Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-180

Back (35) __________ the 1960s, getting cash was often a challenge. Banks were only open during specific weekday hours, which was inconvenient for working people. If you needed money on a weekend or at night, you had to wait. This limitation created a clear need for a new way for people to access their money.

The solution came from an inventor named John Shepherd-Barron. The story goes that while in the bath one day, he was frustrated about not being able to get cash. He was inspired by chocolate vending machines. Shepherd-Barron first (36) __________ of the idea for a self-service machine that could dispense cash at any time.

The world's first ATM was installed at a Barclays Bank in London in 1967. (37) __________, this early machine was quite different from those we use today. It did not use plastic cards. Instead, it used special paper cheques marked with a safe, radioactive substance to give customers (38) __________ to their cash.

For security, customers also entered a six-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN), (39) __________ was longer than the four-digit standard we use now. As technology improved, so did ATMs. Soon, customers could check their account balance and (40) __________ other simple transactions, not just withdraw cash from their account.

The invention of the ATM was revolutionary because it made banking far more (41) __________ for everyone. It was a key step in financial technology, giving people 24/7 control over their funds. Today, (42) __________ people cannot imagine a world without these machines that provide instant financial services.

Paragraph 1: From city streets to living rooms across the globe, TikTok dance challenges have become an undeniable part of modern youth culture. These short, synchronized routines, set to trending songs, are more than just entertainment; they are a language of connection for millions of teenagers. For many, participating is a source of joy and a way to feel part of a global community. However, behind the fun and seemingly effortless videos, a more complex reality exists, one that involves significant creative and social pressure.

Paragraph 2: On the positive side, these challenges offer a powerful platform for creativity and connection. They can turn an unknown song into a global hit overnight and make stars out of ordinary people. A prime example from Vietnam is the 'Ghen Cô Vy' or 'Jealous Coronavirus' song. The accompanying dance, created by choreographer Quang Đăng, became a worldwide sensation, demonstrating how Vietnamese talent could capture a global audience. The challenge was praised for its clever public health message and its fun, collaborative spirit, bringing people together during a difficult time.

Paragraph 3: Conversely, the trend has a significant downside. The constant stream of new dances can create immense pressure to keep up. For many teens, seeing friends constantly posting new challenge videos can lead to a fear of missing out (FOMO) and feelings of inadequacy. The quest for the 'perfect' video—with flawless moves, lighting, and editing—can be stressful and time-consuming. This constant pressure to participate and perform can make an activity that should be fun feel like a chore, and for some, it can negatively impact their mental well-being.

Paragraph 4: This pressure is not limited to casual users. For content creators and the music industry, dance challenges are a serious business. Record labels now strategically design songs with 'TikTok-able' moments, hoping to engineer a viral trend to boost sales. This commercialization places immense strain on professional creators, who must constantly generate fresh, engaging content to stay relevant. The need to produce the next big hit can lead to creative burnout, transforming a passion into a high-pressure job where authenticity can be lost.

Paragraph 5: In conclusion, TikTok dance challenges are a dual-edged sword. They are a vibrant and influential form of cultural expression that fosters community and showcases creativity on a global scale. Yet, they also carry the potential for social pressure, anxiety, and commercial exploitation. For teenagers navigating this landscape, the key is to engage with these trends mindfully, focusing on the joy of participation rather than the pressure of perfection.