Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề PTNK-149

Today, video games are a global industry, but it all started with one simple idea. In the late 1960s, a television engineer named Ralph Baer pioneered a new form of entertainment. He envisioned a device that could connect to a standard television set to play games. His prototype, famously known as the 'Brown Box,' was the first-ever home video game console. Baer, often called the 'Father of Video Games,' demonstrated a simple game of table tennis on his invention, changing entertainment forever.

The 'Brown Box' was a revolutionary concept. It used simple electronic circuits to create dots of light that players could control on (21) __________ television screen. The system didn't have sound or complex graphics like modern consoles. However, it was the foundation for everything that followed. Baer's team worked hard to refine the prototype, hoping a company would see its potential and bring it to the public.

In 1971, the electronics company Magnavox saw the promise in Baer's invention and agreed to produce it. The following year, the Magnavox Odyssey was released as the first commercially available home video game console. It came with several simple games, and since it couldn't produce color, it included transparent plastic overlays that players placed on their TV screens to create colorful backgrounds. Users enjoyed (22) __________ these basic but innovative games, although the console's popularity didn't immediately (23) __________.

A few years later, a competitor emerged that truly popularized home gaming: Atari. After seeing a demonstration of the Odyssey's table tennis game, Atari created its own version called Pong. A reporter from a popular magazine was very impressed. He later wrote in his article that the new game would become a huge hit with teenagers. With its iconic sound effects and addictive gameplay, Pong hit the big time and became a massive success, both in arcades and as a home console.

Despite being overshadowed by Atari, the Magnavox Odyssey holds a critical place in history. It was the machine that proved home video gaming was possible and created a market where none existed before. If Ralph Baer (24) __________ the 'Brown Box' in his workshop, the multi-billion dollar video game industry we know today might have developed very differently, or perhaps much later. His work laid the essential groundwork for all future consoles.

During unprecedented global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, communities worldwide faced immense challenges, especially securing basic necessities. Yet, these difficult times often highlight humanity's remarkable ingenuity and compassion. Across continents, individuals devised creative solutions to help their neighbors. From virtual networks to local food drives, collective support became a beacon of hope, demonstrating how simple, profound ideas can address urgent societal needs, transforming struggles into opportunities for kindness.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, one innovative solution emerged: the "Gao ATM," or Rice ATM. This ingenious invention was the brainchild of Mr. Hoàng Tuấn Anh, who recognized the dire need for food assistance during strict lockdowns. His creation was a simple, automated machine designed to dispense free rice safely and efficiently. Unlike traditional hand-outs risking crowding, the Rice ATM allowed individuals to collect rice by pressing a button, ensuring contactless, dignified distribution for those in need. [I]

The impact of Mr. Tuấn Anh's invention was immediate and profound. Lines of grateful citizens quickly formed, relieved to receive essential sustenance. [II] Inspired, individuals and organizations across Vietnam replicated the concept, leading to rapid deployment of Rice ATMs nationwide. [III] National media, including VTV, widely celebrated the initiative, highlighting it as a powerful symbol of Vietnamese solidarity during a challenging period. [IV]

The Rice ATM perfectly embodies what it means to be a community hero. It wasn't a complex government program, but one person's practical problem-solving and compassion that ignited a nationwide movement. Mr. Hoàng Tuấn Anh saw a critical problem – people needing food but unable to get it safely – and devised an elegant, accessible solution. His ingenuity created an automated system ensuring efficiency and dignity, while his selfless desire provided a lifeline to thousands. This simple machine became a testament to how a single act of kindness can echo far and wide.

The legacy of the Rice ATM extends far beyond its function as a food dispenser. For young people, it serves as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to making a significant difference. It illustrates how empathy, coupled with innovative thinking, can inspire a ripple effect of generosity that transforms entire communities. The Rice ATM stands as a symbol of human resilience, demonstrating that even in crisis, an individual's vision and dedication can spark a national movement of kindness, proving true heroism lies in practical, compassionate solutions.