Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-121

The pop-up toaster is a familiar sight in most modern kitchens, designed for one simple purpose: to toast slices of bread perfectly. At first glance, it seems like a very basic machine, but its internal mechanism is a clever example of simple engineering. It is (35) __________ common kitchen appliance that uses a combination of heat and timing to achieve a consistent result every time, making breakfast preparation quick and easy for millions of people around the world.

The process begins when you place bread slices into the slots on top and push down a lever. An early inventor once remarked that its genius (36) __________ in its simplicity. Pushing the lever does two things: it lowers the bread into the toaster's body and it completes an electrical circuit. This action locks a spring-loaded tray into place and activates the heating (37) __________, which are thin wires that glow red hot.

Once the circuit is active, these special wires begin to generate intense heat, which is directed at the bread. At the same time, a timer—either mechanical or electronic—starts counting down. The bread is toasted on both sides by the radiant heat (38) __________ the timer reaches zero. The duration of this process can usually be adjusted with a knob, allowing for different levels of browning, from light to dark.

The 'pop-up' moment is the most satisfying part. When the timer finishes its cycle, it (39) __________ the power to the heating elements and triggers a release mechanism. This instantly unlocks the spring-loaded tray, which pushes the toast up and out of the slots. If the spring mechanism didn't exist, you (40) __________ to manually remove the hot toast, which would be far less convenient and safe.

This automated sequence is what makes the toaster so brilliant. The entire process avoids the need for a person (41) __________ the toast constantly to prevent it from burning. It is a reliable, efficient, and simple piece of technology that works perfectly for its intended task. It’s a design that has truly (42) __________ the test of time, remaining largely unchanged for decades.

For many teenagers, the thought of a first big trip, perhaps with friends or family, is incredibly exciting. The question that often arises is how to travel. Should you join a guided tour, where every detail is planned for you, or venture out independently? In countries like Vietnam, package tours from companies like The Sinh Tourist are popular, offering a convenient way to see highlights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. They present a clear choice: the structured comfort of a tour versus the unpredictable adventure of solo travel.

The primary advantage of a guided tour is convenience. Imagine a trip where you don't have to worry about booking hotels, finding reputable bus companies, or queuing for tickets to famous landmarks. Tour companies handle all these logistics, providing a relatively hassle-free experience. This is especially valuable for first-time visitors who may feel overwhelmed by a new culture and language. Furthermore, tours are efficient. A well-designed itinerary ensures you see the most important sights in a limited amount of time, with a guide who provides historical context and interesting facts that you might otherwise miss.

However, this convenience comes at a cost, and that cost is freedom. Guided tours operate on a strict schedule. You might find a charming café or a fascinating market, but there's no time to explore it because the tour bus leaves in ten minutes. This structured approach ensures you see the main attractions, but it often prevents a deeper, more personal connection with the place. You are always part of a group, which means less opportunity for spontaneous conversations with locals and a more superficial understanding of the daily life and culture.

On the other hand, independent travel offers complete autonomy. You decide when to wake up, where to eat, and how long to spend at a museum. This flexibility allows for unplanned discoveries—the hidden alleyway with the best phở, a conversation with a local artist, or an impromptu decision to stay an extra day in a city you love. Navigating a new place on your own also builds valuable life skills, such as problem-solving, budgeting, and self-reliance. It forces you to engage directly with the local environment, fostering a more authentic and memorable experience.

Ultimately, there is no single 'best' way to travel. The ideal choice depends entirely on the traveler's personality, experience level, and what they hope to gain from their journey. A nervous first-time traveler might find comfort and security in a guided tour, while a seasoned adventurer might crave the freedom and challenge of independent exploration. The key is to understand the trade-offs between convenience and freedom, and to choose the path that best suits your own travel dreams.