Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường THPT Chuyên KHXH môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề KHXH-71

Vietnamese lacquerware, known as 'sơn mài', is one of the country's most famous traditional crafts. The results are famously beautiful and durable items, from bowls to paintings. It is a respected art form, and (35) __________, the process of creating it is as remarkable as the final product. This multi-layered art combines both technical skill and artistic vision, a tradition passed down through generations.

The journey of a lacquerware piece begins with the selection of a suitable base, often made of wood. First, a craftsman selects a wooden base, which (36) __________ be carefully prepared to ensure it is perfectly smooth. Any imperfections on the surface could ruin the final result. A special resin from the lacquer tree is then applied in the first of what will be many layers, each needing time to dry completely.

Next comes the most crucial and lengthy stage: building up the layers. Many coats of colored or clear lacquer are applied, and each layer must be left to dry before being sanded by hand with fine sandpaper and water. This stage requires immense (37) __________ as it can take several months to complete. The (38) __________ layers applied, the more durable and beautiful the final piece will be.

(39) __________ is the process time-consuming, but it is also where the artist’s creativity truly shines. This is when (40) __________ designs, often using materials like crushed eggshells or mother-of-pearl, are inlaid into the wet lacquer. This technique demands great precision and is a key step that helps to (41) __________ the final aesthetic. Each design element is carefully placed to create a unique and stunning visual effect.

Finally, the object is polished to create a glossy, mirror-like surface, (42) __________ reveals the depth and beauty of the multi-layered colors beneath. The finished product is not just a useful object; it is a piece of art that represents a rich cultural tradition. It is a testament to the skill, patience, and dedication of the Vietnamese craftsman.

Many teenagers in Vietnam have big dreams, such as achieving a high score on the IELTS exam or mastering a difficult subject like Physics. These are admirable goals, but they can often feel so large and distant that we don't know where to begin. This feeling of being overwhelmed can lead to procrastination and, eventually, giving up. However, there is a more effective approach: breaking down huge ambitions into tiny, manageable actions. This is the core idea behind micro-habits, a strategy that focuses on small, consistent efforts to achieve long-term success.

So, what exactly is a micro-habit? It's a version of a new habit that is so small it seems almost ridiculously easy to do. For example, instead of the goal “I will study English for an hour every day,” a micro-habit could be “I will learn three new English vocabulary words every day.” Instead of “I will exercise more,” it could be “I will do five push-ups after I wake up.” The key is not the intensity of the action, but the consistency. By making the task incredibly small, you remove the barriers to starting and make it easier to perform the habit regularly.

The psychology behind this method is powerful. Large, sudden changes often trigger resistance in our brains because they require a significant amount of willpower, which is a limited resource. Micro-habits, on the other hand, require almost no willpower. Because they are so easy to perform, them becomes simple to integrate into your daily routine. This initial success builds momentum. Each time you complete a tiny habit, your brain releases dopamine, creating a positive feedback loop that boosts your confidence and motivation to continue, slowly building up to bigger achievements.

Let’s apply this to the common goal of getting a good IELTS score. The target of 7.0 or higher can feel intimidating. Instead of being paralyzed by this huge number, a student can create a system of micro-habits. For example: listen to a two-minute English news podcast during breakfast, write one complete sentence in English about your day before bed, or review five vocabulary flashcards while waiting for the bus. Each action is small, but when combined and repeated over months, they create a powerful foundation for language mastery.

Ultimately, the journey to achieving your biggest dreams is not made in a single, heroic leap, but through a long series of small, deliberate steps. The power of micro-habits lies in their simplicity and sustainability. They teach us that progress, not perfection, is the key. So, instead of worrying about the enormous mountain ahead, focus on taking the first small step today. What tiny action can you take right now to move closer to your goal?