Đề thi HSG lớp 12 môn Anh Tỉnh Tây Ninh năm 2025

8/1/2026 10:00:00 AM

Listen to a discussion between two education experts, David Wilcox and Gabriella Dale, who are talking about how the increasing number of online universities is redefining learning and education.

Decide whether each of the following statements is True (T), False (F), or Not Given (NG) according to what you hear. Write T, F or NG.

1. David says that learning on the Internet is rendering a standard education obsolete.

2. When discussing edX, David reveals they have a lot of competition.

3. Gabriella states that online classes help adults improve their qualifications and job prospects.

4. David approves of the idea that academic institutions agree with educational unbundling.

5. David says that when learning through the Internet, students do not have the same experience as being at school.

Listen to a talk about doomsday scenarios and answer the following questions. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS taken from the recording for each answer.

1. What do people tend to do when told that not acting could lead to the end of life?

2. What exact percentage represents humanity’s existence relative to the age of the universe?

3. How does the speaker describe the predictions dismissed as routinely failing to occur?

4. What cosmic event does the Global Challenges Foundation list as a potential threat to civilization?

5. What specific risk, highlighted in the World Economic Forum’s reports, involves massive incidents?

Listen to an interview with Dr Timothy Cowey, a prominent palaeontologist, who is discussing a forthcoming edition.

Choose the correct answer to each of the following questions according to what you hear.

Which of the following facts about the Gobi Desert is false?

  • The desert is located in Mongolia.
  • Many mines can be found there.
  • It contains areas rich in fossils.
  • It is home to the Nemegat Basin.

When are 'The Flaming Cliffs' at their most beautiful?

  • During the night

  • In the light of the rising sun

  • Anytime during the day

  • When they catch the setting sun

According to Dr Cowey, _____.

  • there is nothing more to be learnt about birds
  • fossils show birds in flight
  • there are more dinosaur eggs to be found
  • animals developed flight to survive

The excavation _____.

  • is not restricted to experts
  • is only for professionals
  • is the best in the world
  • is difficult to find

Hongoryn Els _____.

  • was the site of one previous excavation
  • is close to the sea
  • is a potentially valuable site
  • is of no particular interest

Listen to a talk about bilingualism and complete the following sentences. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each blank.

1. Regularly switching between languages creates a type of that strengthens mental function.

2. The 2007 study in Toronto had important for understanding the effects of bilingualism.

3. According to the 2007 study, bilingual people tend to develop several years later than monolinguals.

4. Research shows that bilingual individuals tend to recover more effectively after experiencing a .

5. Adults learning new languages must and form new connections in the brain.

6. Researchers divided the children into three groups based on their language exposure: monolinguals, early bilinguals, and .

7. Early bilinguals showed stronger while doing nothing in the scanner.

8. The ability to adopt is a lesser-known advantage of bilingualism.

9. People usually react more in their native tongue than in a second language.

10. Researchers are consistently uncovering additional of bilingualism that extend beyond its impact on the brain.

The diplomat's decision to _____ the contentious issue during the summit was perceived as a right move to avoid derailing the negotiations.

  • skirt around
  • probe into
  • dwell on
  • paper over

The professor's lecture was so _____ that even the most seasoned academics in the room struggled to grasp the full scope of her argument.

  • labyrinthine
  • pedestrian
  • cursory
  • cogent

During the high-stakes trade negotiations, the delegation's proposal for tariff reductions was taken _____ the table, prompting a shift to alternative economic strategies.

  • across
  • onto
  • from
  • off

Her ability to _____ the nuances of the ancient text revealed a depth of scholarship that left her peers in awe.

  • truncate
  • obfuscate
  • parse
  • embellish

_____ the athlete's performance in the championship, the coach immediately offered him a spot on the national team.

  • Amazed by
  • To amaze
  • Having amazed
  • Amazing

Undeterred by the barrage of doubts, the entrepreneur _____ steadfast in her belief that her vision would transform the industry.

  • clung to her convictions
  • took umbrage
  • kept her powder dry
  • flew in the face of reason

My sister knows no _____ than three people who can speak Spanish.

  • bigger
  • less
  • other
  • fewer

I don't think convincing Sarah to stay in that job is a good idea. If I were her, I _____ it in the first place.

  • wouldn't have taken
  • needn't have taken
  • would never take
  • mustn't have taken

Up _____ when the fireworks began.

  • did the balloons rise
  • rose the balloons
  • rise the balloons
  • do the balloons rise

It is imperative that every member _____ a detailed report at the annual meeting.

  • submits
  • would submit
  • had submitted
  • submit

Complete the passage by changing the form of the word in capitals.

The architecture of digital virality has redefined the parameters of success and visibility. On platforms like TikTok, fame is often the by-product of algorithmic accident rather than cultivated artistry or (DELIBERATE) . This phenomenon has given rise to what some cultural critics call "accidental influencers" - individuals catapulted into the public eye through ephemeral trends or memeable moments.

While some creators attempt to consolidate their online presence into enduring careers, others find themselves ill-equipped to handle the relentless gaze of online spectatorship. In many cases, their personal boundaries are eroded, leading to severe (LOCATE) of identity and purpose.

Moreover, the hunger for relevance often incentivizes a kind of performative authenticity where creators simulate sincerity or vulnerability not as an act of truth, but as a (STRATEGY) branding tool. This curated rawness reflects a troubling shift in the ethics of online persona construction.

As the half-life of online fame grows ever shorter, the emotional toll becomes harder to ignore. Behind the screen, the weight of expectation, parasocial pressure, and constant visibility can result in existential fatigue, a state of mental depletion from the (CEASE) demand to project one's self.

Ultimately, the question remains: is this new cultural economy genuinely democratic, or merely another form of algorithmic (ARBITRARY) disguised as opportunity?

The passage below contains 5 mistakes. Identify the mistakes and write the corrections.

Example: have -> has

[content][/content]

Fill in each blank with ONE best word.

Last weekend, I had the opportunity, though initially some reluctance, to partake in a game of pickleball, a sport I had previously dismissed as a lighthearted pastime for retirees. To my surprise, it out to be a highly exacting and unexpectedly invigorating experience.

The pace was swift, the coordination required was exacting, and the competitors, some well into their seventies, were impressively agile and tenacious. My opponent, a sprightly grandmother with an uncanny backhand, exhibited a level of precision was frankly humbling. My own performance, on the other hand, could be described as mediocre, though I prefer to call it a "tactical warm-up." I quickly discovered that the game demanded not only physical dexterity but also tactical thinking. Terms like "dinking" were foreign to me at , but I soon came to appreciate the nuanced strategy each seemingly simple move.

At the end of the day, the real merit of pickleball not merely in competition but in its ability to bring people together, foster laughter, and remind us to approach challenges with both humility and humor. And although I lost spectacularly, it was still a in my book. As we sat after the match, sipping electrolytes and exchanging stories, I realized pickleball's appeal was more than recreational. It is a sport of intergenerational camaraderie, an unlikely but powerful bridge between generations. In a world often fragmented by speed and screens, this humble game cultivates presence, resilience, and a delightful sense of community, one underhand serve a time.

Read the following passage and do the tasks that follow.

Understanding Quenya - The constructed language of a fictional world

A. Best known today as the author of The Lord of the Rings and a wealth of other literature set in his fictional world of Middle Earth, JRR Tolkien was primarily a master of philology. He created a number of fictional languages, some rudimentary, others fragmentary, and a few with more complete grammatical and lexical structures. The most comprehensive of these was Quenya, an experiment in linguistic style around which he based much of his writing.

B. Quenya provides a valuable insight into Tolkien's personal interpretation of phonaesthetics - that is, a subjective assessment of which combinations of sound are pleasing to the ear. Tolkien cited the words 'cellar door' as a specific example of an arrangement of sounds which, if meaning and spelling are overlooked, form a beautiful sound sequence. Clearly, phonaesthetics is highly reliant on individual opinion and Quenya conformed to Tolkien's personal phonetic tastes.

C. Tolkien did not create Quenya as a static language; indeed, he toyed with it for most of his life, refining vocabulary, intonation and grammatical structure. His fascination with the natural progression of language, combined with constant revisions to fit his changing aesthetic perception, resulted in a linguistic development similar to that of existing languages. In this way, Quenya was for a time a 'living language'. Furthermore, as well as following established linguistic patterns, all revisions to the language were explained within the framework of the fictional world of Middle Earth and Tolkien wrote at length to justify these changes, both in linguistic and cultural terms.

D. Giving Quenya a fictional context allowed it to adapt without deviating from a natural-seeming course of evolution, steadied as it was by reliance on events in its cultural history. Changes had to be culturally plausible; thus verbs with related meanings formed as 'derived verbs', originating from a common stem as in the example of tul (to come), which provided the root for tulta (to summon), and tulya (to bring) - and several adaptations occurred for the articulatory convenience of the fictional speakers as in the case of the word Rómenello (from the East) which was contracted to form Rómello.

E. As an aesthetic masterpiece, with every step towards its full maturity constructed logically and consistently, Quenya can be considered a study of some significance in philological fields. It can be taken as an art form in itself or as an interpretation of wider phonaesthetics. It has been suggested that it holds the key to many of Tolkien's professional observations on existing languages.

F. The earliest forms of Quenya (originally known as Qenya, although for clarity the language overall is usually referred to as Quenya, regardless of its stage in development) were based heavily on Finnish. Aside from an aesthetic of frequent vowel sounds and infrequent heavy consonants present in both languages, both feature agglutinative grammatical forms; instead of separate words to express grammatical concepts such as prepositions or possessive pronouns as is usual in, for example, English - Finnish and Quenya convey these meanings by attaching a suffix (or in early Qenya, a prefix). Some suffixes even have phonetic similarities: take the Finnish locative suffix -ssa or -ssä (e.g. talossa - in the house) compared to the Quenya suffix -sse (e.g. coasse - same meaning).

G. This is not to say that any form of Quenya was wholly derived from Finnish. Many elements of other languages, particularly phonetic, are noticeable; the pronunciation follows Latin intonation patterns, stressing the second-to-last syllable unless preceded by a consonant cluster, whereas Finnish stresses the first syllable. In the thirty years that it took for Qenya to evolve into popularised Quenya, the Finnish influence in the vocabulary had become significantly diluted, although it remained strong in grammatical and phonetic structure. Occasional consonant clusters also exhibit some phonetic similarities with Greek - a language which features many such sounds.

H. In the fabric of Middle Earth, Tolkien eventually replaced Quenya with another constructed language: Sindarin. Quenya survived in two forms - a spoken version learnt from written formats, and a classical 'book-like' form akin to Latin in our world - which were distinguished from each other by the names Tarquesta and Parmaquesta respectively. As Parmaquesta assumed the cultural role of Latin, Tolkien adapted it accordingly, making several 'Latinising' revisions - including the addition of the 'u' to the name 'Qenya'. In addition, instances of 'k' were changed to 'c', and some vowel clusters were simplified into single accented vowels. The word kaolo (burden), which transformed into cólo, demonstrates both of these conversions.

I. Due to Tolkien's tendency to rewrite the history of his world, the exact point at which original Qenya split into these two forms of Quenya cannot be determined with accuracy. What is clear is that its development effectively froze at this point. Thus, examples of Quenya in The Lord of the Rings are more or less consistent (although even at post-publication stage, Tolkien continued to make adjustments, resulting in later editions featuring what many readers mistook for typos). Though this relatively final form had a strong Latin basis, by this point, the language had numerous dissimilarities with all three 'root languages' and had developed into something that was primarily Tolkien's own construction.

J. Many of Tolkien's notes on Quenya are still unpublished, leaving several narrative gaps and grammatical mysteries. However, for the most part, the consistent formation of Quenya is such that one could theoretically build a complete or even contemporary vocabulary by taking the existing root words and using Tolkien's own derivation methods. In this case, Quenya could not only return to being a 'living language', but become a modernised one.

Choose the most suitable heading for each paragraph (B-I) from the list of headings (i-xi) below.

The passage has ten paragraphs, A-J. Choose the correct heading for paragraphs from B to G and I from the list of headings below. Write the correct number i–xi for each blank.

List of Headings
i. The development and changing nature of Quenya
ii. Elements of early Quenya grammar
iii. An underappreciated study
iv. The interdependency of culture and language
v. Phonetic resemblances to other languages
vi. The end of native Quenya
vii. Philological experiments
viii. Quenya in publication
ix. Reviving Quenya for the present day
x. The principle of phonetic aesthetics
xi. Relevance to real-world studies

List of Headings

Paragraph A: ...vii...

Paragraph B:

Paragraph C:

Paragraph D:

Paragraph E:

Paragraph F:

Paragraph G:

Paragraph I:

Look at the following linguistic features and the list of languages below. Match each feature with the language it appears in A-F. Write the correct letter A-F.

A. Finnish
B. Greek
C. Parmaquesta
D. Latin
E. Qenya
F. Tarquesta

suffix used to express preposition -

inflection usual on second-to-last syllable -

grammatical meaning indicated by a prefix -

several vowel clusters shortened to accented vowels -

Choose TWO letters, A-D. Which TWO reasons does the writer use to explain possible uncertainties about the chronology and structure of Quenya?

A. Tolkien revised the history of his fictional world on at least one occasion.
B. Tolkien made many changes for personal aesthetic reasons which are unclear to an outside observer.
C. Not all of Tolkien's notes are in print and available to the public.
D. Pre-Latinised Qenya had no cultural context attached to it.

Answer: &

Some phrases/sentences have been removed from the text below. Choose the correct answer to complete the text.

Missing paragraphs

A. Farmers need access to reliable and accurate data, sophisticated machinery and specialised knowledge to effectively implement precision-farming practices. Additionally, issues related to data ownership, the ability to coordinate different items of machinery with each other and standardisation must be addressed to promote the widespread adoption of these techniques.

B. Several contributors, such as climate change and population growth, put ever-increasing demands on agriculture, particularly in developing nations, making the achievement of such aims more difficult, yet more important. Recent innovations such as drones, GM foods and automated irrigation have emerged as promising solutions to address the challenges faced by farmers in the modern era. Many of these innovations are fascinating and have the potential to revolutionise farming practices.

C. Agricultural innovation undoubtedly has many different aspects, but it also has the potential to revolutionise agriculture by increasing productivity, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices. However, their successful implementation requires careful planning, comprehensive policies and a complex understanding of the challenges and implications involved. Through responsible adoption and appropriate regulations, these innovations can empower farmers to meet the growing demand for food while reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. As we try to understand the complexities of the modern farming landscape, it is essential to prioritise sustainability, inclusivity and ethical considerations to ensure a prosperous and resilient agricultural future.

D. Once confrontation has been replaced by cooperation between these various stakeholders, the digital divide then needs to be acknowledged and addressed. Access to technology and digital infrastructure varies across regions and communities, potentially creating inconsistencies in the adoption and benefits of these innovations. Efforts should be made to provide fair and equal access to technological resources, ensuring that small-scale farmers and marginalised communities can also make use of these advancements.

E. By providing real-time data and imagery, drones assist in making informed decisions about the necessary measures and amounts, which leads to improved yield and reduced operational costs. However, the integration of drones in farming is not without its challenges. Limited flight endurance, legal restrictions and the need for skilled operators are factors that must be addressed to make the most of their potential. Furthermore, concerns regarding privacy, data security and airspace regulations need to be carefully considered and managed to ensure responsible and ethical drone usage in agriculture.

F. An area that tends to be less complicated legally and ethically is that of precision farming, also known as site-specific farming or satellite farming, which involves the use of advanced technologies to optimise agricultural practices. Through the integration of data analytics, remote sensing and GPS technologies, precision farming enables farmers to adapt their activities to specific areas within their fields. This approach allows for precise nutrient application, irrigation management and planting strategies, thereby reducing waste and maximising crop yield. The adoption of precision-farming techniques, however, requires significant investments in infrastructure and data-management systems.

G. Drawing on extensive research and data evidence, we shall explore the potential of these innovations to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, we will highlight the importance of comprehensive policies and awareness campaigns to ensure the responsible use of these technologies.

H. However, the implementation of such automated methods necessitates careful consideration of factors such as cost-effectiveness, compatibility with existing infrastructure and technical expertise. Farmers must assess the suitability of these systems for their specific farming conditions and evaluate the return on investment. Moreover, appropriate training and support should be provided to farmers to ensure proper installation, operation, and maintenance of these systems.

The Evolution of Farming: Exploring Innovations in Agriculture

The agricultural sector has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years. In this article, we examine the benefits, challenges and implications of these innovations in terms of their contribution to the understanding of how technological advancements are revolutionising the agricultural landscape.

Farming is clearly an essential component of human civilisation. Without farming we would not have adequate food supplies, and human life on Earth would struggle to survive. Yet farming has also experienced profound changes over centuries. The introduction of new technologies and scientific discoveries has significantly impacted agricultural practices, leading to increased efficiency, productivity and sustainability.

Unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, have gained prominence in various industries, including agriculture. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors offer farmers the ability to monitor crop health, detect pest infestations and assess the general condition of their fields. Additionally, drones enable precise application of fertilisers and pesticides, reducing waste and improving resource management.

Genetic modification has opened new avenues in crop improvement, offering enhanced resistance to pests, diseases and environmental stresses. GM foods, which involve the incorporation of desirable traits into crop plants, have shown promising results in increasing productivity and improving food quality. By employing biotechnology, farmers can cultivate crops that are more resistant to drought, require fewer chemical inputs and possess improved nutritional profiles. Nevertheless, the introduction of GM foods has generated debate and concern regarding their long-term effects on human health and the environment. Rigorous scientific assessments, comprehensive labelling systems and transparent communication are imperative to ensure consumer confidence and enable informed choices. Furthermore, regulatory frameworks need to be in place to address issues such as patent protection, intellectual property rights and potential ecological risks associated with the use of GM crops.

Water scarcity and efficient water management pose significant challenges to agriculture. Automated irrigation systems offer a potential solution by enabling farmers to monitor soil moisture levels and apply water precisely when and where it is needed. These systems utilise sensors, weather data and sophisticated control mechanisms to optimise water usage, reduce runoff and prevent over-irrigation. By ensuring the efficient allocation of water resources, automated water systems contribute to water conservation and sustainability in farming.

While the innovations discussed offer immense potential for transforming agriculture, several challenges and implications must be addressed for their successful implementation. Firstly, there is a need for comprehensive policies and regulations that guide the responsible adoption of these technologies. These policies should consider factors such as safety, privacy, environmental impact and social acceptance. Furthermore, public-awareness campaigns and education initiatives can help bridge the gap between farmers, consumers and policymakers, fostering informed decision-making and promoting dialogue.

Additionally, ethical considerations surrounding the use of these technologies should be thoroughly evaluated. The potential impact on biodiversity, unintended consequences on ecosystems and the long-term effects on human health and well-being should be carefully monitored and assessed. Therefore, multi-disciplinary collaborations involving scientists, policymakers, farmers and consumers are crucial to dealing with the ethical implications of agricultural innovations.

Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the questions.

FAMILY DIY NIGHT: CRAFTING A CACOPHONY OF CREATIVITY

Venture into a suburban garage where glue guns hum, paint cans strongly compete for supremacy, and a half-finished birdhouse stands like a monument to ambition. Welcome to family DIY night in the quirky enclave of Craftville, where parents and teens forsake screens to concoct unusual but amusing creations, argue noisily about glitter, and revel in the chaos of their handiwork. This vibrant spectacle is so energetic it could likely dazzle extraterrestrials peering through cosmic binoculars.

In the bygone era of the early 2000s, Craftville households dallied with basic cable and clunky flip phones. Yet, a cadre of fearless parents and teens resolved to ignite their ingenuity, swapping passive consumption for the thrill of creation. Why binge another series when you could fashion a lampshade from mason jars or weave a lopsided scarf? With toolkits and tenacity, they transformed garages into crucibles of invention, cementing Craftville as the epicenter of familial artistry.

The allure resides in the projects themselves. From upcycling thrift store finds to sculpting modern paper mache, these endeavors galvanize creativity and camaraderie. They embolden families to innovate, banter like vaudeville performers, or chortle over a gluey fiasco. This DIY fervor has suffused Craftville with ebullience, with teens schooling parents on resin art and parents imparting carpentry axioms. It is not merely crafting; it is a linchpin for unity, binding everyone from the adolescent wielding a hot glue gun to the aunt who collects vintage buttons.

Craftville's DIY nights satiate a primal yen for collaboration, forging bonds swifter than a trending hashtag. In an epoch enthralled by digital ephemera, these gatherings are a defiant riposte to apathy, yielding fun no app can emulate. They have also catalyzed a local renaissance, with hardware stores stocking eclectic supplies and teens peddling bespoke trinkets online. Yet, like any audacious venture, this one grapples with riddles that demand skillful navigation.

A paramount challenge is temporal scarcity. With careers, academics, and the siren song of streaming, orchestrating a night feels like threading a needle in a gale. Some families pivot to expeditious projects, like decoupage coasters, to meet with hectic agendas. Research posits that an hour of collective crafting can amplify familial rapport by 70 percent, though cajoling a teen to forsake Snapchat requires near Herculean finesse.

Another dilemma is the debris deluge. Every DIY night leaves a maelstrom of scraps, from paint splatters to rogue sequins, making the workspace a veritable Augean stable. Stale projects also languish, cluttering shelves like relics of impractical dreams. Families solve this by embracing novel techniques or hosting swap meets, but that is akin to taming a tempest, exhilarating yet arduous. Borrowing supplies from kin mitigates costs, though esoteric materials often strain budgets.

The benefits of this tradition are undeniable. Craftville's DIY nights buzz with pure enthusiasm, relying on human energy instead of electricity. They use less power than streaming sessions and teach skills like dexterity and patience without being preachy. Plus, they bring calm: when everyone's focused on decorating a picture frame, small arguments fade away. In a stressful world, Craftville's approach is a soothing relief.

Strengthening family bonds requires boldness, and Craftville's DIY nights overflow with spirit. A perfect world might offer endless time and spotless workspaces, but reality calls for practicality. These nights deliver immense joy with minimal hassles. By choosing simple projects or setting a no-complaining rule, Craftville's vibrant chaos could foster family joy globally, with every creative burst.

What is the author's intent in the first paragraph?

  • To explain the logistics of family DIY night

  • To describe the exciting chaos of family DIY night

  • To chronicle the evolution of family DIY night

  • To posit that family DIY night is frequently undervalued

What does the writer praise for families in the 2000s?

  • Their ingenuity in crafting without digital crutches

  • Their support for conventional pastimes

  • Their forbearance with rudimentary technology

  • Their great skill at pioneering novel crafts

The writer asserts that family DIY night participants in Craftville _____.

  • are predominantly artisans by trade

  • rely on exorbitant supplies for projects

  • adhere strictly to traditional crafting methods

  • encompass a broad spectrum of teens and adults

The word "linchpin" in paragraph 3 is CLOSEST in meaning to _____.

  • obstacle
  • diversion
  • embellishment
  • cornerstone

Which statement best summarizes the primary concern about scheduling DIY nights in paragraph 5?

  • Families favor digital leisure over crafting.
  • Swift projects lack the depth of elaborate ones.
  • Allocating time for DIY nights is arduous due to packed schedules.
  • Teens are apathetic toward crafting endeavors.

The idiom "threading a needle in a gale" in paragraph 5 is CLOSEST in meaning to _____.

  • achieving a simple task
  • tackling a daunting challenge
  • avoiding unnecessary effort
  • rushing through a process

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the text?

  • Borrowing supplies can alleviate DIY night expenses.
  • Novel techniques rejuvenate stagnant projects.
  • Family DIY nights have eradicated all familial friction.
  • Obsolete projects contribute to workspace clutter.

What is the writer's opinion on abandoned projects?

  • They are a surmountable issue with creative solutions.
  • They significantly impede DIY night continuity.
  • They constitute a thorny problem.
  • They diminish the allure of DIY nights for teens.

How do family DIY nights in Craftville compare to digital entertainment?

  • They are less captivating but more instructive.
  • They expend more energy but are more accessible.
  • They are less prevalent but simpler to coordinate.
  • They demand more effort but yield richer familial bonds.

What can be inferred from the writer's view on family DIY nights?

  • They are a potent catalyst for family cohesion despite hurdles.
  • They are overly labyrinthine to sustain regularly.
  • They are poised to be overshadowed by digital alternatives.
  • They are primarily effective for younger participants.

You are going to read an article about pursuing a career as a judge in the UK. Choose from the sections (A-E). The sections may be chosen more than once.

A Guide to Pursuing a Career as a Judge in the UK: Nurturing the Aspiring Judges of Tomorrow

Five lawyers give advice to aspiring lawmakers on how they might become a judge.

A. Natalie Derry

As a senior judge, it is both my privilege and duty to provide you with invaluable advice, ethical considerations and an overview of the academic journey required to pursue this noble profession. Embrace the intellectual ability and moral compass necessary to uphold justice and make a lasting impact on society. During your educational journey, there are several key stages and considerations to bear in mind: you must be in no doubt that you will need to dedicate yourself to your academic studies at school from a young age, placing emphasis on subjects such as English, History, Law and the Social Sciences. Cultivate critical thinking, logical reasoning and effective communication skills through participation in debates and other non-academic activities.

B. Richard Canterbury

In preparation for university, select subjects to meet your aspiration to become a judge, such as Law, History, Politics or Philosophy. You must achieve excellent grades in your final school examinations, as this will significantly contribute to the strength of your university applications. Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in the legal field through internships, shadowing judges or working with local law firms. For your undergraduate studies, enroll in a reputable university offering a qualifying law degree, one that is known for its academic reputation and strong faculty. Dedicate yourself to legal studies, exploring core modules such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Legal Systems while also exploring specialised areas of interest. Actively participate in legal societies and debating competitions, and undertake unpaid work to help vulnerable people. This will help you to foster practical skills and build networks within the legal community. Strive to achieve a good grade in your first degree, as academic excellence is highly regarded in the judicial selection process.

C. Katy Lowe

Consider pursuing a postgraduate law degree, such as a Master of Law, to deepen your legal knowledge. You could specialise in areas such as Constitutional Law, International Law or Human Rights. Utilise this stage to undertake research projects, publish articles by contributing to legal journals to demonstrate your commitment to academic pursuits and intellectual growth. Additionally, networking events and conferences provide opportunities to foster connections with legal professionals, including professors, practitioners and judges. It is hard to overstate the importance of ethical and moral considerations. Judges are expected to have the strongest moral compass, and if you do become a judge your integrity and opinions will always be under the microscope. Embody and cultivate impartiality, ensuring that personal beliefs, biases or affiliations do not compromise your ability to deliver fair and just decisions. Uphold independence, maintaining a neutral stance while interpreting and applying the law, even in the face of societal or political pressures.

D. Archibald Lohner

Strictly follow the Code of Judicial Conduct, which encompasses principles of integrity and avoiding conflicts of interest. Display integrity in your personal and professional life, ensuring transparency, honesty and accountability in all your actions. Treat all individuals with respect and courtesy, regardless of their background, and be receptive to diverse perspectives while maintaining a strong commitment to equality before the law. You must embrace lifelong learning, staying up-to-date with legal developments, precedents and the evolving values of society. Participate in continuing education programmes, judicial training courses and professional conferences to enhance your knowledge and skills. As you embark on your journey towards becoming a judge, remember that the pursuit of justice requires dedication, integrity and a profound understanding of the law's complexities. Develop your intellectual capabilities, uphold the highest ethical standards and remain committed to the principles of independence. Strive to make a positive impact on society by ensuring that justice is served, and the rule of law is upheld. Embrace the opportunities available to you during your academic years, seize every chance to expand your knowledge and actively engage in activities that foster your understanding of the legal system and its intricate details.

E. Phyllis Sanbury

Remember that the path to becoming a judge is not solely about academic achievement. It requires personal growth, moral reflection and the development of a strong character. Treat every encounter and experience as an opportunity to enhance your empathy and respect for the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of the individuals who may come before you in court. I would recommend seeking out experienced judges and legal professionals who can guide you and give you advice throughout your career. These endeavours will contribute to your growth as a judge and enable you to make well-informed, fair and unbiased decisions that impact people's lives. As you set off on this noble path, remember that the role of a judge is one of immense responsibility and influence. The decisions you make will shape the lives of individuals and have a lasting impact on society as a whole. Approach each case with a profound sense of integrity, compassion and dedication to justice, always striving to ensure that your rulings reflect the highest ethical standards.

In which section are the following mentioned?

1. the importance of developing an understanding of people’s needs and feelings -

2. the need to keep up to date with changes in the field of law -

3. the need to work hard while you are in compulsory education -

4. the importance of not underestimating the burden of duty that judges bear -

5. the importance of being highly rated in your academic studies -

6. the importance of taking a higher degree at university -

7. the importance of undertaking voluntary work -

8. the need to undertake activities outside of your studies from a young age -

9. the need to show that you are not biased or easily influenced -

10. the need to remain intellectually curious -

Read the following extract and use your own words to summarize it. Your summary should be between 100 and 120 words.

Urban exploration has evolved dramatically in recent years, fueled by advanced technology and daring approaches that captivate adventure enthusiasts. Modern urban explorers, often united through discreet online communities on platforms like Reddit or Discord, employ sophisticated tools such as drones, 360-degree cameras, and location-based apps to navigate abandoned buildings, concealed tunnels, and overlooked rooftops. Groups like the "UrbEx Collective," for instance, adeptly use Instagram Live and encrypted Telegram channels to broadcast captivating explorations of deserted asylums or hidden bunkers, attracting global audiences while evading security personnel. These platforms facilitate real-time coordination and private communication, challenging efforts by property owners and law enforcement to prevent trespassing. In response, city authorities and private organizations have intensified security measures, implementing advanced surveillance systems, motion-sensor alarms, and global networks to exchange information on popular exploration sites. Collaborative initiatives, such as the Global Urban Security Forum, aim to fortify restricted locations and deter adventurers. However, these heightened security efforts have sparked debates over personal freedom and the right to explore. Critics argue that technologies like facial recognition and drone tracking infringe on privacy and suppress the spirit of discovery, while supporters maintain they protect historic sites from vandalism. The substantial investment in security also prompts questions about resource allocation, with some suggesting funds could better preserve these deteriorating landmarks for public access. The challenge would be in balancing the thrill of urban exploration's rebellious creativity with the need to safeguard historical sites and public safety, while navigating the complex ethics of trespassing in a digital era.

The table below shows the percentage of new vehicle sales that were electric vehicles (EVs) in five different countries from 2019 to 2022.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

You should write about 150 words.

Year Norway China The United States Brazil Japan
2019 42% 5% 2% 1% 1%
2020 54% 6% 2% 1% 1%
2021 65% 12% 4% 2% 2%
2022 80% 22% 6% 1% 3%

Write an essay of about 350 words on the following topic:

"In the future, people will have stronger emotional bonds with AI companions than with other humans."

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.