Vietnam has transformed itself from a food-insecure nation into one of Southeast Asia's leading agricultural exporters over the past three decades. This remarkable journey demonstrates the country's resilience and strategic vision in developing its agricultural sector. From rice fields spanning the Mekong Delta to coffee plantations in the Central Highlands, Vietnam's agricultural landscape has become increasingly diverse and productive, enabling it to supply essential food commodities to neighboring countries.
Rice remains Vietnam's flagship export, accounting for approximately 15% of the country's total agricultural export value. The fertile Mekong Delta, often called Vietnam's "rice bowl," produces three harvests annually, yielding over 24 million tons of rice. This abundant production allows Vietnam to maintain its position as the second-largest rice exporter globally, behind only Thailand. Beyond rice, Vietnam has successfully developed other key exports, including coffee, pepper, cashews, and tropical fruits, which have gained popularity in markets across Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines due to their competitive pricing and consistent quality.
The government's agricultural modernization initiatives have been instrumental in boosting export capacity. By implementing advanced farming techniques and supporting research on climate-resistant crop varieties, Vietnam has significantly enhanced agricultural productivity. These improvements have enabled farmers to overcome challenges posed by changing weather patterns and environmental degradation. Additionally, bilateral trade agreements with other ASEAN members have reduced tariffs and simplified export procedures, facilitating easier access to regional markets for Vietnamese agricultural products and creating a stable source of income for rural communities.
As Vietnam charts its agricultural future, sustainability and innovation stand at the forefront of its development strategy. The nation is progressively transitioning from mass production toward higher-quality, environmentally conscious agricultural practices to meet evolving consumer preferences across the region. This strategic pivot encompasses expanded investment in organic farming, cutting-edge technological applications, and enhanced quality assurance systems. Should Vietnam maintain this trajectory, its agricultural sector will not only capture greater market share within ASEAN but also establish a model for ecological responsibility, cementing the country's status as an essential food provider to Southeast Asian nations for generations to come.
Question 23: According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a Vietnamese agricultural export?
- Rice B. Coffee C. Cashews D. Sugarcane
Question 24: The word “commodities” in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.
- products B. goods C. exports D. luxuries
Question 25: The word “their” in paragraph 2 refers to _________.
- Vietnamese agricultural exports
- Markets across Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines
- Coffee, pepper, cashews, and tropical fruits
- Vietnam's farmers
Question 26: The word “bilateral” in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by _________.
- global B. multiple C. mutual D. cooperative
Question 27: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?
- Vietnam is rapidly replacing traditional farming methods with technological innovations to increase agricultural output across Southeast Asian markets.
- Vietnam is gradually reducing its agricultural production while focusing on premium goods that satisfy changing tastes of regional consumers.
- Vietnam is slowly shifting from quantity-focused agriculture to eco-friendly, superior products that align with changing regional market demands.
- Vietnam is deliberately abandoning mass production techniques in favor of sustainable practices required by international trading regulations.
Question 28: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
- Vietnam has completely abandoned rice farming in favor of more profitable coffee and tropical fruit exports to neighboring countries.
- Vietnam currently ranks as the second-largest global rice exporter, with the Mekong Delta producing three rice harvests annually.
- The Vietnamese government has mandated that all farmers must transition to organic farming methods within the next five years.
- Vietnam's agricultural exports have declined in recent years due to increasing competition from other ASEAN member nations.
Question 29: In which paragraph does the writer mention Vietnam's transformation into a major agricultural exporter?
- Paragraph 3 B. Paragraph 1 C. Paragraph 4 D. Paragraph 2
Question 30: In which paragraph does the writer mention the impact of government initiatives and trade agreements on agricultural exports?
- Paragraph 1 B. Paragraph 2 C. Paragraph 3 D. Paragraph 4
Test 1 - Unit 4