Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-131

Back (35) __________ the 1960s, getting cash was often a challenge. Banks were only open during specific weekday hours, which was inconvenient for working people. If you needed money on a weekend or at night, you had to wait. This limitation created a clear need for a new way for people to access their money.

The solution came from an inventor named John Shepherd-Barron. The story goes that while in the bath one day, he was frustrated about not being able to get cash. He was inspired by chocolate vending machines. Shepherd-Barron first (36) __________ of the idea for a self-service machine that could dispense cash at any time.

The world's first ATM was installed at a Barclays Bank in London in 1967. (37) __________, this early machine was quite different from those we use today. It did not use plastic cards. Instead, it used special paper cheques marked with a safe, radioactive substance to give customers (38) __________ to their cash.

For security, customers also entered a six-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN), (39) __________ was longer than the four-digit standard we use now. As technology improved, so did ATMs. Soon, customers could check their account balance and (40) __________ other simple transactions, not just withdraw cash from their account.

The invention of the ATM was revolutionary because it made banking far more (41) __________ for everyone. It was a key step in financial technology, giving people 24/7 control over their funds. Today, (42) __________ people cannot imagine a world without these machines that provide instant financial services.

When we imagine tourism in beautiful natural places, we often think of crowds, pollution, and damage to fragile ecosystems. While this can be true, a different kind of travel is growing in popularity—one that aims to protect the very places it allows us to visit. This concept, known as ecotourism, proposes a powerful idea: that tourism, when managed correctly, can become one of the most effective tools for environmental conservation.

So, what exactly is ecotourism? At its core, it is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. It operates on several key principles. First, it seeks to minimize the physical, social, and behavioral impacts of tourism. Second, it builds environmental and cultural awareness and respect. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it provides direct financial benefits for conservation and creates financial benefits for local communities. The goal is to create a sustainable model where nature and people both profit.

A fantastic example of this can be found right in Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its massive caves and ancient jungles. For years, the region faced threats from illegal logging, as local people had few other ways to earn money. However, the rise of responsible tour companies, like Oxalis Adventure, has changed the story. These companies employ hundreds of local people, many of whom are former loggers, as guides and porters. By providing stable jobs, they give communities a direct economic reason to protect the forest instead of destroying it. A portion of the tour fees also goes directly to the national park's management board to fund forest protection patrols and conservation projects.

This creates a powerful, positive cycle. When local communities benefit directly from the preservation of their natural environment, they become its most passionate guardians. They understand that a healthy, intact ecosystem—with its unique caves, rivers, and wildlife—is a valuable resource that can provide for their families for generations. This community involvement is crucial, transforming conservation from an external policy into a shared local responsibility.

For young travelers, understanding this connection is vital. Your choices on vacation have a real impact. By choosing licensed ecotour operators, respecting park rules, and showing curiosity about the local culture, you are not just a tourist; you are an active participant in conservation. You are helping to ensure that the magnificent landscapes you enjoy today will still be there for future generations to discover and cherish. Ecotourism shows us that it is possible to explore our planet's wonders while also helping to protect them.