Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-99

The Arctic is a land of ice and snow, and the animals that live there need special adaptations to survive. The arctic fox is a master of survival in this harsh environment. Its most amazing feature is its (35) __________, which changes color with the seasons. This transformation is not just beautiful; it is essential for the fox's existence, helping it hunt and hide effectively throughout the year.

During the long, cold winter, the arctic fox grows a very thick, pure white coat. This dense layer of fur acts like a warm blanket, providing excellent insulation against freezing temperatures. More importantly, the white fur provides excellent camouflage; (36) __________, it is very difficult for predators like polar bears or eagles to spot the fox against the white snow. This allows the fox to hunt its prey, like lemmings, without being easily seen.

When summer arrives and the snow melts, the arctic fox's appearance changes dramatically. The landscape transforms into a mix of brown earth, rocks, and green plants. In response, the fox sheds its thick white fur and grows (37) __________ thinner, brownish-grey coat. This new color scheme helps the fox to continue its life of stealth, matching the summer tundra perfectly.

This change is not a choice but an automatic biological process triggered by photoperiod, which is the amount of sunlight in a day. If an arctic fox were to keep its summer coat in winter, it (38) __________ much harder to survive. This natural process helps the fox to (39) __________ with its environment throughout the year. A biologist once remarked that if we studied these animals more, we (40) __________ even more about survival. For the arctic fox, changing its coat is not just for looks; it’s a matter of (41) __________.

In conclusion, the arctic fox’s ability to change the color of its coat is one of nature’s most brilliant examples of adaptation. It is a critical survival tool that demonstrates how animals evolve to meet the challenges of their environment. This incredible ability allows the fox to continue (42) __________ in one of the world's most challenging habitats.

For many students in Vietnam, the school day is filled with dense textbooks and required academic reading. The idea of spending extra time reading a fantasy novel or a comic book might seem like a distraction. However, a growing body of research suggests that this kind of reading for pleasure is not a waste of time. In fact, it can be a secret weapon for academic success, a concept that popular youth magazines like 'Hoa Hoc Tro' have championed for years by encouraging personal storytelling and fiction.

The most direct academic benefit of reading fiction is the expansion of vocabulary and the improvement of writing skills. Unlike memorizing word lists, reading a story exposes you to new words in a natural context, making them easier to remember and use correctly. When an author describes a bustling market or a mysterious forest, they use rich and vivid language. By observing how these skilled writers construct complex sentences and craft flowing paragraphs, you are subconsciously learning the rhythm and structure of effective writing, a skill that translates directly to better essays.

Beyond language skills, reading fiction sharpens your analytical and critical thinking abilities. Following a complex plot requires you to pay attention to details, make connections, and predict outcomes. When you analyze the motivations of different characters—why they make certain choices, what their fears are, and how they interact with others—you are practicing the same skills needed to analyze historical events or scientific problems. This process also cultivates empathy, as it allows you to step into someone else's shoes and understand a perspective different from your own.

Furthermore, immersing yourself in fictional worlds is a powerful exercise for your imagination. Textbooks provide facts and figures, but novels and stories build entire universes in your mind. This creative stimulation is not just for future artists or writers. A well-developed imagination is crucial for problem-solving in any field, from engineering to business, as it allows you to visualize new possibilities and think outside the box.

Therefore, while your textbooks are essential for building foundational knowledge, you should not underestimate the power of reading for enjoyment. Think of it not as an alternative to studying, but as a valuable and enjoyable supplement. So next time you have a free moment, picking up a detective story or a graphic novel isn't just a break—it's a smart and effective way to invest in your own intellectual growth.