Đề ôn thi Đề thi vào lớp 10 Trường Phổ thông Năng khiếu môn Tiếng Anh - Mã đề PTNK-146

Have you ever wondered how we can hear the world around us? From the melody of a song to the warning of a car horn, our sense of hearing is constantly working. The process begins with sound waves, which are invisible vibrations that travel through the air. The outer part of the ear, called the pinna, is shaped specifically to collect these waves and guide them into the ear.

Once collected, these waves travel down a narrow (21) __________ called the ear canal. At the end of the canal, they reach the eardrum, a thin piece of skin stretched tight like a drum. When the sound waves hit the eardrum, they cause it to vibrate. These vibrations are then passed to three tiny bones in the middle ear, the smallest bones in the human body. These tiny bones then play an important role by amplifying the vibrations.

After that, the amplified vibrations are passed to the cochlea, a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear that is filled with fluid. The movement of the bones creates waves in this fluid. The cochlea’s structure is so (22) __________ that it can distinguish between different frequencies, which is how we can tell high-pitched sounds from low-pitched ones.

Inside the cochlea are thousands of microscopic hair cells. As the fluid moves, it bends these tiny hair cells. Some sounds create bigger waves than others, leading to stronger signals being sent to the brain. The hair cells convert the mechanical vibrations of the sound wave into electrical signals. (23) __________ is the crucial step where sound becomes a message the brain can read.

Only after these electrical signals are sent along the auditory nerve to the brain do we actually perceive the sound. The brain then interprets these signals, allowing us to recognize them as speech, music, or noise. (24) __________, the process of hearing is a remarkable and complex journey from a simple wave in the air to a meaningful sound in our minds.

You spend countless hours poring over textbooks, memorizing facts, and dissecting academic texts. It often feels like all reading time must be dedicated to schoolwork. But what if reading purely for enjoyment – a thrilling fantasy novel, a gripping detective story, or even a graphic novel – could actually boost your grades? It might sound counterintuitive, but global studies consistently show that engaging with fiction for pleasure offers profound academic advantages, making it a powerful learning tool.

One immediate benefit of reading widely is improved vocabulary and writing skills. Unlike academic texts focusing on specific jargon, novels expose you to a vast array of words in diverse contexts. You encounter nuanced expressions, sophisticated sentence structures, and varied narrative techniques, subtly enhancing your linguistic abilities. This expanded vocabulary and refined understanding directly translate into better English class performance, allowing you to express ideas more clearly and comprehend complex questions. [I]

The idea of reading for enjoyment is not new, even in Vietnam. For decades, popular youth magazines like 'Hoa Hoc Tro' have encouraged students to delve into personal stories and fictional narratives, fostering a culture where reading is a source of enjoyment and insight. [II] When you read a novel, you're not just passively absorbing information; you're actively constructing worlds, empathizing with characters, and solving mysteries. This mental exercise strengthens your creative and critical thinking, skills invaluable across all subjects. [III]

Specifically for a 14-15 year old, reading for pleasure can be a surprisingly effective way to boost English proficiency. Instead of dry grammar exercises, you learn how English truly works by seeing it in action. A fantasy novel introduces complex vocabulary naturally; a well-written detective story teaches logical sequencing through its plot. This enjoyable immersion helps solidify grammar rules and improves reading comprehension without feeling like studying. It’s a powerful, low-pressure method to expand your English and cultivate a vibrant imagination, making future academic challenges less daunting. [IV]

While textbooks are essential, limiting your reading to academic material means missing out on a hidden superpower. Picking up a graphic novel, sci-fi epic, or classic adventure story isn't just a way to relax; it's a strategic move to sharpen your mind. It expands your vocabulary, refines your writing, ignites your imagination, and enhances critical thinking – fundamental skills directly impacting your academic performance. So, next time, consider swapping the textbook for a story. Your grades, and your mind, will thank you.