Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề PTNK-09

A container port is a special facility, usually located by the sea, where large metal containers are transferred between ships, trucks, and trains. It acts as (21) __________ essential hub in the global supply chain. Without these ports, the international trade that brings us everything from electronics to fruit would be nearly impossible. They are the gateways through which the world’s goods travel.

When a massive container ship arrives at the port, it docks alongside a wharf. Gigantic cranes, which are some of the largest machines in the world, lift the containers from the ship. These containers are carefully moved to avoid (22) __________ the goods inside. The process is highly organized and uses advanced technology to track every single container.

(23) __________ all international goods must be checked, customs officers are present at every port to inspect cargo and documents. After clearing customs, containers are stored in large yards. The entire process of managing these goods is called logistics, and it's a complex job to carry out. That’s why everything must be planned perfectly.

From the storage yard, containers are loaded onto trucks or trains for their final journey. A port manager once said that the biggest challenge was coordinating the thousands of trucks and trains that enter and leave daily. Managing this flow of traffic is not a piece of cake; it requires incredible planning to ensure everything moves smoothly. As a result, the busiest ports can handle millions of containers each year.

In conclusion, container ports are more than just places to load and unload boxes. They are vital centers of economic activity. If these major ports didn't exist, international trade as we know it (24) __________ much slower and more expensive. They connect businesses and consumers across the globe, making our modern world possible.

Imagine a new student disrupting your entire class. This mirrors what happens when an invasive alien species enters a new environment. These are plants or animals introduced, often accidentally, to a region where they don't naturally belong. Without their usual predators or environmental controls, they multiply rapidly, overwhelming native species. [I] A striking example, particularly relevant in Southeast Asia, is the Golden Apple Snail, an unwelcome visitor causing widespread concern in agricultural lands.

Originally from South America, the Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) arrived in Asia, including Vietnam, during the 1980s, initially for aquaculture. [II] It quickly escaped cultivation, establishing vast wild populations. These snails are incredibly prolific, laying distinctive bright pink egg clutches above the waterline, each containing hundreds of eggs. Their rapid reproduction and ability to consume vast vegetation allowed them to spread, dominating vital agricultural landscapes like rice paddies, where they quickly became a formidable problem. [III]

The Golden Apple Snail's impact on rice cultivation is devastating. Young rice seedlings, vulnerable in their early stages, are a favored food source for these voracious eaters. Swarms of snails can decimate entire fields overnight, forcing farmers to replant multiple times, significantly increasing costs and reducing yields. This burdens farmers reliant on rice for livelihood. Beyond crop damage, their presence also alters water quality and competes with native aquatic species, disrupting the paddy's delicate ecological balance. [IV]

Recognizing this severe agricultural threat, Vietnam's Plant Protection Department has implemented various control strategies. These include promoting integrated pest management, manual collection of snails and their egg masses, and careful use of molluscicides. Farmers are also educated on methods like proper water management and introducing natural predators. Despite these concerted efforts, the snail's resilience and high reproductive capacity make complete eradication extremely challenging, requiring ongoing vigilance and adaptive approaches.

The Golden Apple Snail's story powerfully reminds us of our world's interconnectedness. What seems like a small, introduced animal can create enormous problems, impacting the environment, human populations, and even the food we eat. For young people, this highlights environmental responsibility and the ripple effects of human actions. Protecting our ecosystems, even from minor disturbances, is crucial for ensuring sustainable food supplies and preserving nature for future generations.