Đề thi thử cuối kỳ GEP 1 năm 2025 (có đáp án)

[Audio: interview with Steve about a summer job]

[Audio: two people talking about their vacation]

[Audio: police officer interviewing a woman about a robbery]

The Global Journey of Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the world's most loved sweets, but few people know its long history. The story of chocolate began in Central America more than 3,000 years ago. The Mayan and Aztec people used cacao beans to make a bitter drink. This drink was very important in their culture and was often used in religious ceremonies. Cacao beans were also valuable and sometimes used as money.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers brought cacao beans to Europe. At first, the drink remained bitter, but later people started adding sugar and milk. This changed chocolate into the sweet version that we enjoy today. By the 19th century, chocolate factories appeared, and chocolate became popular with people of all social classes, not just the rich.

Today, chocolate is a global product. Most cacao is grown in countries near the equator, such as Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Indonesia. From there, it is exported to many countries, where it is made into chocolate bars, cakes, and drinks. People enjoy chocolate differently around the world. In Switzerland, people eat more chocolate per person than in any other country, in Mexico, hot chocolate is often flavored with cinnamon, and in Japan, chocolate is sometimes mixed with green tea.

Although many people see chocolate as a sweet treat, health experts say it should be eaten in moderation. Dark chocolate, which contains less sugar and more cacao, may even have some health benefits.

A Holiday in Japan

Last winter, Anna and her parents traveled to Japan for a week. They stayed in Tokyo, the busy capital city. Anna was surprised by how clean and safe the city was, even though it was full of people. Every night, the bright lights and tall buildings made the city look like a festival.

On the first day, Anna's family visited a famous temple. She learned how to wash her hands and bow before entering. Her father explained that many Japanese people visit temples to pray for good luck and health. In the afternoon, they walked through a market where Anna tried sushi for the first time. At first, she was unsure about eating raw fish, but then she found it fresh and delicious.

The next day, they took a train to Kyoto, a city known for its traditional culture. There, Anna wore a kimono, a traditional Japanese dress. She said it was beautiful but a little difficult to walk in. Her mother loved the quiet gardens and old wooden houses, very different from Tokyo's modern buildings. On the last day, Anna's family went shopping. She bought some small souvenirs: a fan for her grandmother and some Japanese sweets for her friends. When the trip ended, Anna felt a little sad but also excited to share her stories. She said Japan was a country she would love to visit again.

Setting Goals for Success

Everyone has dreams for the future, but not all dreams become reality. To make dreams real, people need to set goals. A goal is something you want to achieve within a certain time. Goals can be big, like becoming a doctor, or small, like finishing a book this month.

Setting goals is important because it gives people direction. Imagine walking in a forest without a map - you might get lost. Goals are like a map for life; they show you where to go and help you focus your energy. When you set clear goals, you are more likely to use your time wisely and stay motivated. There are short-term goals and long-term goals. A short-term goal is something you want to do soon, for example, studying for tomorrow's test or saving money to buy a new phone. Long-term goals take more time, such as learning a new language or training to run a marathon. Both types are important, and they often work together. If you complete small goals, you move closer to your big ones.

To achieve goals, people should make them "SMART": specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-based. For example, instead of saying, "I want to be healthier," you can set a SMART goal: "I will exercise three times a week for 30 minutes." This goal is clear and easier to follow.

Of course, goals are not always easy. People may face problems, feel tired, or even fail. But failure can be a lesson. When you keep trying, you build confidence and strength. In the end, setting goals helps people grow, stay positive, and move closer to their dreams.