Đề ôn thi Đề thi tốt nghiệp THPT môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề THPT-83

The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a breathtaking celestial display (18) __________. (19) __________. These collisions excite the atoms, causing them to release energy in the form of light, thus painting the sky with dancing curtains of color.

The intensity and frequency of auroral displays are influenced by solar activity, which follows an eleven-year cycle. During periods of heightened solar activity, known as solar maximums, auroras are more frequent and can be observed at lower latitudes. Conversely, during solar minimums, auroral displays are less common and typically confined to higher latitudes. The Earth's magnetic field plays a crucial role in funneling these charged particles towards the polar regions, which is why (20) __________, such as Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia.

The colors of the aurora are determined by the type of atom being excited and the altitude at which the collision occurs. Green, the most common auroral color, results from the excitation of oxygen atoms at lower altitudes. Red auroras, which are rarer, occur when oxygen atoms at higher altitudes are excited, while blue and purple hues are typically produced by excited nitrogen atoms. The constantly shifting patterns of the aurora, (21) __________, are a testament to the dynamic interplay between solar wind, the Earth's magnetic field, and the composition of our atmosphere.

(22) __________. The ephemeral nature of this celestial display only adds to its allure, reminding us of the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of the cosmos.

The invention of the printing press was a monumental development in human history. Prior to its creation in the mid-15th century, books and other written materials were painstakingly copied by hand, a time-consuming and expensive process that limited access to knowledge and information to a privileged few. Johannes Gutenberg, a German goldsmith, is credited with inventing the printing press around 1440. Gutenberg's groundbreaking innovation involved creating a system of movable type, which allowed individual letters to be rearranged and reused, dramatically increasing the speed and efficiency of printing.

His first major printing project was the Gutenberg Bible, completed around 1455. This remarkable work, printed in Latin, showcased the potential of the printing press to produce high-quality texts on a large scale. The printing press spread rapidly across Europe, revolutionizing the way information was disseminated and consumed. By 1500, printing presses were operating in over 200 cities, churning out books, pamphlets, and other printed materials at an unprecedented rate.

The proliferation of printed materials had a profound impact on society. Literacy rates soared as books became more affordable and accessible, leading to a more informed and engaged populace. The printing press facilitated the spread of Renaissance ideas and fostered a spirit of intellectual curiosity. Scientists, philosophers, and artists now had a powerful tool to share their discoveries, theories, and creations with a wider audience.

Moreover, the printing press played a crucial role in the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther's "Ninety-five Theses," a scathing critique of the Catholic Church, was printed and widely disseminated, fueling the flames of religious debate and challenging the Church's authority. The ability to rapidly reproduce and spread information made the printing press a transformative force, ushering in an era of unprecedented intellectual and social change.

Understanding social hierarchies in the animal kingdom is crucial for comprehending how animal societies function. [I] These hierarchies, often established through displays of aggression or dominance, dictate access to resources like food, mates, and prime territory. [II] For example, in wolf packs, an alpha pair leads the group, making key decisions about hunting and territorial defense. [III] Lower-ranking wolves fall in line and typically defer to the alphas, ensuring pack cohesion and efficient resource allocation. [IV]

The complexity of these hierarchies varies greatly depending on the species. In some species, like honeybees, the hierarchy is relatively rigid, with the queen bee at the top and worker bees performing specific roles based on their age and physiology. This rigid structure allows for a highly organized and efficient colony, where each individual contributes to the overall success of the hive. However, in other species, like chimpanzees, the hierarchy can be more fluid, with individuals constantly vying for higher positions through complex social interactions and alliances.

Social hierarchies often lead to long-lasting effects on individual animals, impacting not just their access to resources but also their overall health and well-being. Dominant individuals often enjoy better nutrition, leading to increased reproductive success and longer lifespans. Subordinate animals, on the other hand, may experience higher levels of stress hormones, which can negatively affect their immune systems and make them more susceptible to disease. Studies on baboons, for instance, have shown a correlation between social rank and stress hormone levels, highlighting the physiological consequences of hierarchy.

By studying these complex social structures, scientists gain valuable insights into the evolutionary pressures that have shaped animal behavior. Understanding how and why hierarchies develop, and their impacts on individual animals and the group as a whole, provides a deeper appreciation for the intricate workings of the natural world. Furthermore, this knowledge can inform conservation efforts by providing a better understanding of the social dynamics within endangered populations and helping to develop more effective management strategies.