Đề thi thử tốt nghiệp THPT môn Tiếng Anh Sở GD&ĐT Hà Tĩnh năm 2026

Airport Delays and Cancellations: What Travellers Should Know

Flight disruptions are becoming more common in the United States. Weather conditions, staffing shortages and technical problems can (6) _____ significant delays or cancellations. Passengers are advised to check airline updates regularly and stay informed about any schedule (7) _____.

Travellers should arrive early at the airport (8) _____ unexpected security procedures may extend waiting times. Airlines are responsible for offering assistance under a (9) _____ designed to protect affected passengers.

To reduce inconvenience:

• Keep essential items in a carry-on bag.

• Contact airline staff to (10) _____ a compensation claim if your flight is cancelled for reasons within the airline’s control.

• Check the (11) _____ of flights cancelled on your route before making alternative travel plans.

As smartphones increasingly dominate online activity, improving mobile usability has become a strategic priority for digital designers. Compared with desktop interfaces, mobile environments present constraints due to limited screen space and touch-based interaction. These conditions require layouts that minimise distraction, highlight essential functions and help users complete tasks efficiently without excessive cognitive effort.

A common problem in mobile interface design is visual clutter. When too many buttons, images or text blocks compete for attention, users may struggle to navigate effectively or interpret information accurately. Establishing a clear visual hierarchy, maintaining consistent design patterns and ensuring readable typography allow users to process content more smoothly. Removing redundant elements and simplifying structures can significantly enhance clarity while preserving functional balance and interface consistency.

Effective navigation is essential for maintaining usability across mobile platforms. Since small screens cannot accommodate complex menu systems, designers must adopt simplified and logically organised structures. Features such as compact icons, bottom navigation bars and gesture-based commands are widely used to facilitate quicker interaction. However, these solutions must be carefully designed, as poorly labelled or hidden functions may confuse users and reduce overall satisfaction.

Performance and responsiveness also shape user experience. Mobile users often access information in short sessions and expect immediate results. When a page loads slowly or relies heavily on visual effects, users may abandon it more quickly, weakening long-term engagement. Technical optimisation, including image compression, efficient coding and adaptive design, supports smoother performance across devices and varying network conditions.

Finally, user testing remains crucial in mobile design. By observing real usage patterns, designers can identify obstacles that theoretical assumptions overlook. They can then adjust layouts and refine navigation flows to align better with user expectations. In a competitive digital marketplace, usability functions not merely as an enhancement but as a fundamental requirement for sustained growth.

(Adapted from https://consumersearch.com)

🧪 Edinburgh Science Festival

The Edinburgh Science Festival is an annual event (20) _____ celebrates scientific discovery and innovation. Held each spring, the festival offers numerous exhibitions, workshops and interactive activities designed to (21) _____ interest among people of all ages.

Visitors are encouraged to take part in hands-on experiments and discussions (22) _____ by scientists and researchers. Although participants may have little scientific background, the activities are designed to be accessible and engaging.

The festival also highlights the importance of scientific (23) _____ in modern society, especially in addressing global challenges.

Many events rely on collaboration between universities, schools and research organisations.

(24) _____ the festival to receive greater support from schools and local communities, it would have an even wider impact. Some schools already organise regular science-related activities for young people, and (25) _____ schools may follow if more support is available.

(Adapted from https://www.earthday.org)

While greenwashing has received significant public attention, brownwashing remains less widely recognised. It occurs when companies intentionally minimise or obscure their genuine environmental progress in public communication. (26) __________. As a result, firms may appear less environmentally responsible than they actually are.

One reason for this behaviour is the increasing pressure placed on companies to meet ambitious sustainability targets. (27) __________. In such situations, organisations may prefer to avoid strong claims altogether rather than draw attention to commitments they may struggle to fulfil. This cautious approach can be particularly common in highly competitive industries.

However, brownwashing can also create unintended consequences, (28) __________. When companies fail to communicate their achievements clearly, stakeholders may struggle to identify which firms are genuinely making progress.

Another concern is that inconsistent communication practices make comparison difficult. (29) __________, those that communicate more clearly may gain an advantage, regardless of their actual environmental performance.

To address these challenges, experts suggest that improving both transparency and consistency is essential. The key issue is (30) __________.

(Adapted from https://news.umich.edu)

For more than fifteen years, environmental organisations, scientists and Indigenous communities campaigned for stronger protection of the High Seas – the vast areas of ocean beyond national jurisdiction. These waters, covering nearly half of the planet, had long remained largely unregulated and vulnerable to intensive resource exploitation. In early 2026, their efforts culminated in the entry into force of the Global Ocean Treaty, creating a new legal framework for international marine governance.

Before the Treaty, less than one percent of the High Seas was fully or highly protected. Industrial fishing fleets operated with minimal restrictions, and proposals for deep-sea mining raised concerns about irreversible ecological damage and long-term habitat degradation. [I] By establishing a formal process to designate marine protected areas, the Treaty provides governments with tools to conserve biodiversity on a scale not previously possible in international waters.

Supporters argue that protecting the High Seas is essential not only for marine life but also for climate stability. Oceans absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide and regulate global temperatures. Moreover, billions of people depend on healthy marine ecosystems for food security and economic livelihoods. In this context, ocean conservation is increasingly viewed as central to sustainable development rather than a purely environmental objective.

Nevertheless, adoption of the Treaty did not occur without resistance. [II] Some governments were initially reluctant to accept binding obligations that might limit industrial expansion. Negotiations required compromise, and implementation will depend on continued political will and institutional coordination. Under the agreement, proposals for protected areas must be based on scientific evidence and involve consultation with affected communities, ensuring legitimacy and accountability.

World leaders have committed to protecting 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030 – the “30x30” goal. [III] Achieving this target will demand consistent monitoring, transparent reporting and meaningful enforcement. Past environmental agreements demonstrate that ambitious pledges alone do not automatically produce measurable results.

[IV] The Global Ocean Treaty therefore represents both a diplomatic achievement and a test of global commitment. Its ultimate impact will depend on whether governments transform negotiated promises into sustained protection for marine ecosystems.

(Adapted from https://www.greenpeace.org.uk)