TRƯỜNG THPT CHUYÊN KỲ THI HỌC SINH GIỎI CÁC TRƯỜNG THPT CHUYÊN

NGUYỄN CHÍ THANH KHU VỰC DUYÊN HẢI VÀ ĐỒNG BẰNG BẮC BỘ
TỔ TIẾNG ANH
NĂM 2023
(ĐỀ ĐỀ XUẤT)
MÔN: TIẾNG ANH 11
Đề này gồm có 18 trang
(Thời gian làm bài: 180 phút)

(Thí sinh làm bài vào Phiếu trả lời)

_________________________________________
I. LISTENING (50 points)
HƯỚNG DẪN PHẦN THI NGHE HIỂU
 Bài nghe gồm 4 phần, mỗi phần được nghe 2 lần, mỗi lần cách nhau 15 giây, mở đầu và kết
thúc mỗi phần nghe có tín hiệu.
 Mở đầu và kết thúc bài nghe có tín hiệu nhạc. Thí sinh có 3 phút để hoàn chỉnh bài trước
tín hiệu nhạc kết thúc bài nghe.
 Mọi hướng dẫn cho thí sinh (bằng tiếng Anh) đã có trong bài nghe.

Part 1: For question 1-5, listen to the talk about how technology helps archaeologists who
want to learn more about text written known as Roman tablets. Decide whether the following
statements are True (T) or False (F). Write your answers in the corresponding numbered
boxes on the answer sheet. (10 points)
1. "Tablets" are wooden pieces that are roughly a little bit thicker and larger than contemporary
envelopes.
2. Many tablets were discovered and are now on display in museums across Europe for everyone
to see.
3. To enable archaeologists to decipher the text on tablets, a leading figure “computer vision" is
used.
4. The tablets were made with a thin hollow panel cut across them. A writing utensil with a fine
metal point was used to inscribe the text into these after wax had been poured into them.
5. The new technology has already been used on texts or ink as well, an in the future, it will be
applied to damage surfaces of many kinds.
Part 2: For questions 6-10, you will hear part of the lecture about tea tree oil. Write NO
MORE THAN THREE WORDS taken from the recording. (10 points)
6. Besides commercial purpose, what are some species of Melaleuca alternifolia used for?
7. What are two common illnesses that can be treated by inhaling the oil of Melaleuca
alternifolia?

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8. What was Sir Hugh Palliser suffering from when he decided to try tea tree oil?
9. What is another name for Tea Tree?
10. What made tea tree oil a commercially potential product for medical use?
Part 3: For questions 11-15, you will hear part of a discussion between two environmentalists,
Ken Forbes and Maggie Dimas, who are talking about cars of the future and cyclists. Choose
the answer (A, B, C or D) which fits best according to what you hear and write your answers
in the corresponding numbered boxes on the answer sheet. (10 points)
11. What main point does Ken make about the driverless cars?
A. They will mean that cyclists will be in more danger.
B. They will make punishments for drivers redundant.
C. They will ensure that cyclists remain unharmed.
D. They will be perfect in every way but construction.
12. When discussing the implications of driverless cars, Maggie reveals ___
A. that non-drivers, not driverless vehicles, might be the biggest problem.
B. that she is frightened by the idea of cars having no driver.
C. her doubt that increased road regulations will guarantee safety.
D. her concern that Ken is too optimistic about the future.
13. On what subject do Ken and Maggie share a common view?
A. Non-drivers will use the driving lanes if given the chance.
B. Traditional street lights must not be removed.
C. The jobs of those in charge will become more difficult.
D. Automatic breaking systems will save many lives.
14. When discussing driverless cars and research, both environmentalists ___
A. acknowledge that various organisations are involved in it.
B. agree that the Google organisation is leading the way.
C. suggest there are still many design problems to be solved.
D. admit they cannot predict when driverless cars will be marketable.
15. What can be inferred from Ken’s closing remarks?
A. He feels driverless technology will have a positive effect on cyclists.
B. He is certain that special laws will be needed to make driverless cars safe.
C. He is in two minds about how driverless technology will affect cyclists.
D. He believes faster cars will pose a threat to both passengers and cyclists.
Part 4: For questions 16-25, you will hear a talk about SpaceX planning to launch its biggest
rocket ever. Complete the summary with NO MORE THAN FOUR WORDS taken from the

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recording. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes on the answer sheet. (20
points)
It began with short hops, then progressed to multiple-kilometer test flights with stunning
landings, both beautiful and (16) _____________.

For the first time ever, they're planning to launch their newest (17) _____________ into space.

The raptor runs on liquid oxygen and methane, rather than Merlin's more traditional RP1 fuel
mix of liquid oxygen and (18) __________________.

The installation of a huge (19) ____________ that enhances space economy is the most obvious
difference between them and the sea level optimized raptor. Having 29 raptors is the best method
to help it go into orbit when SN20 only has three sea-level optimized engines and the added
weight of lugging three more engines and their (20)________________ into orbit.

The Facoln 9 Booster gently touching down on a (21)____________ not only looks like
something out of a science fiction movie, but it has also allowed the business to deploy it
repeatedly.
If the spacecraft is to land on the other planet, it must do it flawlessly or the
(22)_________________ will be flattened.

Despite the fact that the Super Heavy's intended design included a Tower with a
(23)__________________ that would practically snag it as it plummeted toward Earth
SN20 has gone through a series of (24) _______________ to ensure that both the vacuum and
sea level raptors are working properly.

The forthcoming launch of a spaceship could provide a strong (25) ___________ of what is to
come.

II. LEXICO - GRAMMAR (30 points)

Part 1. For questions 26-45, choose the best option A, B, C or D to complete each of the
following sentences and write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes on the
answer sheet. (20 points)
26. I’d sooner you ______ a noise last night; I couldn’t get to sleep.
A. wouldn’t make B. didn’t make
C. haven’t made D. hadn’t made
27. I felt let down by a very unsupportive boardroom, _____ by the very chairman himself,
Wilson Gray. I had no choice but to resign.
A. at most B. not least C. notwithstanding D. henceforth

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28. ______ chair the meeting.
A. John was decided to B. It was decided that John
C. There was decided that John should D. John had been decided to
29. _____ earning a great deal of money as a painter, Ivan Aivazovsky opened an art
school and gallery in his hometown of Feodosiya.
A. For B. Until C. Since D. Upon
30. Not until Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave had been completely explored in 1972 _______.
A. when was its full extent realized B. that its full extent was realized
C. was its full extent realized D. the realization of its full extent
31. She tried to ____ Tom’s importance to the company in order to gain a promotion for herself.
A. diminish B. swindle C. reduce D. shrink
32. They’re having serious problems. Their relationship is on the ___.
A. cliffs B. rocks C. stones D. grass
33. Like more and more women, she believes marriage would ___ her style.
A. restrict B. impede C. obstruct D. cramp
34. It would set a bad ____ if we changed the rules just for one student.
A. precaution B. infringement C. precedent D. manifestation
35. As a ___, politicians and other public figures should avoid making direct statements that
could be used against them.
A. show of hands B. word of mouth C. rule of thumb D. change of heart
36. The renewed in Elizabethan times is evident in the ___ of new Hollywood film set during
that period.
A. transience B. spate C. hypocrisy D. demise
37. The country is an economic ____ with chronic unemployment and rampant crime.
A. lost cause B. false dawn C. dark horse D. basket case
38. Jane is out in the garden mulling ____ a problem to do ____ work.
A. over/ with B. away/ without C. in/to D. into/for
39. I cannot think who had ___ the gaff, but it seems everyone knows that Nicole and I are
planning to get married.
A. burst B. blown C. split D. banged
40. As we were in an urgent need of syringes and other medical equipment, the aid organization
promised to deliver them ___ the double.
A. at B. in C. with D. round
41. He'll have to buckle ____ to his work soon if he wants to pass his finals.
A. up B. in C. down D. for

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42. The Government is trying to ____when it says it will spend more on the health
service without raising taxes.
A. chew the fat B. wave the flag C. square the circle D. put the lid
43. If you are going to town, keep your eyes ____ for that book I was telling you about.
A. peeled B. clean C. wide D. fresh
44. The whole holiday turned out to be an _____ disaster.
A. unmatched B. unmitigated C. undiluted D. unmindful
45. She’s rung _____. I must have said something to upset her.
A. up B. round C. back D. off
Part 2: For questions 46-55, give the correct form of each given word in brackets to complete
the following sentences and write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes on the
answer sheet. (10 points)
46. The police are trying to ____________ what really happened. (CERTAINTY)
47. Urban sewage and industrial waste that man discharges into the sea have a(n) ____________
effect on marine life. (DELETE)
48. There is growing worry at the possible effects on ____________ minds of violence portrayed
on the screen. (IMPRESS)
49. Insider trading is one of the many ____________ that needs to be stopped. (PRACTISE)
50. The person who constructed this room was sadly ____________ of great literature, and failed
to stock even a single book within. (APPRECIATE)
51. I find his threats ____________ and stupid. (INFANT)
52. They are among the most generous, kindly and ____________ people one could know.
(ASSUME)
53. Delays in implementation deadlines have, however, produced a ____________ response
from campaigners. (WARM)
54. Ironically, Tesla’s ____________ imagination was the source of his genius, and the cause of
his downfall as well. (LUXURY)
55. It is vital that he ____________ this realm if he ever want to get anything done effective in
securing it. (MYSTERY)

III. READING (60 points)

Part 1: For questions 56-65, fill each of the following numbered blanks with ONE suitable
word and write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes on the answer sheet. (15
points)

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 THE CUCKOO ROLLER OF MADAGASCAR
This bird is about the same size as the European roller and has many features in common
with its near relatives. (56) ________ the European family, however, the cuckoo roller can
reverse its outer toes, enabling it to perch (57) _________ gripping a branch with two toes
forward and two back. Its eating habits are also quite different. (58) ________ nearly all other
rollers take food on the wing or pluck reptiles or large insects from the ground, the cuckoo
roller stays high up in the forest canopy, (59) _________ on caterpillars, stick insects and,
most important of all, chameleons.
Subtly blending its colours to the forest backcloth, and (60) _________ leaving the safety of
the branches except to cross from one tree to another, the chameleon is an elusive prey.
Even on open ground, (61) __________ myriad dangers it normally avoids, the
chameleon’s slow, swaying walk makes it difficult to see against the leaves. So good is its
camouflage that the cuckoo roller has to (62) ________ up with long periods of watching and
waiting, (63) ________ a tell-tale movement betrays its victim’s presence. At (64) __________,
experts assume this is what happens, because despite the fact that this bird is widespread
throughout Madagascar, no observer has (65) __________ seen it in the process of catching its
prey.

Part 2: For questions 66-75, read the following passage and choose the best answer A, B, C or
D to each question. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxers provided on
the answer sheet. (10 points)

WHY DO WE KEEP PETS?

Why do we keep pets? After all, we are surely the only species on the planet inclined to do so.
Even our closet cousins, the great apes, do not similarly indulge. Indeed, when footage of four
chimps ‘playing’ with an antelope recently emerged, it caused much debate on the subject
momentarily until the exact circumstances of the ‘play date’ were understood. The chimps at first
played innocently with the calf, then gradually their play became rougher and rougher and sadly,
the calf did not come out the other end of the game alive. Despite this, the chimps continued to
amuse themselves with the corpse with no less enthusiasm for a further half hour. Now, do you
see?
Humans, contrarily invest heavily on an emotional and financial level in their domestic animals,
and this again begs the question: why exactly? After all, there is no conclusive evidence to
suggest that we benefit health-wise from, for instance, increased longevity by keeping them and
the effort of caring for pets definitely outweighs any payback there is. As mentioned, pets are

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high-maintenance and require meals, healthcare and housing, and, though they provide
compainionship for some and practical services like guarding for others, caring for them is
extremely time-consuming. They often require walking, grooming, worming and much else
besides. Yet in spite of all this, for many, they are an intrinsic part of the family, almost like
having a child around
However, the comparisons end before they even begin in that respect. After all, there are
practical reasons for having children. From an evolutionary perspective, they keep the genes
alive. Not to mention the fact that they can return the favor of care years down the line when you
have grown old and they are in the prime of their existence. And whilst they also demand an
enormous amount of care and attention (admittedly, there are similarities in some respects,
then!), they can and are typically expected to contribute actively to family affairs themselves as
they get older. There is, in short, a clear return on investment where kids are concerned.
[■]. On the other hand, in the past, perhaps a practical agenda for keeping pets could not be ruled
out so summarily. [■] For instance, pet-tending arguably may have demonstrated desirable
female qualities in the care-giver, making the career more attractive to potential suitors. [■]
Indeed, the urge to care also highlighted other admirable traits of a more empathetic nature. [■]
Indeed, even today, some researchers argue the merits of pet ownership from a practical point of
view, suggesting that they might be helpful to humans lacking emotion and social support. The
science, at least in one respect, is clear and such people are definitely more vulnerable to disease
and infection. However, when it comes to the question of whether pets can adequately fulfil the
vacant role, substituting for human interaction, the situation is a lot more cloudy and
contradictory research exists, with opinions often toing and froing.
Besides, many of us are more like the chimps than we’d perhaps care to admit. For instance, the
notion of pet keeping is a cultural one which does not exist across all cultures. Some Kenyan
indigenous tribes, for instance, do not have a word for pet. They keep dogs, yet, but solely for
their own protection. Indeed, in some cultures young-dog meat itself is a staple of the traditional
diet. Many Westerners claim this shocks them and damn such behavior, but they will happily eat
young sheep, with lamb being a favorite dish for many. What’s the difference? You see, it’s all
about perspective.
Some researchers suggest that pet keeping is a purely cultural phenomenon akin to fashion,
indeed. In other words, it is socially contagious and we keep pets because our friends and
neighbors do – and there is much evidence to support this assertion, in fact. However, the
problem with this theory is it’s a bit like that of the Big Bang, just as we can’t account for where
the particles which produced same to create the universe came from, nor can we explain how or
why the perpetually self-reinforcing trend of pet-keeping began.

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66. Why does the writer use the example of the chimps in paragraph one?
A. to give an instance about the contrast between toys and pets
B. to demonstrate similar behavioral patterns between chimps and humans
C. to exemplify how evolved chimps have become
D. to prove that the subject remains a hotly debated manner
67. The writer implies that
A. keeping pets is not as altruistic as having children.
B. having children and pets are basically the same.
C. it would be more reasonable to have children than keep pets.
D. child bearing ought to take precedence over pet keeping.
68. According to the writer, the rationale behind pet ownership in the past may have been
A. people’s aspiration to appear sympathetic.
B. a yearning by members of one gender to show their compatibility as parents.
C. a craving for the generation of more weath and improvement of social status.
D. a need for an additonal care-giver in the family.
69. In paragraph five, the writer suggests that
A. it has yet to be confirmed whether or not pets have beneficial impacts on the health
conditions of socially isolated people.
B. most researchers concur in relation to the practical benefits of having pets today.
C. research indicates pet owners are more susceptible to disease and infection.
D. pets can substitute the roles of humans in a social context for lonely individuals.
70. What does the writer mean when he mentions ‘perspective’ in the sixth paragraph?
A. Dogs are blatantly abused in certain cultures.
B. Dogs can fulfil the dual role of protector and pet.
C. We cannot judge others by our own conventions.
D. Several countries exploit dogs solely for hunting purposes.
71. Why does the author refer to Big Bang Theory?
A. To suggest that theories fall in and out of popularity within the scientific community.
B. To disprove the notion that pet keeping is fashion led.
C. To call for the implementation of a scientific approach to examine pet keeping habits.
D. To insinuate that a certain theory about pet keeping habits is flawed.
72. The word “antelope” in paragraph 1 mostly means
A. a favorite toy of chimps.
B. chimps’ companion.
C. a corpse that chimps play with.

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 D. a large mammal like a deer.
73. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the
passage.
Alternatively, pet-keeping may have served as a symbol of status and wealth; after all,
before you can own one, you must sound finances.
Where would the sentence best fit?
A. First square.
B. Second square.
C. Third square.
D. Fourth square.
74. Why does the author mention Big Bang in the final paragraph?
A. To highlight the role of the Big Bang theory.
B. To identify a stark contrast between the origin of the universe and that of the pet keeping
habit.
C. To account for the origin of the pet keeping trend.
D. To illustrate the ambiguity in finding out the root of the pet keeping trend.
75. The phrase “perpetually self-reinforcing trend” in the final paragraph mostly means
A. a tendency that has reinforced pet keeping habits so far.
B. a trend that has existed for a long time.
C. a trend that serves to strengthen itself for a long time.
D. a tendency that aims to perpeptually keep pets.
Part 3: For questions 76-88, read the following passage and do the tasks that follow. (13
points)

BISMARCK: A MASTER OF POLITICAL AND DIPLOMATIC JUGGLING?

A. Otto Von Bismarck’s rise up the political ladder was swift and relentless. Having entered
parliament in 1847, he always harboured lofty ambitions, chief among them perhaps being the
reunification of Germany into one strong, centrally controlled state, though his own personal
thirst for power was arguably even stronger. On becoming Prussian Chancellor, he set about
fulfilling his ambitions and in doing so proved himself to be a diplomat of some considerable
skill. Victory in the Austro-Prussian war effectively ended Austria as a factor in German affairs.
His political and military juggling was taken a step further when he orchestrated a situation
where France declared war on Germany in 1870, making the French seem responsible for a
conflict he had always intended to create. And following another swift military triumph, this
time over the French, the German empire was proclaimed in January 1871.

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B. In little more than nine years, Bismarck realised his lifelong ambition, steering Germany to
reunification. And by defeating Austria and France in quick succession, he also created a power
vacuum on mainland Europe, which he was determined to fulfill himself. This was another
opportunity for Bismarck to demonstrate his political and diplomatic cunning. He set about
creating a dictatorial Germany in which he, as head of the Prussian parliament, would
automatically become chancellor of the German empire. He drafted a new German constitution
to suit his own purposes and, despite maintaining a veneer of democracy, the German parliament
was effectively powerless to oppose him. Provinces that were slow to support him were enticed
with bribes and before long the German empire was his to command.
C. It is a testament to his political skill that Bismarck achieved so much so quickly. At this point
in his colourful political career, he did appear, for all intents and purposes, a master of political
and diplomatic juggling. But challenges lay ahead and Bismarck’s next target was the Catholic
church, which he deemed too powerful and a threat to his political dominance. He proceeded to
enact a series of laws that seriously eroded the power of the church. However, his plans
backfired and Bismarck was forced to make a political U-turn. Though here again, he somehow
managed to save face. The damage to his reputation was limited and indeed by the late 1870s, he
had even managed to win over the church whose support he now needed.
D. Bismarck viewed the growing popularity of the Socialist Democratic Party as a serious threat.
He bided his time and used the attempted assassination of the Kaiser as an excuse to attack the
socialists in 1878, blaming them for the attempt on the Kaiser’s life. He immediately arrested the
leaders, banned party meetings, and suppressed socialist newspapers. But despite his efforts to
destroy the socialist movement, its popularity had trebled by 1890. Just as his interventions with
the church had not gone as planned, Bismarck once again failed to achieve his objective; though,
to his credit, he held on to power.
E. His domestic position was relatively secure after 1871, Bismarck devoted a lot of his time to
foreign policy. Having used war to unite Germany and make her great, Bismarck now believed
that his ambitions were best served by peace. His plan to isolate a hostile France would require
all his considerable diplomatic skills. The Dreikaiserbund agreement of 1873 between Germany,
Austria-Hungary, and Russia was a first step towards doing just that. The Balkan crisis, a
conflict involving Russia and Austria-Hungary, severely tested his diplomatic credentials, but his
answer was to offer himself as an ‘honest broker’ to help resolve the dispute. The subsequent
Congress of Berlin which he hosted was an outstanding success and only served to reinforce
Bismarck’s reputation as a shrewd diplomat. Bismarck’s foreign policy would continue in this
vein throughout his reign as Chancellor. He built up strategic alliances with the big powers,

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Russia, Italy, and Austria-Hungary, in the hope that he could keep his main threats, France and
Britain, isolated.
F. In truth, Bismarck’s reign as chancellor of the German empire does seem to confirm him as a
shrewd and wily diplomat and politician, one whose objectives were broadly achieved. Does this
mean his so-called juggling was a success? Perhaps, but Bismarck left a less than perfect legacy.
He created a Germany in which the Kaiser had the ultimate say in domestic affairs and enjoyed
far too much power should he choose to wield it. This meant that the future of the empire largely
depended on the strength and character of just one man, the Kaiser. A weak Kaiser would be
disastrous for the country’s welfare, and so it would soon prove. In the final analysts, Bismarck
put Germany back on the map again as a great power during his reign, but we should not forget
that he created the political situation that would be the downfall of his country in the end. His
political and diplomatic juggling, therefore, simply cannot be considered a total success.
Questions 76-81: Reading passage has six paragraphs A-F. Choose the correct heading, i - ix,
from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number i-ix in the boxes 76-81.
List of headings
i The pace at which Bismarck advanced his ambitions
ii Separating church and state
iii A change of mind
iv Unexpected ramifications of socialist threat
v Unremitting efforts to create a virtual dictatorship
vi External objectives and activities
vii Abortive attempts to curb a movement
viii Political power on the wane
ix A critical analysis

76. Paragraph A _____

77. Paragraph B _____

78. Paragraph C _____

79. Paragraph D _____

80. Paragraph E _____

81. Paragraph F _____

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Questions 82-88: Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading
Passage?
In boxes 82-88, write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
82. Germany defeated France and Austria successively to claim the dominant position in Europe.
83. The Congress of Berlin was a great personal success for Bismarck.
84. After Bismarck enacted laws to weaken the Catholic Church, he was forced to change his
policy and made a church an ally.
85. The Socialist Democratic Party took power from Bismarck in 1890.
86. Bismarck’s foreign policy was to wage war with all countries that posed a military threat.
87. Bismarck considered his reign as German chancellor a failure.
88. It can be concluded that Bismarck was not actually a master of political juggling.
Part 4. In the passage below, seven paragraphs have been removed. For questions 89-95, 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 boxes provided. (7 points)

A Clothing Revolution

If you’re bored with your wardrobe and are looking for a new style, you might want to think
about one of the latest trends in fashion, and that is digital clothing. Unlike all other fashion
trends in the past, digital fashion is unique insofar as it does not actually exist. In this brave new
world clothes are made from pixels rather than fabric and customers can be far more
imaginative; in fact, the sky is the limit when it comes to designs in the digital arena.
89. ____________
However, it is worth bearing in mind that this type of online image manipulation is not a new
idea. People have always paid attention to their profile pictures on a variety of online platforms
that they use in both their private and professional lives. In the same way that appearance can be
influential in real life, our digital appearance plays an important role in how we are perceived by
others, which means people pay attention to it. What is new, though, is the growing number of
advantages of digital over physical fashion

90. ____________

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By only producing a digital version of an item of clothing at first, the costs that are associated
with making samples, having face-to-face meetings and other logistical concerns can be
drastically reduced. The designers can work on each item of clothing using technology rather
than having to produce countless physical items during the design process. Improvements in
technology have meant that seeing a physical garment is not as essential as it used to be.
91. ____________
This is likely to become more important in the near future as companies rush to meet consumers’
needs. Already it is clear that fashion brands are adapting their collections to meet the demands
of new lifestyles, many of which are becoming more flexible in terms of working arrangements.
As more people work from home and attitudes towards formal office attire shift, the fashion
industry will need to continue to respond and create new types of clothing that allow for more
comfort and ease of movement as opposed to stiff formal wear.
92. ____________
They could also start asking for a garment to be copied using different material as a way of
developing a unique personal wardrobe. Many designers are already way ahead of consumers in
this regard and are experimenting with new materials or new ways of using existing materials.
Some current suggestions include clothing that is made entirely from small lights or metal, or
even from plants and flowers. The possibilities for creativity are endless and customers could
end up with the clothes that they have always dreamed of owning yet could never find.
93. ____________
Despite this being a huge step in the right direction, it is unlikely that attitudes to fashion and
gender will change overnight as the technology is not quite as advanced as people might think.
While many brands have an online fitting room for customers to try out clothes before they buy
them, the body shapes used by this kind of software are fairly generic and still based on
traditional views of male and female bodies that rarely conform to reality.
94. ____________
As a result, digital clothing remains quite expensive, but this will change as the technology
improves, and the video game sector can shed some light on customer engagement with digital
fashion. For years, video game enthusiasts have been changing the appearance of their avatars
through outfits and weapons, and are clearly happy to pay for this service, which has caused the
costs of avatar clothing to fall as demand has increased.
95. ____________

The Paragraphs

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A. While some of the new trends have started to emerge, such as the rise in demand for
leisurewear, it is still unclear how the digital fashion market will develop. However, what is
obvious is that it allows for self-expression in a far more nuanced way. For example, a customer
only needs to buy one digital t-shirt, but they could change the image or slogan on that one t-shirt
for many different versions.
B. No one knows whether the cost of digital clothing will come down in a few years’ time. At
present, the market appears to be growing, but some designers have suggested that it is just a
passing phase and its popularity could disappear in a flash. As such they are cautious about
investing time or money in something that may be around for just a few years.
C. Personalisation and creating an individual look contribute to being a key part of the modern
approach to identity, and we can do this by wearing original clothing in both the real and unreal
worlds. The fact that people already do this with imaginary online characters means that it
should come as no surprise that there is a growing desire to do the same with our online selves
too.
D. Costs can be decreased further through the reduction in the time to transport the products to
both bricks-and-mortar-stores and online shopping platforms. This will enable companies to
become more agile, to respond to consumers’ needs and potentially to create more collections
that will start to address individual lifestyle needs instead of being based around the four
seasons.
E. In contrast, the process of having clothing fitted to a specific body shape in a customer’s
photo is much more involved. Currently, this work is done by people and it is still quite a time-
consuming process. Typically, clients upload a photograph and then this image is digitally
dressed by using 3D-modelling software. From start to finish this process can take up to a whole
working day.
F. The most obvious of these is its sustainability. Given that that fashion industry is responsible
for around 10% of greenhouse-gas emissions, there is a clear case for the sustainability of digital
fashion. It can reduce waste considerably, both in terms of making the physical product, but also
by reducing the carbon footprint of the design process, something that people generally think
about far less.
G. Fashion designers have much more freedom with digital garments and can play around in
more creative ways to make clothing more customisable and individual. All this has become
possible because people have been prepared for digital fashion by a social-media-driven, modern
society that is obsessed with photos and online images.

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H. By putting the individual at the heart of digital fashion, there is also the opportunity for a less
prescriptive approach to clothing for men and women. For many years the fashion industry has
been criticised for using thin models and causing body-image issues among young people.
Because digital fashion can be so unique, it challenges these ideas.
Part 5: The passage below consists of five sections marked A-E. For questions 96-105, read
the passage and answer the questions by choosing from the sections of the article (A-E). The
sections may be chosen more than once. Write your answers (A-E) in the corresponding
numbered boxes provided on the answer sheet. (15 points)
Back to Basics for fun at sea
Journalist Tess Jordan joins the crew of the Wincutter for some tall ship sailing.
A. I have always been fascinated by tall ships, with their many imposing masts and sails so
reminiscent of times past. Thus, on being given the chance to join the crew for a month-long
voyage on a tall ship, I grabbed it with both hands. At 42, I was one of the oldest of the thirty
new crew members, whose average age was 23. Despite our combined lack of maritime
experience, we got off to a pleasant, confidence-inducing start organized by Captain Cox and the
bosun, Ben Murray. Obviously, being the crew member in charge of the ship’s equipment and
the deck hands, the bosun would be a constant reassuring presence in our midst. Having
assembled on the deck, we were given a friendly pep talk, in which we were briefed about the
training we would receive and given a thorough grounding in everything concerning safety on
board.
B. Captain Cox explained that absolutely everything we did would be part of the learning
process. Our names were already on lists for working groups known as 'watches'. Each watch
would be on duty for a certain part of the day or night and these would rotate during our time on
board so that we would get a taste of working each different shift. Clearly, we would be getting
to know the other members of our watch really well. We would also be socialising with the other
crew members when participating in different lessons. These included plenty of rope work, sail-
repairing and carpentry. We spent the first afternoon getting acquainted with each other, finding
our way around and learning the names for everything on the ship, whether it moved or not. We
were due to set sail at six in the morning with the high tide. Until then, we hoped the gentle swell
in the harbor was helping us to 'find our sea legs'.
C. One thing that seemed certain from the outset was that we would have little time for idleness
or boredom. On deck, we would be handling lines and sails, keeping lookout and scrubbing the
decks. Sailors have to know a little bit about every aspect of life on board, so we all had turns at
taking the helm to steer the ship. One activity that I was rather anxious about was climbing aloft
in the rigging to trim sails. Fortunately, the harnesses we were equipped with alleviated my

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concerns somewhat, and in the end, it wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. In the galley we
helped the cook prepare meals, did the washing-up and put everything away in its designated
place after meals. Space on any ship is at a premium, hence the need for absolute order.
D. In parallel to our hard physical work, we received lessons in navigation - not just involving
the theory, but with plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice, for example by plotting
our position and checking the course we were on. Although much of this is a science, learning
about wind directions and speeds and the vagaries of different currents in the sea seemed to be
more like an art that must be acquired through long experience. We certainly saw some of the
different moods of the weather at sea. Fortunately, everyone had been provided with top quality
waterproofs for use on deck. Actually the weather conditions gave us ample opportunity to
acclimatise ourselves to the motion of a boat at sea, which can induce dizziness and, in one
unfortunate case involving Jack, a member of my watch, a bad bout of seasickness. Luckily, with
some tips from the seasoned sailors, Jack learnt to overcome his nausea.
E. Ultimately, it turned out to be true that sharing work is a great way of bringing people
together as a cohesive unit and of creating friendships. What's more, as we became more adept at
our work on the Windcutter, we developed the ability to function efficiently enough without
concentrating hard on our tasks, so there was a relaxed atmosphere and a feeling of camaraderie.
After all, this was an experience of a lifetime, not a typical nine-to-five job. Of course, we were
always aware of the need to do things properly, especially since the experienced crew members
weren't going to cut us any slack in terms of the quality of our work. Nevertheless, I was
seriously impressed by our teamwork on the Windcutter, and I truly wish my fellow journalists
and I could achieve similar standards of work here at the Congress Courier.
In which section does the writer mention
96. that tidiness is a necessary consequence of the limited space on board?
97. that the trainees would have to learn some woodworking skills?
98. that there was a high expectation for professional development?
99. that work characteristics require practitioners to maintain a deep mutual understanding?
100. that more time is invested in giving an insight into issues related to security on deck instead
of providing oceangoing firsthand experience?
101. that the driving position was often assigned randomly to educate about daily life on ships?
102. that the balance between theoretical knowledge and frequent real-life applications provoked
a new perspective about an aspect of ship sailing?
103. that teamwork is a prerequisite for creating a tight-knit working environment?
104. that the performance of the novices was judged as severely as usual?
105. that a novice was comforted thanks to the advice of experiencers?

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IV. WRITING (60 points)
Part 1: Read the following extract and use your own words to summarise it. Your summary
should be between 100 and 120 words long. (15 points)
If you think of the jobs robots could never do, you would probably put doctors and teachers at
the top of the list. It's easy to imagine robot cleaners and factory workers, but some jobs need
human connection and creativity. But are we underestimating what robots can do? In some cases,
they already perform better than doctors at diagnosing illness. Also, some patients might feel
more comfortable sharing personal information with a machine than a person. Could there be a
place for robots in education after all?
British education expert Anthony Seldon thinks so. And he even has a date for the robot takeover
of the classroom: 2027. He predicts robots will do the main job of transferring information and
teachers will be like assistants. Intelligent robots will read students' faces, movements and maybe
even brain signals. Then they will adapt the information to each student. It's not a popular
opinion and it's unlikely robots will ever have empathy and the ability to really connect with
humans like another human can.
One thing is certain, though. A robot teacher is better than no teacher at all. In some parts of the
world, there aren't enough teachers and 9–16 per cent of children under the age of 14 don't go to
school. That problem could be partly solved by robots because they can teach anywhere and
won't get stressed, or tired, or move somewhere for an easier, higher-paid job.
Those negative aspects of teaching are something everyone agrees on. Teachers all over the
world are leaving because it is a difficult job, and they feel overworked. Perhaps the question is
not 'Will robots replace teachers?' but 'How can robots help teachers?' Office workers can use
software to do things like organize and answer emails, arrange meetings and update calendars.
Teachers waste a lot of time doing non-teaching work, including more than 11 hours a week
marking homework. If robots could cut the time teachers spend marking homework and writing
reports, teachers would have more time and energy for the parts of the job humans do best.

Part 2: The graph below shows the number of overseas visitors to three different areas in a
European country between 1987 and 2007.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make
comparisons where relevant. (15 points)

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Part 3: Essay writing (30 points)
Write an essay of (at least 350 words) to express your opinion on the following issue.
Some people prefer to provide help and support directly to those in need. Others, however,
prefer to give money to charitable organizations launched by celebrities.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge
or experience.

- THE END -

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