Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề PTNK-72

Earthquakes are a powerful force of nature, capable of causing immense damage to cities. When the ground begins to shake, buildings must be able to withstand the intense movement. For many years, engineers have studied how to protect structures from this threat. Thanks to modern engineering, we now have incredible technologies that help keep skyscrapers and other important buildings safe during an earthquake.

One key method is called 'base isolation.' The main idea is to separate the building from its foundation, or base. The structure is built on top of flexible pads, often made of rubber and steel. When an earthquake happens, these pads (21) __________ the energy from the ground's shaking. This allows the ground to move dramatically beneath the building, while the structure itself moves much less, protecting it from damage.

Another clever solution is the tuned mass damper. Imagine a giant, heavy pendulum hanging inside the top of a skyscraper. When the building begins to sway to one side due to wind or an earthquake, this massive pendulum can automatically move in the opposite direction. This counter-movement helps to stabilize the building and reduce the force of the shaking.

These dampers work like giant shock absorbers. They are designed to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of the swaying motion. Buildings with these systems are much (22) __________ than traditional, stiff structures, which can crack under pressure. The success of this technology is seen in many modern skyscrapers, like Taipei 101, which has one of the largest tuned mass dampers in the world.

(23) __________ does this system protect the building, but it also provides confidence to the people inside. By combining ideas like base isolation and dampers, engineers are able to create structures that can survive even strong seismic events. (24) __________, modern engineering provides clever solutions to make our cities safer from natural disasters.

Covering a famous song has become a recognized gateway for aspiring musicians to enter the competitive music industry. In the digital age, many artists find their initial breakthrough by reinterpreting popular hits. Globally, stars like Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes famously launched careers posting covers on YouTube, leveraging existing fan bases. This phenomenon highlights a contemporary paradox: is re-recording an existing track a clever strategy for visibility, or does it signal a lack of artistic innovation? [I]

For many, the appeal of covering a well-known song lies in its accessibility and potential for rapid exposure. Rather than developing original material for years, an artist can instantly tap into an audience already familiar with the melody. A well-executed cover demonstrates vocal prowess or unique interpretation, riding the wave of an established hit's popularity. This approach significantly lowers entry barriers, allowing emerging talents to build a following and gain recognition faster than traditional routes might permit.

However, this path often faces critical debate regarding originality and artistic integrity. [II] In Vietnam, this discussion is particularly vibrant; singers like Hương Ly built immense careers solely through distinctive V-Pop cover versions. This success sparked widespread online debates about copyright, artistic value, and whether such reinterpretation truly constitutes original artistry. [III] The line between homage and appropriation often seems blurred.

For listeners, especially young audiences on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, cover songs hold unique appeal. You likely encounter them daily, enjoying new interpretations of favorite tracks or discovering fresh takes on classics. Covers offer a chance to hear a beloved song through a different artistic lens, sometimes revealing unnoticed nuances or transforming a track into a new genre. This reinterpretation keeps music fresh, allows for nostalgic connections, and broadens the musical landscape. [IV]

Ultimately, covering famous songs presents a complex interplay of opportunity and challenge. While it offers an accessible route for new talent to gain exposure and connect with a wide audience, it also ignites important conversations about artistic ownership, innovation, and the definition of originality. For both aspiring musicians and avid listeners, cover songs are more than re-recordings; they are a dynamic part of the global music ecosystem, constantly pushing boundaries and reshaping how we experience and value creative expression.