Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-115

If you have ever spent a day at the beach, you have likely noticed the ocean's water level rising and falling. This regular movement is known as the tide. This amazing natural (35) __________ happens twice a day in most coastal areas, shaping the landscape and affecting marine life. But what exactly causes this predictable cycle of high and low tides?

The primary reason for ocean tides is the gravitational pull of the Moon. (36) __________ its relative closeness to our planet, the Moon's gravity exerts a strong force on Earth. This force is powerful enough to affect the entire planet, but its effect on the oceans is most noticeable. The water on the side of Earth facing the Moon is (37) __________ towards it, creating a bulge.

Interestingly, a similar bulge is also created on the opposite side of Earth. This second bulge is caused by the planet being pulled toward the Moon, leaving the water on the far side behind. This process (38) __________ two high tides at the same time on opposite sides of the planet. The areas between these bulges experience low tides. This entire system, combined with (39) __________ Earth's rotation, results in the regular tidal cycle we observe.

While the Moon is the main driver, the Sun also influences the tides. Its gravitational pull is much stronger than the Moon's overall, but because it is so much farther away, its tidal effect is weaker. The Moon does (40) __________ of the work in creating tides. If the Sun were the only celestial body affecting our oceans, tides (41) __________ significantly smaller and less complex.

In summary, ocean tides are a complex interplay of gravitational forces, mainly from the Moon but also from the Sun. An old mariner once remarked that he (42) __________ how the sea seemed to breathe in and out each day. This poetic description captures the essence of this constant, powerful hydrological force that has fascinated humanity for centuries.

In the age of YouTube and Spotify, it's almost impossible to avoid them: cover songs. From global superstars like Justin Bieber, who launched his career by singing versions of other artists' hits, to Vietnamese phenomena like Hương Ly, who gained millions of fans by reinterpreting V-Pop songs, the path to fame is often paved with familiar melodies. This practice, however, sparks a passionate debate. Is covering a song a clever strategy for aspiring artists to get noticed, or is it simply a shortcut that demonstrates a lack of originality and creativity?

On one hand, performing covers is an undeniably effective strategy for emerging artists. A well-known song already has a built-in audience, making it easier for a new singer to attract listeners. It provides a perfect platform for them to showcase their unique vocal abilities and interpretive skills without the immediate pressure of writing original material. By offering a fresh take on a beloved classic, an unknown artist can capture the attention of both the public and record labels, potentially leading to a professional music career.

On the other hand, critics argue that an over-reliance on covers can stifle artistic growth and originality. They contend that the true essence of being an artist lies in creating something new, not re-packaging someone else's work. Furthermore, there are complex legal and ethical questions. While some covers are officially licensed, many are not, raising issues of copyright infringement and profiting from the intellectual property of the original artists without giving them proper credit or compensation for their creative labor.

However, a more nuanced perspective suggests that a cover can be a legitimate art form in itself. A truly great cover is not a mere copy but a transformation. Artists can change the genre, alter the tempo, or infuse the lyrics with a completely different emotional weight, revealing new layers of meaning in a song listeners thought they knew. In some famous cases, such as Johnny Cash's version of "Hurt" or Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You," the cover version becomes so iconic that it overshadows the original.

Ultimately, the debate over cover songs has no simple answer. A cover can be either a stepping stone on the path to an original career or a creative dead-end. Its value depends entirely on the artist's intention and execution. Is the goal simply to gain quick fame by using a popular melody, or is it to pay homage to an influence while adding a unique, personal voice to the conversation? As listeners, the power is in our hands to decide which versions resonate with us the most.