MIDTERM TEST

Name: ĐỖ PHƯƠNG
ANH
Student code: 258701P325
Passage 1
The Impact of Remote Work on Modern Life
Over the past few years, remote work has transformed from a rare perk into a permanent
reality for millions of employees worldwide. Driven by rapid advancements in
communication technology, high-speed internet, and cloud computing, companies have
realized that physical presence in an office is not always necessary for productivity. This
shift has brought profound changes to individual lifestyles, urban planning, and corporate
culture.
One of the most significant advantages of working from home is the elimination of the
daily commute. For many workers, spending two hours or more stuck in traffic or
crowded trains was a major source of stress and fatigue. Recovering this time allows
individuals to invest more in personal health, family relationships, and hobbies.
Furthermore, remote work offers flexibility. Employees can often structure their hours to
suit their peak productivity times, leading to greater job satisfaction and a healthier work-
life balance.
However, this lifestyle change is not without its challenges. One prominent issue is the
blurring of boundaries between professional and personal life. When your living room
doubles as your office, it becomes remarkably difficult to 'switch off' at the end of the
day. Many remote workers find themselves checking emails late into the night or working
longer hours than they would in a traditional office. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face
interaction can lead to feelings of isolation and weaken the social bonds that form
naturally among team members in a shared workspace. Collaboration via video calls,
while efficient, rarely replaces the spontaneous creativity born from casual hallway
conversations.
From an economic and environmental perspective, the decentralization of the workforce
has mixed outcomes. On the positive side, reduced office occupancy lowers energy
consumption in large commercial buildings and cuts carbon emissions from daily
commuting. Conversely, it impacts local businesses in city centers, such as cafes and
restaurants, which previously relied on office workers for their daily livelihood.
In conclusion, remote work represents a double-edged sword in modern society. While it
grants unprecedented freedom and efficiency, it requires conscious effort to manage
boundaries and maintain human connection. As organizations continue to refine these
hybrid models, the key to long-term success lies in establishing clear communication
guidelines and respecting personal downtime. Ultimately, the future of work will depend
on our ability to balance digital convenience with emotional well-being.
1. What is the main driver behind the rise of remote work?
A. The decline of traditional office buildings
B. Advancements in communication technology and internet
C. Employees refusing to commute
D. Government regulations on city traffic
2. What was a major source of stress for workers before remote work became
popular?
A. High taxes
B. Daily commutes
C. Slow computer systems
D. Strict corporate policies
3. According to the text, what can workers do with the time saved from commuting?
A. Travel abroad every weekend
B. Invest in personal health and hobbies
C. Take on a second full-time job
D. Sleep through the entire morning
4. What does the phrase "blurring of boundaries" in paragraph 3 mean?
A. Work and personal life are becoming hard to separate
B. Offices are becoming too colorful
C. Employees do not know where their desks are
D. Communication lines are breaking down
5. Why do many remote workers work longer hours?
A. Their bosses force them to stay online
B. They type much faster at home
C. They have trouble switching off and check emails late
D. The internet connection is too slow during the day
6. What negative psychological effect can result from a lack of face-to-face
interaction?
A. Extreme anger
B. Loss of memory
C. Feelings of isolation
D. Fear of technology
7. According to the text, what is missing in video calls compared to physical offices?
A. Clear audio quality
 B. Spontaneous creativity from casual chats
C. Professional attire
D. Structured meeting times
8. What is an environmental benefit of remote work mentioned in the text?
A. Increased tree planting in cities
B. Less plastic waste in offices
C. Lower carbon emissions from commuting
D. Cleaner ocean water near urban ports
9. Which sector suffers negatively from the shift to remote work?
A. Cloud computing providers
B. Local cafes and restaurants in city centers
C. High-speed internet companies
D. Home furniture manufacturers
10. What is the writer's final conclusion about remote work?
A. It should be banned completely to protect social skills.
B. It is entirely negative and lowers productivity.
C. It requires balance between digital convenience and well-being.
D. It will soon disappear as offices reopen.
Passage 2
Technology and Education
In recent years, more people have become interested in using technology to improve their
daily lives. One area that has changed significantly is education. Students can now access
online courses, digital libraries, and educational videos from almost anywhere in the
world. As a result, learning is no longer limited to the traditional classroom.

Many schools have introduced tablets and laptops to support learning. These devices
allow students to complete assignments more efficiently and communicate with teachers
more easily. In addition, educational software can provide immediate feedback, helping
learners identify their strengths and weaknesses. This can encourage students to take
greater responsibility for their own progress.

However, technology in education also presents some challenges. Not all students have
equal access to digital devices or reliable internet connections. This can create a gap
between learners from different economic backgrounds. Furthermore, some teachers
worry that excessive screen time may reduce students’ ability to concentrate or interact
effectively with others.
Despite these concerns, technology continues to offer valuable opportunities. Online
learning platforms make it possible for people to study at their own pace and choose
courses that match their interests. This flexibility is especially useful for working adults
who want to develop new skills while maintaining their jobs.

Another advantage is that technology can support collaboration. Students from different
countries can work together on projects, exchange ideas, and learn about other cultures.
Such experiences help them develop communication skills and a broader understanding
of the world.

Looking ahead, experts believe that technology will play an even greater role in
education. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other innovations may create more
personalized and engaging learning experiences. Although traditional teaching methods
will remain important, technology is likely to become an essential part of modern
education.
1. One area that has changed significantly is ______.
A. agriculture B. education C. transport D. medicine
2. Students can access online courses from almost ______ in the world.
A. nowhere B. somewhere C. anywhere D. everywhere
3. Educational software can provide immediate ______.
A. feedback B. homework C. transport D. payment
4. Technology encourages students to take greater ______ for their progress.
A. interest B. responsibility C. advice D. opportunity
5. Not all students have equal ______ to digital devices.
A. access B. success C. method D. result
6. Excessive screen time may reduce students’ ability to ______.
A. travel B. exercise C. concentrate D. compete
7. Online learning platforms allow people to study at their own ______.
A. pace B. room C. place D. level
8. This flexibility is especially useful for working ______.
A. children B. adults C. athletes D. tourists
9. Students can exchange ideas and learn about other ______.
A. languages B. cultures C. jobs D. schools
10. Technology is likely to become an ______ part of modern education.
A. optional B. expensive C. essential D.
temporary
Passage 3:
Healthy Habits
Healthy habits such as eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough
sleep play an important role in people's lives. Many young people today spend long hours
using electronic devices, which can reduce the time they spend being physically active.
Experts recommend at least thirty minutes of exercise each day because it improves
physical health and reduces stress. Schools can encourage healthy habits by providing
sports activities and healthy meals. Families also influence children's lifestyles by setting
good examples at home. Although changing habits may be difficult at first, small daily
improvements often lead to long-term benefits. People who maintain healthy routines
usually have more energy and are better able to concentrate at school or work. They are
also less likely to develop certain illnesses. However, good health depends on many
factors, including regular medical care and a positive attitude. Healthy habits such as
eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep play an important
role in people's lives. Many young people today spend long hours using electronic
devices, which can reduce the time they spend being physically active. Experts
recommend at least thirty minutes of exercise each day because it improves physical
health and reduces stress. Schools can encourage healthy habits by providing sports
activities and healthy meals. Families also influence children's lifestyles by setting good
examples at home. Although changing habits may be difficult at first, small daily
improvements often lead to long-term benefits. People who maintain healthy routines
usually have more energy and are better able to concentrate at school or work. They are
also less likely to develop certain illnesses. However, good health depends on many
factors, including regular medical care and a positive attitude. Healthy habits such as
eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep play an important
role in people's lives. Many young people today spend long hours using electronic
devices, which can reduce the time they spend being physically active. Experts
recommend at least thirty minutes of exercise each day because it improves physical
health and reduces stress. Schools can encourage healthy habits by providing sports
activities and healthy meals. Families also influence children's lifestyles by setting good
examples at home. Although changing habits may be difficult at first, small daily
improvements often lead to long-term benefits. People who maintain healthy routines
usually have more energy and are better able to concentrate at school or work.
1. Experts recommend exercising every day. TRUE
2. Schools are the only place where children learn healthy habits. FALSE
3. Families can influence children's habits. TRUE
4. Healthy routines can improve concentration. TRUE
5. The passage states that healthy people never become ill. FALSE
6. Good health depends only on exercise. FALSE
7. The passage mentions regular medical care. TRUE
8. Teenagers exercise more than adults. FALSE
Writing
Your school library is looking for a student assistant. Write a letter applying for the
position, including your strengths, previous experience and why you are suitable for the
job.

Dear Sir,

I am writing to apply for the position of student assistant in our school library. I am
very interested in this opportunity because I enjoy reading and would like to contribute
to creating a quiet and welcoming learning environment for all students.

I believe I am a suitable candidate for this position because I am well-organized,

Last semester, I had the opportunity to help in our school library. My duties included
organizing books on the shelves, checking that they were placed in the correct sections,
and assisting students in finding the books they needed. This experience improved my
organizational skills and taught me the importance of patience, accuracy, and good
communication.

I believe my experience, strong organizational skills, and positive attitude make me a

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Phuong Anh