Đề thi thử VSTEP Reading số 7
Thời gian: 60 phút | Tổng số câu: 40 câu trắc nghiệm
Hướng dẫn: Đọc kỹ các đoạn văn sau và chọn đáp án đúng nhất (A, B, C hoặc D) cho mỗi câu hỏi.
PASSAGE 1 — Benefits of Learning a Second Language (Câu 1–10)
In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to speak more than one language has become a valuable asset. While the practical benefits of bilingualism — such as better job opportunities and the ability to communicate with a wider range of people — are well known, recent research has revealed a wealth of cognitive, social, and even health-related advantages that extend far beyond simple communication.
One of the most significant findings in neuroscience is that learning a second language fundamentally changes the structure of the brain. Studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have shown that bilingual individuals have greater density of gray matter in regions associated with language processing and executive control. This means that bilingual people are generally better at multitasking, focusing their attention, and filtering out irrelevant information. These cognitive benefits are not limited to people who learned a second language in childhood; even adults who begin studying a new language show measurable improvements in brain function.
The social benefits of bilingualism are equally impressive. Research has demonstrated that bilingual children develop stronger empathy and social awareness than their monolingual peers. This is because managing two languages requires an understanding of different perspectives and cultural contexts. Bilingual individuals learn early on that the same concept can be expressed in entirely different ways, which fosters a more flexible and open-minded approach to communication. In multicultural societies, this ability to navigate between languages and cultures is increasingly seen as an essential skill for social cohesion.
Perhaps most remarkably, bilingualism appears to protect the brain against age-related cognitive decline. A landmark study published in the journal Neurology found that bilingual individuals developed symptoms of dementia an average of 4.5 years later than monolingual individuals with similar education and health backgrounds. Researchers believe that the constant mental exercise of managing two languages strengthens the brain's cognitive reserve, essentially building a buffer against the effects of aging. While bilingualism does not prevent dementia entirely, it appears to significantly delay its onset.
Despite these compelling benefits, many education systems around the world continue to treat second language learning as a low priority, often introducing it too late in a student's academic career or offering insufficient instructional time. Language experts argue that early exposure — ideally beginning in primary school — is crucial for maximizing the cognitive and social benefits of bilingualism. Furthermore, in a globalized economy where cross-cultural communication is essential, the ability to speak multiple languages is not merely an academic advantage but a practical necessity. As the evidence continues to mount, the case for investing in language education has never been stronger.
Câu 1. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Learning a second language is only useful for getting better jobs
B. Bilingualism offers cognitive, social, and health benefits beyond communication
C. Everyone should learn English as their second language
D. Children who speak two languages perform worse in school
Câu 2. According to paragraph 2, what does MRI research show about bilingual brains?
A. They are larger in overall size than monolingual brains
B. They have greater gray matter density in language and executive control areas
C. They process information more slowly but more accurately
D. They are identical in structure to monolingual brains
Câu 3. The word "density" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:
A. flexibility
B. concentration or thickness
C. color or appearance
D. speed of processing
Câu 4. What social benefit of bilingualism is described in paragraph 3?
A. Bilingual children make more friends at school
B. Bilingual people are always better public speakers
C. Bilingual children develop stronger empathy and social awareness
D. Bilingual individuals avoid conflicts more easily
Câu 5. Why do bilingual children develop greater empathy?
A. They travel to more countries than monolingual children
B. Managing two languages requires understanding different perspectives
C. Their parents are always from different cultural backgrounds
D. They attend special empathy training programs at school
Câu 6. What did the study in the journal Neurology find?
A. Bilingual people never develop dementia
B. Bilingual individuals developed dementia symptoms 4.5 years later on average
C. Monolingual people have healthier brains than bilingual people
D. Language learning has no effect on cognitive decline
Câu 7. The word "buffer" in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to:
A. permanent cure
B. protective barrier
C. harmful substance
D. direct cause
Câu 8. What criticism of current education systems is raised in paragraph 5?
A. They spend too much time on language education
B. They introduce second language learning too late and with insufficient time
C. They force students to learn three or more languages
D. They only teach languages that are spoken in neighboring countries
Câu 9. It can be inferred that the author believes:
A. Only children can benefit from learning a second language
B. Language education should be a higher priority in schools worldwide
C. Monolingual people cannot succeed in the modern world
D. The benefits of bilingualism have been exaggerated by researchers
Câu 10. The word "mount" in the last sentence is closest in meaning to:
A. decrease
B. disappear
C. accumulate
D. contradict
PASSAGE 2 — Fast Fashion and the Environment (Câu 11–20)
The global fashion industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past three decades. Where consumers once purchased a few high-quality garments each season, they now buy an average of 68 items per year — many of which are worn only a handful of times before being discarded. This shift has been driven by the rise of "fast fashion," a business model that prioritizes speed, low cost, and trend replication over quality and sustainability. Companies like Zara, H&M, and Shein have built empires on the ability to move designs from runway to retail in a matter of weeks, offering consumers the latest styles at rock-bottom prices.
The environmental cost of this model is staggering. The fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10 percent of global carbon emissions — more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. The production of a single cotton T-shirt requires about 2,700 liters of water, equivalent to what one person drinks over two and a half years. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, which now account for over 60 percent of all clothing produced, are derived from petroleum and can take up to 200 years to decompose in landfills. When washed, these fabrics shed microplastic fibers that enter waterways and eventually the ocean, where they are ingested by marine life and enter the food chain.
The social dimensions of fast fashion are equally troubling. To keep prices low, many fast fashion brands outsource production to developing countries where labor is cheap and regulations are weak. Garment workers — the majority of whom are women — often work 14 to 16 hours a day in unsafe conditions for wages that fall far below the living standard. The 2013 Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh, where the collapse of a garment factory killed over 1,100 workers, brought global attention to the exploitation embedded in the fast fashion supply chain. Despite promises of reform, reports suggest that working conditions in many garment factories have improved only marginally.
In response to growing awareness of these issues, a "slow fashion" movement has emerged that advocates for a fundamentally different approach to clothing consumption. Slow fashion emphasizes buying fewer, higher-quality items that are designed to last, choosing sustainable materials, and supporting brands that treat their workers fairly. Second-hand shopping, clothing swaps, and rental services have also gained popularity as consumers seek alternatives to the disposable fashion cycle. Some innovative companies are exploring circular fashion models, in which garments are designed to be recycled or composted at the end of their useful life, reducing waste and the demand for virgin materials.
However, systemic change will require more than individual consumer choices. Environmental advocates argue that governments must introduce stricter regulations on textile waste, carbon emissions, and labor practices within the fashion industry. The European Union has already proposed legislation requiring clothing brands to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, including collection and recycling. While such regulations face opposition from industry groups who warn of higher costs and job losses, supporters counter that the true cost of fast fashion — measured in environmental destruction, worker exploitation, and public health — is far too high to ignore. The fashion industry, like many other sectors, must fundamentally rethink its relationship with the planet if it is to survive in a sustainable form.
Câu 11. What is the main topic of the passage?
A. How to start a career in the fashion industry
B. The environmental and social problems caused by fast fashion
C. The history of fashion from ancient times to the present
D. Why designer clothing is better than affordable brands
Câu 12. According to paragraph 1, how has consumer behavior changed?
A. People now buy fewer but more expensive clothes
B. People buy many cheap items that are often discarded quickly
C. Consumers prefer to make their own clothing at home
D. Most people only shop for clothes once a year
Câu 13. The word "staggering" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:
A. reasonable
B. shocking and overwhelming
C. invisible
D. easily manageable
Câu 14. How much water is needed to produce one cotton T-shirt?
A. About 270 liters
B. Approximately 1,000 liters
C. Roughly 2,700 liters
D. More than 5,000 liters
Câu 15. What problem do synthetic fabrics cause when washed?
A. They release toxic gases into the air
B. They shed microplastic fibers that pollute waterways
C. They dissolve and damage washing machines
D. They change color and become unwearable
Câu 16. What does the Rana Plaza disaster illustrate?
A. The success of safety regulations in Bangladesh
B. The exploitation and unsafe conditions in garment factories
C. How quickly the fashion industry can recover from a crisis
D. The high quality of clothing produced in developing countries
Câu 17. The word "marginally" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to:
A. dramatically
B. only slightly
C. permanently
D. intentionally
Câu 18. What is the "slow fashion" movement about?
A. Wearing the same clothes for at least 10 years
B. Buying fewer, higher-quality items and supporting sustainable brands
C. Making all clothing by hand at home
D. Wearing only luxury designer brands
Câu 19. What has the European Union proposed regarding the fashion industry?
A. Banning all fast fashion brands from operating in Europe
B. Requiring brands to take responsibility for their products' entire lifecycle
C. Subsidizing fast fashion companies to improve their practices
D. Creating a government-owned fashion company
Câu 20. What can be inferred about the author's perspective?
A. Fast fashion is acceptable as long as prices remain low
B. Both individual action and government regulation are needed to address fast fashion's problems
C. The fashion industry will fix its problems without any outside pressure
D. Environmental concerns about fashion are greatly exaggerated
PASSAGE 3 — Antibiotic Resistance (Câu 21–30)
The discovery of antibiotics in the twentieth century is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in the history of medicine. When Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin in 1928, he set in motion a revolution that would save hundreds of millions of lives. Before antibiotics, even minor infections from cuts and scratches could prove fatal, and surgical procedures carried enormous risks of post-operative infection. The widespread availability of antibiotics transformed modern medicine, making previously deadly diseases treatable and enabling advances in surgery, organ transplants, and cancer treatment that would have been impossible without effective infection control.
However, the very success of antibiotics has led to their overuse, and this overuse has created one of the most serious public health threats of the twenty-first century: antibiotic resistance. When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics repeatedly, natural selection favors those with random genetic mutations that allow them to survive. These resistant bacteria multiply and spread, eventually rendering once-effective drugs useless. The World Health Organization has warned that we are entering a "post-antibiotic era" in which common infections and minor injuries could once again become lethal. Currently, antibiotic-resistant infections kill an estimated 700,000 people worldwide each year, and some projections suggest this number could rise to 10 million by 2050 if no action is taken.
The causes of antibiotic resistance are multifaceted. In human medicine, antibiotics are frequently prescribed unnecessarily — for viral infections such as the common cold, for example, against which they are completely ineffective. Patients also contribute to the problem by failing to complete their prescribed courses of treatment, which allows partially resistant bacteria to survive and develop stronger resistance. In many countries, antibiotics can be purchased over the counter without a prescription, leading to widespread self-medication and misuse.
The agricultural sector is another major driver of antibiotic resistance. Globally, approximately 70 percent of all antibiotics produced are used not to treat sick animals but to promote growth in healthy livestock and prevent disease in crowded farming conditions. This practice creates an ideal environment for resistant bacteria to develop, which can then be transmitted to humans through the food supply, direct contact with animals, or environmental contamination of water sources. Despite growing evidence of this link, the livestock industry in many countries has been slow to reduce its reliance on routine antibiotic use.
Addressing antibiotic resistance requires a coordinated global response. Medical experts recommend that doctors prescribe antibiotics only when truly necessary and that patients always complete their full course of treatment. Governments must strengthen regulations on the sale and use of antibiotics in both healthcare and agriculture. Investment in research is also critical: pharmaceutical companies have largely abandoned antibiotic development because these drugs generate lower profits than treatments for chronic conditions. Public funding and incentive programs are needed to revitalize the antibiotic pipeline and develop alternative treatments such as bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides, and vaccines that prevent bacterial infections in the first place. Without urgent and coordinated action, the world risks losing one of the most powerful tools in the history of medicine.
Câu 21. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Alexander Fleming was the most important scientist in history
B. Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat that requires urgent action
C. Antibiotics should never be prescribed for any illness
D. The agricultural industry has no role in antibiotic resistance
Câu 22. According to paragraph 1, what was medicine like before antibiotics?
A. Surgical procedures were completely safe
B. Minor infections could be fatal and surgery carried high infection risks
C. Diseases were treated effectively with herbal remedies
D. Cancer treatment was already well established
Câu 23. The word "rendering" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:
A. improving
B. making or causing to become
C. discovering
D. prescribing
Câu 24. How many people currently die from antibiotic-resistant infections each year?
A. About 70,000
B. An estimated 700,000
C. Approximately 7 million
D. Over 10 million
Câu 25. Why is prescribing antibiotics for the common cold a problem?
A. The common cold is caused by a virus, so antibiotics are ineffective
B. Antibiotics make cold symptoms worse
C. The common cold is too mild to require any treatment
D. Antibiotics for colds are too expensive for most patients
Câu 26. What percentage of antibiotics produced globally are used in agriculture?
A. About 30 percent
B. Approximately 50 percent
C. Roughly 70 percent
D. Over 90 percent
Câu 27. The word "revitalize" in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to:
A. eliminate
B. bring new life or energy to
C. regulate
D. criticize
Câu 28. Why have pharmaceutical companies largely abandoned antibiotic development?
A. Because antibiotics are too difficult to manufacture
B. Because antibiotic development generates lower profits than chronic disease treatments
C. Because governments have banned new antibiotic research
D. Because there are already enough types of antibiotics available
Câu 29. What alternative treatments are mentioned in the passage?
A. Herbal medicine and acupuncture
B. Bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides, and vaccines
C. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy
D. Meditation and exercise programs
Câu 30. What can be inferred about the author's tone?
A. Optimistic that the problem will solve itself naturally
B. Urgent and concerned, emphasizing the need for immediate action
C. Indifferent to the consequences of antibiotic resistance
D. Skeptical about the effectiveness of antibiotics in general
PASSAGE 4 — Migration and Cultural Integration (Câu 31–40)
Migration — the movement of people from one place to another — has been a defining feature of human history since the earliest civilizations. Whether driven by conflict, economic opportunity, environmental change, or the simple desire for a better life, migration has shaped the demographics, economies, and cultures of societies around the world. In the twenty-first century, globalization and technological advances have accelerated the pace and scale of migration, creating both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for host countries and migrants alike.
One of the central debates surrounding migration concerns the question of cultural integration — the process by which migrants adopt the customs, values, and language of their host country while maintaining elements of their own cultural identity. Proponents of multiculturalism argue that diversity enriches society, bringing new perspectives, skills, and cultural traditions that enhance the social fabric. Cities like Toronto, London, and Sydney, which are home to communities from virtually every corner of the globe, are often cited as examples of how cultural diversity can drive innovation, creativity, and economic growth. Research from the McKinsey Global Institute has shown that ethnically diverse companies are 35 percent more likely to outperform their less diverse competitors.
However, cultural integration is not without its tensions. Critics argue that rapid, large-scale immigration can strain public services, create competition for jobs and housing, and lead to cultural friction when the values of newcomers differ significantly from those of the host society. In several European countries, debates over immigration policy have become deeply polarized, with populist movements gaining support by emphasizing the perceived threats of immigration to national identity and social cohesion. The challenge for policymakers is to develop immigration frameworks that acknowledge legitimate concerns while avoiding discrimination and xenophobia.
Language acquisition is widely recognized as the most critical factor in successful cultural integration. Migrants who become proficient in the language of their host country have significantly better outcomes in employment, education, and social participation. Conversely, language barriers can lead to isolation, unemployment, and dependence on social welfare systems, creating a cycle of marginalization that affects both migrants and the broader community. Effective language programs — particularly those that are accessible, affordable, and tailored to the needs of adult learners — are therefore an essential component of any integration strategy. Countries like Canada and Germany have invested heavily in settlement services that include language training, cultural orientation, and employment support, with measurable positive results.
Ultimately, the success of cultural integration depends on a two-way process. It is not enough to simply expect migrants to assimilate into the host culture; the host society must also be willing to adapt, accommodate, and learn from the cultural contributions of newcomers. This requires investment in education, anti-discrimination policies, and community programs that promote intercultural understanding. History shows that societies that embrace diversity and manage integration effectively tend to be more resilient, innovative, and prosperous than those that resist change. As global migration continues to increase, the ability to integrate diverse populations will be one of the defining challenges — and opportunities — of the coming decades.
Câu 31. What is the main topic of the passage?
A. The history of human migration from Africa to other continents
B. Migration, cultural integration, and the challenges and opportunities they present
C. Why all countries should close their borders to immigrants
D. The economic costs of immigration for developed countries
Câu 32. According to paragraph 2, what do proponents of multiculturalism believe?
A. Cultural diversity weakens the social fabric
B. Only migrants from similar cultures should be welcomed
C. Diversity enriches society through new perspectives and skills
D. All cities should limit their immigrant populations
Câu 33. The word "fabric" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:
A. clothing material
B. underlying structure
C. financial system
D. political party
Câu 34. What does the McKinsey research finding suggest?
A. Diverse companies are less profitable than homogeneous ones
B. Ethnic diversity in companies correlates with better performance
C. Companies should hire only local workers
D. Diversity has no measurable effect on business outcomes
Câu 35. What criticism of immigration is mentioned in paragraph 3?
A. Immigrants always refuse to learn the local language
B. Immigration has no effect on public services or housing
C. Rapid immigration can strain services and cause cultural friction
D. All populist movements support open borders
Câu 36. What is described as the most critical factor for cultural integration?
A. Having a college degree from the home country
B. Language acquisition in the host country
C. Abandoning all aspects of one's original culture
D. Living in the host country for at least 20 years
Câu 37. The word "marginalization" in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to:
A. celebration
B. being pushed to the edges of society
C. rapid advancement
D. financial success
Câu 38. Which countries are mentioned as having invested in settlement services?
A. The United States and Japan
B. France and Italy
C. Canada and Germany
D. Australia and New Zealand
Câu 39. What does the author mean by integration being a "two-way process"?
A. Migrants must completely abandon their original culture
B. Both migrants and host societies must adapt and learn from each other
C. Governments should create two separate systems for migrants and citizens
D. Integration can only work if migrants return to their home countries eventually
Câu 40. What can be inferred about the author's overall perspective?
A. Immigration should be completely stopped
B. Cultural integration, when managed well, benefits both migrants and host societies
C. Only wealthy countries can handle immigration successfully
D. Cultural differences between people are impossible to overcome