Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-23

For many years, Pluto was considered the ninth planet in our solar system, a small, icy world at the edge (35) __________ our cosmic neighborhood. It (36) __________ in 1930 by the American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, and for decades, its status as a planet was widely accepted by everyone.

However, as technology improved, astronomers began to find other objects in the outer solar system that were similar in size to Pluto. (37) __________, one of these objects, Eris, was found to be even more massive than Pluto. This discovery challenged the traditional view of the solar system.

This created a problem for scientists, (38) __________ needed a clear definition for the term 'planet'. Was Eris the tenth planet? What about the other similar bodies? In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) (39) __________ voted to create a new definition to settle the matter.

According to the new rules, a celestial body must meet three criteria to be a full-sized planet. It must orbit the Sun, be massive enough for its gravity to make it round, and have 'cleared its neighborhood' of other objects. Pluto meets the first two of these rules, but not the third because there are (40) __________ other objects in its orbit.

As a (41) __________, Pluto was reclassified from a planet to a 'dwarf planet'. This decision (42) __________ a lot of debate among the public and scientists, but the official classification remains. Pluto is now known as a prominent example of this new category of celestial bodies.

In the competitive world of a modern teenager, school can often feel like a high-pressure environment focused on grades and achievements. The stress to succeed is constant, and it's easy to forget about the simple things that connect us. However, a growing body of scientific research suggests that one of the most powerful tools for improving our own mental well-being is not about personal gain, but about giving to others: the act of kindness. This raises an interesting question: can being kind be more than just a nice gesture, but a genuine health habit?

Positive psychology has uncovered fascinating connections between altruistic behavior and personal health. When we perform an act of kindness, our brains release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, creating a feeling often called the “helper’s high.” This positive emotional state is not just a fleeting sensation. Studies show that regularly engaging in kind acts can lower levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. By actively choosing to help someone, we can alleviate our own anxiety and foster a sense of calm and happiness. It’s a natural, built-in reward system for pro-social behavior.

Kindness can be expressed in two main ways: formal and informal. Formal kindness often involves structured activities, such as volunteering for a local charity or participating in community fundraising events, similar to the Vietnamese spirit of 'tương thân tương ái' during flood relief efforts. Informal kindness, however, is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. It includes small, spontaneous gestures like holding a door open, giving a sincere compliment to a classmate who seems down, or helping someone understand a difficult homework problem. They may seem insignificant, but these everyday actions are incredibly powerful in building positive social connections and boosting our own mood.

The benefits of kindness create a positive ripple effect. When you are kind to someone, it not only makes you and the receiver feel good, but it can also inspire observers to act kindly themselves. Imagine seeing a student comfort another who is upset; this single act can shift the emotional atmosphere of a classroom, encouraging more empathy and cooperation. This chain reaction can transform a competitive school environment into a more supportive and collaborative community. Each small act contributes to a larger culture of compassion, making school a better place for everyone.

So, can kindness become a health habit? The evidence strongly suggests yes. Like any habit, it requires conscious effort and consistency. Start small. Challenge yourself to perform one deliberate act of kindness each day. It doesn't need to be a grand gesture; a simple smile or a word of thanks is enough. Over time, these actions become second nature. By practicing kindness, you are not only contributing to a better world but also engaging in a powerful form of self-care that strengthens your mental and emotional resilience for years to come.