Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-12

The Earth’s water is constantly (35) __________ through a process known as the water cycle. This fundamental system, which has no real beginning or end, describes how water travels on, above, and below the planet's surface. It is the engine for our planet's weather and a vital system for sustaining all life, powered almost entirely by the sun's energy.

We can think of the cycle starting with (36) __________. This occurs when the sun heats water in oceans, lakes, and rivers. The liquid water transforms into a gas called water vapor and rises into (37) __________ atmosphere. Plants also release water vapor into the air through a process called transpiration.

As the water vapor ascends higher, the air temperature drops, causing it to cool. This cooling process makes the vapor change back into tiny liquid water droplets, a stage known as condensation. The water vapor (38) __________ the visible clouds we see in the sky. Ancient observers noted that clouds (39) __________ significantly heavier just before a storm.

When these droplets combine and become too heavy to stay suspended in the air, they fall back to Earth as precipitation. (40) __________, we experience rain, snow, or hail. This water is then collected in rivers, lakes, and oceans. The collection of water on the planet's surface (41) __________ in providing drinking water and supporting ecosystems.

From these collection points, the cycle begins again with evaporation. The continuous journey of water is essential for regulating global temperatures and distributing water resources across the globe. If this critical cycle were to stop, life as we know it (42) __________ on Earth.

Imagine getting a bad score on an English test. What is your first thought? For many students, it might be, 'I'm just bad at English.' This is a classic example of a 'fixed mindset,' the belief that our intelligence and abilities are static traits that we cannot change. On the other hand, a student with a 'growth mindset' might think, 'I didn't pass this test, so I need to find a new way to study this topic.' This mindset is the belief that our abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

A fixed mindset can be particularly damaging in high-pressure academic environments, like the one many Vietnamese students experience. The intense focus on scores can lead students to believe they are either 'smart' or 'not smart'. This belief undermines their motivation. When faced with a challenge, they may give up easily to avoid looking unintelligent. They see effort as a sign of weakness, believing that if you have to try hard, you must not be naturally talented. Consequently, they avoid challenges, which are essential for learning and growth.

The good news is that we can change our mindset. Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck's research introduced a simple but powerful tool: the word 'yet'. The growth mindset turns a statement of failure into a statement of progress. It encourages seeing challenges not as insurmountable obstacles, but as part of a learning journey. Instead of saying, 'I can't solve this math problem,' you can say, 'I haven't solved this math problem yet.' This small linguistic shift reframes the entire situation, suggesting that success is possible with more time, effort, or a different strategy.

Cultivating a growth mindset involves conscious effort. Key strategies include focusing on the process of learning rather than just the final outcome, viewing challenges as opportunities to grow, and seeking out and learning from constructive criticism. Instead of being discouraged by mistakes, a person with a growth mindset uses them as valuable feedback. This approach not only leads to higher achievement over time but also fosters greater resilience and a genuine love for learning, reducing the anxiety associated with academic performance.

This powerful psychological shift is gaining recognition globally. Even in Vietnam, where exam scores have traditionally been the primary measure of success, there is a growing awareness of its importance. For instance, some leading universities are exploring more holistic assessment methods that evaluate a student's entire learning journey, not just a single exam result. By embracing the power of 'not yet', students can transform their relationship with failure and unlock their true potential for growth.