Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-172

Have you ever wondered how you can taste the difference between a sweet strawberry and a sour lemon? The secret lies on your tongue. Our tongues are covered with thousands of (35) __________ bumps called papillae, which are visible to the naked eye. However, the real work of tasting happens inside these structures, in groups of cells called taste buds. Most adults have many thousands of taste buds, which are replaced every couple of weeks.

Each taste bud contains about 50 to 100 taste receptor cells. When we eat, chemicals from the food dissolve in our saliva and enter the papillae to (36) __________ contact with these receptors. The receptors are specialized to detect different chemical compounds in our food. Once a compound is detected, the receptor cells send electrical signals through nerves to the brain, so that our brain (37) __________ recognize the specific taste.

Traditionally, we talk about five basic tastes that our taste buds can identify: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Each of these categories provides important (38) __________ information about what we are eating. For example, sweetness often indicates that a food is rich in energy, while bitterness can act as a warning sign for potentially harmful substances. Salty and sour tastes help us control our body's balance of minerals and acids.

The brain receives these different signals and combines them to create the overall perception of flavor. (39) __________ is the complex process that allows us to distinguish between the taste of a potato chip and a piece of chocolate cake. While there are only five basic tastes, they can be combined in countless ways to create a huge variety of flavors. Sweet and salty are perhaps the (40) __________ familiar tastes to most people around the world.

(41) __________ do the five basic tastes contribute to our experience, but our sense of smell is also crucial in how we perceive flavor. When we chew food, aromas travel from our mouth to the back of our nose. The brain combines this information from the nose with the signals from the tongue. (42) __________, taste is a multisensory experience that involves the tongue, nose, and brain working together to create the flavors we enjoy every day.

Feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, anxious about friendships, or simply sad for no clear reason? These emotions are a normal part of being a teenager. For a long time, however, many people felt they had to hide these feelings. The good news is that this is changing. All around the world, a powerful conversation has started, encouraging people to understand that it’s okay to not be okay and that talking about mental health is a sign of strength.

Historically, mental health issues were often misunderstood, leading to a negative social stigma. This mark of disgrace made people afraid to admit they were struggling, fearing judgment from others. Today, this barrier is slowly being broken down. Thanks to global campaigns, influential figures speaking openly about their own experiences, and the wide reach of social media, more people are learning that mental wellness is just as important as physical health. This global shift in attitude is creating a more supportive environment for everyone, especially young people.

In Vietnam, where discussions about mental well-being were traditionally considered very private, a similar positive change is happening. While older generations might have been hesitant to discuss such topics outside the family, young people in Vietnam are now leading the way in opening up the conversation. Fueled by social media trends and the work of youth-focused organizations like the Research Centre for Gender, Family and Environment in Development (CGFED), they are creating safe spaces to share their feelings and experiences. This movement is helping to normalize the idea of seeking help, whether from friends, family, or a professional counselor.

The teenage years are a period of intense growth and change, which can bring unique pressures. Juggling academic expectations, navigating complex social circles, and figuring out one's own identity can be challenging. When teenagers feel comfortable talking about these pressures, it leads to healthier coping strategies. Instead of bottling up emotions, open dialogue allows them to find support, gain perspective, and build stronger, more honest relationships. It is a proactive step towards building resilience, the ability to bounce back from difficult situations.

Ultimately, the growing global and local conversation about mental health is not just about reducing negativity; it’s about promoting well-being. It’s about recognizing that our minds need care and attention, just like our bodies. Acknowledging difficult feelings and reaching out for support are not signs of weakness. In fact, they are among the bravest and most important steps a young person can take on their journey to becoming a healthy, well-rounded adult.