Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề PTNK-27

In 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 (21) __________ 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 (22) __________ 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 (23) __________ a message and receive a reply within seconds. It changed the pace of friendship and planning. While not everyone had internet access at home, (24) __________ teenagers used school or library computers to chat with friends, making IM a central part of their daily social routines.

However, 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.

In societies worldwide, objects often serve a purpose beyond basic function. From luxury cars to designer clothes, certain products become powerful “status symbols” – items that communicate wealth, taste, and social standing. These aren't just things we use; they are statements. In our modern world, technology has joined these ranks. The latest smartphones, especially the newest iPhone, consistently take center stage, sparking immense global anticipation. It’s clearly more than a gadget.

Why does a new phone, capable of calls and apps, command such disproportionate excitement and perceived value? The answer lies in clever branding, design, and cultivated exclusivity. Apple has masterfully positioned the iPhone as a premium product, an aspirational lifestyle choice. Its sleek aesthetics, intuitive user experience, and consistent marketing reinforce an image of innovation and sophistication. Owning the latest model signals one is up-to-date, discerning, and capable of acquiring a high-demand item.

Nowhere is this phenomenon more evident than in Vietnam. [I] The release of a new iPhone is a major national event. [II] Retail giants like FPT Shop and The Gioi Di Dong orchestrate massive, high-profile launch parties, drawing huge crowds and media attention. [III] People often queue for hours, sometimes days, just to be among the first. [IV]

For teenagers, this dynamic is particularly pronounced. Look around your classroom, and you'll quickly notice who has the newest phone. For many 14 and 15-year-olds, possessing the latest iPhone can significantly influence peer perception and social standing. It can be a talking point, a subtle indicator of coolness, or even a source of unspoken pressure to keep up with friends. While its primary purpose is communication, its symbolic role often overshadows functional utility, linking to self-identity and the desire to fit in or stand out.

Ultimately, the "big deal" about the newest iPhone extends far beyond its technical specifications. It’s a powerful microcosm of consumer culture, revealing how deeply embedded social status and symbolic meaning are in the products we desire. Whether in Vietnam or elsewhere, an iPhone isn't just a device for calls or selfies; it’s a form of social currency, a visible marker where what you own is often perceived as reflecting who you are. Understanding this helps us grasp the complex social narratives objects tell.