MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST TAKING TIPS
− Try to answer as many questions as possible within the time limit
To optimize your test-taking strategy, avoid spending excessive time on any single question Instead, allocate your time wisely across various test sections and items Consider creating a plan to determine the order in which you'll approach each section for better efficiency.
− Use your English language proficiency and logic to make intelligent answers All the test items include certain level of logical thinking Be careful!
− Pay attention to the timing If you don’t see the timing, ask the proctors to show you
− Familiarize yourself with the test structure and instructions for each section and each part Make sure you know exactly what to expect before you take the test
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 4
READING SECTION
The following instructions guide you through a sentence completion exercise Each sentence includes a blank space, and you are required to choose the best option from four provided choices Your selected word should either create a grammatically correct sentence or align closely with the intended meaning of the context Please mark your answer on the answer sheet accordingly.
The tested lexical items are basically selected from the official text books of the high school English program, grades 10, 11 and 12 with the main focus on grade 12
The tested grammar contents are basically selected from the official text books of the high school English program, grades 10, 11 and 12 with the main focus on grade 12
1 The technician is coming tomorrow to the new computer system
The answer is (D) (A), (B) and (C) are not appropriate because cut, stop and decorate do not collocate with the new computer system
2 These yellow lines do not allow parking at certain times It means that you park here
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 5
The correct answer is (A) because the negative form of "can" indicates a deduction suitable for the context of the sentence In contrast, option (B) uses "shouldn’t," which conveys advice or opinion, while (C) with "needn’t" expresses necessity, and (D) with "mightn’t" reflects uncertainty.
This section contains sentences with errors in grammar, usage, diction, or idiomatic expressions Carefully read each sentence to identify the specific item that contains an error It is important to assume that any part of the sentence not underlined is correct and should remain unchanged When analyzing each sentence, remember to adhere to the standards of written English.
Select the one underlined part that must be changed in order to make the sentence correct, and darken the corresponding space on your answer sheet
The tested grammar points including tenses, structures and expressions are basically selected from the official text books of the high school English program, grades 10, 11 and
12 with the main focus on grade 12
1 Every summer, our family is going on a trip to the mountain together
The correct answer is (B) The correct tense for ‘every summer’ is the present simple tense
2 Most people believed that business in South East Asia should have expanded
The correct answer is (D) This is a passive voice structure using modal verb ‘should’ The correct form should be ‘should have been expanded’
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 6
Carefully read the passages provided for comprehension, as each is followed by questions or incomplete statements Choose the option that best completes the statement or answers the question based on the content of the passage, and mark your answer on the answer sheet.
This section presents two types of passages: one featuring gap-filling questions and the other consisting of question-and-answer formats It is essential to answer all questions based on the information explicitly stated or implied within each passage.
John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States from 1825 to 1829, is celebrated for his exceptional statesmanship and diplomacy His lifelong commitment to public service is evident in his presidency and various political roles Adams championed freedom of speech, the antislavery movement, and the principle of American independence from European and Asian influence.
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 7
1 In the passage, the word "unswerving" can be replaced by
The passage states that John Quincy Adams demonstrated his unswerving belief
"throughout his career," This implies that the belief did not change Therefore, you should choose answer (C)
Question form: Questions and Answers
2 To what did John Quincy Adams devote his life?
D Working on his private business
According to the passage, John Quincy Adams "dedicated his life to public service." Therefore, you should choose answer (B)
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 8
WRITING SECTION
This exercise involves reading three passages, each accompanied by five questions Each passage represents an early draft of a student essay, where certain sentences require correction or revision for clarity and coherence.
Certain questions necessitate choices regarding the structure of individual sentences, while others focus on the organization and development of the entire passage, as well as the suitability of specific language in relation to the overall tone For each question, select the answer that most clearly and accurately conveys the intended meaning while adhering to the conventions of standard written English.
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 9
Many individuals often forget names during introductions, leading them to engage in a series of introductions without truly connecting with the faces of those they meet This fear of failure can paradoxically ensure that they do not succeed in building meaningful relationships.
1 Which of the following is the best revision of the underlined part in sentence 1?
A would anyway be forgetting their names
B are going to forget their names anyway
D have been anyway forgetting their names
The answer is (B): are going to forget their names anyway
Explanation: This context expresses an absolute certainty in a near future, so ‘are going to’ + verb’ is the correct tense
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 10
LISTENING SECTION
The Listening section of the test assesses your comprehension of spoken English and lasts about 25 minutes It consists of three distinct parts, each with specific instructions to follow.
In this section, you will listen to four statements related to a picture in your test booklet Your task is to identify the statement that most accurately describes the image After selecting your answer, locate the question number on your answer sheet and fill in the corresponding circle Please note that the statements will only be spoken once and will not be printed in your test booklet.
− Focus on sounds (homonyms, homophones)
A The man is looking over the files
B The man is working at the desk
C The man is taking notes
D The man is writing a report
Statement (B), “the man is working at the desk”, is the best description of the picture, so you should select answer (B) and mark it on your answer sheet
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 11
In this test section, you will listen to four brief audio selections After each selection, you will answer two or three questions based on the content, choosing from four options: (A), (B), (C), or (D) Note that each selection will be played only once.
Select the BEST answer and fill in the corresponding circle on the answer sheet There is no sample question for this part
− Understanding details e.g time, activity, reason, problem, suggestion, etc
− Getting the overview e.g occupations, locations, main idea, etc
1 Where does the conversation take place?
Woman : Hello, I’m here to see Principal Henderson
Man : Do you have an appointment?
Woman : Yes, I’m Amy Reynolds I’m her 3:00 interview for the chemistry teacher position Man : OK Please take a seat Ms Henderson is meeting with the library staff She’ll be out shortly
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 12
The answer is (A) The woman comes to see the principal to have an interview for the chemistry teacher position; therefore, the conversation mostly takes place at a school
In this exercise, you will listen to extended dialogues or monologues, which will be played only once Following each passage, you will answer several questions related to the content you just heard, and these questions are also provided in your test booklet.
To complete your test, choose the correct answer for each question from the four options provided in your test booklet and mark the corresponding circle on your answer sheet Note that there is no sample question available for this section.
1 What is the lecture mainly about?
A The birds in the South
B The food the birds prefer
C The reasons why birds migrate
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 13
D The places where birds can get food
Professor: Shall we continue with our next topic? I’d like to discuss bird migration now
We all know that birds migrate South in winter and North in spring “Does anyone know why they do that?”
Student 1: They're looking for warmer weather, right?
Professor: Well … That's part of the reason But there's another one, too Anyone else? Student 2: Uh, they're looking for food?
Bird migration is primarily driven by the search for food, as highlighted by various scientists who have proposed differing theories on the subject While there are multiple factors influencing migration, such as the need for warmer climates to escape freezing temperatures and the search for safe breeding locations, the consensus remains that food sources are the main motivator Ultimately, birds undertake migrations that can span thousands of miles, with the quest for sustenance at the forefront of their journey.
As winter approaches, vegetation dies and the ground freezes, making foraging for food increasingly difficult for birds In contrast, migratory birds head south to warmer regions where food sources remain abundant, ensuring their nourishment and reducing the risk of starvation Unfortunately, those few birds that do not migrate often face starvation as a consequence.
Student 2: Are there really no food sources in northern climes during winter?
As food availability decreases, many animals face competition for limited resources, leading to a situation where some birds successfully find food while the majority struggle to do so.
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 14
Therefore, most birds avoid this issue by migrating to places with an abundance of food
In the lesson on bird migration, the professor engages students by asking, “Does anyone know why they do that?” He then explores the key reasons for this phenomenon, highlighting that birds migrate primarily in search of food, to avoid freezing temperatures, and to find safer breeding locations.
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 15
THE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST
VI THE SAMPLE ENGLISH TEST
To complete each sentence, select the most suitable option from the four provided choices This will ensure that the sentence is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate After making your selection, mark the corresponding circle on the answer sheet.
1 Our school doesn’t allow students mobile phones in class
2 Those active students enjoy volunteer work
3 Vietnam 158 gold medals in the 22 nd Southeast Asian Games in 2003
4 Sue’s parents were very with her poor academic performance
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 16
5 You must have your parents’ before you can join the trip
6 Athletes from 197 countries in the Olympic Games in Atlanta
7 Her beautiful smile me at first sight
8 Maths is a subject in Vietnam’s curriculum
9 In water polo, there are seven in a team
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 17
10 Parents should join in teaching their children
11 Carla, are from Mexico, was born in the UK
12 The lizards are classed as a(n) species
13 This company is famous for its to providing quality products
14 , he got a job and moved to New York
15 It is blatantly obvious that the child by older students at school
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 18
16 The riot was finally got under control, but not before a lot of damage
17 “You’d better not go near that fierce dog,” my father said to me
A My father warned me against going near that fierce dog
B My father suggested me not to go near that fierce dog
C My father advised me not going near that fierce dog
D My father prevented me from going near that fierce dog
19 Federal would be available to help employers pay the insurance premium
20 The mischievous students did their best to the teacher with irrelevant questions
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 19
This section requires you to identify errors in grammar, usage, diction, or idiomatic expressions within the provided sentences Carefully read each sentence and determine which specific item contains an error Assume that any part of the sentence not underlined is correct and should remain unchanged When analyzing a sentence, remember to adhere to the standards of written English.
Select the one underlined part that must be changed in order to make the sentence correct, and darken the corresponding space on your answer sheet
21 When my parents decided to get a new satellite television, I asked them why
A B C did they think this was a good idea
22 By noticing the difference between the language he uses and the language those around
A B him use, a child makes necessary changes to make his language like other people
23 That manufacturer is not only raising his prices but also decreasing the production
A B C of his product as well
24 However jobs he has applied for, he never gets a good salary because he has no
25 It was not until 1937 when the southernmost source of the Nile River was discovered
26 Both Mr and Mrs Smith are explaining the children the rules of the game
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 20
27 Higher vocational education and training that combines teaching of both practical
28 It is important that you turned off the heater every morning before you leave
29 Were you to win a huge sum of money, what would you have bought?
30 Although there were a lot of opposition initially, many people now accept that
A B C infertile couples have the right to medical help
31 Jane Addams, social worker, author, and spokeswoman for the peace and women’s
A suffrage movements, she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931 for her humanitarian
32 We are looking for a secretary who she has good organization skills and can use a
33 William used to smoking a lot until his doctor advised him to quit
34 This is the better musical performance that I have ever seen
35 It is say that he is working for one of the world’s top engineering companies
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 21
36 Although the desert is extremely hot and dry, but it is home to a variety of plants and
37 It’s hard to believe that this film was been generated completely by computer
38 Have been told exactly what to do, I was pretty confident that I wouldn’t embarrass
39 In recent years, steps have been taken to guarantee equal job opportunities to
A B C the handicap and to minorities
40 I was late because my car broke down while driving to work this morning
International University – VNU-HCMC, Official handbook for the English Test, page 22
To effectively understand the passages, carefully read each one and answer the accompanying questions or complete the statements Choose the option that best aligns with the content of the passage and mark your answer on the provided sheet.
Questions 41 – 47 refer to the following passage
During the peak of the railroad era, America's rail system was crucial for passenger and freight transport, utilizing various types of railroad cars for different tasks However, before the Civil War, sleeping cars were not available for public use despite numerous ideas being proposed, which were ultimately impractical The transformation of the sleeping car concept into a functional reality was tragically catalyzed by the death of a president.
Cabinet-maker George M Pullman identified a growing need for sleeping cars and spent the decade before the Civil War creating experimental designs Despite successful test runs on the Chicago and Alton Railroads, he struggled to market his concept due to the models being too wide and high for the current train stations and bridges.
In 1863, after working as a storekeeper in a Colorado mining town, he invested his entire savings of $20,000—a significant sum for that era—into a luxurious sleeping car named the Pioneer Built by Pullman and his friend Ben Field at the future site of Chicago Union Station, the Pioneer remained idle on a railroad siding for two years due to its inability to fit through train stations and over bridges.