Kỳ thi tuyển sinh vào lớp 10 THPT năm học 2026–2027 tại Bắc Ninh thu hút hơn 50.400 thí sinh, trở thành một trong những kỳ thi có quy mô lớn nhất từ trước đến nay của tỉnh. Đối với các lớp chuyên ngoại ngữ (Tiếng Anh, Tiếng Trung, Tiếng Nhật, Tiếng Hàn và Tiếng Pháp), thí sinh làm chung đề thi môn Tiếng Anh chuyên, sau đó được xét tuyển theo đúng nguyện vọng đăng ký.
Trong bài viết này, bạn có thể tải miễn phí Đề Chuyên Tiếng Anh Bắc Ninh 2026–2027, kèm đáp án, file nghe (Audio), transcript và bản Word (.docx) để thuận tiện cho việc ôn luyện và giảng dạy.
Tóm tắt đề thi
+ Listening (20 điểm): 3 phần (Congress Theatre, Forensic Science, Laughter).
+ Lexico-Grammar (20 điểm): 20 câu trắc nghiệm, 10 câu Word Formation, sửa 5 lỗi sai.
+ Reading (35 điểm): Điền từ, Cloze Test, 2 bài đọc hiểu (E-learning, The Paradox of Choice).
+ Writing (25 điểm): Viết lại câu, Word Transformation, essay 200–250 từ về áp lực của thanh thiếu niên.
Cập nhật đầy đủ ngay dưới đây. Chúc các em ôn tập hiệu quả và đạt kết quả cao trong kỳ thi tuyển sinh vào lớp 10!
Đáp án
PART ONE: LISTENING (20 POINTS)
I.
1. district
2. sweets
3. technical
4. Tuesday
5. 01323 412000
II.
1. D
2. D
3. C
4. C
5. D
6. B
7. B
8. A
9. C
10. A
III.
1. ordinary speech
2. conscious control
3. bonds
4. laughter and power
5. 10 minutes’ jogging
PART TWO: LEXICO-GRAMMAR (20 POINTS)
I.
1. C
2. B
3. C
4. B
5. D
6. B
7. D
8. A
9. C
10. A
11. C
12. D
13. A
14. B
15. C
16. A
17. D
18. A
19. B
20. A
II.
21. characteristic
22. dedication
23. breathe
24. distance
25. occupier / occupant
26. unsympathetically
27. designated
28. practitioners
29. climatology
30. counterproductive
III.
1. wake → awake
2. a research → research
3. regulate → to regulate
4. third → second
5. face with → face
PART THREE: READING (35 POINTS)
I.
1. was
2. once
3. social
4. that
5. prevention
II.
1. B
2. A
3. D
4. D
5. C
6. D
7. A
8. C
9. B
10. A
III.
1. D
2. D
3. B
4. D
5. B
6. D
7. C
8. A
9. B
10. D
IV.
1. A – iv
2. B – vi
3. C – v
4. D – ii
5. F
6. T
7. NG
8. NG
9. cognitive burden
10. navigate and compare
PART FOUR: WRITING (25 POINTS)
I.
1. On his return, there was a letter waiting for him.
2. You should put more effort into your construction project.
3. With a view to preventing violent crime, they are employing drastic measures.
4. He doesn’t stand a chance of winning against such an experienced player.
5. We have yet to decide what action to take to minimize pollution from cars.
6. Try as he might, he couldn’t get the incident out of his mind.
7. Under no circumstances should you approach the man.
8. The search for the missing men may have been conducted in poor weather conditions.
II.
1. The fee they are offering bears no relation to the amount of work involved.
2. The company had huge debts and was on the brink of collapse.
3. Her lawyers have advised her against saying anything to the newspapers.
4. The hotel offers breakfast and evening cocktails on the house.
5. Money from local businesses saved the school from closure.
6. There remaining several questions to be answered, a meeting has been scheduled for next Monday.
7. I came second to last in the race.
SỞ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO
BẮC NINH
(Đề thi có 09 trang) ĐỀ THI TUYỂN SINH VÀO LỚP 10 THPT CHUYÊN
NĂM HỌC 2026 – 2027
Môn thi: Tiếng Anh
(Dành cho thí sinh thi vào chuyên Tiếng Anh,
Tiếng Trung, Tiếng Nhật, Tiếng Hàn, Tiếng Pháp)
Thời gian làm bài: 150 phút, không kể thời gian phát đề
PART ONE: LISTENING (20 POINTS)
I. You will hear a radio announcement about a competition at the Congress Theatre. Listen and fill in each gap with NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER. You will listen to the recording TWICE. (5 pts.)
Win a ‘Dream Night’ at the Congress Theatre
Location The centre of the theatre (1) __________ of London
Prize Four pairs of tickets
Free refreshments Ice cream, drinks and (2) __________
Bonus Talking to the actors in person
Seeking the (3) __________ side of the performance
Seeking the Technicolor Dreamcoat up close
Matinees At 2:30 p.m. from (4) __________ to Thursday
Ticket prices From £11 to £24.50
Box office phone number (5) __________
II. You will hear an interview with Dr. Lafford, a leading expert in the field of forensic science. Listen and write the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions. You will listen to the recording TWICE. (10 pts.)
1. What does Dr. Lafford say about his work?
A. It bears no resemblance to Sherlock Homes’.
B. It is the most updated version of Sherlock Homes’.
C. It is exactly the same as Sherlock Homes’.
D. It is somehow developed from Sherlock Homes’.
2. The most distinctive feature of Sherlock Homes as a detective is __________.
A. his medical knowledge B. his detailed observation
C. his forensic evidence D. his psychological approach
3. What can be inferred about the forensic scientist?
A. He collaborates with the police. B. He is part of the police force.
C. He can ensure impartiality in his work. D. He offers impartial advice to the police.
4. The fundamental principle behind forensic science is that clues can be collected from __________.
A. every suspect B. every fingerprint C. every contact D. every material
5. The carpet at the scene becomes decisive evidence when __________.
A. left with a fingerprint on it B. left intact at the scene
C. covered by a piece of clothing D. found on the suspect’s clothing
6. What is TRUE about forensic science?
A. It is a question of seeing whether collected samples match up.
B. It involves conducting numerous meticulous tasks.
C. It needs much more time and effort than any other work.
D. It includes identifying and capturing the suspects.
7. What might help the forensic scientist identify the state of the lights at the time of the accident?
A. The model, the make, and the age of the hit-and-run car
B. Minute pieces of molten glass on the metal filament in the bulb
C. The number embossed on the back of the glass of the hit-and-run car
D. The model, the age, and the make of the light bulb
8. Which of the following cannot be done by electron microscopes?
A. Identifying any medical elements left at the scene
B. Comparing the paint on a suspect’s clothing and at the scene
C. Determining the tools used to cut the hair
D. Examining whether a piece of hair has been broken or cut
9. What does Dr. Lafford claim about the evidence he provides?
A. It is totally accurate. B. It is scientifically foolproof.
C. It can be sometimes false. D. It produces conflicting results.
10. In Dr. Lafford’s example, the examination of hair mainly aims at __________.
A. narrowing down the number of suspects B. determining its chemical composition
C. finding the gender of the suspects D. identifying the age of the suspects
III. You will hear a lecture on the importance of laughter. Listen and fill in each gap with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/ OR A NUMBER from the audio. You will listen to the recording TWICE. (5 pts.)
LAUGHTER
The nature of laughter
• A physical activity, involving movement of the muscles of the face and the chest;
• Unlike (1) __________, laughter is not a voluntary behavior;
• Regulated by instincts, and not always under (2) __________
Reasons for laughter
• Only 10% of laughter is caused by jokes or funny stories;
• May have originally started as a sign of relief after a dangerous situation;
• Be a kind of social signal, and result in (3) __________ between the people in the group;
• Connection between (4) __________ is utilized by public speakers, politicians and bosses.
Benefits of laughter
• Release negative emotions such as anger and sadness;
• Increase heart rate and respiration, raise blood pressure;
• 100 laughs a day is the equivalent of (5) __________
PART TWO: LEXICO-GRAMMAR (20 POINTS)
I. Write the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions. (10 pts.)
1. The car is suffering engine failure. It is imperative that its engine __________.
A. is completely checked B. were completely checked
C. be completely checked D. had been completely checked
2. The property encompassed about eighty thousand acres, __________.
A. is seven times the area of Manhattan Island B. seven times the area of Manhattan Island
C. the area of Manhattan Island seven times D. the area of seven times Manhattan Island
3. Having been degraded by years of industrial pollution, __________.
A. an environmental restoration program now focuses on the coastal wetlands
B. focus by environmental restoration program now remains on the coastal wetlands
C. the coastal wetlands are now the focus of an environmental restoration program
D. the coastal wetlands are now being focused on an environmental restoration program
4. Changes in temperature and precipitation can negatively affect breeding habits, alter migration routes, and __________ the delicate balance between predators and preys.
A. manage B. disturb C. sustain D. redress
5. For mountain-climbing, a really good sleeping-bag is __________.
A. attainable B. verifiable C. undeniable D. indispensable
6. The house __________ a commanding position at the top of the valley.
A. indicates B. occupies C. illustrates D. determines
7. __________, such as a company car or stock options, I would have considered applying for the position.
A. Should the company provide fringe benefits B. But for the company’s fringe benefits
C. If the company didn’t provide fringe benefits D. Had the company provided fringe benefits
8. __________ has forced many schools to change their cafeteria menu.
A. That most students prefer buying sugary snacks instead of healthy meals
B. What most students prefer buying sugary snacks instead of healthy meals
C. Fact of most students prefer buying sugary snacks instead of healthy meals
D. Most students prefer buying sugary snacks instead of healthy meals
9. There was a power failure, __________ the whole computer system to shut down.
A. caused B. to cause C. causing D. causes
10. The use of robots has __________ boring low-paid factory jobs.
A. done away with B. put down for C. passed on to D. made up for
11. It is claimed that the economy is improving, but this survey suggests __________.
A. certainly B. seriously C. otherwise D. nonetheless
12. It is common knowledge that exams are done under strict time __________.
A. processes B. boundaries C. signals D. constraints
13. When treating any health problem, it’s always important to consider the __________ causes.
A. underlying B. deserving C. worthwhile D. sufficient
14. The arguments about who should be __________ to vote brought registration to a halt.
A. respectable B. eligible C. admissible D. reasonable
15. The medical equipment of the hospital is a bit __________. This reduces the quality of disease diagnosis and treatment.
A. ahead of its time B. high and low C. behind the times D. like nothing on earth
16. By definition, hyperactive children __________ to keep still or be quiet for very long.
A. find it difficult B. find it to be difficult
C. find them difficult D. find difficult
17. The government has __________ plans for new legislation to protect disadvantaged children.
A. addressed B. disrupted C. reflected D. unveiled
18. Since our research so far has not produced any answers to this problem, we need to adopt a different __________ to it.
A. approach B. criterion C. mannerism D. procedure
19. Two friends are talking about food production.
– Freda: I feel that the term ‘organic production’ is being abused.
– Mandy: __________. Many manufacturers still use harmful chemicals in the production of the so-called ‘organic food’.
A. I don’t think so B. I couldn’t agree more
C. Feel free to ask D. I’m not with you
20. Kayla has helped Julian a lot in his medical research.
– Julian: Thank you very much for your help.
– Kayla: __________. It’s a pleasure.
A. Not at all B. Come what may C. Be my guest D. That figures
II. Complete the sentence in each of the following questions by giving the correct form of the given word. (5 pts.)
21. Larry, with __________ generosity, invited everyone back to his house. (CHARACTER)
22. We appreciate your __________ to our administration and your help at a time when needed. (DEDICATE)
23. The firefighters wore respirators to help them __________ in the smoke-filled house. (BREATH)
24. The universities could coordinate __________ learning packages for their graduates in various hospitals. (DISTANT)
25. All outstanding bills will be paid by the previous __________. (OCCUPY)
26. ‘You’ve only got yourself to blame,’ she said __________. (SYMPATHY)
27. He didn’t drink because he was the __________ driver who drove the others home safely. (DESIGNATE)
28. Medical __________ are seen as having the required expert knowledge permitting them legally to prescribe drugs and treatment to which patients would not, otherwise, have access. (PRACTISE)
29. Perhaps, in a science as complex as __________, computer models are imperfect. (CLIMATE)
30. Constant correction by a teacher is often __________, as the student may become afraid to speak at all. (PRODUCE)
III. There are FIVE mistakes in the following text. Identify the mistakes and give the corrections. An example has been done for you. (5 pts.)
Example: eight-hours eight-hour
The Myth of the Eight-hour Sleep
We often worry about lying wake in the middle of the night – but it can be good for you. Indications from both science and history suggest that the eight-hours sleep may not be natural or inborn for humans. In the early 1990s, psychiatrist Thomas Wehr conducted a research in which Wehr kept a group of people in a darkened room for 14 hours a day for a month. It took some time for their sleep regulate, but by the fourth week the subjects had settled into a very distinct sleep pattern. Firstly, they slept four hours, then woke for one or two hours before falling into a third four-hour sleep. Sleep scientists were impressed by the implications of the study.
Sleep psychologist, Gregg Jacobs, says that the idea that we must sleep for an extended period of time can change. ‘It makes people who wake up in the night anxious, as this anxiety can itself discourage sleep and is likely to affect waking life, too,’ Jacobs says. Russell Foster, a professor of circadian (body clock) neuroscience at Oxford University in the UK, shares this point of view. ‘Over 30% of the medical problems that doctors face with stem directly or indirectly from sleep,’ Foster says.
(Adapted from Cambridge IELTS 9)
PART THREE: READING (35 POINTS)
I. Read the text below and fill in each gap with ONE suitable word. (5 pts.)
Recent research has revealed that a third of people in Britain have not met their next-door neighbors, and those who know each other barely speak. ‘The sight of neighbors gossiping over garden fences and in the street (1) __________ common in the 1950s’, said Dr. Carl Chinn, an expert on local communities. Now, however, longer hours spent working at the office, together with the Internet and satellite television, are eroding neighborhood ties. ‘Poor neighborhoods (2) __________ had strong kinship, but now prosperity buys privacy,’ said Dr. Carl.
Professor John Locke, a social scientist at Cambridge University, has analyzed a large number of surveys. He found that in America and Britain, the amount of time spent in (3) __________ activity is decreasing. A third of people said they never spoke to their neighbors at all. Andrew Mayer, a strategy consultant, rents a large apartment in West London, with two flatmates. ‘We have a family of teachers upstairs and lawyers below, but our contact comes via letters relating to the communal facilities or complaints (4) __________ we’ve not put out our bin bags properly,’ said Mayer.
The breakdown of communities can have serious effects. Concerned at the rise in burglaries and acts of vandalism, the police have relaunched crime (5) __________ schemes such as Neighborhood Watch, calling on people who live in the same neighborhood to keep an eye on each other’s houses and report everything they see which is unusual.
(Adapted from https://moodle.phgr.ch)
II. Read the following passage and write the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks. (10 pts.)
Academic success is frequently considered as the combination of academic performance, persistence, and satisfaction. Of these, performance is often treated as the (1) __________ indicator, primarily due to its obvious objectivity and gaining of quantification through grades and standardized assessments. However, such reliance may risk privileging (2) __________ outcomes over less visible, yet equally consequential, dimensions. While performance can signal attainment, it does not necessarily capture the conditions (3) __________ which that attainment is produced.
Increasingly, (4) __________ has shifted toward the underlying factors that shape academic achievements. Although strong performance may appear to reflect competence or effective learning strategies, it can also coexist with less (5) __________ challenges, including chronic stress or disengagement. These factors, while not immediately observable, may exert a delayed influence on persistence and satisfaction. For instance, students who initially achieve high results may nonetheless experience (6) __________ motivation over time, suggesting that performance alone is an insufficient substitute for long-term academic stability. Importantly, the absence of visible difficulty should not be interpreted as the absence of strain.
In response, institutions have implemented a range of interventions (7) __________ to mitigate the adverse effects associated with these hidden pressures. Such measures often include psychological support services, structured academic guidance, and initiatives aimed at (8) __________ social integration. Evidence suggests that these strategies can enhance student engagement, their effectiveness is, (9) __________, not uniform across contexts. In some cases, improvements in retention are evident, yet the extent to which these gains can be (10) __________ solely to institutional support remains open to interpretation. This raises questions about whether such interventions address root causes or merely alleviate symptoms.
(Adapted from https://www.tandfonline.com/)
1. A. unreliable B. predominant C. contributory D. irrelevant
2. A. measurable B. inevitable C. statistical D. unintended
3. A. behind B. within C. from D. under
4. A. confusion B. attitude C. perspective D. attention
5. A. serious B. daunting C. apparent D. continuous
6. A. consistent B. individual C. increasing D. diminishing
7. A. intended B. intending C. intend D. to intend
8. A. worsening B. governing C. fostering D. requiring
9. A. therefore B. however C. thereby D. although
10. A. attributed B. contributed C. allocated D. adjusted
III. Read the following passage and write the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions. (10 pts.)
[I] The global pandemic of 2020 served as an unprecedented catalyst for the education sector, forcing an abrupt transition from traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms to virtual learning environments. [II] Educators and institutions were compelled to proceed with curricula despite the absence of physical proximity, leading to the rapid development of e-learning platforms. [III] Although the suddenness of this transition presented significant logistical obstacles, it also highlighted the limitations of conventional schooling and the vast potential of digital integration in the 21st century. [IV]One of the primary advantages of e-learning lies in its unparalleled efficiency and personalization. Unlike the “one-size-fits-all” approach often found in traditional settings, digital platforms allow for a more student-centered experience. Through Learning Management Systems (LMS), educators can integrate diverse media—such as podcasts, interactive simulations, and real-time debates—to cater to various learning styles. Furthermore, the availability of precise LMS metrics enables teachers to monitor students’ performance with surgical accuracy, allowing for timely interventions. For instance, introverted students, who might feel marginalized in a loud classroom, often find their voice in online discussion forums, where the pressure of immediate verbal response is mitigated.
Accessibility and flexibility further solidify e-learning’s position as a viable alternative to higher education. For adult learners who want to balance professional responsibilities with academic pursuits, the ability to study at one’s own pace is indispensable. Research indicates that this autonomy can lead to a 25% to 60% increase in information retention rates, as students can revisit complex lectures until mastery is achieved. Moreover, the rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), such as Coursera, has democratized elite education. These platforms provide a bridge for students in developing regions to access certifications from world-renowned corporations like Google, effectively narrowing the global skill gap. This democratization allows a student in a rural village to learn the same concepts as one in a major metropolis.
Despite its clear benefits, the future of e-learning is not without its skeptics. Critics argue that the lack of face-to-face interaction may diminish the development of essential social skills and collaborative emotional intelligence. However, the consensus among experts suggests that digital learning is no longer a secondary tool but a core component of modern instruction. Rather than resisting this evolution, society must focus on perfecting these tools to ensure they are equitable and inclusive. The goal is not to replace the human element of teaching, but to augment it through technology, creating a future where high-quality education is a universal right rather than a geographic privilege.
(Adapted from On Point Reading and Critical-thinking Skills)
1. Which of the following can serve as the title of the passage?
A. Drawbacks of Traditional Schooling B. A Detailed Analysis of E-learning
C. Educational Platforms in the Pandemic D. Benefits and Potential of E-learning
2. Where in the passage does the following sentence best fits?
While this shift was initially viewed as a temporary emergency measure, it has fundamentally reshaped the way people teach and learn.
A. [I] B. [II] C. [III] D. [IV]
3. The word marginalized in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to __________.
A. indifferent B. insignificant C. indecisive D. competent
4. The word it in the last paragraph refers to __________.
A. the future of e-learning B. face-to-face interaction
C. emotional intelligence D. human element of teaching
5. Why does the writer mention the situation of introverted students in paragraph 2?
A. To criticize the setting of traditional schools B. To highlight a benefit of e-learning
C. To prove the need for teachers’ intervention D. To voice objection to online discussion forums
6. E-learning seems to be the optimal choice for adult learners because __________.
A. they can attend as many lectures as possible
B. they can choose suitable learning platforms
C. they are provided with safer learning settings
D. they are able to learn at their convenience
7. According to paragraph 3, e-learning __________.
A. offers an obvious alternative to home schooling
B. fosters learners’ independence of digital devices
C. offers equal access to prestigious institutions
D. is for those with information retention problems
8. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?
A. There are still concerns about the application of e-learning in the future.
B. Not a single person is skeptical about the sustainable development of e-learning.
C. The negative effects e-learning can have on education are inevitable.
D. It is more and more challenging for educational institutions to apply e-learning.
9. Which of the following can be inferred from paragraph 4?
A. With its potential, technology will eventually replace human teachers in the future.
B. Technology shouldn’t be a replacement but a facilitator to human teachers.
C. Human interaction is the only thing that matters in a high-quality education.
D. Teachers need to work harder to outperform new technology in the long run.
10. Which of the following is NOT TRUE according to the passage?
A. Adult learners often find the flexibility of e-learning beneficial for their careers.
B. Critics are concerned that online learning might hinder social skill development.
C. Educators can tailor their lessons to the needs of their students.
D. Educational institutions were willing to adopt online platforms during the pandemic.
IV. Read the following passage and do the tasks that follow. (10 pts.)
The Paradox of Choice in Modern Consumer Societies
A. In contemporary consumer societies, the expansion of choice is frequently regarded as an unquestionable indicator of progress. Supermarkets now stock hundreds of variations of similar products, while digital platforms allow consumers to browse an almost limitless range of goods and services from across the globe. This abundance is often assumed to enhance personal freedom, enabling individuals to select options that best align with their preferences and values. It is also commonly associated with increased competition and innovation, as producers attempt to differentiate their offerings in increasingly saturated markets. However, an increasing body of psychological and economic research suggests that the relationship between choice and satisfaction is far more complex than it initially appears, and in some cases may even produce unintended negative consequences for consumers.
B. One explanation for this paradox lies in the cognitive demands associated with evaluating numerous alternatives. Each additional option introduces new variables that must be processed, compared, and prioritized. While a small set of choices can be handled with relative ease, a larger assortment may overwhelm an individual’s decision-making capacity. As a result, people often experience what researchers describe as “decision fatigue,” a condition in which the quality of decisions declines after extended periods of deliberation. This phenomenon is particularly evident in situations requiring repeated judgments over time, such as financial planning, online shopping, or selecting among complex service options. In such contexts, individuals may begin to rely on shortcuts or heuristics, which do not always lead to optimal outcomes.
C. Beyond the immediate difficulty of making a decision, excessive choice can also influence how individuals feel after a selection has been made. When only a limited number of options are available, people tend to feel more confident that they have made a satisfactory choice. In contrast, when faced with a wide array of alternatives, individuals are more likely to reflect on the possibilities they rejected. This process, commonly referred to as “counterfactual thinking,” involves imagining how different choices might have produced better outcomes, thereby reducing satisfaction with the chosen option and increasing feelings of regret, uncertainty, and self-doubt. Over time, such patterns may even discourage individuals from engaging fully in future decision-making situations.
D. Importantly, the relationship between choice and satisfaction does not follow a simple linear pattern. Increasing the number of options from very few to a moderate level can enhance feelings of autonomy and control. However, once this optimal threshold is exceeded, additional choices begin to have diminishing and eventually negative effects. This inverted relationship highlights the existence of a balance point, beyond which the psychological costs of decision-making outweigh the perceived benefits of having more options. Determining this threshold, however, may vary across individuals depending on factors such as experience, expertise, and cognitive capacity, as well as the perceived importance of the decision itself.
E. The implications of excessive choice extend beyond individual experiences to influence broader patterns of behaviour in modern economies. In markets characterised by intense competition, companies often assume that expanding product lines will attract more consumers and increase overall engagement. Yet empirical studies suggest that an overabundance of options can lead to decision avoidance, where individuals postpone making a choice or abandon the process entirely. This effect has been observed in contexts such as retirement planning, insurance selection, and healthcare decisions, where the complexity of available options can discourage active engagement and informed participation. In some cases, individuals may even delegate decisions to others simply to avoid the cognitive burden involved.
F. Recognising these challenges, some organisations have begun to adopt strategies aimed at simplifying consumer decision-making. Rather than offering an overwhelming number of options, they curate selections that are easier to navigate and compare. In addition, they may provide recommendations, default choices, or structured decision pathways that guide individuals toward suitable outcomes. These approaches reflect an understanding that freedom of choice is most beneficial when it is accompanied by clarity and support, rather than excessive complexity that may discourage engagement or lead to suboptimal decisions. Increasingly, such strategies are being integrated into digital interfaces and service design.
G. Ultimately, the paradox of choice reveals a fundamental tension within modern economic systems. While technological advancement has made it possible to expand the range of available options, human cognitive capacity remains inherently limited. As a result, the challenge lies not in increasing choice indefinitely, but in designing environments that enable individuals to make effective decisions without becoming overwhelmed. By acknowledging the limits of human cognition, it is possible to create systems that preserve the advantages of choice while minimising its unintended negative consequences, both for individuals and for society as a whole. This perspective suggests that progress should be measured not only by the quantity of choice, but also by the quality of decision-making it enables.
(Adapted from American Psychological Association and Harvard Business Review)
For questions 1 – 4, match the paragraphs (A – D) with the most suitable headings (i – vi). There are two extra options that you do not need to use.
Headings
i. The positive correlation between choice and satisfaction
ii. How to determine the optimal number of choices
iii. The benefits of the abundance of choice
iv. The paradox of choice at first glance
v. Negative emotions after making decisions
vi. Uninformed decisions due to excessive choice Paragraphs
1. Paragraph A __________
2. Paragraph B __________
3. Paragraph C __________
4. Paragraph D __________
For questions 5 – 8, decide whether the following statements are True (T), False (F), or Not Given (NG).
5. A significant amount of identical goods are on display at supermarkets to attract customers.
6. One may experience “decision fatigue” as he fails to handle a wide variety of choices.
7. The final choice is often the least favored of the decision-maker.
8. That the number of choices remains stable at all times offers people positive feelings.
For questions 9 – 10, read the summary and fill in each gap with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage.
Excessive choice has a profound effect on personal experiences as well as patterns of behaviors in different fields. Some individuals tend to delay their decision making, or eliminate this process entirely. Some assign it to others as they do not want to bear the (9) __________. To solve this problem, businesses offer options that customers can (10) __________ at ease.
PART FOUR: WRITING (25 POINTS)
I. For each of the following questions, complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the given one, beginning with the word(s) provided. (8 pts.)
1. When he returned, there was a letter waiting for him.
On his ________________________________________________________________________
2. You should try harder in your construction project.
You should put _________________________________________________________________
3. They are employing drastic measures to prevent violent crime.
With a view ____________________________________________________________________
4. There is no chance that he will win against such an experienced player.
He doesn’t stand ________________________________________________________________
5. We haven’t decided what action to take to minimize pollution from cars.
We have yet ___________________________________________________________________
6. He tried his best but he couldn’t get the incident out of his mind.
Try __________________________________________________________________________
7. You shouldn’t approach the man, in any circumstances.
Under ________________________________________________________________________
8. Perhaps the search for the missing men was conducted in poor weather conditions.
The search for the missing men _____________________________________________________
II. For each of the following questions, complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the given one, using the word in capital. Do not change the given word in any way. Use NO MORE THAN SEVEN WORDS. (7 pts.)
1. The fee they are offering has nothing to do with the amount of work involved. (RELATION)
The fee ________________________________________________ the amount of work involved.
2. The company had huge debts and was about to collapse. (BRINK)
The company had huge debts and ___________________________________________________
3. Her lawyers have advised her not to say anything to the newspapers. (AGAINST)
Her lawyers _____________________________________________ anything to the newspapers.
4. The hotel offers free breakfast and evening cocktails. (HOUSE)
The hotel offers _________________________________________________________________
5. The school would have faced closure but for money from local businesses. (SAVED)
Money _________________________________________________________________ closure.
6. Because there remain several questions still to be answered, a meeting has been scheduled for next Monday. (REMAINING)
There __________________________________, a meeting has been scheduled for next Monday.
7. I was the one before the last competitor in the race. (SECOND)
I came _______________________________________________________________ in the race.
III. Essay Writing (10 pts.)
Some individuals believe that teenagers are suffering from more pressures than previous generations.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Write an essay of about 200-250 words to express your opinion.
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