Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-57

Wind power is (35) __________ important source of renewable energy, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuels. Many countries are investing heavily in it as a way to combat climate change. However, while it has many benefits, using wind power also comes with several significant challenges that must be addressed for it to be a truly reliable energy source for the future.

The primary challenge is its intermittency. The wind does not always blow, and its speed can vary greatly. This means that the power supply can be very (36) __________. If the wind speed were consistently ideal, wind power (37) __________ a much more reliable energy source. Because of this variability, power grids cannot entirely (38) __________ wind energy alone and must have backup power sources available.

Another disadvantage is related to land use and location. Wind farms require a lot of space, often in rural or coastal areas where the wind is strongest. (39) __________, finding a suitable location can be a major issue, as it can conflict with agriculture, wildlife habitats, or scenic landscapes. The best locations are often far from cities, which means expensive new power lines must be built.

Furthermore, the operation of wind turbines can be problematic. Some people who live near wind farms complain about the noise. One resident said that the turbines (40) __________ like a jet engine when the wind was strong. There is also the visual impact; some feel that large fields of turbines spoil the natural beauty of the countryside. The initial investment for wind farms is significant, and building them can (41) __________.

Overcoming these issues is key to expanding wind energy. Scientists are working on better ways to predict wind patterns and improve turbine efficiency. One potential solution involves (42) __________ excess energy in large batteries for use when the wind isn't blowing. By tackling these challenges, we can make better use of this powerful, clean resource.

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.