Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề PTNK-106

Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Often called the "rainforests of the sea," these underwater structures are built by tiny organisms. A coral reef is a complex community that supports an incredible variety of life, making it a vital part of the marine environment. The vibrant colors and bustling activity of a reef are a sign of its health and importance.

The fundamental structure of a reef is made up of tiny animals called coral polyps. These polyps, (21) __________ are related to jellyfish, build hard, protective skeletons around themselves from calcium carbonate. Over thousands of years, the skeletons of millions of polyps grow together to form the massive structures that we recognize as coral reefs.

Inside their tissues, coral polyps host microscopic algae. This is a mutually beneficial relationship, known as symbiosis. The algae use sunlight to produce food, which they share with the coral, and in return, the coral provides a protected home for the algae. This partnership also gives corals their brilliant colors.

Although they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs support about 25% of all marine species. In these ecosystems, shelter (22) __________ for countless marine creatures, from small fish and invertebrates to larger animals like sharks and sea turtles. The overall effect of this biodiversity is a healthy and balanced marine food web.

(23) __________ species of fish, crabs, and turtles depend on them for food and safety. For this reason, it is crucial that we understand the threats they face from pollution and climate change. We must take (24) __________ to protect these fragile and essential ecosystems for future generations.

Is the ground beneath our feet in danger? This crucial question, often overlooked, increasingly demands an affirmative answer. Soil, a fundamental resource vital for all life, faces a severe threat: degradation. This decline in soil quality, primarily from improper human activities, is a serious environmental problem silently undermining global food security and ecosystem health. Understanding this invisible issue is paramount, as its consequences extend far beyond fields, affecting everyone and our planet's future. [I]

Soil degradation involves the deterioration of soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties. Imagine soil as a living system, rich with nutrients and organisms crucial for plant growth. When disturbed, it loses fertility and structure. Key causes include intensive farming depleting nutrients, excessive chemical fertilizers/pesticides, deforestation leading to erosion, and poor irrigation causing salinization. These practices exhaust soil, making it less productive and vulnerable to desertification, directly threatening global food availability. [II]

This global challenge resonates deeply in Vietnam, where agriculture is central to the economy and culture. [III] For decades, farmers heavily relied on chemical fertilizers to boost yields. While initially productive, prolonged overuse significantly degraded the soil, diminishing its natural fertility. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, with local communities, promotes sustainable farming to restore soil health and secure Vietnamese agriculture's future.

Why should a 14 or 15-year-old care about the dirt under their shoes? The connection is direct: healthy soil is essential for growing the food on your dinner table daily. From rice to vegetables, almost everything you consume originates from healthy soil. If our soil degrades, farmers will struggle to produce enough, potentially leading to higher prices or shortages. This invisible resource directly impacts Vietnam's farming future, affecting your daily meals and the nation's long-term economic well-being. [IV]

Ultimately, our planet's and our own well-being are intrinsically linked to soil health. Soil degradation is complex, but solvable through awareness and collective effort. By understanding its causes, we can support sustainable practices and advocate for policies protecting this vital resource. The ground beneath our feet may seem silent, but its health powerfully speaks about our collective future. Ensuring its vitality is not just an environmental imperative; it's an investment in a secure and prosperous future for Vietnam and the world.