PHẦN 2: ĐỌC HIỂU - VSTEP

Thời gian: 60 phút

Số câu hỏi: 40
Form: https://forms.gle/YtSeEcGUmSHZbRrY8

Directions: In this section of the test, you will read FOUR different passages, each followed
by 10 questions about it. For questions 1-40, you are to choose the best answer A, B, C, or
D for each question. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in
the space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen. Answer all
questions following a passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in that passage.

You have 60 minutes to answer all the questions, including the time to transfer your answers
to the answer sheet.

PASSAGE 1 - Questions 1-10

Scientists do not yet thoroughly understand just how the body of an individual
becomes sensitive to a substance that is harmless or even wholesome for the average
person. Milk, wheat, and egg, for example, rank among the most healthful and widely used
foods. Yet these foods can cause persons sensitive to them to suffer greatly. At first, the
body of the individual is not harmed by coming into contact with the substance. After a
varying interval of time, usually longer than a few weeks, the body becomes sensitive to it,
and an allergy has begun to develop. Sometimes it's hard to figure out if you have a food
allergy, since it can show up so many different ways. Your symptoms could be caused by
imany other problems. You may have rashes, hives, joint pains mimicking arthritis,
headaches, irritability, or depression. The most common food allergies are to milk, eggs,
seafood, wheat, nuts, seeds, chocolate, oranges, and tomatoes. Many of these allergies will
not develop if these foods are not fed to an infant until her or his intestines mature at around
seven months. Breast milk also tends to be protective. Migraines can be set off by foods
containing tyramine, phenethylamine, monosodium glutamate, or sodium nitrate. Common
foods which contain these are chocolate, aged cheeses, sour cream, red wine, pickled
herring, chicken livers, avocados, ripe bananas, cured meats, many Oriental and prepared
foods (read the labels!). Some people have been successful in treating their migraines with
supplements of B-vitamins, particularly B6 and niacin, Children who are hyperactive may
benefit from eliminating food additives, especially colorings, and foods high in salicylates
from their diets. A few of these are almonds, green peppers, peaches, tea, grapes. This is
the diet made popular by Benjamin Feingold, who has written the book Why Child is
Hyperactive. Other researchers have had mixed results when testing whether the diet is
effective.

1. The topic of this passage is

A. reactions to foods
B. food and nutrition
C. infants and allergies
D. a good diet
2. According to the passage, the difficulty in diagnosing allergies to foods is due to
___.
A. the vast number of different foods we eat
B. lack of a proper treatment plan
C. the similarity of symptoms of the allergy to other problems
D. the use of prepared formula to feed babies
3. The word "symptoms" in the passage is closest in meaning to _______.
A. indications
B. diet
C. diagnosis
D. prescriptions
4. The phrase "set off" in the passage is closest in meaning to _______.
A. relieved
B. identified
C. avoided
D. triggered
5. What can be inferred about babies from this passage?
A. They can eat almost anything.
B. They should have a carefully restricted diet as infants.
C. They gain little benefit from being breast fed.
D. They may become hyperactive if fed solid food too early
6. The word "hyperactive" in the passage is closest in meaning to ______.
A. overly active
B. unusually low activity
C. excited
D. inquisitive
7. The author states that the reason that infants need to avoid certain foods related to
allergies has to do with the infant's _______.
A. lack of teeth
B. poor metabolism
C. underdeveloped intestinal tract
D. inability to swallow solid foods
8. The word "these" in the passage refers to____.
A. food additives
B. food colorings
C. innutritious foods
D. foods high in salicylates
9. Which of the following was a suggested treatment for migraines in the passage?
A. Eating more ripe bananas
B. Avoiding all Oriental foods
C. Getting plenty of sodium nitrate
D. Using Vitamin B in addition to a good diet
10. According to the article the Feingold diet is NOT___.
A. verified by researchers as being consistently effective
B. available in book form
C. beneficial for hyperactive children
D. designed to eliminate foods containing certain food additives
PASSAGE 2 — Questions 11-20
Until recently, most American entrepreneurs were men. Discrimination against
women in business, the demands of caring for families, and lack of business training had
kept the number of women entrepreneurs small. Now, however, businesses owned by
women account for more than $40 billion in annual revenues, and this figure is likely to
continue rising throughout the 1990s. As Carolyn Doppelt Gray, an official of the Small
Business Administration, has noted, "The 1970s was the decade of women entering
management, and the 1980s turned out to be the decade of the woman entrepreneur."

What are some of the factors behind this trend? For one thing, as more women earn
advanced degrees in business and enter the corporate world, they are finding obstacles.
Women are still excluded from most executive suites. Charlotte Taylor, a management
consultant, had noted, "In the 1970s women believed if they got an MBA and worked hard
they could become chairman of the board. Now they've found out that isn't going to happen,
so they go out on their own.”

In the past, most women entrepreneurs worked in "women's" fields cosmetics and
clothing, for example. But this is changing. Consider ASK Computer Systems, a $22-million-
a-year computer software business. It was founded in 1973 by Sandra Kurtzig, who was
then a housewife with degrees in math and engineering. When Kurtzig founded the
business, her first product was software that let weekly newspapers keep tabs on their
newspaper carriers and her office was a bedroom at home, with a shoebox under the bed
to hold the company’s cash. After she succeeded with the newspaper software system, she
hired several bright computer-science graduates to develop additional programs. When
these were marketed and sold, ASK began to grow. It now has 200 employees, and Sandra
Kurtzig owns $66.9 million of stock.

Of course, many women who start their own businesses fail, just as men often do.
They still face hurdles in the business world, especially problems in raising money; the
banking and finance world is still dominated by men, and old attitudes die hard. Most
businesses owned by women are still quite small. But the situation is changing: there are
likely to be many more Sandra Kurtzigs in the years ahead.

11. What is the main idea of this passage?

A. Women today are better educated than in the past, making them more attractive to the
business world.
B. The computer is especially lucrative for women today.
C. Women are better at small businesses than men are.
D. Women today are opening more businesses of their own.
12. The word “excluded” in the passage is closest in meaning to ______.
A. not permitted in
B. often invited to
C. decorators of
D. charged admission to
13. All of the following were mentioned in the passage as detriments to women in the
business world EXCEPT _____.
A. women were required to stay at home with their families
B. women lacked ability to work in business
C. women faced discrimination in business
D. women were not trained in business
14. The word "that" in the passage refers to ____ :
A. a woman becomes chairman of the board
B. women working hard
C. women achieving advanced degrees
D. women believing that business is a place for them
15. According to the passage, Charlotte Taylor believes that women in the
1970s______.
A. were unrealistic about their opportunities in business management
B. were still more interested in education than business opportunities
C. had fewer obstacles in business than they do today
D. were unable to work hard enough to succeed in business the third
16. The author mentions the "shoebox under the bed" in the third paragraph in order
to _______.
A. show the frugality of women in business
B. show the resourcefulness of Sandra Kurtzig
C. point out that initially the financial resources of Sandra Kurtzig's business were limited
D. suggest that the company needed to expand
17. The word "this" in the passage refers to ______.
A. women becoming entrepreneurs
B. women buying cosmetics and clothing
C. women working in “women's fields"
D. women staying at home
18. The expression "keep tabs on” in the passage is closest in meaning to _______.
A. recognize the appearance of
B. keep records of
C. provide transportation for
D. pay the salaries of
19. It can be inferred from the passage that the author believes that businesses
operated by women are small because _______.
A. women prefer a small intimate setting
B. women can't deal with money
C. women are not able to borrow money easily
D. many women fail at large businesses
20. The author's attitude about the future of women in business is ________.
A. skeptical
B. optimistic
C. frustrated
D. negative

PASSAGE 3 - Questions 21-30

Symbiosis is a close ecological relationship between two dissimilar organisms. They
assist each other with feeding, defending and reproducing. In symbiosis, at least one of the
pair benefits from the relationship. The other may. be injured (parasitism), unaltered
(commensalism), or may also benefit (mutualism).
 An interesting mutually dependent relationship exists between the pine and the pion
jay. Blue pinon jays settle on the tops of pine trees and pick at the dark round seeds from the
sticky cones. They store the seeds in their throats, fly off and hide them somewhere, and
then return to repeat the process again. It seems the reproductive cycle of a pine jay
corresponds with the ripening of the pine’s seed. Similar pine is dependent on the pinon
jays for distribution of the seeds.

Seeds are stored in the bark of a tree or in the ground. Using their long bills, pinon
jays plant and store them for later consumption. Their throats can expand to hold a large
number of seeds; one pinon jay has been reported carrying 50 seeds in one trip. After they
have planted the seeds, they return to eat them. Using their bills like a woodpecker, they
hammer the seed until the shell breaks. Any unrecovered nuts are then grown into new
trees. This fascinating relationship has been ongoing for thousands of years.

When both species benefit each other, this is called mutualism. An example of
mutualism is a plant and fungi. The fungus occupies the cortex cells of the secondary roots
of the plant. This relationship is called a ‘mycorrhiza.’ It helps the plant absorb inorganic
nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil. Some fungi also produce antibiotics which may
prevent the invasion of parasitic fungi and bacteria. Another example of mutualism is
pollination. Bees carry pollen from one plant to the next when they seek out plants for nectar.
They feed themselves on the nectar, and the plants reproduce after fertilization by the pollen
from other plants.

Mutualism can also bring together two very different organisms, for example, a
buffalo and an ox bird. These birds journey on the backs of African buffalo eating their
parasites. The bird receives food, and the buffalo is rid of irritating insects. There are also a
number of fish that provide an excellent example of mutualism. Known as ‘cleaner fish,’
these fish get rid of parasites and dead skin found on other fish. The best-known example is
the ‘cleaner wrasse,’ which dwells in the Pacific and Indian oceans. They clean large
predatory fish by eating tissue and parasites off their skin. This relationship provides food
and protection for the wrasse and several health benefits for the other fish.

The other two types of symbiosis, besides mutualism, are commensalism and
parasitism. [A] Commensalism refers to a symbiotic relationship where one organism eats
the unused food of another. [B] One benefits, but the other is not affected. Examples
include the remora and the shark. The remora attaches itself to the shark, when the shark
feeds itself, the remora picks up scraps. [C] One example of commensalism in humans is
bacteria living in our intestines that feed on food in our gut. [D]

In parasitism, one organism benefits and the other is harmed. Parasites live off the
body of other organisms and receive nourishment from their tissues, while also
inflicting damage on their hosts. Plants are parasitized by bacteria, fungi, and a handful of
other plants, Parasites cause harm by entering the tissue of the host for their own nutritional
benefit.

None of these relationships are fixed, and it is likely that what starts as a parasitic
relationship may gradually evolve into a mutualistic. For example, in 1966, amebas were
discovered that had become infected with bacteria. However, after five years, it was found
that the core of the amebas had become dependent on the bacteria; thus, parasitism had
evolved into mutualism. Unfortunately, the inverse is also possible; mutualistic associations
may evolve into parasitic ones.

21. According to paragraph 2, what does the pinon jay do for the pine tree?
A. It gives the tree important nutrition,
B. It provides a primary means of Seed dissemination for pinon trees.
C. It keeps the tree free from parasites,
D. It helps the tree produce larger seeds,
22. The word "corresponds" in the passage is closest in meaning to ______ .
A. matches
B. includes
C. exposes
D. protects
23. According to paragraph 3, how does the blue pinon jay store the seeds for later?
A. By holding up to 50 in its mouth
B. By burying them in the ground
C. By protecting them in its nest
D. By allowing them to develop into new trees
24. The word "It" in the passage refers to__.
A. bacteria
B. mutualism
C. mycorrhiza
D. fungus
25. According to paragraph 5, what is an example of a mutual relationship?
A. An animal eating parasites from another
B. An animal licking the body of another
C. An animal providing protection for another
D. An animal keeping another awake and alert
26. The author mentions "the remora and the shark” passage in order to _____.
A. explain the details behind a mutualist association
B. demonstrate a connection between an active parasite picker and host
C. show how one animal can benefit from the acts of another
D. give an example of one animal causing the suffering of another
27. Which of the following best expresses the essential information in the highlighted
sentence? Incorrect answer choices change the meaning in important ways or leave
out essential information.
A. There are many types of creatures that are very well developed and have the strength to
support other species.
B. Sometimes, the organisms supplying parasites are very harmful to their hosts.
C. Some animals are selfish and only cause damage to their hosts.
D. Organisms which must depend on others die easily because they are not strong,
28. The word "gradually" in the passage is closest in meaning to ______
A. slowly
B. increasingly
C. constantly
D. rapidly
29. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT an example of
mutualism?
A. A plant and its fungi
B. Pollen transfer from one plant to another
C. The remora and the shark
D. A buffalo and an ox bird
30. Look at the four squares [_] that indicate where the following sentence can be
added to the passage.
They are completely safe and may possibly help us, hence a commensalism relationship.

Where would the sentence best fit?

A. [A]
B.[B]
C.[C]
D.[D]

PASSAGE 4 - Questions 31-40

Earth has several distinct layers; the outermost of these is the crust, which has an
inconsistent thickness of 35-70 km in the continents and 5-10 km in the ocean basins. The
second layer is known as the mantle, which is about 2900 km thick, and divided into an
upper and lower mantle. Most of Earth's internal heat is situated here, The upper mantle has
an area known as the low-velocity zone, where secondary waves decrease rapidly and then
gradually increase. The last layer is the core, This is a thick ball of iron and nickel divided
into two layers, the inner core and the outer core.

The inner core is solid, whereas the outer core is so hot that the metal is always
molten. However, because the force at the inner core is so immense, it cannot melt. Due to
Earth’s rotation, the outer core spins around the inner core, which causes the Earth’s
magnetism. The inner core consists of iron, nickel and other elements, probably a mix of
carbon, oxygen, sulphur, silicon, and potassium. The temperature is extremely high, and due
to pressure, the core is solid. Because the outer core is liquid, mainly consisting of iron,
nickel and about 10% oxygen and sulphur, here the temperature is not as high.

Both the outer and inner cores together create the Earth's magnetism. The core has
a huge influence on Earth. Because it is so hot, it radiates a natural heat to the upper layers,
setting off a current of heat, which in turn causes the movement of the tectonic plates.
Because of Earth’s rotation, the outer core spins, but the inner core does not because it is
solid. This provides a sort of dynamo effect and causes the Earth’s magnetic force.

A seismic wave is a wave that travels through Earth; itis often the result of a tectonic
earthquake. There are two kinds of seismic waves, “body waves” and “surface waves.”
Other waves do exist, but are of little importance. Body waves travel through the center of
Earth, following ray paths which are bent by the unstable density and stiffness of Earth’s
interior. These differ according to temperature, phase, and structure. Body waves send out
the first tremors of an earthquake as well as any later ones.

There are two kinds of body waves, “primary” and “secondary” waves. Primary waves
are compression waves, meaning the ground is alternately compressed and expanded in the
direction of propagation. These waves can travel slightly faster through solids than
secondary waves can, and are also able to travel through any type of material. Through air,
they take the form of sound waves and so travel at the speed of sound.

Primary waves, when created by an earthquake, are less destructive than sound
waves due to their minor amplitudes. Secondary waves are tilted waves; in other words, the
ground is shifted vertically in the direction of transmission. Here, the ground moves from one
side to the other. Secondary waves are only able to travel through solids, not liquids or
gases, and thus are unable to travel through Earth’s core. Primary waves are faster than
secondary waves. Primary and secondary waves are usually produced by earthquakes ‘and
volcanoes. However, they can also be produced by people using explosives or large
machinery.

Surface waves are comparable to water waves traveling just under Earth's surface.
They travel at slower speeds than body waves. Surface waves can be the most devastating
type of seismic wave due to their low frequency, long duration, and large amplitude. In
theory, they are understood as a system which relates to primary and secondary waves.

[A] The moment an earthquake occurs, seismographs try to record its primary
and secondary waves, but often they cannot detect the secondary waves of a distant
earthquake. [B] This may be due to the fact that secondary waves are unable to pass
through liquids. [C] This information about wave travel helps scientists
determine the internal structure of the planet. [D]

31. In paragraph 1, what does the author say about the presence of the low-velocity
zone in the Earth’s interior?
A. It causes the high-frequency stimulation.
B. Its width is consistent with the fault zone.
C. It induces regionally extensive oscillations.
D. Itis located just above the lower crustal boundary
32. The word “immense” in the passage is closest in meaning to _____.
A. compressed
B. dilated
C. immeasurable
D. varied
33. According to paragraph 2, which of the following is NOT true about the inner
core?
A. It contributes to the Earth's magnetic field.
B. It is always molten and liquid.
C. It is under a lot of pressure.
D. It mainly consists of iron, nickel and some lighter elements.
34. According to paragraph 3, which of the following is the reason for tectonic plate
movement?
A. The convection of heat from the core
B. The gravitational effect of the core
C. The powerful magnetic forces of the core
D. The spinning of the inner and outer core together
35. Why does the author mention "a tectonic earthquake" in the passage?
A. To show that primary waves are far more powerful than secondary waves
B. To demonstrate the effect of seismic waves on the Earth
C. To develop understanding of the structure of the Earth's interior
D. To explain that scientific detection methods are very efficient
36. The word "phase" in the passage is closest in meaning to. .
A. change
B. period
C. heat
D. construction
37. The word "devastating" in the passage is closest in meaning to ______.
A. faint
B. destructive
C. productive
D. quiet
38. Which of the following best expresses the essential information in the highlighted
sentence? Incorrect answer choices change the meaning in important ways or leave
out essential information.
A. Although primary and secondary waves would be recorded, the secondary waves are not
strong enough to be detected at a distance.
B. Seismic waves are too small to be felt as a noticeable earthquake, but detectable by
seismographs.
C. Secondary waves can be generated as a result of nonlinear interaction, so seismographs
cannot detect them.
D. Because of extensive fault repetition, the primary wave is the most powerful force in an
earthquake.
39. It can be inferred from the passage that the author most likely believes which of
the following about earthquakes in the world?
A. Volcanoes would not exist if earthquakes never happened.
B. They are caused by the force of primary waves hitting the crust.
C. They are primarily caused by the heat from the Earth’s core.
D. There is no more destructive thing in the world.
40. Look at the four squares [_] that indicate where the following sentence can be
added to the passage.
For example, with the use of secondary waves, scientists were able to suggest that Earth
has a liquid outer core.

Where would the sentence best fit?

A.[A]
B.[B]
C.[C]
D.[D]

THIS IS THE END OF THE READING PAPER.

NOW PLEASE SUBMIT
YOUR TEST PAPER AND YOUR ANSWER SHEET.