Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-153

Have you ever wondered how the sugar in your kitchen is made? It begins its life as sugarcane, a tall grass grown in tropical climates. The journey from this tough plant to the sweet, white granules we use daily is a fascinating industrial (35) __________. This transformation involves several key stages, each designed to refine the natural sugars found in the plant.

The first stage involves harvesting and transportation. Once the sugarcane reaches a mill, it is washed and then crushed by enormous rollers. The purpose of this is to extract (36) __________ sweet, greenish-colored juice contained within the plant's stalks. This raw juice is the primary ingredient from which all sugar will eventually be made, but it is not yet ready for consumption.

The raw juice contains many impurities like soil, fibres, and other plant materials, (37) __________ it must be thoroughly cleaned before proceeding. This purification stage involves (38) __________ a substance called milk of lime to the juice and then heating it. This causes the impurities to clump together and settle at the bottom, allowing for easier removal and resulting in a clearer liquid.

Next, the clarified juice is boiled in large vats to evaporate the excess water. As the water disappears, the juice thickens into a rich syrup, and tiny sugar crystals begin to form. These crystals are then separated from the remaining liquid, which is known as molasses. To produce white sugar, this process is often repeated to (39) __________ any remaining color and non-sugar components.

Finally, the wet sugar crystals are dried. A factory manager once explained that (40) __________ carefully to ensure its purity and consistency met international standards. Achieving the perfect bright white color is considered (41) __________, as it is what most consumers look for. If sugar (42) __________ its natural brown color, it would still be just as sweet, but the refined white version is far more popular globally.

On a bitterly cold January day in 2018, the Vietnamese U23 football team stepped onto a field blanketed in thick snow in Changzhou, China. They were the underdogs in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U23 Championship final against a powerful Uzbekistan team. The weather conditions were extreme, something the Vietnamese players, accustomed to a tropical climate, had rarely experienced. Yet, what was about to unfold was not just a football match, but a moment that would capture the heart of an entire nation.

The game was a brutal test of endurance. The heavy snow made the ball difficult to control and players struggled to keep their footing. Despite these challenges, the Vietnamese team displayed incredible resilience. They fought for every ball and refused to be intimidated by the difficult environment or their stronger opponents. The most iconic moment came when midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai prepared for a free kick. His teammates rushed to clear the snow around the ball, allowing him to score a stunning goal that has since been nicknamed the “Rainbow in the Snow.” This moment perfectly symbolized the team’s spirit: overcoming adversity with creativity and teamwork.

The match was tied 1-1 and went into extra time. In the final minute, with penalties seeming inevitable, Uzbekistan scored the winning goal. The final score was 2-1. On paper, it was a defeat. However, the reaction to the team's brave performance was anything but disappointment. The nation celebrated it as if it were a historic victory. The loss of the trophy seemed insignificant compared to the immense pride the players had inspired.

The scenes back in Vietnam were unprecedented. Millions of people poured into the streets of major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, waving flags and chanting the players' names. The celebration was not for a trophy, but for the courage, determination, and unyielding spirit the young team had shown the world. This massive, spontaneous outpouring of joy was a direct result of the players' performance, proving that the way a team plays can be more important than the final outcome.

The legacy of the “Snows of Changzhou” is a powerful lesson. The U23 team of 2018 may not have lifted the championship cup, but they united their country in a way no victory had before. They taught a generation of young Vietnamese people that true success isn't just about winning. It is about giving your absolute best, facing challenges with courage, and inspiring others through your actions. That, in itself, is the most meaningful victory of all.