Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-119

Earthquakes are a powerful force of nature, capable of causing immense damage to cities. When the ground begins to shake, buildings must be able to withstand the intense movement. For many years, engineers have studied how to protect structures from this threat. Thanks to modern engineering, we now have incredible technologies that help keep skyscrapers and other important buildings safe during an earthquake.

One key method is called 'base isolation.' The main idea is to separate the building from its foundation, or base. The structure is built on top of flexible pads, often made of rubber and steel. When an earthquake happens, these pads (35) __________ the energy from the ground's shaking. (36) __________ allows the ground to move dramatically beneath the building, while the structure itself moves much less, protecting it from damage.

Another clever solution is the tuned mass damper. Imagine a giant, heavy pendulum hanging inside the top of a skyscraper. When the building begins to (37) __________ to one side due to wind or an earthquake, this massive pendulum (38) __________ automatically move in the opposite direction. This counter-movement helps to stabilize the building and reduce the force of the shaking.

These dampers work like giant shock absorbers. They are designed to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of the swaying motion. Buildings with these systems are much (39) __________ than traditional, stiff structures, which can crack under pressure. The (40) __________ of this technology is seen in many modern skyscrapers, like Taipei 101, which has one of the largest tuned mass dampers in the world.

(41) __________ does this system protect the building, but it also provides confidence to the people inside. By combining ideas like base isolation and dampers, engineers are able to create structures that can survive even strong seismic events. (42) __________, modern engineering provides clever solutions to make our cities safer from natural disasters.

In an age where speed is everything, we often choose planes to get from one city to another as quickly as possible. However, a different kind of travel is gaining appreciation: the long-distance train journey. Across the world, people are rediscovering the joy of watching landscapes change from their window seat. In Vietnam, the most iconic example of this is the North-South Railway, also known as the Reunification Express, which offers a unique way to experience the country.

Stretching over 1,700 kilometers, the railway line connects Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, in the north with its largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, in the south. A complete journey on the Reunification Express typically takes around 35 hours. This might seem incredibly long compared to a two-hour flight, but the time is part of the adventure. From the window, passengers witness a spectacular variety of scenery. The train passes through the fertile rice paddies of the Red River Delta, hugs the stunning coastline near Da Nang and the Hai Van Pass, and travels through sleepy villages and bustling towns.

The experience on board is just as important as the views outside. Unlike the impersonal nature of air travel, the train fosters a sense of community. Passengers share food, play cards, and tell stories, creating a lively atmosphere. Both Vietnamese locals and international tourists use the service, offering a chance for genuine cultural exchange. The different seating and sleeping options, from basic hard seats to comfortable soft-sleeper berths, mean that travelers can choose their level of comfort. This allows them to get a more authentic view of daily life in Vietnam.

This slower pace of travel teaches valuable lessons, especially for young people. It requires patience and encourages passengers to be present in the moment, rather than focusing solely on the destination. It also offers a deeper, more meaningful connection to the country, as one can physically see the geography and culture shift from north to south. Furthermore, choosing the train over a domestic flight is a more environmentally conscious decision, as trains generally have a smaller carbon footprint per passenger.

Ultimately, the choice between a plane and the Reunification Express is a choice between efficiency and enrichment. While flying is undoubtedly practical for those short on time, the train provides an unforgettable journey that reveals the heart and soul of Vietnam. It is a reminder that sometimes, the journey itself is the true destination, offering memories and insights that a quick flight simply cannot provide.