Đề ôn thi Đề thi tốt nghiệp THPT môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề THPT-103

Antarctica, Earth's southernmost continent, stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature. (18) __________, it remains largely untouched by human development. With an average temperature of -57 degrees Celsius (-70 degrees Fahrenheit) in its interior, Antarctica earns its title as the coldest place on Earth. This frozen desert, (19) __________, plays a crucial role in regulating global climate patterns.

Despite its harsh conditions, Antarctica teems with surprisingly diverse life. Penguins, seals, whales, and various seabirds thrive along its coastal regions, sustained by the nutrient-rich Southern Ocean. These creatures have developed remarkable adaptations to survive the extreme cold, such as the Emperor penguin's huddle formation, (20) __________, allowing them to incubate their eggs throughout the unforgiving winters.

(21) __________. Scientists from around the world converge upon this icy continent to study climate change, astronomy, geology, and a myriad of other disciplines. The continent's pristine environment and unique geographical features offer unparalleled opportunities for research, yielding valuable insights into our planet's history and future.

(22) __________. Its vast, icy landscapes inspire awe and wonder, while its vulnerability to climate change underscores the urgent need for global environmental stewardship. As we continue to learn from this frozen continent, we must strive to protect its delicate ecosystem for generations to come.

Urban areas, with their concrete jungles and sprawling infrastructure, experience a phenomenon known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. This intensified heat is a direct result of human activities and urban development patterns. As cities replace natural landscapes with buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, they inadvertently create environments that absorb and retain more heat than surrounding rural areas.

The temperature difference between urban and rural areas can be significant, often ranging from 2 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This discrepancy is most pronounced during nighttime hours when urban areas cool down at a much slower rate. This occurs because the dense concentration of surfaces like asphalt and concrete absorbs solar radiation throughout the day and releases it slowly at night, keeping cities warmer.

The consequences of UHIs extend beyond mere discomfort. Elevated temperatures can exacerbate existing health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with respiratory problems. Additionally, increased heat puts a strain on energy resources as people rely more heavily on air conditioning, leading to higher energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, further contributing to climate change.

However, cities are not powerless against the UHI effect. Recognizing the environmental and societal impacts, many urban planners and policymakers are actively seeking sustainable solutions. These include implementing cool pavement technologies that reflect more sunlight, increasing green spaces to provide shade and promote evapotranspiration, and designing buildings with green roofs to reduce heat absorption. Through these efforts, cities can mitigate the impacts of UHIs and create healthier, more livable environments for their residents.

[I] Biodiversity hotspots are regions of the Earth that are exceptionally rich in species but face extraordinary threats. [II] The immense concentration of unique life within these relatively small areas underscores their importance for global biodiversity conservation. [III] Scientists have pinpointed 36 such hotspots around the world, ranging from the Tropical Andes to the Mediterranean Basin, and efforts to protect them have branched out to involve local communities, governments, and international organizations. [IV]

The identification of these hotspots allows conservationists to prioritize their efforts. Protecting these areas offers the greatest “return on investment” in terms of preserving the maximum number of species with the least amount of land. This strategic approach is crucial because conservation resources are limited, and focusing on biodiversity hotspots can prevent the extinction of a vast number of species simultaneously. By targeting these key regions, organizations can maximize their impact on global biodiversity preservation.

The threats facing biodiversity hotspots are numerous and often intertwined. Habitat destruction, primarily driven by deforestation for agriculture and urban development, is a wide-ranging problem. Climate change is also exacerbating the situation, altering temperature and rainfall patterns, putting further stress on already vulnerable ecosystems. Invasive species, introduced by human activities, often outcompete native flora and fauna, disrupting delicate ecological balances. Illegal wildlife trade, driven by demand for exotic pets and traditional medicine, further decimates populations of endangered species within these hotspots.

The significance of biodiversity hotspots extends beyond simply preserving unique species. These regions provide vital ecosystem services, such as clean water, carbon sequestration, and pollination, that benefit human populations globally. The loss of biodiversity within these areas can have cascading effects, impacting food security, climate stability, and even human health. Protecting biodiversity hotspots is not just about saving species; it is about safeguarding the future of our planet.