Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-84

The art of making pottery by hand is one of humanity's oldest crafts. For thousands of years, artisans (35) __________ clay into both functional and beautiful objects. To begin, a potter selects the right type of clay, a natural earth material that becomes pliable when mixed with water. This simple substance is the foundation of every unique pot, bowl, or vase.

Before shaping can start, the clay must be properly prepared. The potter kneads the clay vigorously to remove air bubbles and ensure it has a consistent texture. (36) __________ piece of clay is carefully worked on to prevent cracks from forming later in the process. This stage, known as wedging, is crucial for the structural integrity of the final vessel.

Next, the prepared clay is placed (37) __________ the center of a potter's wheel, a machine (38) __________ spins to help the artisan shape the material. With wet hands, the potter gently pulls the clay upwards and outwards, transforming the lump into a delicate vessel. The goal is to create walls of even thickness and a smooth, pleasing form.

After drying for several days until it is leather-hard, the piece is ready for its first firing. The pot is placed in a special oven called a kiln, where it is heated to a very high temperature. This initial firing makes the clay permanently hard and (39) __________. (40) __________, the pot is now strong but still porous, ready for the application of glaze.

The final stage often involves decoration. Potters apply a glaze, which is a type of liquid glass, to the surface of the vessel. Glazes can add color, texture, and a waterproof finish. The (41) __________ of glaze is carefully considered to complement the pot's shape. Once the glaze is applied, the vessel is fired a second time in the kiln, which melts the glaze and helps to (42) __________ a vibrant, decorative surface. This final step transforms a simple clay object into a finished piece of art.

Imagine standing at the base of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, all without leaving your living room in Hanoi. This is the promise of Virtual Reality (VR) travel. As technology advances, especially with Vietnamese companies like FPT and Vingroup investing heavily in innovation, VR headsets are becoming more powerful and accessible. They offer a window to the world that was once pure science fiction. But as this technology becomes more common for your generation, a critical question arises: can a digital journey ever truly replace the experience of being there?

The arguments for VR travel are compelling. Firstly, it offers unprecedented accessibility. People with physical disabilities, tight budgets, or demanding schedules can 'visit' places they might never see otherwise. A student in a rural province could take a virtual field trip to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Secondly, VR provides a safe and controlled environment. There are no worries about lost luggage, language barriers, or tourist scams. The experience is curated and predictable. Finally, the educational potential is enormous. A history lesson becomes far more engaging when you can walk through an immersive digital recreation of ancient Rome.

However, critics argue that VR misses the very soul of travel. A real trip is a multi-sensory adventure. A VR headset can show you the bustling streets of Bangkok, but it cannot replicate the smell of street food, the humidity in the air, or the taste of a fresh mango smoothie. More importantly, travel is about spontaneous human connection—the unexpected conversation with a local shopkeeper, the shared smile with another traveler, or even the challenge of navigating a new city. The real experience, with all its imperfections, is something a programmed simulation cannot yet offer. A simulation lacks the unpredictability that makes travel so memorable, and you cannot truly understand a culture without it.

So, where does that leave us? It seems VR travel is not a question of 'either/or' but 'both/and'. It is not destined to be a replacement for real travel, but a powerful supplement. For example, a tourist could use VR to 'preview' potential destinations before booking an expensive flight, helping them make a more informed decision. Someone could also use it to 're-visit' a cherished holiday spot, bringing back fond memories. For Vietnamese youth, who are growing up surrounded by rapid technological change, understanding this balance is key.

In conclusion, while a VR headset can provide a stunning and educational glimpse of the world, it cannot capture the authentic, messy, and beautiful reality of travel. The magic of a real journey lies not just in what you see, but in the unexpected moments, the personal connections, and the full sensory experience. VR is an incredible tool that complements our ability to explore, but the passport and the backpack are not becoming obsolete just yet.