Đề thi Chuyên Anh TP HCM năm học 2024-2025 có đáp án

SỞ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO 

THÀNH PHỐ HỒ CHÍ MINH

(Đề thi gồm 04 trang)

KỲ THI TUYỂN SINH LỚP 10 THPT NĂM HỌC 2024-2025

KHÓA NGÀY 06, 07 THÁNG 6 NĂM 2024

Môn chuyên: TIẾNG ANH

Ngày thi: 07 tháng 06 năm 2024

Thời gian làm bài: 150 phút, không kể thời gian phát đề

Họ và tên thí sinh: ___________________________________ Số báo danh: __________

I. USE OF ENGLISH (30 PTS)

PART A: CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER TO FILL IN THE BLANK. (10 PTS)

1. Kaitlyn deserves to win the award; she __________ hard for years.

A. has worked   B. has been working C. was working  D. got used to working

2. My grandpa, __________, has shaped me into the person I am today.

A. whom I owe more than I can say   B. to whom I owe more than I can ever say

C. that I owe more than I can say to    D. who I can owe more than I can ever say   

3. __________ in joining the hiking club should sign up by Friday.

A. Any interesting people   B. Any people interesting   C. Any interested people    D. Any people interested

4. I’d rather __________ someone in person than over the phone.

A. talk to  B. to talk to   C. that I talk to   D. that I talked to

5. The unforeseen circumstances led to the rescheduling of the conference that was __________ last month, much to the attendees’ disappointment.

A. to hold  B. to have held C. to be held   D. to have been held

6. He had a reason for doing it, but precisely __________ will probably never be known.

A. what was it reason   B. what that reason was C. which was that reason    D. which that reason was

7. __________ will they complete construction of the new bridge, ensuring connection between the two communities on either side of the river?

A. How long B. How far  C. How soon D. How much

8. It is __________ essential that our pilots should undergo the best possible training.

A. too  B. absolutely   C. very D. so

9. In retrospect, I realize now that I __________ him the truth from the beginning, rather than concealing it.

A. should tell  B. should have told C. can’t have told  D. wouldn’t have told

10. Steve has done really well in life, __________ the poor start he had.

A. estimating   B. regarding    C. considering  D. remarking

11. Gathering around the crackling fire, we listened intently to Grandma’s captivating retelling of __________, each tale infused with wisdom and cultural richness.

A. old inspiring Vietnamese stories B. Vietnamese inspiring old stories

C. inspiring Vietnamese old stories D. inspiring old Vietnamese stories

12. Thu’s parents were __________ surprised at her remarkable achievement, their pride evident in every congratulatory hug and beaming smile.

A. more happy than  B. happier than C. most happy to    D. the happiest

13. The hostel room was __________ furnished with only one bed, a wardrobe and an old armchair.

A. thinly   B. sparsely C. lightly  D. sketchily

14. Despite her limited income, Sarah managed to __________ very little money by budgeting carefully and prioritizing her expenses.

A. get by on    B. get along with   C. get down to  D. get off

15. As the news of the devastating landslide spread, communities across the country __________ sympathy, offering support and assistance to those affected by the tragedy.

A. put up with  B. came out in  C. went in for  D. got down to

16. I managed to slip into the bedroom without Mum hearing me, but it was a __________ thing.

A. fine B. narrow   C. close    D. just

17. He seemed to have __________ when he decided to quit his stable job and travel the world with no plan.

A. taken his leave  B. left well enough alone   C. left it at that  D. taken leave of his senses

18. At Christmas, we should all __________ those less fortunate than ourselves.

A. collect our thoughts of  B. offer plenty food for thought for

C. spare a thought for  D. give no thought to

19. - Anna: This area needs a good cheap restaurant.

- Brian: __________ A relative of mine is planning to open one in a month or two.

A. That’s news to me.   B. Talk of the devil!   C. If you ask me.   D. Funny you should say that!

20. - Binh: How often do the buses run to the city center?

- An: __________

A. How’s it going? I always go by motorcycle.   B. You could always. I often go by motorcycle.

C. I haven’t the foggiest! I always go by motorcycle.   D. I dread to think how often I run to the city center.

PART B: CHOOSE THE WORD OR PHRASE THAT BEST FITS EACH SPACE IN THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE. (20 PTS)

PASSAGE 1

Honestly is a valued trait, and I can see the (1) __________ of trying to be honest to yourself and others around you (2) __________. What others don’t mention is that it can also be a real challenge, particularly these days. (3) __________, for instance, social media. In many ways, it’s an honest form of communication. Profiles are (4) __________ to be the representation of who we would like to be, not who we actually are. We anticipate photos of people in a celebratory mood while attending major social (5) __________. Nobody expects to see a social media stream which (6) __________ ugly photos, or confessions that you spent the evening in your pajamas watching box sets. That won’t help to generate much (7) __________ for you among viewers. Many media commentators don’t realize that overstated profiles may not result in significant (8) __________ for many younger people as commonly believed. The (9) __________, however, that your social media profile has on your life is huge. Your mother will be straight upstairs if she sees something she doesn’t (10) __________ of, so nobody ever goes too far. The truth, but just a bit better - that’s the way of the twenty-first century.

1.  A. aim  B. dilemma  C. appeal   D. call

2.  A. for the time being   B. in the nick of time  C. behind the times D. all the times

3.  A. Get  B. Take C. Make D. Use

4.  A. regarded B. viewed   C. reflected    D. considered

5.  A. incidents    B. activities   C. events   D. affairs

6.  A. features B. concentrates C. stresses D. demonstrates

7.  A. attention    B. acceptance   C. affection    D. awareness

8.  A. focus    B. consequence  C. senses   D. outcomes

9.  A. response B. influence    C. reaction D. conclusion

10. A. respect  B. appreciate   C. value    D. approve

PASSAGE 2

In today's competitive world, what responsible parent would not want to give their children the best possible start in life? For this reason, many parents want their children, often as young as ten months old, to become (1) __________ with computers. They seem to think that if their children grow up with computers, they will be better (2) __________ to face the challenges of the future. 

No one has proved that computers make children more creative or more intelligent. The truth may even be the opposite. Educational psychologists claim that too much (3) __________ to computers, especially for the very young, may negatively affect normal brain development. Children (4) __________ valuable experience of the world from their interaction with physical objects. Ten month-old babies may benefit more from (5) __________ their heads or putting various objects in their mouths than they will from staring at eye-catching cartoons. A four-year-old child can improve hand-eye coordination and understand cause and effect better by experimenting (6) __________ a crayon than by moving a cursor around a computer screen. So, as educational psychologists suggest, instead of government funding going to more and more computer classes, it might be better to devote (7) __________ to music and art programs. 

It is ludicrous to think that children will (8) __________ if they are not exposed to computers from an early age. Time is too (9) __________ to spend with a "mouse". Now is the time when they should be out there learning to ride a bike. There will be time later on for them to start banging away at (10) __________. 

1.  A. introduced   B. accustomed   C. familiar D. skilled

2.  A. educated B. equipped C. adapted  D. modified

3.  A. access   B. usage    C. exposure D. action

4.  A. gain B. create   C. achieve  D. make

5.  A. bumping  B. shaking  C. turning  D. beating

6.  A. by   B. on   C. of   D. with

7.  A. sources  B. resources    C. reserves D. courses

8.  A. fall behind  B. fall through C. fall off D. fall down

9.  A. perilous B. available    C. precise  D. precious

10. A. keynotes B. keyholes C. keyboards    D. keystrokes

II. READING (35 PTS)

PART A: READ THE PASSAGE AND CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS. (10 PTS)

Robots are finally starting to master something we take for granted: using two legs. To appreciate the advantages that legs offer over wheels, you have only to examine the dust accumulating on the stairs of any household cleaned by a Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner. The fact is our world is filled with all manner of uneven, complicated, soft, and even moving surfaces that are huge challenges for the humble wheel. “Legs are good because they provide locomotion on irregular terrain,” says Marc Raibert, founder of Boston Dynamics. “People and animals use their legs to go almost anywhere on Earth, while wheeled and tracked vehicles are limited to traveling on relatively smooth and flat surfaces, such as roads.” In fact, even wheeled robots designed specifically to tackle rugged terrain have been known to get into trouble, such as NASA’s Spirit Mars rover, which ignominiously got stuck in sand trap on the Red Planet in 2009 and, as far as we know, remains there to this day. Hardly surprising then that scientists have long been trying to emulate our ability to walk, with varying degrees of success. For although there have been some highly nimble six-legged insectoid robots and four-legged mammalian ‘bots, among others, when it comes to two legs, staying upright has proved far more difficult. The simple reason for this is that it is possible to remain stable when you have more than two legs, even with no power. In contrast, it didn’t take much to push over early bipedal robots when they were standing still, let alone when walking on an uneven surface.

Two-legged race:

In recognition of the difficulty of this problem, a decade ago powerful technology companies like Honda and Sony took up the challenge and developed two-legged robots, such as Asimo and Qrio (pronounced ‘curio’). With millions of dollars injected into their development, the aim with these ambassador robots was to demonstrate the technological prowess of their makers, by reaching this sacred milestone and effectively ‘solving’ bipedal locomotion. To some extent, they were successful, creating robots that could walk up and down stairs, across uneven surfaces, run, dance, and even do some tai chi. However, despite these impressive feats, the journey to perfect bipedal locomotion continues, as researchers strive to enhance balance, agility and energy efficiency. The advancements made by these robots have paved the way for future innovations, bringing us closer to integrating such machines into everyday life.

1. What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Mars rovers face challenges when navigating planetary terrain.

B. Robots struggle to navigate uneven surfaces compared to humans.

C. Robots are mastering the use of legs for locomotion.

D. Technology companies are investing heavily in bipedal robot development.

2. What detail supports the claim that wheeled robots have limitations compared to legged locomotion?

A. The mention of Asimo and Qrio navigating stairs and uneven surfaces.

B. The comparison between humans and animals using legs and vehicles using wheels.

C. The description of the Spirit Mars rover getting stuck in a sand trap.

D. The example of dust accumulating on stairs cleaned by a robotic vacuum cleaner.

3. What is the meaning of the word “ignominiously” as used in the passage?

A. triumphantly B. elegantly    C. shamefully   D. anonymously

4. What is the meaning of the word “emulate” as used in the passage?

A. imitate  B. exceed   C. inhibit  D. transform

5. According to the passage, why have roboticists struggled with creating bipedal robots?

A. Because of the lack of funding from powerful technology companies.

B. Because they have faced difficulty in navigating uneven surfaces and remaining stable.

C. Because they were unable to incorporate tai chi movements into robot programming.

D. Because of limited success in replicating insectoid and mammalian locomotion.

6. According to the passage, what was the purpose of Asimo and Qrio?

A. They were developed to navigate planetary terrain.

B. They were built to compete in a two-legged race.

C. They were designed specifically for dancing and tai chi.

D. They were created to demonstrate technological advancement.

7. What inference can be made about the difficulty of bipedal locomotion?

A. It is easy to remain stable when standing still with two legs.

B. Two-legged robots face more challenges than those with multiple legs.

C. The lack of power makes it easier for bipedal robots to navigate uneven surfaces.

D. Wheeled robots are more successful at navigating uneven surfaces than bipedal robots.

8. How does the passage suggest the significance of the two-legged race?

A. It is a popular sporting event for bipedal robots.

B. It is a competition between robots with different numbers of legs.

C. It represents a milestone in the development of bipedal locomotion.

D. It symbolizes the challenges faced by bipedal robots in remaining stable.

9. How is the passage organized to explain the development of bipedal robots?

A. It starts by discussing the challenges, then provides examples of successful robots and concludes with ongoing advancements.

B. It begins with historical attempts at creating robots, then outlines current technology, and ends with future prospects.

C. It starts with the limitations of wheeled robots, transitions to bipedal robot failures, and concludes with alternative locomotion methods.

D. It begins with technical specifications, followed by engineering principles, and ends with user testimonials.

10. What is the tone of this passage?

A. optimistic and light-hearted B. indifferent and cynical

C. informative and concerned    D. sarcastic and dismissive

PART B: READ THE PASSAGE AND THEN CHOOSE FROM THE LIST A-G GIVEN BELOW THE BEST SENTENCE TO FILL IN EACH OF THE BLANKS. TWO OF THE SUGGESTED ANSWERS DO NOT FIT AT ALL. (5 PTS)

One of the strangest phenomena in the universe is the black hole. (1) __________. Like vacuum cleaners, black holes will suck up anything that crosses their path. The incredible sucking power that black holes generate comes from gravity. (2) __________. Even light cannot escape the grasp of black holes. Since they are able to pull in light, black holes are nearly impossible to see even with high-powered telescopes. (3) __________. Black holes can originate in a few ways. (4) __________. They can also occur when the mass of a neutron star becomes so great that it collapses in on itself. (5) __________. These cosmic collisions unleash immense energy and can lead to the formation of massive black holes, further expanding our understanding of the universe’s complexity and diversity.

(A) They can quickly swallow up anything, including planets, space debris, and anything else imaginable

(B) One type of black hole occurs when a star comes to the end of its lifecycle and dies in a supernova explosion

(C) In the vast expanse of the universe, black holes remain as enigmatic cosmic entities, shrouded in mystery and intrigue

(D) However, scientists are able to detect the presence of black holes in space because of their effect on an observed area

(E) For years, scientists have studied black holes in an attempt to better understand how they function

(F) The first photograph of a black hole was captured by the Event Horizon Telescope in 2019, marking a significant achievement in astronomy

(G) Black holes may also occur when several large and dense stars collide with one another in space

PART C: READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGES AND SUPPLY EACH BLANK WITH ONE SUITABLE WORD. (20 PTS)

PASSAGE 1

Volcanic eruptions pose a (1) __________ to the lives of 500 million people, but our understanding of them remains limited. (2) __________ documenting eruptions for over 9,000 years, we approach them with surprising complacency. While scientists grasp the mechanics of (3) __________ types of volcanoes, predicting eruptions remains elusive. Technological advancements offer only limited forecasting, typically (4) __________ hours or days. Even (5) __________ we comprehended all potential triggers, deciphering warning signs presents challenges. Factors (6) __________ eruption history, seismic activity, and gas emissions hint (7) __________ future eruptions but are often difficult to interpret in time. Volcanologists estimate a mere one (8) __________ ten accuracy in predicting eruptions, underscoring the urgency of (9) __________ those near active sites. Unfortunately, both residents and officials often disregard such warnings (10) __________ disaster strikes.

PASSAGE 2

When child psychologist Norman Garmezy started (1) __________ in his career, his research brought him into (2) __________ with many young children. He met thousands, helping them to come through difficult times. One little boy, however, ended up impacting on him more than any (3) __________. The boy was nine years old but he’d already (4) __________ up against huge challenges. His mother was unemployed and (5) __________ from a serious illness, but every day he turned up at school with a smile and a “sandwich” consisting of just two plain (6) __________ of bread with nothing else. He explained that (7) __________ was no filling to put in it, but he didn’t want anyone’s pity.

With no one to see through even the most basic tasks of caring for him, he could easily have given in to the (8) __________ he was under, but he didn’t. Being resilient helped him to go on to achieve a happy and successful life. From this one child, Garmezy realized that (9) __________ some people allow the misfortunes of life to mess with their futures, others, no matter how tough their lives are, will make the best of what’s around them and as a (10) __________ find opportunities opening up to them. Even from a young age, some people simply learn to be resilient.

III. ERROR CORRECTION: IDENTIFY THE FIVE MISTAKES IN THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE AND CORRECT THEM. (5 PTS)

LINE NUMBER 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7   The world’s oceans are vital for regulating Earth’s temperature and supporting diverse marine life, which we rely on for food. However, improperly disposal of plastic has created the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a massive and unsightly accumulation of waste. Ideally, all plastic would recycle, but much ends up in the oceans through carelessness. This garbage patch harms sea life and may be impossible to clean out, highlighting the need to reduce plastic use. By taking responsibility for our waste, we can help preserving the health of our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them. Collective action and stricter regulations are crucial mitigating this growing environmental crisis.

IV. WORD FORMS: SUPPLY THE APPROPRIATE FORMS OF THE WORDS IN BRACKETS. (10 PTS)

1. Growing up in a __________ neighborhood afforded her opportunities and privileges that many others could only dream of. [do]

2. The local history enthusiasts staged a breathtaking __________ of the Battle of Bach Dang, showcasing the strategic brilliance and courage of the ancient Vietnamese warriors. [act]

3. The diva is __________ and she is not going to say anything on camera that makes her look stupid. [media]

4. The hotel underwent __________ to eradicate the pests infesting the rooms. [fume]

5. Last year, her family __________ to a smaller town for a quieter lifestyle and closer community bonds. [location]

6. Over time, the colors of the painting faded __________, barely noticeable to the casual observer. [perceive]

7. My brother is a __________ when it comes to watching horror movies. [scare]

8. The educational TV show provided a perfect blend of __________ for children to learn while having fun. [education]

9. After the CEO resigned, the company found itself in a __________ state, struggling to make decisions without direction. [lead]

10. She approached the project __________ with a positive outlook and a willingness to adapt to challenges. [attitude]

V. WRITING: COMPLETE THE SECOND SENTENCE SO THAT IT MEANS THE SAME AS THE FIRST ONE, USING THE WORD GIVEN. YOU MUST USE BETWEEN THREE AND TEN WORDS, INCLUDING THE WORD GIVEN. (20 PTS)

1. “Stop talking and get down to work quickly,” said the teacher to her students. (double)

=> “I’d rather you __________,” said the teacher to her students.

2. Many young students are confused about managing their own finances. (sea)

=> Many a __________ management.

3. We stay up late to study for the final exam almost every day. (oil)

=> Hardly a day __________ for the final exam.

4. Though there were some problems at first, everything turned out to be alright in the end. (sorted)

=> Despite __________ in the end.

5. The success of Adam’s first art exhibition took everyone by surprise. (how)

=> No one __________was.

6. I couldn’t write the report because my laptop crashed. (prevented)

=> Due __________ the report.

7. Difficult as the truth was for him to face, the poor guy had to accept it. (however)

=> The poor guy had to come __________ for him to face.

8. I simply fail to understand some of my friends’ opinions on happiness. (beyond)

=> I have some __________ me.

9. It’s possible for the hotel to hire more staff during holidays. (on)

=> The possibility of __________ ruled out.

10. We were surprised to hear that he had decided to quit his job. (took)

=> To __________ to quit his job.

THE END OF THE TEST

Cán bộ coi thi không giải thích gì thêm.