Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề PTNK-120

(21) __________ the 1990s, before smartphones were common, teenagers primarily communicated over long distances using landline telephones and the relatively new system of email. While email was a major step forward, it lacked immediacy. A person would write a message, send it, and then have to wait, sometimes for hours or even a day, for a response. Communication was not in real-time.

Then, a new technology called Instant Messaging, or IM, began to appear. Programs like ICQ and AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) became popular. The effect was profound, as these services allowed for text-based conversations that happened in the moment. This new form of communication quickly transformed how young people interacted, making it faster and easier to chat with friends after school.

One of the most revolutionary features of IM was the 'buddy list,' a feature (22) __________ allowed users to see when their friends were online and available to talk. Unlike email, you knew if the person was there to reply immediately. This made conversations feel more instantaneous and alive. Users could type short messages back and forth, creating a flowing dialogue similar to a real-life conversation.

The impact on social life was significant. Instead of waiting for an email, a person could send a message and receive a reply within seconds. It changed the pace of friendship and planning. While not everyone had internet access at home, (23) __________ teenagers used school or library computers to chat with friends, making IM a central part of their daily social routines.

(24) __________, this new speed came with new social pressures. The expectation to reply instantly grew, and seeing a friend online who was not responding could cause anxiety. Despite this, IM paved the way for the modern messaging apps we use today, fundamentally changing our expectations for digital communication forever.

We often think of healthy habits as eating well, exercising, or getting enough sleep. But what if one of the most powerful tools for our well-being isn't found in a gym or a kitchen, but in our interactions with others? Could kindness itself be a health habit? Emerging research suggests that performing acts of kindness offers significant benefits not just to the recipient, but profoundly to the giver as well. Embracing kindness might be a surprisingly effective way to boost our mental health and overall happiness.

[I] Studies consistently show that engaging in altruistic behaviors can noticeably reduce stress levels. [II] When we help others, our brains release feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine, leading to increased feelings of contentment and even a sense of purpose. This ripple effect of positive emotions contributes significantly to our mental well-being, proving that helping others genuinely helps ourselves.

[III] This concept resonates deeply within Vietnamese culture, where the principle of "tương thân tương ái" — meaning mutual love and affection or reciprocal care — is a cherished value. It's a foundational belief that emphasizes community solidarity and looking out for one another. We see this vividly in times of need, such as when communities swiftly organize fundraising or aid efforts for those affected by natural disasters like floods, embodying a collective spirit of compassion and support that enriches everyone involved.

[IV] For teenagers, navigating the pressures of school life, academic competition, and social dynamics can often feel overwhelming and stressful. However, incorporating small, intentional acts of kindness into daily routines can make a significant difference. Simple gestures, like offering a genuine compliment to a classmate, helping someone understand a difficult lesson, or even just listening actively to a friend, can elevate your own mood instantly. These actions not only foster a more positive and supportive school environment but also build stronger relationships.

Ultimately, the evidence is clear: kindness is far more than just a polite gesture; it's a powerful practice for personal health and collective well-being. By choosing to be kind, we actively participate in a positive feedback loop that benefits our own mental state, strengthens community bonds, and creates a more compassionate world. So, the next time you consider ways to boost your health, remember that a simple act of kindness might be one of the most effective and rewarding habits you can cultivate.