Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.

    In the early 1800s, less than 3% of the world's population lived in cities; today, more than half of the global population is urban and by 2050, the proportion will rise to three quarters. There are thousands of small and medium-sized cities along with more than 30 megacities and sprawling, networked metropolitan areas — conurbations — with 15 million residents or more. Yet despite these massive transformations in how people live and interact, our international affairs are still largely dictated by nation states, not cities.

    Cities are beginning to flex their muscles on the international stage. They are already displacing nation states as the central nodes of the global economy, generating close to 80% of global GDP. Cities like New York and Tokyo are bigger in GDP terms than many G-20 countries.

    Metropolitan regions and special economic zones are linking global cities through transnational supply chains. A growing number of mega-regions, such as those linking cities in Mexico and the US, transcend borders. In the process, cities are collectively forging common regional plans, trading partnerships, and infrastructure corridors.

The spectacular rise of cities did not happen by accident. Cities channel creativity, connect human capital, and when well governed, they drive growth. That many cities and their residents are rolling up their sleeves and getting things done — where nations have failed — are grounds for optimism. In the future, we hope that it is our proximate, accountable, and empowered city leaders who will define our fates.

Câu 31. What is the passage mainly about?

Nobody believed him although he managed to convince them _____his innocence.

He felt a sense of incredulity, anger and pain at the _________made against him.

Mysteriously, the light came on, __________no one was near the switch.

Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the underlined part that needs correction in each of the following questions.

Câu 28. Despite the fact that it has been a long debate, I hope that the dispute will be settled without resource to litigation.

Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions.

Câu 21. It's only quite recently that the long-lasting and devastating effects of such chemicals on wildlife have come to light.

Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.

Câu 5. I was told by my friends not to believe __________ girl’s tears.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

        The tradition of gift giving is a worldwide (23)_______ that is said to have been around since the beginning of human beings. Over time, different cultures have developed their own gift giving customs and traditions.

         In France, the gift of wine for the hostess of a dinner party is not an appropriate gift as the hostess would prefer to choose the vintage for the night. In Sweden, a bottle of wine or flowers are an appropriate gift for the hostess. In Viet Nam, a gift of whisky is appropriate for the host, and some fruit or small gifts for the hostess, children or elders of the home. Besides, gifts should never be wrapped in black paper because this color is unlucky and associated with funerals in this country. Gifts                    (24)____________symbolize cutting such as scissors, knives and other sharp objects should be avoided because they mean the cutting of the relationship. Also, in some countries you should not open the gift in front of the giver and in (25)__________ it would be an insult if you did not open the gift.

       Beyond the gift itself, give careful consideration to the manner in which it is presented. Different cultures have different customs regarding how a gift should be offered - using only your right hand or using both hands, (26)_____. Others have strong traditions related to the appropriate way to accept a gift. In Singapore, for instance, it is the standard to graciously refuse a gift several times before finally accepting it. The recipient would never unwrap a gift in front of the giver for fear of appearing greedy.

       Understanding these traditions and customs, as well as taking time to choose an appropriate gift, will help you to avoid any awkwardness or (27)__________ as you seek to build a better cross-cultural relationship.

(Source: http://www.giftypedia.com/International_Gift_Customs)

Police are investigating how £20 million illegally transferred out of the trust's bank account.

Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions.

Câu 19. The Beatles split up in 1970 and its members followed their individual careers.

An independent adviser has been brought in __________between the two sides involved in the conflict.

Mr. Brown ________reading the letter when the telephone on his desk rang.