Practice Test for the GCSE

PRACTICE TEST 2
Read the following advertisement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the
option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.
The term 'personal development' is often connected with activities like dieting or exercise, or perhaps
learning a (1) ______. But while these things are undoubtedly important, there are many other (2) ______ skills
which are often overlooked. Academic or cognitive skills (3) ______ critical thinking, memorisation and
creativity are important, as are (4) ______ and emotional skills like friendliness, positive thinking, and self-
esteem.
(5) ______ skills not to be neglected include self-control, time management, and finding a balanced life.
The important thing is to (6) ______ a 'holistic approach' to personal development, meaning you should aim to
develop yourself as a whole person rather than focusing on one aspect of yourself at the expense of the others.
(Adapted from C21 Smart)
1. A. new programme computer B. programme new computer
C. new computer programme D. computer programme new
2. A. worthwhile B. potential C. meaningful D. ordinary
3. A. in place of B. such as C. regardless of D. instead of
4. A. sociable B. society C. socially D. social
5. A. Other B. The others C. Others D. Another
6. A. make B. give C. lead D. take
Note: Connectors
In place of Because of
Regardless of In case of
Instead of In terms of

Choose the correct answer to complete each of the following sentences.

1. _______ bad weather, the school trip was canceled.
A. In place of B. Because of C. In terms of D. Regardless of
2. The new manager made several changes _______ the old policies.
A. Instead of B. In terms of C. In place of D. Regardless of
3. _______ the risk of fire, always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
A. In case of B. Regardless of C. Because of D. Instead of
4. We decided to go hiking _______ staying indoors all weekend.
A. In place of B. Instead of C. In terms of D. Regardless of
5. He completed the marathon _______ the pain in his legs.
A. Instead of B. Because of C. Regardless of D. In terms of
6. The project was a success _______ the effort put in by the whole team.
A. In place of B. Because of C. In terms of D. Regardless of
7. The new design is better _______ usability and user-friendliness.
A. Instead of B. In case of C. In terms of D. In place of
8. The teacher gave us a group assignment _______ an individual project.
A. Instead of B. In case of C. In place of D. In terms of
9. Always follow the evacuation (sơ tán) plan _______ an emergency.
A. Instead of B. In place of C. In case of D. Regardless of
10. The event will continue _______ the weather conditions.
A. Instead of B. In terms of C. Regardless of D. Because of

Active English Academy  0888688846 Trang 1

 Practice Test for the GCSE
Another
The other
The others
Other
Others

Choose the correct answer to complete each of the following questions.

1. I’m not hungry right now. I’ll have _______ slice of pizza later.
A. another B. the other C. the others D. others
2. I have two pens. One is blue, and _______ is black.
A. another B. the other C. the others D. other
3. Some students are talking in the library, while _______ are studying quietly.
A. another B. the other C. the others D. others
4. She didn’t like this dress. Can I show her some _______ options?
A. another B. the other C. other D. the others
5. This book belongs to me, and _______ on the table belong to my brother.
A. another B. the other C. the others D. others
6. I will need _______ few minutes to finish my work.
A. another B. the other C. others D. other
7. He finished one task and quickly moved on to _______.
A. other B. the other C. others D. the others
8. I don’t like this design. Do you have any _______ suggestions?
A. another B. the other C. others D. other
9. I bought two pairs of shoes. One pair is for me, and _______ pair is for my sister.
A. another B. the other C. the others D. others
10. This painting is by Van Gogh. _______ in the gallery are by Monet.
A. Another B. The other C. The others D. Others
Word Formation
Noun Verb Adjective
Development x
Memorisation
Creativity
x Emotional
Management x
Meaning
Personal
X Important
Find the word or phrase in the passage that means
Phát triển bản thân Kỹ năng xã hội và cảm
xúc
Tư duy phản biện Tư duy tích cực
Tự chủ Cuộc sống cân bằng
Phương pháp toàn diện Bỏ qua, xem nhẹ
Kỹ năng nhận thức Lòng tự trọng
Tập trung vào Đánh đổi bằng
Choose the correct answer to each of the following questions.
1. What helps you improve yourself in all areas?
A. Cognitive skills B. Personal development C. Emotional skills
Active English Academy  0888688846 Trang 2
 Practice Test for the GCSE
2. If someone can handle emotions well and talk nicely to others, they have ________.
A. social and emotional skills B. self-control C. critical thinking
3. ________ means thinking carefully and making good decisions.
A. Cognitive skills B. Positive thinking C. Critical thinking
4. What does it mean to have a life where work, fun, and family are equal?
A. Balanced life B. Personal development C. Self-esteem
5. Which word describes believing good things will happen?
A. Positive thinking B. Self-control C. Overlooked
6. A method that looks at all areas of a situation is called a ________.
A. cognitive skill B. holistic approach C. critical thinking
7. ________ means you believe in yourself and your abilities.
A. Self-control B. Self-esteem C. Balanced life
8. ________ skills include memory and problem-solving.
A. Cognitive B. Social C. Critical
9. If someone wasn’t noticed for their good work, they were ________.
A. balanced B. overlooked C. focusing
10. He spends too much time on work ________ his health and family.
A. focusing on B. overlooked C. at the expense of
11. You are ________ only one subject; try to study everything.
A. focusing on B. self-control C. balanced life
12. If you can manage your emotions well, you have good ________.
A. cognitive skills B. self-control C. positive thinking
Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or
sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 1 to 5.
1.
a. Jason: That’s awesome! I wish I could have gone with you.
b. Jason: Hi, Emma! Did you enjoy the concert last night?
c. Emma: Hey, Jason! It was incredible! The band played all my favorite songs.
A. a-c-b B. b-a-c C. b-c-a D. c-b-a
2.
a. Sarah: You should join me next time; it’s a lot of fun!
b. Sarah: I just started a new painting class at the community center.
c. Sarah: We’re focusing on watercolors right now.
d. James: I’ve always wanted to try that!
e. James: That’s exciting! What style are you learning?
A. b-e-c-d-a B. a-c-b-d-e C. b-d-a-e-c D. a-b-c-e-d
3.
Hi Karen,
a. I feel much more confident about it now.
b. Let’s grab coffee soon so I can catch you up on everything!
c. I really appreciate your support.
d. I wanted to say thanks for your help with my project last week.
e. Your insights made a huge difference in my presentation.
Best,
A. d-e-a-c-b. B. a-d-b-c-e C. d-c-a-b-e D. a-c-b-d-e
4.
a. It helps improve your mood and boosts your energy levels.
b. Try to find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s jogging, dancing, or swimming.
c. Consistency is crucial; aim to be active most days of the week.
d. Regular exercise is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
e. Remember to listen to your body and rest when needed.
A. d-e-c-a-b B. b-a-d-c-e C. a-d-b-c-e D. d-a-b-c-e.
Active English Academy  0888688846 Trang 3
 Practice Test for the GCSE
5.
a. It will feature artifacts and interactive displays for visitors.
b. The opening ceremony is scheduled for next Saturday.
c. The local museum is hosting a special exhibit on ancient civilizations.
d. This exhibit promises to be an educational experience for all ages.
e. Everyone is invited to attend and learn more about our history.
A. b-c-d-e-a B. a-d-b-c-e C. c-a-d-e-b. D. a-c-b-d-e
Read the following passage about industrialisation and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet
to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.
Tiny Dwelling homes for the 21st century
In today's consumer world, we've never had so much, yet it seems we've never been so unsatisfied. The
cost of housing has been rising for decades, and the cost to the planet has been enormous, too. But (1) ______
to live a simpler, greener, and more affordable life: buy a TinyDwelling home!
Tinydweling homes are very small, (19) ______. Each charming TinyDwelling home has a contemporary
design and includes a living room, kitchen, bathroom, upstairs sleeping area, and convenient storage space.
TinyDwelling homes are cheap to run and eco- friendly, too. (20) ______ is a small heater to keep your house
warm in chilly weather, and solar panels in order to provide light and electricity.
TinyDwelling is part of the small-living movement that began in the late 1990s. (21) ______. They wanted to
downsize their possessions, living space, and energy costs, so as to lead more ecologically-friendly lives. But
the small-living movement really took off after the economic crisis of 2008, when many people realized that
they couldn't afford to own and (22) ______.
Lizzy Morrison, a small-living enthusiast, started TinyDwelling homes in 2008 to cater to the needs of these
people. Since then, Lizzy has been designing and building homes nonstop, and TinyDwelling homes have
become (23) ______ thousands of people have bought one. And Lizzy hasn't only been designing and building
houses. She has also been teaching people how to build them. Simply buy the plans and materials so that
you can build your own home, and save even more money!
(Adapted from Achieve)
1. A. it is a way B. this is the way C. there is a way D. that is the way
2. A. so comfortable houses have affordable prices
B. yet comfortable houses at affordable prices
C. and comfortable houses that are affordable
D. because of the affordable prices of comfortable houses
3. A. What you need B. You need something C. When you need D. You need everything
4. A. Back then, a growing number of very small houses people began to live in
B. Back then, people who lived in a number of very small homes began to grow
C. Back then, the number of very small houses people lived in began to grow
D. Back then, a growing number of people began to live in very small homes
5.
A. large homes maintaining B. maintain large homes
C. maintaining large homes D. large homes maintain
6. A. such popularity that B. so popular that C. very popular D. the popularity

Read the following passage about volunteering 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 1 to 10.

Why volunteer?
Where do we start? First, you will help people, or a whole community, or the environment … (I) If there’s
something you feel strongly about, from poverty to pollution, volunteering gives you the chance to make real
changes and work towards a better world. (II) You will learn new skills, meet new people, maybe go to new
places. (III) Voluntary work looks great on your CV and doing something you really care about is always
worthwhile. (IV) We’ve never heard someone say ‘I wish I hadn’t done volunteer work.’

Active English Academy  0888688846 Trang 4

 Practice Test for the GCSE
Who can volunteer?
Everybody! You might think it’s only for young people, but that’s not the case. It is true that many young people
take a ‘gap year’ before they start studying or working. Volunteer work – especially overseas – is often a big
part of this exciting year. Older people can of course take a gap year, too. However, you don’t have to travel to
another country and work full-time to be a volunteer. Some people volunteer locally, maybe once a week in a
community project, for example. It doesn’t matter who you are or how old, there’s somebody out there who
would really appreciate your help.
What can you do?
Let’s look at some of the local volunteering options we can organise:
Teaching and training. There are all kinds of volunteer teaching jobs, from helping adults who cannot read or
write, to sports training at a local youth club. Teachers of reading and writing have to be trained before they
begin their work but the rewards are huge. You learn a new skill and can really help to change a person’s life.
Sports training is a lot of fun and means you can continue to use your own sporting skills and stay fit and
healthy.
Managing everyday life. Some people need help with everyday tasks like shopping or understanding a form
that they have to complete. You could visit an older person living alone, and maybe learn something about
their world and the past as you help. Or you could help a person who has just moved to your country and
doesn’t understand how things work, enabling you to learn about their country and culture at the same time.
Whatever you choose, you’ll develop soft skills that will help you throughout your own life, at work and at
home.
Cultural events. A music festival can be even more fun if you have helped to organise it. A lot of time and
effort goes into making an event run well, especially if it takes place over a whole weekend and people will be
eating, drinking and sleeping on-site. Lots of the work is done by volunteers. Festivals and similar events are
the best places to learn that even really hard work can be fun if you’re in the right place with the right people.
And of course you get in for free! In fact, with some planning, you could spend most summer weekends at
festivals and never pay for one. Go for it!
Farm work. This is for people who can devote a lot of time to their volunteering project. Volunteer farm work
can involve going to stay on an organic farm for a period of a few weeks or even longer. You can do it overseas
or close to home, but the things that most volunteers appreciate are the opportunities to live on a farm, work
with the farmers, and maybe become part of a community of like-minded people. If you care about good,
healthy food, and about a better future for our planet, this could be the work for you.
1. Where in this passage does the following sentence best fit?
Moreover, volunteering can help you.
A. [I] B. [II] C. [III] D. [IV]
2. The word “overseas” in paragraph 2 can be replaced by _______.
A. regularly B. generously C. seaward D. abroad
3. In paragraph 2, why does the author mention older people?
A. To emphasize that volunteering is only for experienced adults.
B. To encourage people of all ages to consider volunteering.
C. To discourage young people from volunteering overseas.
D. To explain the skills required for volunteering.
4. The word “huge” in paragraph 3 is opposite in meaning to _______.
A. limited B. minor C. common D. frequent
5. According to paragraph 4, which of the following is NOT a way to help people in their daily lives?
A. Assisting people with shopping. B. Helping people understand and complete forms.
C. Teaching adults to read and write. D. Helping new arrivals understand local customs.
6. Which of the following best paraphrases the highlighted sentence?
A. Organizing a music festival makes it more enjoyable for everyone who attends.

Active English Academy  0888688846 Trang 5

 Practice Test for the GCSE
B. Helping to organize a music festival can make attending it even more enjoyable for you.
C. Organizing a music festival is one of the best ways to fully enjoy the experience.
D. A festival is more exciting if you know the people who helped organize it.
7. What does the passage imply about people who volunteer at cultural events like music festivals?
A. They have to pay for entry to the festival. B. They often do not enjoy the work they do.
C. They may find it hard to stay motivated. D. They gain free entry to events in exchange.
8. Which of the following best summarises paragraph 6?
A. Volunteer farm work requires a small time commitment but provides great rewards.
B. Volunteer farm work is a longer commitment that connects people who value sustainable living.
C. Volunteer farm projects are mainly overseas and focus on developing physical skills.
D. Volunteer farm work is mostly challenging and mainly attracts younger volunteers.
9. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. Volunteering can be adapted to fit different lifestyles, allowing anyone to contribute.
B. People of all ages must volunteer at least once to make their lives more meaningful.
C. Volunteers working overseas are likely to have a greater impact than those who stay local.
D. Volunteering in events or festivals requires a specific skill set which is needed in many jobs.
10. Which of the following best summarises the passage?
A. Volunteering offers opportunities for people of all ages to help others and gain personal benefits, such
as skills and new experiences.
B. Volunteering is especially beneficial for young people, as it allows them to support communities while
enhancing their career prospects.
C. Volunteer projects abroad have a stronger impact than local efforts, allowing volunteers to make a
meaningful difference in communities worldwide.
D. Effective volunteer work usually involves specific skills and a time commitment, which allows
volunteers to gain practical experience in areas like event management or teaching.
Vietnamese English Vietnamese English
Trân trọng Đáng làm, bổ ích
Sự lựa chọn Phần thưởng
Sự nỗ lực, cố gắng Tương tự
Có cùng suy nghĩ Sự nghèo đói
Translate the following sentences into English.
1. Chúng ta nên trân trọng sự đóng góp của những tình nguyện viên trong việc giúp đỡ các cộng đồng nghèo.
→

2. Làm tình nguyện là một hoạt động đáng làm, vì nó mang lại lợi ích cho cả người nhận và người cho đi.
→

3. Các bạn trẻ có thể lựa chọn tham gia các chương trình tình nguyện trong nước hoặc quốc tế.
→

4. Nỗ lực của nhóm tình nguyện đã giúp nhiều trẻ em có cơ hội tiếp cận giáo dục.
→

5. Tham gia tình nguyện viên giúp bạn gặp gỡ những người có cùng suy nghĩ.
→

Active English Academy  0888688846 Trang 6