Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề PTNK-14

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 which 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 each batch. This mixture is thoroughly mixed until it becomes a consistent, thick paste. The wet clay is then pressed (21) __________ 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. (22) __________, if they dry too quickly, they can crack and become useless. This slow process ensures the final quality of the bricks before the next critical stage.

Once the bricks are dry, they are ready for firing. After drying, the bricks are moved into a special, large oven called a kiln. The temperature inside the kiln is (23) __________ 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 (24) __________ 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.

Traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, or Múa rối nước, is a truly unique art form with a history spanning over a thousand years. Performed on a water stage, the puppets are manipulated by hidden artists, giving the illusion of them dancing on water. While iconic venues like the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi diligently preserve this classic form, a significant challenge faces this ancient art. Cultures worldwide grapple with how to keep their traditional treasures vibrant and engaging for younger generations, and Vietnam is no exception. [I]

The question many are asking is: can water puppetry truly be made "cool" for the 21st century? For many 14 and 15-year-olds, traditional arts can sometimes feel like something from a bygone era, perhaps more suited for tourists than for their TikTok feeds. While classic performances are undeniably beautiful, there's a growing conversation about how to innovate beyond the standard repertoire. The aim is to attract young Vietnamese audiences, ensuring this unique art form doesn't become a relic but a living, evolving part of modern culture. [II]

Imagine water puppets performing tales not just of ancient legends, but of futuristic adventures, environmental challenges, or even relatable school-life dramas. How about integrating modern Vietnamese pop music, traditional melodies with contemporary beats, or interactive elements where the audience influences the plot? Visual enhancements like sophisticated lighting, projection mapping on the water, or augmented reality could transform the traditional stage into an immersive spectacle. These creative fusions could bridge the gap, making the art accessible and exciting to a generation fluent in digital innovation.

Of course, modernizing such a deeply rooted art form isn't without its challenges. The delicate balance between innovation and preserving authenticity is crucial. Purists might argue against drastic changes, fearing the loss of its historical essence. [III] The key lies in respectful adaptation—understanding which elements are sacred and immutable, and which can be playfully reimagined. It requires collaboration between seasoned artists, tech innovators, and, importantly, the youth themselves, to envision its future. [IV]

So, instead of seeing traditional arts as something "boring" or solely for tourists, consider the immense creative potential within them. Water puppetry isn't just about preserving the past; it's an invitation to shape its future. It challenges you to think outside the box: how can ancient techniques tell new stories? How can a thousand-year-old art form captivate a digital-native generation? By fusing tradition with modern entertainment, you might just discover that water puppetry can indeed be cool, vibrant, and incredibly relevant for the 21st century and beyond.