Skkn applying the method of linear thinking in eslefl teaching to improve reading skills, aiming at enhancing national english examination results for 12th graders at thanh chuong 1 high school

NGHE AN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAININGEXPERIENCE-BASED TEACHING INNOVATION APPLYING THE METHOD OF LINEAR THINKING IN ESL/EFL TEACHING TO IMPROVE READING SKILLS, AIMING AT ENHAN

NGHE AN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

EXPERIENCE-BASED TEACHING INNOVATION

APPLYING THE METHOD OF LINEAR THINKING IN

ESL/EFL TEACHING TO IMPROVE READING SKILLS, AIMING

AT ENHANCING NATIONAL ENGLISH EXAMINATION RESULTS FOR 12TH GRADERS AT THANH CHUONG 1 HIGH SCHOOL

SUBJECT: ENGLISH

March, 2025

THANH CHUONG 1 HIGH SCHOOL

EXPERIENCE-BASED TEACHING INNOVATION

APPLYING THE METHOD OF LINEAR THINKING IN ESL/EFL

TEACHING TO IMPROVE READING SKILLS, AIMING AT

ENHANCING NATIONAL ENGLISH EXAMINATION RESULTS FOR

12TH GRADERS AT THANH CHUONG 1 HIGH SCHOOL

March, 2025

1 Linear Thinking in Reading ESL/EFL 5

1.2 Principles of Applying Linear Thinking in Reading 5 1.3 Teaching Techniques Based on Linear Thinking 6

1.4 Benefits of Linear Thinking in Reading Multiple-Choice

Exercises for ESL Learners in the AI-Driven Education Era 7

2 The Importance of Reading Skills in ESL/EFL 8 2.1 The role of reading comprehension in English proficiency 8

2.2 Common difficulties faced by Vietnamese students in reading

1 Current situation at Thanh Chuong 1 High School 8

2 The format of the English test in the 2025 Vietnamese high

Part C CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 29

in curriculum and testing formats emphasize higher-order thinking skills, requiring students to develop stronger analytical and problem-solving abilities The Vietnamese National High School Graduation Examination (THPT Quốc gia) for English is undergoing significant changes starting in 2025 One of the most notable shifts is that the foreign language exam, including English, Russian, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, will become an elective rather than a mandatory subject This change is expected to increase the overall proficiency level of test-takers, as only students with strong motivation and preparation will choose to take the exam Consequently, competition among candidates will become more intense, demanding a higher level of English proficiency

Another critical transformation in the exam structure is the increased emphasis

on reading comprehension within a reduced time allowance which is only 50 minutes instead of 60 minutes as in the previous years’ exams The new format incorporates a higher volume of vocabulary, more diverse and challenging topics, and a broader range of question types that require logical reasoning This shift aligns the exam with international standardized tests like IELTS,TOEFL pushing students toward a more analytical and systematic approach to reading in English However, students in Thanh Chương face considerable obstacles in adapting to these changes Due to the lack of professional IELTS, TOEFL training centers in the district, many students have limited exposure to effective test preparation strategies The geographical distance from major cities, coupled with the high cost of IELTS,TOEFL coaching, further restricts their access to quality training

As a result, students in this region struggle to keep pace with the evolving demands of the national exam

Moreover, many English teachers in local schools have not yet fully adapted to these curriculum changes Traditional teaching methods, which often focus on rote memorization rather than skill-based learning, may no longer be effective in preparing students for the new exam format While professional development

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opportunities are available, only a few teachers have undergone advanced training

to equip themselves with the necessary skills to meet these new challenges Recognizing these gaps, I took the initiative to participate in an IELTS capacity- building course organized by Nghe An’s Department of Education in 2023 As the only teacher in my school with this specialized training, I have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to introduce innovative teaching strategies that will better prepare students for the 2025 examination By integrating linear thinking techniques into ESL instruction, I aim to help students develop systematic reading skills, improve their logical reasoning abilities, and enhance their overall performance on the English exam

The role of linear thinking in enhancing logical reasoning and systematic learning

is particularly crucial in this context By training students to follow a structured approach to reading, they can break down complex texts into manageable parts, recognize patterns n question types, and apply logical steps to arrive at accurate answers This method not only improves reading comprehension but also fosters critical thinking skills that are essential for academic success Implementing linear thinking strategies can thus serve as a powerful tool in bridging the gap between traditional learning methods and the analytical demands of modern English examinations, where time management and logical reasoning play a key role

This research reports the application of linear thinking methods in teaching English reading comprehension, focusing on their effectiveness in addressing the specific challenges faced by students in Thanh Chương By leveraging structured reading strategies, I have seeked to bridge the gap between traditional teaching approaches and the evolving demands of the national exam, ultimately equipping students with the skills they need to succeed

II Objectives

Applying the linear thinking method in my teaching aims to enhance students' logical comprehension, structured problem-solving, and efficient processing of information, particularly in English reading comprehension and test-taking strategies My specific objectives include:

1 Improving Reading Comprehension Efficiency

• Help students break down complex sentences into simpler components

• Enable them to identify main ideas and supporting details quickly

2 Enhancing Accuracy in Answering Multiple-Choice Questions

3 Developing Critical Thinking and Inference Skills

• Guide students to connect ideas between sentences (Read Connection)

• Help them predict the meaning of unfamiliar words based on context

4 Boosting Confidence in Exams

• Equip students with a systematic approach to handling reading passages

• Reduce anxiety by reinforcing a step-by-step method for processing information

5 Encouraging Independent Learning

• Foster habits of breaking down complex texts instead of relying on translations or AI-generated summaries

• Empower students to analyze and interpret information logically

By integrating linear thinking into my teaching approach, I aim to create reliant, analytical learners who can confidently navigate reading tasks in both academic and real-world contexts

self-III Subjects and Scope of Research

• Subjects: The study focuses on 12th-grade students at Thanh Chương 1 High School, particularly those preparing for the National English Examination

• Scope: The research concentrates on the reading comprehension section of

the exam, specifically:

✓ Multiple-choice questions related to main ideas, inference, vocabulary in context, and detail recognition

✓ Common challenges faced by students in understanding and answering reading comprehension questions

✓ Strategies using linear thinking to improve logical reasoning and structured analysis in reading

IV Research Methods

To achieve the study’s objectives, the following research methods will be employed:

• Literature review on linear thinking and ESL teaching

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PART B CONTENT

I Theoretical Background

1 Linear Thinking in Reading ESL

1.1 Definition of Linear Thinking

Linear thinking refers to a step-by-step, logical approach to problem-solving and learning It follows a structured sequence, where each step builds upon the previous one (Bruner, 1996) In education, linear thinking helps students process information in a clear, organized manner, allowing them to analyze texts efficiently and draw logical conclusions

In the context of ESL reading, linear thinking involves:

• Breaking down a reading passage into smaller parts (paragraphs, key ideas, supporting details) (Grabe & Stoller, 2011)

• Identifying patterns in text structures and question types

• Following a logical process to derive meaning from context and infer answers (Alderson, 2000)

This method contrasts with non-linear thinking, where students may jump between ideas, rely on intuition, or struggle with disorganized reasoning, leading

to confusion in reading comprehension (Skehan, 1998)

1.2 Principles of Applying Linear Thinking in Reading

To implement linear thinking effectively in reading comprehension, teachers should focus on:

✓ Step-by-step breakdown of texts and questions

✓ Logical organization of information for better comprehension

✓ Systematic approach to answering multiple-choice questions

By following structured techniques, students can develop critical thinking

skills and improve their reading accuracy

1.3 Teaching Techniques Based on Linear Thinking

The following teaching strategies integrate linear thinking into reading lessons:

1.3.1 Text Mapping Strategy

• Encourage students to visualize the structure of a passage

• Teach them to underline key ideas, transition words, and main

arguments

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• Use graphic organizers (e.g., flowcharts, tables) to summarize content

logically

Example Activity:

• Give students a short passage and ask them to break it down into main

ideas, supporting details, and conclusions

• Let them present their text maps to compare logical structures

1.3.2 Step-by-Step Question Analysis

• Train students to identify keywords in questions and locate related

information in the text

• Teach elimination strategies for multiple-choice questions

Example Activity:

• Provide a sample multiple-choice question and guide students through a

4-step problem-solving approach:

✓ Identify the question type (main idea, inference, detail)

✓ Locate relevant parts of the passage

✓ Analyze possible answers using logic

✓ Eliminate incorrect choices step by step

1.3.3 Logical Connection Exercises

• Help students recognize how ideas are linked within a passage

• Teach them to spot transition words that indicate relationships between

ideas

Example Activity:

• Give students a paragraph with missing transition words and ask them to

fill in logical connectors (e.g., however, therefore, in contrast)

1.3.4 Vocabulary Expansion through Categorization

• Encourage students to group words by meaning or function rather than

memorizing them randomly

• Use mind maps and association techniques to reinforce connections

between words

Example Activity:

• Provide a list of unfamiliar words from a reading passage and ask students

to categorize them into themes (e.g., education, environment,

technology)

- Enhancing Logical Comprehension

• Multiple-choice questions often require understanding the sequence of ideas in a passage

• Linear thinking helps students follow the flow of information and trace cause-effect relationships, making it easier to identify correct answers

- Avoiding AI-Induced Overreliance

• Many students use AI tools to summarize texts, but AI may omit key details

• Linear thinking trains learners to actively engage with the passage,

reducing blind reliance on AI-generated shortcuts

- Improving Accuracy in Answer Selection

• MC questions often contain distractors designed to confuse students

• A step-by-step reading approach helps learners eliminate incorrect choices methodically rather than guessing based on keywords

- Strengthening Inference and Contextual Understanding

• Some MC questions require inference rather than direct information retrieval

• Linear thinking enables learners to connect ideas logically within a passage, ensuring they select answers based on context rather than isolated phrases

- Managing Time Effectively During Tests

• AI-generated answers are not available in controlled exam environments

• Linear thinkers systematically scan and interpret passages, allowing for efficient navigation through MC exercises without excessive rereading

- Enhancing Retention of Key Information

• AI tools can highlight main ideas but do not reinforce long-term memory

• Reading with a linear mindset ensures learners retain details, helping them answer MC questions more confidently and accurately

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2 The Importance of Reading Skills in ESL

2.1 The role of reading comprehension in English proficiency

Reading comprehension is a core skill in English learning, essential for academic success, language acquisition, and standardized exams (Nation, 2009) In the Vietnamese National English Examination, the reading section makes up a significant portion of the total score (MOET, 2024)

2.2 Common difficulties faced by Vietnamese students in reading comprehension

Common challenges faced by Vietnamese students in reading comprehension include:

• Limited vocabulary knowledge, leading to difficulties in understanding texts (Nguyen & Ho, 2020)

• Poor inference skills, making it hard to derive implicit meaning (Koda, 2005)

• Weak logical reasoning, resulting in errors in multiple-choice questions

• Ineffective time management, causing students to struggle with long reading passages (Pham, 2021)

Applying linear thinking in ESL instruction can help students overcome these challenges by training them to read strategically, recognize question patterns, and process information systematically (Grabe, 2009)

II Practical Background

1 The Current Situation at Thanh Chuong 1 High School

At Thanh Chuong 1 High School, the teaching and learning of English have undergone significant changes in recent years

Teachers and Curriculum Adaptation: This is the first time teachers are

delivering the new English curriculum, requiring adjustments in both teaching methods and assessment approaches The transition has posed challenges, as educators must familiarize themselves with new materials and pedagogical strategies

Student Interest and Learning Dynamics: Unlike before, students now

voluntarily choose English as a subject, indicating a certain level of interest and motivation As a result, classes tend to have more uniform proficiency levels, making it easier to tailor lessons to their needs

Impact of Policy Changes: The implementation of Circular 29 by the Ministry

of Education and Training (MOET) has had a significant impact The policy

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change eliminated extra tutoring sessions at school, which previously helped reinforce learning Furthermore, a month-long disruption after the Lunar New Year caused some students to feel disoriented and uncertain about their studies

Exam Training and Resource Availability: Initially, exam preparation materials

were scarce, making it difficult to provide structured practice However, the current challenge lies in the overabundance of resources, many of which lack practical validation and reliability This has made it harder for both teachers and students to determine which materials are truly effective for exam preparation These factors collectively shape the current English learning environment at Thanh Chuong 1 High School, influencing both teaching strategies and student performance

Moreover, the application of Linear Thinking in English reading comprehension

is still in its early stages While some teachers recognize its benefits, it has not yet been widely implemented in classroom instruction or exam training

• Teachers' Perspective: Most English teachers still rely on traditional

methods, such as translating difficult words or encouraging students to memorize vocabulary and structures Although some educators are aware

of Linear Thinking, they have not systematically applied it to guide students in breaking down sentences or recognizing connections between ideas

• Students' Learning Habits: Many students struggle with long and

complex reading passages, often translating word-for-word instead of focusing on sentence structure and logical flow As a result, they find it difficult to identify main ideas, eliminate incorrect answers in multiple- choice questions, and infer meanings of unknown words

• Exam Training: The school's exam preparation mainly focuses on

practicing past papers and answering comprehension questions rather than developing effective reading strategies Students often spend too much time on individual sentences instead of using simplification and logical connection techniques to process information efficiently

Given this situation, introducing Linear Thinking as a structured reading approach could significantly enhance students’ comprehension skills and exam performance, making reading more manageable and effective

2 The format of the English test in the 2025 Vietnamese high school graduation exam

The reading section of the National English Examination typically consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) testing:

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✓ Main idea identification – Understanding the overall purpose of the

passage (Weir, 2005)

✓ Detail recognition – Finding specific information mentioned in the text

✓ Vocabulary in context – Inferring the meaning of words from

surrounding text (Laufer, 1997)

✓ Inference questions – Drawing logical conclusions from given

information (Alderson, 2000)

✓ Reference questions – Identifying what a pronoun or phrase refers to

Since these question types require systematic thinking and logical analysis, linear thinking strategies can provide an effective framework for improving students’ accuracy and confidence (Snow, 2002)

Although the reading comprehension question types listed above have appeared frequently in previous exams, both students and teachers were overwhelmed when they saw the official sample exam The entire test consists solely of reading comprehension, with a large amount of vocabulary and many new, difficult question formats—especially the 10-question reading passage The following comparsion shows more clearly the changes in the 2025 National High School English Exam

Comparison of the National High School English Exam Structure: 2024 vs

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Application: 34% Application: 40% (16/40

questions) Higher-order thinking: 10%

4 Filling in missing information

5 Reading comprehension (1 passage with 8 questions &

1 passage with 10 questions)

Changes in Question Types in the 2025 English Exam Format

Arranging sentences into

paragraphs/letters Synonym selection

Filling in missing sentence structures Antonym selection

Error identification Completing conversations Sentence transformation Combining two given sentences into one

Overall, the 2025 exam introduces a more practical and comprehension-based approach, with a reduced number of questions and a greater focus on reading and

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real-life communication tasks This reflects a shift towards a more oriented assessment under the new general education program

application-III Implementation of the Method at Thanh Chuong 1 High School

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Linear Thinking method in ESL reading comprehension, a six-week training program was conducted at Thanh Chuong 1 High School The study involved two groups of 12th-grade students: a control group of 48 students from class 12A1, who continued with traditional reading strategies, and an experimental group of 46 students from class 12T1, who received explicit instruction and practice in applying the Linear Thinking approach The training sessions focused on simplifying complex sentences and recognizing logical connections between ideas, helping students break down reading passages more efficiently Throughout the period, students in the experimental group engaged in guided exercises, practice tests, and classroom discussions, aiming to enhance their ability to approach multiple-choice reading questions systematically The impact of the method was assessed through pre- tests, post-tests, and student feedback, providing insights into its effectiveness in improving reading comprehension skills

1 For reading lessons in the text book

The specific implementation of Linear Thinking in my teaching is reflected in the following lesson plans, which demonstrate how this approach was integrated into classroom activities These lesson descriptions illustrate how students applied Linear Thinking techniques—such as simplifying complex sentences and recognizing logical connections—to improve their reading comprehension Each lesson was carefully designed to incorporate step-by-step exercises, guided practice, and interactive discussions, ensuring that students could actively engage with the method Through these structured activities, students gradually developed the ability to process reading passages more effectively, enhancing their accuracy and confidence in answering multiple-choice questions

In morning classes when the lesson is conducted during 45 minutes, a reading lesson should follow neccesary stages A sample reading lesson using linear thinking strategies can include:

Lesson plan: Lesson Title:

Objective: Improve students' ability to analyze reading passages systematically

• Materials: Sample reading passage, worksheet with structured exercises

• Steps:

1 Pre-reading: Predict the topic based on headings and keywords

2 While-reading: Use text mapping and logical connection strategies

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3 Post-reading: Answer comprehension questions using step-by-step

question analysis

4 Follow-up activity: Discuss mistakes and review elimination strategies

for multiple-choice questions

Followed is a more detailed plan for a reading lesson on topic Artifical Intelligence (Unit 6 Global Success 12 Textbook) with the reading passage generated by AI tools

Reading Passage: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education in multiple ways One

of its most significant contributions is personalized learning, where AI-driven

platforms analyze student performance and adapt lessons to individual needs This approach enhances comprehension by allowing students to learn at their own pace

Moreover, AI assists teachers by automating administrative tasks such as grading and attendance tracking, thereby enabling them to focus on interactive

teaching Another breakthrough is the use of intelligent tutoring systems,

which provide instant feedback and guidance to learners without requiring direct teacher supervision

Despite these benefits, concerns remain about the limitations of AI in education Some argue that over-reliance on AI may reduce students' critical thinking skills, as automated systems might encourage passive learning Additionally, AI cannot fully replace human teachers, who bring emotional intelligence, creativity, and motivational skills to the classroom

As AI continues to evolve, the key challenge will be finding the right balance between technology and traditional teaching methods to create a

comprehensive and effective learning experience

Multiple-Choice Questions:

1 What is the primary benefit of AI-driven personalized learning?

A It replaces traditional classroom teaching

B It allows students to learn at their own pace

C It eliminates the need for human teachers

D It focuses only on high-achieving students

2 How does AI support teachers in education?

A By replacing them in classrooms

B By automating grading and attendance tracking

C By limiting student-teacher interaction

D By encouraging passive learning

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3 Which of the following is mentioned as a potential downside of AI

in education?

A AI platforms are too expensive for schools

B AI decreases students' motivation to study

C AI may lead to a decline in critical thinking skills

D AI completely removes the need for teachers

4 What is suggested as the best approach to integrating AI into

education?

A Replacing human teachers with AI completely

B Using only AI-powered tutoring systems

C Combining AI with traditional teaching methods

D Focusing AI on administrative tasks only

Example of Lesson Plan:

Lesson Title: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Objective:

• Improve students' ability to analyze reading passages systematically using Linear Thinking strategies

• Develop skills in identifying main ideas, simplifying complex

sentences, and recognizing logical connections

• Enhance students' ability to answer multiple-choice reading

comprehension questions accurately

Materials:

• Reading passage: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education

• Worksheet: Structured exercises on simplification, logical

connections, and multiple-choice strategies

• Board/Projector: To highlight key concepts and sentence breakdowns Lesson Steps:

1 Pre-reading (5 minutes) – Activating Background Knowledge & Predicting Content

Activity:

• Display the title (The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education) and

ask students:

o What do you know about AI in education?

o How do you think AI affects teaching and learning?

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• Introduce keywords from the passage (personalized learning,

AI-driven platforms, automation, tutoring systems, critical thinking)

• Students predict what the passage will discuss

Linear Thinking Focus: Identifying key ideas before reading to set a

clear mental framework

2 While-reading (20 minutes) – Applying Simplification & Logical

Connections

Step 1: Simplification Strategy (Breaking Down Sentences)

Example: First sentence of the passage

"Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education in multiple ways."

✔ Simplified: AI is changing education in many ways

Example: More complex sentence

"One of its most significant contributions is personalized learning, where driven platforms analyze student performance and adapt lessons to individual needs."

AI-✔ Simplified: AI helps students learn at their own pace

Student Activity: Underline main subjects, verbs, and objects in each sentence Then, rewrite in a simpler form

Step 2: Read Connection Strategy (Understanding Sentence Links)

Example:

"Moreover, AI assists teachers by automating administrative tasks such as grading and attendance tracking, thereby enabling them to focus on

interactive teaching."

✔ Connection with Previous Idea:

• Moreover → Additional support from AI (AI helps students + AI helps

teachers)

• thereby enabling → Shows a cause-effect relationship

Student Activity: Identify connecting words (Moreover, Despite,

Additionally) and explain how ideas build on each other

3 Post-reading (15 minutes) – Answering Comprehension Questions Using Linear Thinking

Activity: Students use the simplification and logical connection strategies to

answer multiple-choice questions

Example Question Breakdown:

Q1: What is the primary benefit of AI-driven personalized learning?

✔ Key Sentence in Passage: AI-driven platforms analyze student

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performance and adapt lessons to individual needs This approach enhances comprehension by allowing students to learn at their own pace

✔ Simplified: AI helps students learn at their own speed

✔ Correct Answer: B It allows students to learn at their own pace

Student Activity: Apply this step-by-step breakdown for the remaining questions

4 Follow-up Activity (5 minutes) – Reviewing Mistakes & Elimination

Strategies

• Discuss common errors (e.g., choosing answers that are true but not

the main idea)

• Teach elimination techniques:

o Identify distractors (e.g., D It focuses only on high-achieving

students is too specific and incorrect)

o Remove extreme choices (e.g., A It replaces traditional

classroom teaching – AI does not replace teachers)

Final Reflection:

• What strategies helped you answer questions more confidently?

• How can Linear Thinking improve your reading skills for future

exams?

Assessment & Homework:

• In-class assessment: Mini-quiz with a short passage + 5

multiple-choice questions

o Find another article on AI in education and apply

Simplification & Read Connection strategies

o Write 3 multiple-choice questions based on the passage

Expected Learning Outcomes:

✅ Students will analyze reading passages more effectively

✅ They will break down complex sentences for better comprehension

✅ They will use logical connections to understand how ideas relate

✅ They will answer multiple-choice questions more accurately by applying Linear Thinking strategies

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2 For exam-training lessons:

However, in extra exam training classes, teachers may prioritize guiding students

in applying the method effectively while maximizing practice test opportunities The strategies can be condensed as follows:

Step-by-Step Approach Using Linear Thinking

Step 1: Understand the Structure of the Passage

• Skim the passage quickly to grasp the main idea

• Identify topic sentences in each paragraph (usually the first or last

sentence)

• Underline key transition words (e.g., therefore, however, because) to

understand the logical flow

Step 2: Approach Each Question in Order

• Read Question in the test carefully before looking for answers

• Follow a top-to-bottom approach: Start from the first paragraph and

work sequentially through the text

Step 3: Identify Keywords & Locate Answers

• Each question contains keywords Identify them and scan the passage for

matching words/synonyms

• Questions are usually arranged in the order of the passage's content Answer earlier questions first before moving to later ones

Step 4: Use the Process of Elimination

• For multiple-choice questions, eliminate clearly incorrect answers first

• Pay attention to distractors (choices that seem correct but slightly differ

from the passage's meaning)

• Choose the most accurate answer based on the passage, not general

knowledge

Step 5: Confirm Answer with Logical Reasoning

• After selecting an answer, re-read the relevant sentence in the passage

• Ask: Does this answer directly align with the information in the text?

• If unsure, check the context before and after the located keywords

Take the second reading passage in the sample test by MOET in October 2024 as

an example

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Read the following passage about the urban shift and mark the letter A, B,

C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40

[I] Global urbanisation has increased significantly in recent decades, and one of

the main drivers of this growth has been rural migration [II] Half of the world's

population already resides in cities, and by 2050, expens predict that number to

reach as high as two-thirds [III] Many factors contribute to this global phenomenon, which then gives rise to various issues [IV]

There are many push factors which force people away from rural life For example, rural residents have fewer employment options because there are not many large companies nearby What's more, rural jobs are mainly related to agriculture, so crop failures due to natural disasters can make it difficult to earn a good living By contrast, there are pull factors that attract people to urban life Urban areas have more industries, so people can easily get good jobs and achieve

a higher standard of living They also offer entertainment alternatives, such as theme parks, sporting and musical events, al lowing urban citizens to access leisure activities easily

In the process of urbanisation, rural migration causes various far-reaching impacts on the environment and urban citizens First, deforestation occurs when city governments have forests cut down to build accommodation for new residents, which harms the environment and reduces air quality As growing populations bring about more deforestation and pollution, the air quality worsens, which can lead to health issues for residents Second, due to population expansion, cities are struggling to offer adequate public facilities for urban people As a result, some lowincome people are unable to obtain the necessary affordable housing and end up living in slums, where the quality of life is very poor

Rural migration is a complicated process, of which the causes and the effects should be fully comprehended By carefully planning city development and suitable social policies, we can provide urban citizens with good public services, exciting job opportunities and a high quality of life without harming the environment

Question 31 Where in paragraph I does the following sentence best fit?

More and more people are moving to the city from the countryside each year

A [I] B [II] C [III] D [IV]

Question 32 The phrase gives rise to in paragraph 1 could be best replaced

by _