Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHTN môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHTN-81

(23) __________ Every moment felt magnified, from the second I turned the key to the final verdict. (24) __________

Floods are among the world's most common natural disasters, occurring when land that is normally dry is submerged by water. A primary cause is (25) __________ rain, especially from storms that last for many hours. The ground becomes saturated, and drainage systems can't cope with the excess water. Rivers can also overflow their banks, a situation made worse by rapid snowmelt in spring.

Human activity can also be a significant factor. For example, a poorly built or maintained dam can break, releasing a huge volume of water very suddenly. (26) __________ can cause incredible destruction to communities downstream. That is why engineers must continue (27) __________ the structures for any signs of weakness. It is always the (28) __________ option to build flood defenses than to deal with the aftermath. While floods can be terrifying, it's important to (29) __________ and follow official instructions. This preparation is the most (30) __________ tool we have against such hydrological forces.

In early 2014, the digital world was taken over by a surprisingly simple mobile game: Flappy Bird. Created by Nguyễn Hà Đông, an independent developer from Hanoi, Vietnam, the game challenged players to guide a small bird through a series of green pipes. Its graphics were basic and its concept straightforward, yet it became an overnight sensation, frustrating and delighting millions of players globally.

Flappy Bird was initially released in May 2013 but received little attention. Then, in January 2014, it experienced a sudden surge in popularity, climbing to the top of the free app charts. This organic growth was remarkable. The success was achieved with minimal marketing effort, relying on social media buzz and word-of-mouth from players sharing their high scores.

The sudden fame, however, brought immense pressure for Nguyễn Hà Đông. He was unprepared for the global spotlight and media attention. Feeling the game had become an addictive problem, he made a shocking decision. In February 2014, at its peak, he permanently removed Flappy Bird from app stores, stating he 'could not take this anymore.'

Despite its short life, Flappy Bird’s legacy continues. It proved that a single developer with a simple concept could capture the world’s attention. For many aspiring young programmers, especially in Vietnam, the story was a powerful source of inspiration. It demonstrated that a creative idea, regardless of its origin, has the potential for massive global impact in the modern digital age.

In recent decades, the media landscape has dramatically shifted. Many large, national, and even global media corporations have bought smaller, local newspapers, (37) __________. While this brought access to more international news, it had an unintended negative consequence for small communities. These new corporate owners often prioritized national stories over local ones, (38) __________.

As a result, many areas have become 'news deserts'—places with very limited access to credible local news. When a town's only newspaper closes or stops reporting on local issues, (39) __________. This information gap makes it harder for people to stay engaged in local politics and community life, (40) __________.

A. leading to a significant reduction in reporters covering local events

B. ultimately weakening the democratic process at the grassroots level

C. aiming to create massive news networks that reach a wider audience

D. citizens lose a vital source of information about their own government and community leaders