Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-19

When we think about digestion, we often focus on the stomach. However, the process actually begins the moment food enters our mouth. The hero of this first stage is saliva, a clear liquid produced by (35) __________ in our mouth. A nutritionist once remarked that if our bodies didn't produce saliva, eating (36) __________ much more difficult and less enjoyable.

The most obvious job of saliva is to moisten food. As soon as you start chewing, your food is mixed with it. This softening action is critical. (37) __________, the food is easier to chew and form into a small, round mass called a bolus, which helps us (38) __________ it safely.

But saliva does more than just wet our food. It also begins chemical digestion thanks to special proteins called enzymes. One important enzyme, amylase, helps to break (39) __________ complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars. A doctor once said that this initial step (40) __________ very important for the whole digestive process. This is (41) __________ first chemical reaction that our food undergoes.

Furthermore, saliva is essential for taste. For you to experience different flavors, molecules from food must be dissolved in a liquid. Saliva acts as this liquid, allowing the food molecules to connect with your taste buds. Without it, even the most delicious meal would taste bland and uninteresting.

In conclusion, saliva is a surprisingly complex and vital fluid. It lubricates food, starts the chemical breakdown of starches, and enables our sense of taste. It’s clear that when it comes to digestion, saliva truly (42) __________.

For many years, charity often meant giving handouts—donating old clothes or distributing food to people in lines. While these actions come from a good place, they can sometimes make the recipients feel powerless. A more modern approach to helping others is emerging, one that focuses on providing aid with dignity. This new way of thinking recognizes that how help is given is just as important as the help itself, aiming to preserve the self-respect of those who are going through difficult times.

A powerful example of this philosophy in action appeared in Vietnam during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 'Siêu thị Hạnh phúc 0 đồng', or Zero-dong Happiness Supermarket, was a remarkable initiative supported by various organizations, including the Apec Group. This special supermarket was not about making a profit; its purpose was to provide people affected by the pandemic with essential goods for free. It offered a lifeline to many families who had suddenly lost their income and were struggling to make ends meet.

The genius of the Zero-dong Supermarket was in its model. Instead of just receiving a pre-packaged bag of aid, people in need were given special vouchers. With these vouchers, they could enter the supermarket and 'shop' for the items they personally needed, up to a certain limit. They could walk down the aisles, choose between different types of rice, select vegetables, and pick out household supplies. This experience gave them a sense of control and normalcy in a time of great uncertainty, allowing them to make choices for their families with dignity.

The impact of this initiative went far beyond simply providing food. It fostered a strong sense of community solidarity and showed that society cared. The act of choosing one's own goods restored a measure of self-worth that is often lost when one has to rely on charity. For the volunteers and donors, it was a more meaningful way to connect with their community, seeing firsthand how their support empowered others rather than just creating dependency. The 'happiness' in the supermarket's name was felt by both those who received and those who gave.

The Zero-dong Supermarket serves as an important lesson, especially for young people. It demonstrates that empathy and thoughtful design can transform charity into an act of empowerment. It encourages us to think critically about how we can support others, reminding us that the best kind of help not only meets a person's physical needs but also respects their feelings and their humanity. This model of giving with dignity is an innovation that could inspire new forms of community support worldwide.