Đề ôn thi Đề thi tốt nghiệp THPT môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề THPT-157

(18) __________. As the co-founder of Microsoft, (19) __________, Gates played a pivotal role in bringing personal computers into homes and workplaces around the globe. His early fascination with computer programming, evident during his time at Lakeside School in Seattle, would later translate into the creation of a multi-billion dollar empire.

Microsoft's initial success stemmed from the development of MS-DOS, an operating system (20) __________. This strategic move gave Microsoft a foothold in the burgeoning PC market and propelled the company to new heights. Gates, known for his fierce competitiveness and sharp business acumen, led Microsoft through a period of rapid expansion. The company branched out, developing popular software applications like Microsoft Word and Excel, solidifying its dominance in the software industry.

While Gates stepped down from his day-to-day role at Microsoft in 2000, his impact on the technology sector remains undeniable. His legacy extends beyond software, as he and his wife, Melinda French Gates, established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, (21) __________ such as poverty and disease. The foundation's far-reaching efforts, ranging from supporting vaccine research to improving education systems in developing countries, have established Gates as a prominent figure in global philanthropy.

(22) __________. His story continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators around the world, illustrating how a passion for technology, coupled with a vision for the future, can leave an indelible mark on the world.

Colonialism, the practice of one country establishing control over another, has left an undeniable and transformative mark on cultures worldwide. This impact extends far beyond the period of direct rule, shaping languages, religions, traditions, and social structures for generations.

One of the most immediate consequences of colonialism was the suppression of indigenous languages and the imposition of the colonizer's tongue. This linguistic dominance had a profound impact, as language is the primary vehicle for transmitting culture. It led to the marginalization of traditional knowledge systems, oral histories, and cultural expressions embedded within native languages. For instance, the widespread use of English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese in former colonies can be directly attributed to their historical use in administration, education, and trade.

Furthermore, colonialism often resulted in the introduction of new religions and belief systems. While some conversions were forced, others occurred through missionary work and the perceived social and economic advantages associated with adopting the colonizer's faith. This religious imposition disrupted existing spiritual practices, beliefs, and social hierarchies, often leading to syncretism, a blending of indigenous beliefs with those of the colonizer.

Despite the often disruptive nature of colonialism, its cultural legacy remains complex. In some instances, the interaction between colonizer and colonized led to the emergence of hybrid cultural forms, blending elements from both traditions. These fusions can be seen in music, art, cuisine, and fashion, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of cultures in the face of external pressures. Nonetheless, the impact of colonialism on cultural identity and the ongoing struggle for cultural preservation continue to be important topics of discussion and debate worldwide.

Conformity, the act of aligning one's behaviors or beliefs with those of a group, is a powerful social force. [I] This tendency to "go along with" the crowd can be observed in various settings, from fashion trends to political opinions. [II] Solomon Asch's famous conformity experiments, conducted in the 1950s, demonstrated this phenomenon vividly. [III] Participants were asked to judge the lengths of lines, and when confederates (actors pretending to be fellow participants) gave obviously incorrect answers, a significant number of participants conformed, giving the wrong answer despite knowing it was incorrect. This highlights the strong influence of social pressure on individual behavior. [IV]

These experiments provided valuable insight into the factors driving conformity. One key factor is normative social influence, which refers to the desire to be liked and accepted by the group. Participants in Asch's study likely conformed to avoid social disapproval or ridicule. This suggests that individuals are more likely to conform in situations where they feel a strong need for social acceptance. Another factor is informational social influence, which occurs when individuals look to others for guidance in ambiguous situations. If the task is unclear or difficult, people may assume that the group has more knowledge and therefore conform to their judgment.

However, conformity isn't the only force at play in social dynamics. Rebellion, the active defiance of authority or social norms, is also a common human behavior. This often manifests as non-conformist attitudes and actions, rejecting established beliefs and practices. Teenage rebellion, a classic example, illustrates the push against societal expectations during adolescence. Teenagers often adopt unique styles of dress, music, and behavior to assert their individuality and differentiate themselves from adults. This can be seen as a form of individuation, a crucial developmental stage where adolescents strive to establish their own identity independent of their parents and societal expectations.

While conformity promotes social cohesion and stability, rebellion can be a catalyst for social change. Throughout history, acts of rebellion, from protests to revolutions, have challenged oppressive systems and led to progress. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States, for instance, involved widespread acts of civil disobedience and protests against racial segregation, ultimately leading to significant legal and social reforms. Thus, both conformity and rebellion play important, albeit contrasting, roles in shaping individuals and societies.