Đề thi thử tốt nghiệp THPT môn Tiếng Anh Sở GD&ĐT Đắk Lắk năm 2026

Food for the future

In 1845, a deadly disease struck the farms of Ireland, killing all the Lumper potato plants, leading to a catastrophic famine. Although the failure of a single crop may not initially appear consequential, Ireland was heavily reliant on the potato as its primary subsistence crop. Contemporary scientists caution that a comparable catastrophe could recur on a global scale. Over successive generations, agriculturalists have cultivated thousands of crop varieties distinguished by specialised agronomic traits. Some grow well in extreme climates, while others resist pests and diseases.

However, modern agriculture often places emphasis on a few high-yield crops that are easy to produce in large quantities. Consequently, numerous traditional plant varieties are facing extinction. For example, the Philippines once had thousands of rice varieties, but now fewer than 100 remain widely grown. Agricultural scholars estimate that over half of the world’s food crop varieties have disappeared over the course of the past century.

In response to this escalating threat, scientists systematically collect and conserve seeds from a broad spectrum of plant taxa. The idea was first promoted by Russian scientist Nikolay Vavilov, who gathered seeds from around the world in the early 20th century. Today, there are about 1,700 seed banks globally. One of the largest, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, stores nearly one million seed samples to safeguard agricultural biodiversity for posterity.

In Iowa, Diane Ott Whealy and her husband founded Heritage Farm to preserve historic plant varieties. Over the years, they have worked closely with seed banks and agricultural experts who share their commitment to biodiversity. These organizations often collaborate with local farmers and researchers to protect rare species. The couple not only conserve seed stocks but also cultivate and reintroduce heritage crop varieties into commercial circulation. Such efforts are valued not only for their distinctive appearance and flavor but also for their long-term contribution to global food security.

(Adapted from Reading Explorer 2)

The Maya, Cenotes, and the Zenith Sun

From deep inside a well near the ruins of Chichén Itzá, archaeoastronomer Arturo Montero shouted excitedly to his colleague Guillermo de Anda above. He had just witnessed the “zenith light” phenomenon. [I] The two researchers were investigating whether the Holtún cenote once served as a sacred sundial for the ancient Maya. Twice each year, when the sun stands directly overhead, its rays plunge straight down into the earth without casting shadows. On such days, a beam of light can penetrate the narrow mouth of the cenote and reach its depths.

Below the surface, the cenote opens into a vast dome resembling a natural cathedral. Tree roots push through the limestone walls, and sunlight reflects off stalactites, turning the water a brilliant blue. The effect suggests careful observation by ancient priests, who may have used the site to measure the sun’s position or to mark seasonal change. Archaeologists also found strong evidence of religious activity: a rock shelf holding human and animal bones, pottery, and a sacrificial knife, all carefully placed centuries ago. [II] For the Maya, cenotes were believed to be gateways to the underworld, home of Chaak, the rain god. Rain was essential in the Yucatán Peninsula, where porous limestone absorbs water quickly and no major rivers flow. Although the jungle appears lush from above, the soil is thin and easily exhausted. The Maya depended on milpa farming, growing corn, beans, and squash together. To maintain fertility, farmers burned sections of forest and planted crops in the nutrient-rich ashes. Corn, however, required carefully timed rainfall. [III] Fields had to remain dry before burning, light rains were needed for planting, and steady showers were essential for crops to flourish. Without this pattern, harvests could fail. Drought might bring hardship, even contributing to the eventual demise of communities. Because of this systemic dependency, ceremonies to honor Chaak were central to Maya life. Even today, villages such as Yaxuná hold annual rituals asking for rain. Participants travel through the forest to a sacred cave, prepare offerings, and pray under the guidance of a jmen, or holy man. During one ceremony, thunder echoed and rain soon followed, convincing villagers that Chaak had accepted their prayers.

The discoveries at Holtún reveal how astronomy, religion, and agriculture were deeply connected. By observing the zenith sun and understanding seasonal cycles, the Maya developed knowledge that allowed their civilization to flourish despite the gruelling environmental conditions. [IV] The cenote was not merely a water source, but a sacred space where science and belief came together to sustain life.

(Adapted from Reading Explorer 5)

The Low-Carbon Diet Experiment

With relatively modest effort and minimal financial outlay, most individuals could reduce their energy consumption by at least 25 percent. To investigate what inhibits such change, the writer and his wife embarked on a “low-carbon diet,” (19) ____. Scientists caution that global temperatures are increasing at an alarming rate due to rising concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases, (20) ____.

For one month, they monitored their CO₂ emissions as meticulously as one might count calories. The average U.S. household generates approximately 80 kilograms of CO₂ per day. (21) ____. After consulting climate scientist Tim Flannery, who advocates an 80 percent reduction in emissions to avert irreversible tipping points, they adopted an ambitious target: limiting their daily output to just 13 kilograms.

During the second week, they commissioned a professional energy audit of their home.

The findings were sobering, (22) ____. However, by the end of the trial, their efforts had yielded tangible results. Ultimately, the experiment demonstrated that substantial reductions are attainable without severe deprivation or excessive expense, (23) ____.

(Adapted from Reading Explorer 4)

Climate Change

Most scientists agree that global warming presents one of the greatest threats to the environment. In the last century, the (24) ____ temperature of the Earth has increased by 0.6 degrees Celsius. One serious effect is the reduction in the amount of oxygen in tropical oceans. Additionally, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (25) ____ too much heat, making the planet warmer.

Scientists have also studied what would happen if the Greenland ice cap (26) ____ completely. Sea levels would rise dramatically, destroying many low-lying islands and heavily populated areas. In the worst-case scenario, sea levels could rise six meters, (27) ____ would have devastating impacts worldwide.

Although some people believe climate change is caused by natural factors, most scientists argue that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, are mainly (28) ____ for climate change. Therefore, it is essential for people to (29) ____ their use of fossil fuels and switch to alternative energy sources in order to protect the environment for future generations.

(Adapted from Objective IELTS, Cambridge)

How to Live a Healthy Lifestyle?

Living a healthy lifestyle is indispensable for long-term well-being and sustained fulfilment. (35) ____ making healthy choices may at times prove demanding, the benefits are enduring. Below are several evidence-based recommendations to enhance your overall health.

• Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week (36) ____ structured or recreational pursuits such as walking, dancing, or sports.

• Maintain a balanced diet by taking (37) ____ fatty, sugary, and salty food, alongside abundant fruits and vegetables.

• Refrain from detrimental habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and seek professional guidance from (38) ____.

• Adhere to safety protocols, including the use of seatbelts and helmets, to minimise the (39) ____ of sustaining severe injuries.

• Effectively manage stress and preserve equilibrium in your demanding life to cultivate a (40) ____ outlook and sustain long-term well-being.

(Adapted from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/tips-for-staying-healthy)