Reading

Read the story of Helen Keller’s life as a young girl. Are the sentences true or false? Write T or F.

(Đọc câu chuyện về cuộc đời của Helen Keller khi còn là một cô gái trẻ. Nhưng câu sau đung hay sai? Viết T hoặc F)

Helen Keller was born in 1880 in Alabama, with the ability to both see and hear, like any normal child. She began to speak when she was six months old and to walk at the age of one. But six months later, she contracted a serious illness, possibly meningitis. After she had recovered, her mother noticed that Helen didn’t react to sounds, or when she waved her hand in front of Helen's face. The illness had left her both deaf and blind.

As she grew up, she learned to communicate with the daughter of the family cook using sign language that they invented together. But Helen was an unhappy child and often flew into a rage. Her mother was very patient with her and tried to help her. She had read about the successful education of another deaf-blind child, and when Helen was seven she contacted a special school for blind children in Boston. The director of the school suggested that Helen work with Anne Sullivan, who was herself visually impaired and a recent graduate of the school. It was the beginning of a 49-year relationship between pupil and teacher.

Anne travelled to Helen's home and immediately began teaching her ‘finger-spelling’: spelling out words on the palm of Helen’s hand. The first word she tried to teach her was ‘doll’ — Anne had brought Helen a doll as a present. But Helen could not make the connection between the letters and the objects and became very frustrated. After about a month, however, there was a breakthrough. Helen realised that the movements of Anne's fingers on her palm, while she poured water over her other hand, signified ‘water’. By the end of the day Helen had learned thirty new words.

1. As a baby, Helen had normal sight and hearing.

2. A relation of one of the family servants gradually taught Helen sign language.

3. Helen’s mother was very unhappy and frequently got cross with her.

4. Anne Sullivan was partially blind.

5. The first word that Helen understood through finger-spelling was ‘doll’.

Answer:

1. As a baby, Helen had normal sight and hearing. FALSE

• Helen lost her sight and hearing after an illness when she was a baby

2. A relation of one of the family servants gradually taught Helen sign language. TRUE

3. Helen’s mother was very unhappy and frequently got cross with her. FALSE

• Helen was an unhappy child, but her mother was patient with her and tried to help her

4. Anne Sullivan was partially blind. TRUE

5. The first word that Helen understood through finger-spelling was ‘doll’. FALSE

• Helen first understood the word ‘water’ through finger-spelling

Listening

You will hear an interview with a business expert. Choose the correct answers (A—C).

(Bạn sẽ nghe một cuộc phỏng vấn với một chuyên gia kinh doanh. Chọn các câu trả lời đúng (A-C)

1. The interviewer thinks young people

A. usually set up part-time businesses.

B. are starting new businesses at a lower age than previously.

C. should only set up small businesses.

2. The interviewer doesn’t understand

A. how young people can create successful businesses.

B. how most new businesses actually work.

C. why young people would want to start businesses.

3. Lisa says that very young people

A. do not achieve business success very often.

B. do not understand what they need to do to start a business.

C. have the right qualities for creating businesses.

4. What does Lisa say about knowledge and experience?

A. They are very necessary.

B. They take a lot of time to develop.

C. They can sometimes be a disadvantage.

Answer:

HS tự thực hiện.

Speaking

Work in groups. Look at the photo and discuss the following point.

(Làm việc nhóm. Nhìn vào bức ảnh và thảo luận về điểm sau đây)

‘It’s better to work alone because people in groups spend too much time talking.’ Do you agree? Why? Why not?

Answer:

Whether it's better to work alone or in a group depends on the situation and the task at hand. Working alone can be advantageous for certain types of work, such as tasks that require intense focus or require a lot of creativity and individual effort. Additionally, some people may prefer to work alone due to their personality or work style.

However, working in a group also has its benefits. Collaborating with others can bring diverse perspectives and ideas to the table, and individuals can learn from one another. Groups can also provide support, encouragement, and motivation to achieve shared goals. When working on complex projects or tasks that require different skill sets, working in a group can be more efficient and effective.

The idea that people in groups spend too much time talking is not necessarily true. While it's true that groups can sometimes get sidetracked with socializing, effective group work involves clear communication, effective time management, and a shared understanding of the task at hand. When these elements are in place, group work can be highly productive.

Therefore, the decision to work alone or in a group depends on various factors such as the nature of the task, the work environment, personal preferences, and the resources available. It's essential to consider all these factors before deciding whether to work alone or in a group.

Writing

Write an opinion essay (120-150 words) on the following topic.

(Viết một bài luận (120-150 từ) về chủ đề sau)

Many students nowadays choose careers based on only their passion. Is it a good decision?

Answer:

In my opinion, choosing a career solely based on passion can be a good decision, but it's not always the best approach. While pursuing one's passion can lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable career, it's important to consider other factors, such as job prospects, salary, and the practicalities of the profession.

Passion can be a motivating factor, but it doesn't guarantee success or financial stability. A career choice should also align with one's skills, education, and experience. Students should explore different career options, research job markets, and consider the demands of the profession before making a decision.

Additionally, students should keep in mind that their interests and passions can change over time. What they are passionate about now may not necessarily be the same in the future. Therefore, it's important to be open-minded and adaptable to new opportunities and experiences.

In conclusion, while choosing a career based on passion can be a good decision, it should be balanced with practical considerations such as job prospects, salary, and skills. Students should consider all these factors and make an informed decision that aligns with their interests, skills, and future goals.