Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-137

The Great Wall of China is one of the world's most (35) __________ structures, stretching for thousands of kilometers. It was not built as a single project but as a series of walls and fortifications by different Chinese dynasties. The primary goal was to create a massive, defensive barrier to protect Chinese states and empires from nomadic groups of the northern steppes. It stands as a powerful symbol of China's historical strength and persistence.

The construction (36) __________ under various emperors and dynasties over a long period. Builders used local materials that were available in different regions. In the mountains, they used stone; on the plains, they used earth and brick. The materials, (37) __________ were selected for their durability and availability, were often carried for long distances by human labor and simple machines.

Many strategic features were built (38) __________ the wall's length. These included watchtowers, troop barracks, and fortresses. (39) __________ watchtower was positioned on a high point to give soldiers a clear view of the surrounding area. From these towers, soldiers could send signals using smoke or fire to warn of an approaching enemy. These parts helped soldiers (40) __________ watch for enemies.

The popular image of the Great Wall as a single, continuous structure is not entirely accurate. (41) __________, it is a complex system of walls, some parallel to each other, with fortresses and other defensive buildings integrated into it. The path of the wall travels across deserts, grasslands, mountains, and plateaus, making it an incredible feat of engineering that adapted to the natural landscape.

Today, the Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage (42) __________ and one of the most recognized landmarks globally. It attracts millions of visitors each year who come to walk on its ancient stones and marvel at its scale. The wall is more than just brick and stone; it is a monument to the history and culture of the Chinese people.

For generations, many have believed that creativity is an innate gift, something you are either born with or not. We often look at great artists, inventors, and entrepreneurs and think of them as belonging to a special club of 'natural geniuses'. However, modern research and changing global demands challenge this old idea. The World Economic Forum, for instance, lists creativity as one of the most critical skills for the jobs of the future. This shift is pushing educational systems worldwide to move beyond simple memorization and start teaching students how to think innovatively and solve problems creatively.

But what exactly is creativity in this context? It's more than just painting or composing music. At its core, creativity is the ability to generate and apply new ideas to solve problems. Experts often break down creative thinking into two main types: divergent and convergent thinking. Divergent thinking is the process of exploring many possible solutions. It's a broad, spontaneous process, like brainstorming all the possible uses for a simple object like a paperclip. In contrast, convergent thinking is the process of analyzing the generated options and selecting the most effective, logical solution. A truly creative person is skilled at using both types of thinking in harmony.

The good news is that, like any skill, creativity can be deliberately practiced and strengthened. A fundamental step is to cultivate curiosity. Constantly asking 'why?' or 'what if?' trains your brain to look for connections and possibilities that others might miss. Another powerful strategy is to step outside your comfort zone. Trying a new hobby, reading books from a different genre, or talking to people with different life experiences exposes your mind to new patterns of thought. Furthermore, it's essential to embrace failure. Seeing mistakes not as a dead end, but as a valuable source of information, builds resilience and encourages risk-taking, which is crucial for innovation.

This emphasis on applied creativity is evident in many areas, including the success of Vietnamese students in International Science Olympiads. These competitions often require more than just deep subject knowledge; they demand creative approaches to solve complex, unseen problems. They must apply their learning in novel ways, demonstrating a high level of both convergent and divergent thinking. Recognizing this, many schools in Vietnam are beginning to shift their focus. Instead of relying solely on rote learning, they are incorporating more project-based activities and problem-solving tasks designed to foster these essential creative skills in the next generation.

Ultimately, creativity is not a magical trait possessed by a select few. It is a dynamic, learnable skill that can be developed through conscious effort and practice. For teenagers today, understanding this is empowering. It means that your creative potential is not fixed; it is a journey of growth, exploration, and continuous improvement that you can begin at any time.