Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-143

Earthquakes are a powerful force of nature, capable of causing immense damage to cities. When the ground begins to shake, buildings must be able to withstand the intense movement. For many years, engineers have studied how to protect structures from this threat. Thanks to modern engineering, we now have incredible technologies that help keep skyscrapers and other important buildings safe during an earthquake.

One key method is called 'base isolation.' The main idea is to separate the building from its foundation, or base. The structure is built on top of flexible pads, often made of rubber and steel. When an earthquake happens, these pads (35) __________ the energy from the ground's shaking. (36) __________ allows the ground to move dramatically beneath the building, while the structure itself moves much less, protecting it from damage.

Another clever solution is the tuned mass damper. Imagine a giant, heavy pendulum hanging inside the top of a skyscraper. When the building begins to (37) __________ to one side due to wind or an earthquake, this massive pendulum (38) __________ automatically move in the opposite direction. This counter-movement helps to stabilize the building and reduce the force of the shaking.

These dampers work like giant shock absorbers. They are designed to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of the swaying motion. Buildings with these systems are much (39) __________ than traditional, stiff structures, which can crack under pressure. The (40) __________ of this technology is seen in many modern skyscrapers, like Taipei 101, which has one of the largest tuned mass dampers in the world.

(41) __________ does this system protect the building, but it also provides confidence to the people inside. By combining ideas like base isolation and dampers, engineers are able to create structures that can survive even strong seismic events. (42) __________, modern engineering provides clever solutions to make our cities safer from natural disasters.

You are scrolling through your phone when a notification pops up. Your aunt has shared an article on Zalo with a shocking headline: 'Scientists Discover Instant Cure for All Cancers!' It sounds amazing, but is it true? In today's digital world, we are constantly flooded with information on social media platforms like Zalo and Facebook. While these are great tools for connecting with friends and family, they are also a major channel for the spread of 'fake news'—false information presented as real news.

The problem with misinformation is that it can have serious real-world consequences. False health advice can harm people, while untrue rumors can damage someone's reputation or even disrupt social harmony. Social media platforms often use algorithms that show us content they think we will like, creating 'echo chambers' where we only see information that confirms our existing beliefs. This makes it easier for fake news creators to manipulate our opinions and emotions. They intentionally design these stories to be shared quickly, often without a single fact-check.

So why are we so easily tricked? Part of the answer lies in our psychology. We are more likely to believe information that aligns with what we already think (confirmation bias). Furthermore, fake news often targets our emotions. Articles that provoke strong feelings like fear, anger, or excitement are incredibly persuasive. Strong emotional reactions can cause us to stop thinking critically and start sharing immediately. They bypass our rational brain, making us vulnerable to deception.

Fortunately, learning to spot fake news is a skill you can develop. Think of yourself as a digital detective. First, always check the source. Is the article from a well-known, reputable news organization, or is it from a strange website you've never heard of? Second, look for evidence. Does the article cite any official sources, experts, or studies? Be suspicious of stories that provide no proof. Third, investigate the author. Are they a real journalist with a history of writing on the topic? Fourth, watch out for red flags like poor spelling and grammar, excessive use of capital letters, or overly emotional language. These are often signs of unprofessional and unreliable content.

Ultimately, being a responsible digital citizen means being a critical one. In Vietnam, the government recognizes this challenge and has implemented the Law on Cybersecurity, which includes penalties for those who create and spread false information that affects national security or social order. For teenagers, the lesson is clear: before you believe a sensational headline or share an article with your friends, take a moment to pause and investigate. By thinking critically, you not only protect yourself from being misled but also help stop the harmful spread of misinformation in our communities.