Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề PTNK-93

The ocean is full of fascinating creatures, but few have a dining method as strange as the sea star, commonly known as the starfish. While it looks simple on the outside, have you ever wondered how (21) __________ starfish eats its prey, like clams or oysters? Its process is a remarkable example of adaptation and is quite different from how most other animals consume their food. This unique strategy allows it to eat animals much larger than its small mouth.

First, the starfish must locate and catch its meal. It moves slowly across the ocean floor using hundreds of tiny tube feet on its underside. When it finds a suitable clam, it uses its strong (22) __________ to wrap around the shell. The starfish then applies steady pressure, using its tube feet for grip, to slowly pull the two parts of the shell apart. It only needs a very small gap, just a fraction of a millimeter wide, to begin its incredible feeding process.

This is where things get truly unusual. The starfish cannot fit the clam into its mouth. So, in order to eat the soft body of the clam, the starfish does something amazing: it pushes its own stomach out of its body through its mouth. This organ, which looks like a soft, thin bag, slides out and is placed directly onto the prey's soft tissues inside the shell.

Once the stomach is in position, it (23) __________ powerful digestive juices. These chemicals begin to break down the clam's body outside of the starfish. If a starfish didn't have this ability, it would be unable to eat its favorite food. A famous marine biologist once commented that this process (24) __________ one of the most efficient in nature. This method allows the starfish to make short work of a large meal without much effort.

After absorbing all the liquid nutrients from the digested clam, the starfish's stomach slides back inside its body. The empty shell is left behind, and the well-fed starfish moves on, ready for its next meal. This incredible process of external digestion is what makes the starfish a successful and unique predator in the marine world.

Traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, or Múa rối nước, is a truly unique art form with a history spanning over a thousand years. Performed on a water stage, the puppets are manipulated by hidden artists, giving the illusion of them dancing on water. While iconic venues like the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi diligently preserve this classic form, a significant challenge faces this ancient art. Cultures worldwide grapple with how to keep their traditional treasures vibrant and engaging for younger generations, and Vietnam is no exception. [I]

The question many are asking is: can water puppetry truly be made "cool" for the 21st century? For many 14 and 15-year-olds, traditional arts can sometimes feel like something from a bygone era, perhaps more suited for tourists than for their TikTok feeds. While classic performances are undeniably beautiful, there's a growing conversation about how to innovate beyond the standard repertoire. The aim is to attract young Vietnamese audiences, ensuring this unique art form doesn't become a relic but a living, evolving part of modern culture. [II]

Imagine water puppets performing tales not just of ancient legends, but of futuristic adventures, environmental challenges, or even relatable school-life dramas. How about integrating modern Vietnamese pop music, traditional melodies with contemporary beats, or interactive elements where the audience influences the plot? Visual enhancements like sophisticated lighting, projection mapping on the water, or augmented reality could transform the traditional stage into an immersive spectacle. These creative fusions could bridge the gap, making the art accessible and exciting to a generation fluent in digital innovation.

Of course, modernizing such a deeply rooted art form isn't without its challenges. The delicate balance between innovation and preserving authenticity is crucial. Purists might argue against drastic changes, fearing the loss of its historical essence. [III] The key lies in respectful adaptation—understanding which elements are sacred and immutable, and which can be playfully reimagined. It requires collaboration between seasoned artists, tech innovators, and, importantly, the youth themselves, to envision its future. [IV]

So, instead of seeing traditional arts as something "boring" or solely for tourists, consider the immense creative potential within them. Water puppetry isn't just about preserving the past; it's an invitation to shape its future. It challenges you to think outside the box: how can ancient techniques tell new stories? How can a thousand-year-old art form captivate a digital-native generation? By fusing tradition with modern entertainment, you might just discover that water puppetry can indeed be cool, vibrant, and incredibly relevant for the 21st century and beyond.