Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-30

The Eiffel Tower, a global icon of France, is famous not just for its height but for its revolutionary engineering. It (35) __________ for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, or World's Fair, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The structure was completed (36) __________ just over two years, a remarkable achievement for its time. From the beginning, its design was meant to be a testament to French industrial skill and modern architectural possibilities.

The design was truly (37) __________. Unlike the heavy stone arches of older monuments, the Eiffel Tower introduced a lightweight yet incredibly strong wrought-iron lattice framework. This open structure was not just for looks; it was a clever solution to the problem of wind resistance, a major concern for a tower of such height. (38) __________, many Parisians at the time thought the design was ugly and protested its construction, calling it a 'useless and monstrous' factory chimney.

The man behind this masterpiece was the French civil engineer Gustave Eiffel, (39) __________ company specialized in building large metal structures like bridges. Eiffel and his team understood the properties of wrought iron perfectly. This material was chosen over steel because it was more resistant to bending and easier to work with. The (40) __________ reason for its selection was its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, which allowed the tower to soar to its great height without collapsing under its own weight.

The construction process itself was a model of precision. The engineers had to take into (41) __________ the effects of temperature changes on the metal, which could cause it to expand or contract. Over 18,000 individual wrought-iron parts were designed and produced with extreme accuracy. These parts were then assembled on-site using more than 2.5 million rivets.

The tower's design ensures that the weight is distributed evenly down to the four massive arches at its base. These arches are not just decorative; they are essential structural components that transfer the load to the foundations. Today, the Eiffel Tower stands as a powerful symbol of (42) __________ innovation and elegance, proving that industrial materials can be used to create something of great architectural beauty. It was the world's tallest man-made structure until 1930.

From the moment you wake up to the minute you fall asleep, your smartphone is likely your closest companion. It’s your alarm clock, your news source, your connection to friends, and your entertainment hub. This reality is especially true in Vietnam, where recent studies show the average person spends over six hours per day online, with social media as a top activity. This has led to a growing global conversation about digital wellness and the rise of a new trend: the ‘digital detox’. This involves intentionally taking a break from all digital devices to reconnect with the world offline.

But why is such a drastic step becoming popular? The reasons are linked to the negative impacts of excessive screen time. The constant flow of notifications and information makes it difficult to concentrate on important tasks, such as studying for the crucial high school entrance exam. The blue light from screens can disrupt sleep patterns, leaving you tired and unfocused. Furthermore, the carefully curated lives seen on social media can lead to feelings of anxiety and social comparison, making you feel like your own life isn't good enough.

Embarking on a digital detox can feel challenging. The initial hours might be filled with a sense of boredom or the fear of missing out. However, the goal isn't just to stop using technology, but to replace that time with meaningful offline activities. This could mean picking up a physical book you’ve been meaning to read, playing a sport with friends, helping with chores at home, or simply having a long conversation with your family. Rediscovering these simple pleasures and learning to enjoy them again is a key part of the process.

The rewards of completing even a short digital detox can be significant. Many people report feeling calmer and more present in their daily lives. With fewer digital distractions, concentration and memory can improve, which is a clear advantage for any student. Sleep quality often gets better, leading to more energy during the day. Most importantly, a detox can help you strengthen your relationships with the people around you, shifting the focus from online connections to real-world interactions.

Ultimately, a digital detox is not about permanently abandoning technology, which remains an essential tool for modern life. Instead, it’s about learning to control our use of it, rather than letting it control us. It's an opportunity to reset your digital habits and find a healthier, more intentional balance between your online and offline worlds. The question is, are you ready to try it for just one weekend?