Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề PTNK-157

Have you ever wondered how the sugar in your kitchen is made? It begins its life as sugarcane, a tall grass grown in tropical climates. The journey from this tough plant to the sweet, white granules we use daily is a fascinating industrial process. This transformation involves several key stages, each designed to refine the natural sugars found in the plant.

The first stage involves harvesting and transportation. Once the sugarcane reaches a mill, it is washed and then crushed by enormous rollers. The purpose of this is to extract (21) __________ sweet, greenish-colored juice contained within the plant's stalks. This raw juice is the primary ingredient from which all sugar will eventually be made, but it is not yet ready for consumption.

The raw juice contains many impurities like soil, fibres, and other plant materials, so it must be thoroughly cleaned before proceeding. This purification stage involves adding a substance called milk of lime to the juice and then heating it. This causes the impurities to clump together and settle at the bottom, allowing for easier removal and resulting in a clearer liquid.

Next, the clarified juice is boiled in large vats to evaporate the excess water. As the water disappears, the juice thickens into a rich syrup, and tiny sugar crystals begin to form. These crystals are then separated from the remaining liquid, which is known as molasses. To produce white sugar, this process is often repeated to (22) __________ any remaining color and non-sugar components.

Finally, the wet sugar crystals are dried. A factory manager once explained that the final product was monitored carefully to ensure its purity and consistency met international standards. Achieving the perfect bright white color is considered (23) __________, as it is what most consumers look for. If sugar (24) __________ its natural brown color, it would still be just as sweet, but the refined white version is far more popular globally.

Have you ever picked up your phone for a quick check, only to realize an hour has vanished as you scrolled through endless content? [I] This isn't accidental. Modern social media apps are meticulously engineered with "infinite scroll" and "pull-to-refresh" features. [II] Their primary objective is to maximize user engagement and time spent on the platform. Understanding these potent design elements is crucial for regaining control over your digital habits.

The genius, and danger, of infinite scroll lies in its elimination of natural stopping cues. Traditional websites had pages, prompting a decision. Infinite scroll removes this friction, creating a continuous stream of novelty. This design taps into our inherent human curiosity and the brain's reward system. Each new post offers an unpredictable dopamine hit, similar to variable rewards in gambling. The "pull-to-refresh" acts similarly, providing immediate feedback and anticipation, reinforcing the loop and making disengagement difficult. [III]

This phenomenon is particularly evident in Vietnam, where apps like TikTok and Facebook, designed with infinite scroll, enjoy immense popularity. These platforms are integral to daily life for millions, from sharing updates to entertainment. Market research firm Statista consistently reports high app usage times among Vietnamese users, directly reflecting these engaging designs' effectiveness. The seamless, never-ending feed keeps users captivated, often without realizing how much time has elapsed, highlighting the pervasive influence on local digital habits.

For teenagers aged 14-15, this issue is especially pertinent. How often have you planned to check TikTok for just five minutes, only to find yourself still scrolling an hour later? This directly results from how these apps are designed to be inherently addictive. The constant stream of short, engaging content, tailored by powerful algorithms, creates a compelling loop that is challenging to break. Recognizing that these platforms are intentionally engineered to keep you hooked is the critical first step. [IV]

Armed with this knowledge, you can begin managing your screen time more effectively. Understanding how these apps keep you hooked — by exploiting psychological triggers and eliminating natural stopping points — is the foundation for conscious digital consumption. It's about moving from passive consumption to active choice. Acknowledging the design intentions behind features like infinite scroll empowers you to set boundaries and implement mindful usage strategies, ensuring technology serves you, not the other way around.