high water system
4. The word “extensive” is closest in meaning to
A. spongy B. shallow C. widespread D. comprehensive
5. Which is one of the ways in which the epicuticular wax protects the plant?
A. It helps the plant to avoid excessive moisture intake B. It helps the plant to attack
aggressors.
C. It releases gases against plant pets. D. It guards against bacteria.
6. The word “it” refers to

A. another chemical mechanism B. the epicuticular wax layer
C. an impervious plantlike cover D. the loss of internal moisture
7. The word “aggression” is closest in meaning to
A. attack B. agitation C. conditions D. surroundings
8. What is an example of an inorganic agent that may attack plants?
A. Bacteria B. Insects C. Gas D. Pets
9. It can be inferred that synthetic simulated waxes
A. have not been developed yet B. have not succeeded
C. have been determined to be impervious to organic and inorganic agents.
D. have the quality of causing bacteria.
10. All of the following are examples of an adverse situation for crops except
A. inadequate water B. insufficient fertilize C. pest aggression D. proper storage

11
D. WRITING (30 points)
I. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence
printed before it. (10 points)
1. People say that the president wanted to be a film star.
-> The president is said to have wanted to be a film star .
2. In the unlikely event of a fire, please do not use the lift.
-> Should there be a fire, please do not use the lift .
3. It’s impossible for them to have found him in that jungle.
-> He can’t have been found in that jungle .
4. I am very much looking forward to seeing my great grandson for the first time.
-> What I am very much looking forward to is seeing my great grandson for the first time .
5. If you want to save your eyesight, we must operate immediately.
-> Only by operating immediately can we save your eyesight
6. It was his own fault that he lost his job. He was lat for work every morning.
-> If he hadn’t been late for work every morning, he wouldn’t have lost his job
7. Attendances at the exhibition have been down this year.

-> The exhibition has not been so well attended this year .
8. I’m more interested in the people than the job.
-> It’s not the job I’m interested in: it’s the people.
9. They declared war on the pretext of defending their territorial rights.
-> The excuse for the declaration of war was the defence of their territorial rights.
10. Although Johnny Brax drives carefully on public roads, he is a terror on the race track.
-> Johnny Brax is a is a careful driver on public road but a terror on the race track. .
II. Choose the sentence that is closest in meaning to the one in italics. (10 points)
1. The train came suddenly to a stop and some passengers were injured.
A. Coming suddenly to a stop, some passengers were injured.
B. Coming suddenly to a stop, the train made some passengers injured.
C. Suddenly stopping running, some passengers were injured.
D. Suddenly stopped, some passengers injured themselves.
2. No sooner had Alice registered for the course than she received the scholarship.
A. As soon as Alice registered for the course, she received the scholarship.
B. Registering for the course helped Alice receive the scholarship.
C. Alice registered for the course soon after receiving the scholarship.
D. Rather than receive the scholarship, Alice registered for the course.
3. No one but you and me knows who the robber was.
A. Only you know who the robber was. B. Only I know who the robber was.
C. Only one knows who the robber was. D. Only you and I know who the robber was.
4. The sport of skiing owes much development to the Norwegians.
A. The sport of skiing depends a lot on the Norwegians for it development.
B. The sport of skiing developed due to the Norwegians.
C. The sport of skiing owes much of its development to the Norwegians.

12
D. The sport of skiing is developed since the Norwegians.
5. The fare of my airline ticket costs more than the hotel.
A. The fare of my airline ticket costs more than the hotel does.

B. The fare of my airline ticket costs more than any hotel.
C. The fare of my airline ticket costs more than the price of the hotel.
D. The fare which I paid for my airline ticket was more than the hotel.
6. The critics were bore with the play while I found it absorbing.
A. The critics were bored with the play which I found it absorbing.
B. The critics were bored with the play, therefore, I found it absorbing.
C. The critics were bored with the play so I found it absorbing.
D. The critics were bored with the play but I found it absorbing.
7. I wish my English were fluent enough to go for the interview.
A. My English were too fluent to go for the interview. B. My English is fluent enough to go for the
interview.
C. If only my English were fluent enough for me to go for the interview.
D. My English were fluent enough and I could go for the interview.
8. William runs faster than any boys in his class.
A. No one in William’s class can run as fast as him. B. William is the quickest boy in his
class.
C. William is running faster than anyone else in his class. D. William runs the fastest in his school.
9. I’d prefer to go swimming rather than go surfing.
A. Swimming is more interesting. B. I like going swimming to going surfing.
C. I would like to go swimming, not go surfing. D. Swimming is better than surfing, in my opinion.
10. In order to settle the matter, I will accept their suggestion.
A. To settle the matter, you should accept their suggestion.
B. Settling the matter, I accept their suggestion.
C. I will accept their suggestion in case the matter is settled.
D. I will accept their suggestion to settle the matter.
III. Write a paragraph (100 – 120 words) about either the advantages or disadvantages of
computers. ( 10 points)
ĐỀ LUYỆN HSG – 2010 – 2011
Practice 2

13
(Time allowed: 180 minutes)
A. LISTENING. (15 points)
Listen to a telephone conversation. Look at the questions 1- 15 and fill in the missing details on the
envelope in which the box office puts the caller’s tickets. You will hear the piece twice.
Day: (1)
………………………….
Date: (2)
……………………….
Time: (3)
…………………………
Title of the play: (4) ………………………………performed by the local (5)
……………………………………
Stage
Stalls Stalls
A
B
C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
(6)
£
…….
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
A
B
C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
D
E
F
G
H
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
(7)
£
…….
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
D
E
F
G
H
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
Circle Circle
A
B
C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
(8)
£
…….
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
A
B
C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

14

15 29 30
D
E
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
(9)
£
…….
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
D
E
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
Tickets:
Row: (10) ……………………… Numbers: (11)
………………………………
For Mr. (12) ……………………………………………………………. .
Tel. No. Townville (13) ……………………………………………… .
To be collected before: Day: (14) …………………………………. . Time: (15)
……………………………… .
B. PHONETICS (5 points)
Find the word with the stress pattern different from that of the other three words in each question.
16. A. furniture B. actual C. detective D. consonant
17. A. responsible B. positive C. solution D. exciting
18. A. dependent B. different C. interest D. crocodile
19. A. diplomatic B. destination C. artificial D. memorial
20. A. willingness B. violence C. diplomat D. millionaire

B. VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR
I. Choose the word or phrase which best completes each sentence. (15 points)
21. It seem to be your boss who is ………………. fault in this case.
A. under B. at C. with D. for
22. I’ll be kind to her ……………. she decides to leave me.
A. in case B. so that C. for fear that D. lest
23. ………………., the catfish is prized for its taste.
A. With ugly look B. As ugly looking C. Ugly looking as it is D. As it is ugly looking
24. –“What a lovely you have!” - “ …………………”
A. No problem B. I think so C. Thank you. Hope you will drop in. D. Of course not.
It’s not costly.

15
25. –“Who broke the window?” – “ …………………”
A. I am B. Sorry to hear that C. I did. Excuse me D. I did. Sorry.
26. – “Janet, make us some tea, will you?” – “……………………”
A. No, I won’tB. Sorry, I don’t C. Don’t worry. Go ahead D. I can’t. I’m afraid.
27. – “Would you mind moving your bag from the seat?” – “……………………….”
A. Yes, I would like. B. Don’t mention it C. Oh, sorry D. You shouldn’t say that
28. “I didn’t get the job!” – “……………………”
A. Good heavens! B. Bless you! C. That’s brilliant! D. Never mind, better luck next time!
29. Mr. Gump supposes, …………………., that he will retire at 60.
A. like most people did B. as most of people C. like most people do D. as do most
people
30. Children can be difficult to teach because of their short attention ……………… .
A. limit B. duration C. span D. time
31. It really gets me …………… having to work so much overtime.
A. up B. on C. by D. down
32. …………………., I would give a party.
A. Were she to come next month B. She were to come next month

A. If she come next month D. Should she come next month
33. The parcel I sent you ………………… by now.
A. is supposed to arrive B. should arrive C. should have arrived
D. would arrive
34. You are too old to carry on working. It’s time you called it a …………… .
A. year B. month C. week D. day
35. On the battle field ………………………… .
A. the tanks lay B. did the tanks lie C. lay the tanks D. lied the
tanks
II. Supply the correct form of the word provided in brackets in each sentence. (10 points)
36. It’s …………………… when people won’t believe things that are obviously true. (FURY)
37. This statue ……………. The soldiers who died in the war. (MEMORY)
38. The world champion was ……………. by a younger Russian challenger. (THRONE)
39. …………… , we could still win, but it’s not very likely. (THEORY)

16
40. Newts, frogs and toads are ………………………. Animals. (AMPHIBIAN)
41. They never dare to leave their only child …………… for even a moment. (ATTEND)
42. The place where you can wash your clothes with coin-operated washing machines is called …. .
(LAUNDRY)
43. They live in a remote area, ……………………… except by car. (ACCESS)
44. He was taken to court for …………………… . (PAY)
45. Many countries have agreed on the …………………… treaty. (ARM)
III. From the four underlined words or phrases (A), (B), (C), or (D), identify the one that is not
correct. (10 points)
46. If the (A) water level had (B)raised any (C) higher, the dam would (D) probably have broken.
47. (A) As soon as 8000 B.C, people (B)began to experiment (C) with methods of helping (D) the sick.
48. (A) The Concorde can fly (B) across the Atlantic without re-fueling and (C) carrying 11 tons of (D)
freight.
49. The problem of (A) inadequate salaries for teachers (B) not only exists in a smaller (C) communities

but also (D) in large cities.
50. The American soprano Mary Gardour, (A) who had one of the greatest operatic voices of her (B) era,
retired (C) at the height of (D) the career.
C. READING (20 points)
I. Read the passage and then decide which word (A, B, C, or D) best fits each space. (10 points)
Fun and Games
Do you think computer games are just for kids? Then you should think again. You might be
surprised to learn that the games industry now makes more money than Hollywood. (51) ……………….
A family buy a new PC, all they really want to do is to play games.
It is (52) ……………. Surprising that video gaming has become one of the most popular (53)
…………… of entertainment today. A good game is like a good film; it will hold your (54) ……………,
(55) ……………… your imagination and play with your emotions.
The big difference, however, is that watching a movie is a passive (56) ………………. You have
no say in how the (57) …………. Develops or which characters dominate the story. With computer
games, you direct the action and that is (58) ………………. Makes them so exciting. Finding the (59)
……………… game is likely to signal the beginning of a lasting love affair with the interactive world of
make-believe.
It is wrong to think of gaming as something simply for children and teenagers. In fact, the (60)
……………. Growth area of the market is the 25-35 age group.
51. A. As soon as B. As well as C. As far as D. As long as

17
52. A. whatever B. no C. hardly D. barely
53. A. makes B. means C. sorts D. forms
54. A. feelings B. attention C. breath D. control
55. A. hold B. capture C. grasp D. clutch
56. A. pastime B. action C. passion D. fun
57. A. event B. content C. account D. plot
58. A. thing B. which C. what D. part that
59. A. accurate B. right C. complete D. proper

60. A. broadest B. widest C. biggest D. farthest
II. Read the following passages carefully, then choose the ONE best answer to each question (10
points)
Supernovas are the most powerful and spectacular outbursts known in nature. What is called a Type
II supernova is due to the collapse of a massive star, at least eight times as massive as the sun, that has
used up its main nuclear fuel and produced a nickel-iron core. When this core can no longer support the
pressure of the star’s outer layer, it collapses to form a neutron star of immense density. Over 2,500
million tons of neutron star packed into a matchbox. Its temperature is around 100,000 million degrees
centigrade. Multitudes of neutrons are produced in the collapsed star, which pass directly through the star
into space, and this release of neutrons causes the core to respond with a shock wave that moves outward.
When it meets the material that is falling inward, the result is a catastrophic explosion. Sometimes most
of the star’s material is blown away, leaving only a small, incredibly dense remnant that may be a neutron
star or, in extreme cases, a black hole.
A supernova is often more than 500 million times as luminous as the sun. A supernova remnant
(SNR) may be detectable as a pulsar, an example of which is the Crab Nebula, known to be a remnant of
the supernova observed in the year 1054. The 1987 supernova in the Large Cloud of Magellan had a low
peak luminosity by supernova standards, only about 250 million times that of the sun. As its brightest the
supernova shone as a star between magnitudes 2 and 3, even though it was 170,000 light-years away.
61. What is the main topic of the passage?
A. The heat of supernovas B. The formation and power of a supernova
C. The role of shock waves in a supernova D. The density of a neutron star.
62. The word “it” refers to ……………… .
A. core of the collapsed B. neutron star C. shock wave D.
catastrophic explosion
63. According to the passage, which of the following is TRUE about the 1987 supernova?
A. It was the brightest supernova B. It was brighter than the sun

18
C. It shone as a star between magnitudes 3 and 4 D. It had the lowest peak
luminously

64. The word “detectable” is closest in meaning to ……………… .
A. assumed B. known C. perceptible D. audible
65. Which of the following words can best be substituted for “remnant”?
A. characteristic B. relic C. specter D. remainder
66. The author of this passage is most likely ……………… .
A. an astronomer B. an economist C. a mathematician D. a botanist
67. The word “multitudes” is closest in meaning to ………………… .
A. small numbers B. groups C. lots D. temperatures
68. The word “luminous” is closest in meaning to ………………… .
A. powerful B. bright C. hot D. distant
69. What can be inferred from the passage about supernovas?
A. They sometimes result in a black hole B. The sun is a remnant of a supernova
C. They occur when two stars collide D. They only happen to pulsars
70. According to the passage, what marks the beginning of a supernova?
A. The neutrons of a star become very dense B. A massive star uses up its main nuclear fuel
C. A star has grown too big D. A star is born.
D. WRITING (30 points)
I. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence
printed before it. (10 points)
71. “You’ve done really well to pass your driving test so quickly” -> She congratulated
…………………………….
72. This is the first time that I have seen an eclipse of the sun > Never
……………………………………………… .
73. No situation is more depressing than being unemployed > Being
…………………………………………………. .
74. If you should get caught doing this. You will go to prison. -> Were
…………………………………………….….
75. I admit he’s clever, but I don’t think he’ll solve this problem > However
…………………………………………. .
76. The thinking is that he has been targeted to succeed the president > He is

………………………………… .

19
77. The house collapsed because of faulty building work. -> It was
…………………………………………………… .
78. They are not going to reach an agreement before it’s too late > By the time
……………………………………. .
79. Many people died because of the lack of medical facilities. -> It
…………………………………………………. .
80. He managed to complete the sculpture although his eyesight was failing > Despite
……………………………. .
II. Choose the sentence that is closest in meaning to the one in italics. (10 points)
81. Cocaine will destroy more people and the environment as it spreads to other countries.
A. Cocaine spreads to other countries after destroying people and the environment.
B. Spreading to other countries, cocaine will destroy more people and environment.
C. Cocaine destroys more countries with people and environment.
D. Cocaine will spread to countries and destroy the environment.
82. The clouds covered the moon so thickly that we couldn’t find our way back to the cottage.
A. We couldn’t find our way back to the cottage because the clouds covered the moon thickly.
B. The clouds were too thick to find their way back to the cottage.
C. The moon was covered so thickly that it couldn’t find the way out.
D. The way back to the cottage couldn’t be found as the clouds were so thickly covered.
83. Colour is an important facet of nature, influencing the life of almost every creature.
A. Influencing the life of almost every creature in nature, colour is important.
B. As important as every creature in nature, colour influences every facet of nature.
C. Colour, which is an important facet of nature, influences the life of almost every creature.
D. Colour influences the life of almost every important creature in a facet of nature.
84. She feels happy because of her coming birthday party.
A. Her coming birthday party makes her happy. B. Because she was born, she feels happy.
C. She feels happy to come to a birthday party. D. Her birthday party will happily come.

85. Only with careful environmental planning can we protect the world in which we live.
A. Careful environmental planning protects the world we live in.
B. We can protect the world we live in only with careful environmental planning.
C. Protecting the world we live in, we plan the environment carefully.
D. Planning the environment carefully, we can protect the world in which we live.

20
86. My brother and I dressed as quickly as we could, but we missed the school bus and were late for
school today.
A. My brother and I were late for school because we dressed too quickly.
B. My brother and I dressed quickly but we were late for school because we missed the school bus.
C. My brother and I missed the school bus so we were late for school.
D. My brother and I could dress quickly but could not be in time for school.
87. Doing more than checking out books, the city librarian must help to plan puppet shows for children.
A. Checking out more books than puppet shows is what the city librarian must do.
B. The city librarian checks out books and puppets for children in the city.
C. Helping to plan puppet shows for children is the main duty of the city librarian, not checking out of
books.
D. The librarian must help to plan puppet shows for children in addition to checking out of books.
88. If you are disappointed with an inexpensive bicycle, then save your money for a more expensive
model.
A. You should save up to buy a more expensive bicycle if your inexpensive one disappoints you.
B. An inexpensive bicycle is disappointing, so buy an expensive one.
C. A more expensive bicycle saves you so much money, so don’t buy an inexpensive model.
D. You’d better buy an inexpensive bicycle to save more money.
89. You should take regular exercises in stead of sitting in front of the television all day.
A. Sitting in front of the television all day and taking exercises are advisable.
B. Don’t take regular exercises, just sit in front of the television all day in stead.
C. Sitting in front of the television all day helps you take regular exercises.
D. Taking regular exercises is better than sitting in front of the television all day.

90. Who made you work so hard yesterday?
A. Why did you work so hard yesterday? B. What made you work so hard yesterday?
C. Who forced you to work so hard yesterday? D. How could you work so hard yesterday?
III. Write a paragraph (150 – 200 words) about the important of family in a person’s life. ( 10
points)
KEYS TO ĐỀ LUYỆN HSG – 2010 – 2011
Practice 2
(Time allowed: 180 minutes)
A. LISTENING. (15 points)

21
Listen to a telephone conversation. Look at the questions 1- 15 and fill in the missing details on the
envelope in which the box office puts the caller’s tickets. You will hear the piece twice.
Day: (1)
………………………….
Date: (2)
……………………….
Time: (3)
…………………………
Title of the play: (4) ………………………………performed by the local (5)
……………………………………
Stage
Stalls Stalls
A
B
C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
(6)
£ …….

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
A
B
C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
D
E
F
G
H
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
(7)
£ …….
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
D
E
F
G
H
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
Circle Circle
A
B
C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
(8)
£ …….
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
A
B
C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30

22
D
E
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
(9)
£ …….
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
D
E
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
Tickets:
Row: (10) ……………………… Numbers: (11) ………………………………
For Mr. (12) ……………………………………………………………. .
Tel. No. Townville (13) ……………………………………………… .
To be collected before: Day: (14) …………………………………. . Time: (15)
……………………………… .
B. PHONETICS (5 points)
Find the word with the stress pattern different from that of the other three words in each question.

16. A. furniture B. actual C. detective D. consonant
17. A. responsible B. positive C. solution D. exciting
18. A. dependent B. different C. interest D. crocodile
19. A. diplomatic B. destination C. artificial D. memorial
20. A. willingness B. violence C. diplomat D. millionaire
C. VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR
I. Choose the word or phrase which best completes each sentence. (15 points)
21. It seem to be your boss who is ………………. fault in this case.
A. under B. at C. with D. for
22. I’ll be kind to her ……………. she decides to leave me.
A. in case B. so that C. for fear that D. lest
23. ………………., the catfish is prized for its taste.
A. With ugly look B. As ugly looking C. Ugly looking as it is D. As it is ugly looking
24. –“What a lovely house you have!” - “ …………………”
A. No problem B. I think so C. Thank you. Hope you will drop in. D. Of course not.
It’s not costly.
25. –“Who broke the window?” – “ …………………”
A. I am B. Sorry to hear that C. I did. Excuse me D. I did. Sorry.
26. – “Janet, make us some tea, will you?” – “……………………”

23
A. No, I won’tB. Sorry, I don’t C. Don’t worry. Go ahead D. I can’t. I’m afraid.
27. – “Would you mind moving your bag from the seat?” – “……………………….”
A. Yes, I would like. B. Don’t mention it C. Oh, sorry D. You shouldn’t say that
28. “I didn’t get the job!” – “……………………”
A. Good heavens! B. Bless you! C. That’s brilliant! D. Never mind, better luck next
time!
29. Mr. Gump supposes, …………………., that he will retire at 60.
A. like most people did B. as most of people C. like most people do D. as do most
people

30. Children can be difficult to teach because of their short attention ……………… .
A. limit B. duration C. span D. time
31. It really gets me …………… having to work so much overtime.
A. up B. on C. by D. down
32. …………………., I would give a party.
A. Were she to come next month B. She were to come next month
A. If she come next month D. Should she come next month
33. The parcel I sent you ………………… by now.
A. is supposed to arrive B. should arrive C. should have arrived
D. would arrive
34. You are too old to carry on working. It’s time you called it a …………… .
A. year B. month C. week D. day
35. On the battle field ………………………… .
A. the tanks lay B. did the tanks lie C. lay the tanks D. lied the
tanks
II. Supply the correct form of the word provided in brackets in each sentence. (10 points)
51. It’s …infuriating when people won’t believe things that are obviously true. (FURY)
52. This statue ……commemorate………. the soldiers who died in the war. (MEMORY) tuong niem
53. The world champion was ……dethroned………. by a younger Russian challenger. (THRONE) phe
truat ngoi vi
54. …Theoretically………… , we could still win, but it’s not very likely. (THEORY)
55. Newts, frogs and toads are ……amphibious………………….animals. (AMPHIBIAN)
56. They never dare to leave their only child ……unattended……… for even a moment. (ATTEND)

24
57. The place where you can wash your clothes with coin-operated washing machines is called …
laundrette/ laundromat. . (LAUNDRY)
58. They live in a remote area, …inaccessible…………………… except by car. (ACCESS)
59. He was taken to court for ……non- payment……………… . (PAY)
60. Many countries have agreed on the …disarmamemt………………… treaty. (ARM)

III. From the four underlined words or phrases (A), (B), (C), or (D), identify the one that is not
correct. (10 points)
61. If the (A) water level had (B)raised any (C) higher, the dam would (D) probably have broken. ->
risen
62. (A) As soon as 8000 B.C, people (B)began to experiment (C) with methods of helping (D) the sick.
-> by
63. (A) The Concorde can fly (B) across the Atlantic without re-fueling and (C) carrying 11 tons of (D)
freight.
64. The problem of (A) inadequate salaries for teachers (B) not only exists in a smaller (C) communities
but also (D) in large cities.
65. The American soprano Mary Gardour, (A) who had one of the greatest operatic voices of her (B) era,
retired (C) at the height of (D) the career. -> her
C. READING (20 points)
I. Read the passage and then decide which word (A, B, C, or D) best fits each space. (10 points)
Fun and Games
Do you think computer games are just for kids? Then you should think again. You might be surprised to
learn that the games industry now makes more money than Hollywood. (51) …………. A family buy a
new PC, all they really want to do is to play games.
It is (52) ………surprising that video gaming has become one of the most popular (53) ………… of
entertainment today. A good game is like a good film; it will hold your (54) ……………, (55) …………
your imagination and play with your emotions.
The big difference, however, is that watching a movie is a passive (56) …. You have no say in how the
(57) …… develops or which characters dominate the story. With computer games, you direct the action
and that is (58) ……. makes them so exciting. Finding the (59) ……. game is likely to signal the
beginning of a lasting love affair with the interactive world of make-believe.
It is wrong to think of gaming as something simply for children and teenagers. In fact, the (60) ……….
growth area of the market is the 25-35 age group.
51. A. As soon as B. As well as C. As far as D. As long as
52. A. whatever B. no C. hardly D. barely
53. A. makes B. means C. sorts D. forms

25