Trắc nghiệm ôn thi Tốt nghiệp THPT Tiếng Anh Dạng bài 4. Đọc hiểu (có đáp án)

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions.

     The contemporary employment landscape is witnessing a notable shift in employee behavior, moving away from the previously prevalent trend of ‘job hopping’. For years, frequent job changes were often perceived negatively, sometimes even discrediting an employee’s commitment. However, recent data suggests a significant decline in voluntary resignations. This new phenomenon, termed ‘job hugging’, describes a situation where employees opt to remain in their current positions, effectively ‘holding tight’ to their jobs.

     Statistics from the American labor market indicate a substantial decrease in the number of workers quitting their jobs compared to previous years, highlighting this evolving trend. Data from 2024 shows that 39.6 million Americans resigned from their jobs, an 11% drop from 2023 and a significant 22% decrease compared to 2022. This sharp decline reflects a major shift in employee attitudes, with many individuals choosing to “hug” their current jobs rather than risk changing roles.

     This hesitation to switch roles is primarily driven by shifting economic realities rather than increased corporate loyalty. Tougher economic conditions, including financial instability, widespread layoffs and a general fear of unemployment, have made job security a paramount concern for many. Consequently, the perceived risks associated with seeking new opportunities often outweigh the potential benefits, such as higher salaries or career advancement. Employees are, therefore, prioritizing stability within their existing companies over the uncertainty of the external job market.

     A common characteristic of individuals engaged in ‘job hugging’ is a heightened aversion to risk-taking in their career decisions. They may continue in roles even when experiencing dissatisfaction, choosing to endure familiar challenges rather than venturing into the unknown. This often involves valuing job security above personal growth or exploring new career paths. For these employees, the fear of a worse outcome in a new environment often compels them to stay put, even when other opportunities might exist. This pattern suggests a strategic decision to minimize exposure to market volatility.

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions.

     Renewable energy communities, where households work together to generate clean power, are growing rapidly in many countries. Smart meters, solar sensors, wind-speed trackers, and energy-analysis software provide real-time data that helps members optimise their shared systems. Collected information on sunlight levels, battery storage, and electricity usage allows energy teams to accelerate decisions on when to store, release, or share power. By acting quickly, communities avoid wasting energy and reduce dependence on the national grid.

     Mapping tools show which rooftops receive the strongest sunlight and which areas should host additional solar panels. They also indicate places where wind turbines can operate safely. Drones deliver early alerts when equipment overheats or blades become blocked, so technicians can repair only the affected parts. This prevents large-scale breakdowns and helps lower maintenance costs for the entire community.

     Automated energy-flow systems adjust power distribution every hour. Special software tracks household energy needs and forecasts weather patterns for the coming days. When energy demand increases or storms approach, the system changes the power route instantly. This saves electricity and keeps renewable-energy projects viable, especially in regions where weather conditions are unpredictable.

     Digital platforms link households, engineers, and energy suppliers so they can update battery levels, output measurements, and transfer times immediately. Blockchain tools secure every entry, encouraging members to trust the recorded information. Over time, analytic programs compare seasonal data to predict energy shortages, plan resource allocation, and reveal weak points in the power network.

Read the following passage about nomophobia and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions.

     Nomophobia, short for “no-mobile-phone phobia,” is a modern phenomenon that affects many people in today’s digital age.

     What is nomophobia? It is the irrational fear of being without one’s mobile phone or being unable to use it. This condition can cause anxiety and distress, and it highlights the profound impact mobile devices have on our lives. The fear of losing or being separated from one’s phone is a growing concern. Some common situations that trigger nomophobia include misplacing one’s phone, running out of battery, or losing network signal. The fear intensifies when people imagine not having their phones to contact friends and family, access the internet, or use GPS for navigation.

     Who easily suffers from nomophobia? Nomophobia is not limited to any age group and can affect individuals of all backgrounds. It often becomes evident when people experience panic or anxiety when they forget their phones at home or are unable to use them temporarily. Symptoms may include restlessness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and a sense of insecurity.

     The roots of nomophobia lie in the convenience and connectedness that mobile phones provide. These devices have become integral to our daily lives, serving as not just communication tools but also cameras, entertainment hubs, personal organizers, and more. This dependence on mobile phones can lead to a feeling of vulnerability when separated from them.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions.

Are You Living or Just Surviving?

     Imagine waking up each day, only to find that the world feels exactly the same as it did the day before. [I] The routine is unchanging, and the excitement of life seems to have slipped through your fingers. [II] Research indicates that when individuals fall into a cycle of monotony, they experience higher levels of stress, dissatisfaction, and burnout. [III] This pattern can drain energy, leaving people feeling disconnected from their passions and purpose. [IV]

     As time passes, the reasons for beginning a particular path can be easily forgotten. The spark of enthusiasm that once fueled people’s ambitions might fade as obligations and responsibilities take over. In fact, studies in the Journal of Positive Psychology reveal that when people reconnect with the reasons they initially set their goals, they experience a significant increase in motivation and fulfillment. A lack of reflection on one’s purpose can lead to a life that feels passive, as if decisions are made out of habit rather than intention. Those who forget why they started something often lose sight of what truly matters to them, resulting in an existence that drifts along without much meaning or direction.

     To shift from mere survival to meaningful living, it’s essential to create and pursue goals with intention. Living with purpose doesn’t have to involve grand achievements. Experts have found that having a sense of purpose is linked to better health, including reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and improved mental well-being. Purpose doesn’t need to come from a monumental task – it can arise from everyday actions like nurturing relationships, taking care of personal health, or contributing to the community.

     At the end of the day, the choice between living and surviving comes down to presence and intention. Instead of following the same unthinking routine, we have the power to make conscious choices that reflect what matters most to us. By embracing even the smallest goals, individuals can overcome the numbness of survival and experience life more fully. As Viktor Frankl wisely said, “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” A life of purpose is not just about surviving – it’s about truly living.

(Adapted from health.harvard.edu)

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions.

     The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, particularly generative AI, has sparked a profound debate concerning their impact on human cognition. While celebrated for their capacity to enhance productivity and automate complex tasks, a growing body of research suggests that an over-reliance on these technologies might inadvertently blunt our thinking skills. This apprehension echoes historical concerns, such as Socrates’s distrust of the written word, which he feared would diminish memory and intellectual rigor. Though the great philosopher’s specific fears about writing proved unfounded, the underlying anxiety about new cognitive technologies and their potential to reshape our mental faculties persists in the age of AI.

     Empirical studies are now providing concrete evidence for these contemporary worries. Researchers have observed that even seasoned professionals tend to disengage their critical thinking skills when routinely using generative AI for tasks requiring analysis or synthesis. Furthermore, excessive dependence on AI during learning processes has been linked to reduced brain connectivity and a decrease in the memorability of information. This phenomenon is often attributed to a maladaptive form of “cognitive offloading,” where instead of using AI to free up mental resources for higher-order thinking, individuals delegate fundamental cognitive processes entirely. Such delegation, when unchecked, hinders the development and maintenance of essential mental muscles, potentially transforming our minds into mere passive recipients rather than active processors of information.

     [I] However, the narrative is not entirely one of decline. Many experts propose that AI, when leveraged judiciously, can serve as a powerful tool for human intelligence. The key lies in shifting from passive consumption to active, critical engagement. [II] Instead of asking AI for complete answers, users can employ it to generate diverse perspectives, identify potential biases, or even challenge their own assumptions. This approach transforms AI from a crutch into a sparring partner, fostering a dynamic interaction that can sharpen reasoning and deepen understanding. [III] Strategies include fact-checking AI outputs, iteratively refining prompts to encourage deeper processing, and dedicating mental effort to understanding why AI provides certain information. The challenge, therefore, is not to reject AI, but to cultivate a mindful approach to its integration into our daily lives and professional practices. [IV]

     By understanding the mechanisms of cognitive offloading and consciously designing interactions that promote active learning and critical evaluation, we can harness AI’s immense potential without succumbing to its pitfalls. This requires a concerted effort from individuals, educators, and developers to foster “AI literacy” - the ability to effectively and ethically engage with AI technologies. Ultimately, the future impact of AI on human cognition will be less about the technology’s inherent nature and more about how we choose to interact with it.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions.

     [I] Cultural diversity has long been a defining trait of human societies, and in recent years, the world has witnessed a significant surge in cultural exchanges. [II] Various factors, including globalization, migration, and technological innovations, have facilitated this intensifying interconnection among cultures. [III] Experts anticipate that by 2050, the global cultural landscape will be even more closely connected than it is today. [IV] This rapid cultural exchange offers great benefits but also presents significant challenges for societies worldwide.

     A primary driver of cultural exchange is the increasing prevalence of migration. As individuals relocate across national borders in pursuit of enhanced career prospects, education, or a more secure environment, they inevitably transport their cultural customs, languages, and values. This often leads to the blending of different cultural practices, enriching the social life of the host country. Furthermore, advancements in communication technologies have revolutionized the way people disseminate and celebrate cultural distinctions. The internet, social media platforms, and accessible global travel enable individuals to immerse themselves in cultures from distant corners of the world without necessitating physical relocation.

     However, cultural exchange is not without its complexities. Interactions between individuals from different cultural backgrounds can sometimes give rise to misunderstandings or value-based conflicts. For example, certain cultural practices may be at odds with local norms, resulting in social conflict. Additionally, the widespread dissemination of globalized culture, particularly Western culture, often threatens to overlook or replace indigenous traditions and heritage, leading to the erosion of unique cultural identities.

     Despite these impediments, cultural exchange remains an invaluable mechanism for fostering mutual comprehension and respect among diverse communities. To ensure that cultural diversity thrives while minimizing conflict, it is essential for societies to develop inclusive policies that both honor and celebrate differences, while promoting constructive dialogue and integration. By cultivating cultural awareness and tolerance, communities can harness the wealth of diverse traditions and perspectives, ultimately creating a more harmonious and enriched global society.