Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-44

Millions of years ago, before the time of dinosaurs, the Earth was covered with vast, dense forests and humid swamps. The climate was warm and wet, perfect for plant growth. The long and complex process to create the coal we use today (35) __________ not happen in a modern environment; it required these specific ancient conditions. This period, known as the Carboniferous Period, provided the essential raw materials for one of the world's most important energy sources.

When these giant plants and ferns died, they fell into the swampy, oxygen-poor water. Because there was little oxygen, the plant matter did not fully decompose. Instead, it slowly accumulated in thick layers. Over thousands of years, this organic material was compacted into a dense, dark substance called peat. This material was the (36) __________ first step in coal's long journey from plant to rock.

Over geological time, the landscape changed. Seas and rivers flowed over these ancient swamps, depositing heavy layers of sand, clay, and rock on top of the peat. (37) __________ buried the peat deeper and deeper under the surface of the Earth, sealing it off from the air completely. The weight of these new layers was immense, squeezing the water out of the peat.

As more layers built up, the peat was pushed even further down. The deeper it went, the (38) __________ the pressure became. This extreme pressure, along with heat rising from the Earth's core, began to (39) __________ a change in the chemical and physical structure of the peat. Not until millions of years had passed (40) __________ the transformation from soft peat to hard, black rock finally complete.

(41) __________, different types of coal were formed depending on how much heat and pressure were applied. For example, anthracite, the hardest coal, was created under the most extreme conditions. (42) __________, the journey from a living plant to a lump of coal is a remarkable story of geological transformation, powered by time, pressure, and heat.

Have you ever opened TikTok or Facebook just to check one thing, only to find yourself still scrolling an hour later? If so, you're not alone. This common experience isn't a sign of poor self-control; it's the result of carefully crafted design. In Vietnam, where these platforms are incredibly popular, high screen time is a growing concern. The secret to their success lies in psychology, using features specifically designed to capture and hold our attention for as long as possible.

The most powerful of these features is the 'infinite scroll'. Unlike a book or a magazine with a clear ending, apps like Facebook and Instagram offer a bottomless stream of content. This design eliminates natural stopping points, making it easy to just keep going. The mechanism taps into our basic human desire for novelty. Each flick of the thumb brings the potential for a new, exciting video or photo, creating a cycle of anticipation and reward. This is very similar to how a slot machine works, keeping players engaged by the constant possibility of a win on the next pull.

But the infinite scroll isn't the only trick. The 'pull-to-refresh' function is another clever feature that mimics the action of pulling a slot machine lever, providing a small, variable reward of new content. Furthermore, apps use a constant barrage of notifications—the red dots, the pop-up messages—to create a sense of urgency and FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). Most importantly, the content you see isn't random. It is tailored to your personal interests using complex algorithms. By analyzing your likes, shares, and viewing time, these apps create a personalized feed so compelling that it becomes difficult to look away.

For teenagers, the impact of these designs can be significant. The constant stimulation can shorten attention spans, making it harder to focus on homework or other complex tasks. Lost hours spent scrolling can also take time away from sleep, physical activity, and real-life social interactions. The teenage brain is still developing its capacity for self-regulation, and the powerful pull of these apps can interfere with this crucial developmental process. Because it exploits this vulnerability, it can be particularly problematic for young users' mental well-being and academic performance.

Understanding these mechanisms is the first step toward regaining control. It's not about deleting all social media, but about using it more consciously. Simple strategies like turning off non-essential notifications, setting time limits using built-in phone features, and deliberately scheduling 'no-phone' time for other hobbies can make a big difference. By recognizing that these apps are designed to be addictive, we can make more informed choices about how we let them influence our lives.