Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-89

Bricks are one of the oldest and most essential building materials known to humanity, used in everything from simple homes to large public buildings. The primary ingredient for making bricks is clay, a natural material (35) __________ is found all over the world. The process of turning wet, soft clay into a hard, rectangular block is a fascinating example of manufacturing that has been refined over thousands of years but still follows the same basic principles.

The first step is preparation. The raw clay is cleaned of rocks and other impurities. Then, a specific amount of sand and water is added to (36) __________ batch. This mixture is thoroughly mixed until it becomes a consistent, thick paste. The wet clay is then pressed (37) __________ rectangular molds, which give the bricks their uniform shape and size. This stage is crucial for ensuring that all the bricks are identical.

After molding, the wet 'green' bricks must be dried. This is a delicate phase that can take several days. The bricks are carefully stacked in a ventilated area, protected from direct sun and rain, allowing them to lose moisture slowly and evenly. (38) __________, if they dry too quickly, they can crack and become useless. This slow process ensures the final (39) __________ of the bricks before the next critical stage.

Once the bricks are dry, they are ready for firing. After drying, the bricks (40) __________ into a special, large oven called a kiln. The temperature inside the kiln is (41) __________ high, often reaching over 1,000°C. The bricks are baked for several hours at this intense heat. This process, known as firing, is what gives bricks their strength and distinctive reddish-brown color.

The final transformation occurs inside the kiln. The intense heat causes a chemical reaction that turns the soft, dry clay into hard, durable bricks, ready to (42) __________ a vital role in construction. After a cooling period, the bricks are inspected, sorted, and then sent to construction sites. From a simple pile of clay, a strong and reliable building material has been created.

For many years, charity often meant giving handouts—donating old clothes or distributing food to people in lines. While these actions come from a good place, they can sometimes make the recipients feel powerless. A more modern approach to helping others is emerging, one that focuses on providing aid with dignity. This new way of thinking recognizes that how help is given is just as important as the help itself, aiming to preserve the self-respect of those who are going through difficult times.

A powerful example of this philosophy in action appeared in Vietnam during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 'Siêu thị Hạnh phúc 0 đồng', or Zero-dong Happiness Supermarket, was a remarkable initiative supported by various organizations, including the Apec Group. This special supermarket was not about making a profit; its purpose was to provide people affected by the pandemic with essential goods for free. It offered a lifeline to many families who had suddenly lost their income and were struggling to make ends meet.

The genius of the Zero-dong Supermarket was in its model. Instead of just receiving a pre-packaged bag of aid, people in need were given special vouchers. With these vouchers, they could enter the supermarket and 'shop' for the items they personally needed, up to a certain limit. They could walk down the aisles, choose between different types of rice, select vegetables, and pick out household supplies. This experience gave them a sense of control and normalcy in a time of great uncertainty, allowing them to make choices for their families with dignity.

The impact of this initiative went far beyond simply providing food. It fostered a strong sense of community solidarity and showed that society cared. The act of choosing one's own goods restored a measure of self-worth that is often lost when one has to rely on charity. For the volunteers and donors, it was a more meaningful way to connect with their community, seeing firsthand how their support empowered others rather than just creating dependency. The 'happiness' in the supermarket's name was felt by both those who received and those who gave.

The Zero-dong Supermarket serves as an important lesson, especially for young people. It demonstrates that empathy and thoughtful design can transform charity into an act of empowerment. It encourages us to think critically about how we can support others, reminding us that the best kind of help not only meets a person's physical needs but also respects their feelings and their humanity. This model of giving with dignity is an innovation that could inspire new forms of community support worldwide.