Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề PTNK-103

Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, and driest continent on Earth. For animals like penguins, surviving in such a (21) __________ environment requires remarkable adaptations. These birds have evolved specific physical traits and behaviors over millions of years that allow them to thrive where most other creatures could not. Understanding these adaptations gives us a fascinating look into the power of evolution and the resilience of life in extreme conditions.

Firstly, a penguin's feathers are a masterpiece of natural engineering. Instead of being fluffy like many other birds, their feathers are short, stiff, and densely packed, forming a thick, protective layer. This dense coat traps a layer of air next to the skin, which is then warmed by the penguin's body heat. These feathers also provide excellent insulation and are waterproof, keeping the penguin's skin dry even while swimming in freezing water. Without this protection, a penguin (22) __________ quickly freeze.

Beneath the feathers lies another crucial adaptation: a thick layer of fat called blubber. This blubber serves as an energy reserve and provides further insulation against the cold. Penguins build up this fat layer by eating krill, squid, and fish. This layer is the thickest just before the winter breeding season, when food can become scarce and energy demands are at their highest. Due to this energy storage, they can survive for long periods without eating.

Huddling together in large groups is another key survival technique. (23) __________ strategy allows them to share body heat and shelter each other from the biting winds. In a large huddle, the temperature can be much warmer than the outside air. Not only does huddling conserve heat, but it also protects individuals from the wind. To ensure fairness and the survival of all, the group is constantly moving. The penguins on the outside of the huddle slowly move to the inside, ensuring the (24) __________ of the group strategy.

In conclusion, the penguin's survival is a result of multiple clever adaptations working together. The combination of specialized feathers, a thick layer of blubber for insulation and energy, and the cooperative behavior of huddling allows these incredible birds to not just survive, but to prosper in one of the planet's most challenging climates.

Every choice we make leaves an invisible mark on our planet, collectively known as our carbon footprint. This term refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, released into the atmosphere as a result of an individual's or organization's activities. From the food we eat to the energy we consume, each daily action contributes to these emissions. Understanding your carbon footprint is the essential first step towards grasping how your personal lifestyle directly impacts climate change, a global phenomenon altering weather patterns, raising sea levels, and threatening ecosystems worldwide. [I]

For a 14-15 year old, this might seem like a distant issue, but consider your daily routine. How do you travel to school – by motorbike, bus, or bicycle? Do you leave your phone charging overnight, or spend hours gaming, which consumes significant electricity? Even the food you choose, particularly certain meats or imported goods, carries a carbon cost from production and transportation. These seemingly small, everyday decisions add up, forming your personal carbon footprint. [II]

Our planet naturally cycles carbon through oceans, soil, and living organisms, maintaining a delicate balance. However, human activities have drastically disrupted this natural process. The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas for energy, transportation, and industry releases vast amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. This rapid influx overwhelms the Earth's natural absorption capacity, leading to an increase in greenhouse gases. This excess traps heat, causing global warming and accelerating climate change, which underscores why reducing our carbon footprint is so crucial. [III]

In Vietnam, as the economy continues its remarkable growth, the average person's carbon footprint tends to increase. This trend is driven by rising energy demands, rapid urbanization, and changing consumption patterns. Recognizing this, the Vietnamese government has implemented proactive strategies, such as the National Strategy on Climate Change. These initiatives aim to manage economic growth responsibly, promote a low-carbon economy, and invest in renewable energy solutions. The goal is to ensure that the nation's development advances without incurring unsustainable environmental costs. [IV]

Ultimately, your carbon footprint powerfully illustrates the impact of individual choices. While government policies and global initiatives are vital, personal actions create a powerful ripple effect. Opting to walk or cycle more often, conserving electricity at home, choosing local and seasonal produce, or simply being more mindful of your consumption habits can significantly reduce your environmental impact. As young people, you hold the unique opportunity and responsibility to drive this change, shaping a more sustainable and healthier future for yourselves and for generations to come. Every step, no matter how small, counts.