Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề PTNK-60

Before the age of electricity, people needed creative ways to power their machinery. For centuries, one of the most important sources of power was the water wheel. Old mills were typically (21) __________ near fast-flowing rivers or streams to take advantage of the water's natural energy. These structures were essential to local communities, performing tasks that would have required immense human or animal labor.

The principle behind a water wheel was simple but effective. A channel was built to direct a steady flow of water from the river towards the top or bottom of the wheel. The force of (22) __________ water pushed against large paddles or buckets fixed to the wheel's rim. Millers often built small dams in order to control the speed and volume of the water, ensuring the wheel operated at a consistent pace. This continuous push from the water caused the large wheel to rotate steadily.

The rotational energy of the water wheel had to be transferred to the machinery inside the mill. This was achieved through a system of gears and shafts. The main axle of the water wheel was connected to other gears, which then started (23) __________ the millstones or other equipment. Historians explained how the machinery inside the mill worked together to perform a specific task. For example, in a gristmill, this power was used to turn heavy stones that ground wheat.

Mills had many different purposes. The most common type was the gristmill, which was used to grind (24) __________ into flour for making bread. Other mills were designed to saw wood, pump water out of mines, or power bellows for a blacksmith's forge. The entire operation depended on the river; if the river had frozen solid in a harsh winter, the wheel would have stopped and all work would have ceased until the thaw.

The use of water wheels declined with the invention of the steam engine and later, electrical generators. These new technologies were more powerful and did not depend on a river's location. However, the water wheel was, by and large, a revolutionary technology for its time. It represents a key step in industrial history and demonstrates humanity's early genius in harnessing the power of nature.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology you likely encounter daily, from playful Instagram filters to Snapchat lenses. AR overlays digital information onto the real world, blending the virtual with the physical. This isn't just for entertainment; it's rapidly emerging as a game-changer for online shopping. Imagine trying on clothes, testing furniture, or seeing new shoes, all from home, using your smartphone. This isn't science fiction; it’s becoming the future of how you’ll shop, transforming browsing into an interactive experience.

The concept of virtual try-on is revolutionizing how we interact with products online. For clothing, AR apps use your phone's camera to scan your body, creating a digital avatar or projecting the garment onto your live image. This lets you see how different sizes, styles, and colors fit, without physical changing rooms. Beyond fashion, it extends to cosmetics, allowing virtual makeup application, or home decor, enabling you to place a virtual sofa in your living room. The goal is a richer, more informed shopping experience, reducing product returns.

Major retail brands worldwide are quickly recognizing AR's potential. [I] Companies like Nike, Zara, and IKEA are already investing in AR applications to enhance customer engagement and streamline online purchases. [II] By offering a virtual "touch and feel" experience, AR boosts consumer confidence and differentiates retailers. It promises a more personalized and interactive journey, bridging the gap between online convenience and immersive in-store experiences.

Closer to home, AR adoption in retail is gaining traction in Vietnam, albeit in its early stages. [III] While large-scale virtual clothing try-ons are developing, many Vietnamese e-commerce platforms and beauty brands already leverage AR filters on popular social media. You might have seen ads allowing you to virtually "try on" different lipstick shades or eyeglasses. This localized experimentation showcases AR’s adaptability and its potential to integrate with the shopping habits of a digitally-savvy population, paving the way for more sophisticated virtual experiences. [IV]

For someone your age, adept at navigating the digital world and using AR filters, this shift in online shopping feels like a natural progression. The same technology for digital effects could soon help you decide on your next outfit or sneakers with greater confidence. AR is set to transform online shopping from a static, image-based experience into an personal and interactive one. As technology evolves, your phone might just become your most trusted personal shopper, bringing the fitting room directly to your fingertips, wherever you are.