Đề Thi Thử Tốt Nghiệp THPT Tiếng Anh 2026 Sở GD&ĐT Tuyên Quang - Lần 2 (Mã Đề 1109)

Songkran Festival – Thailand's Traditional New Year Celebration

Songkran is set to take place across Thailand as a nationwide cultural celebration next month. Each year, this festival attracts millions of international visitors (1) ______ seek to experience its blend of tradition and festivity. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has confirmed that all planned activities will proceed as scheduled, reflecting a (2) ______ commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting tourism development.

Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Songkran allows communities to (3) ______ ancient rituals such as water-pouring ceremonies for elders and merit-making at temples, which remain deeply rooted in Thai society. In Bangkok, large-scale events are expected to attract thousands of participants, offering (4) ______ unique chance to experience Thailand's traditional New Year atmosphere firsthand. Organizers also provide (5) ______ services to ensure smooth coordination and public safety throughout the festival period. Visitors are encouraged to (6) ______ the festive spirit and take part in the nationwide celebration of renewal, unity, and joy.

(Adapted from https://www.tatnews.org/2026/03/songkran-festival/)

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 12 to 16.

Wildlife tourism involves observing and interacting with animals and plants in their natural habitats, including eco-tourism, safaris, and mountain travel. Much of this activity takes place in protected areas, national parks, and reserves, which serve as key attractions, particularly in Africa. According to UNWTO, wildlife tourism represents about seven percent of global tourism and grows by roughly three percent annually, generating substantial revenue, including millions of dollars in entrance fees for protected areas, (12) ______. Beyond economic benefits, wildlife tourism supports local livelihoods; WWF reports that most natural heritage sites provide recreation, tourism opportunities, and employment, while countries such as Belize depend heavily on reef-related tourism and fisheries. Wildlife also embodies biodiversity, which underpins human health and planetary stability. Species are interconnected within ecological systems, (13) ______.

Tens of thousands of species benefit humanity; and many pharmaceuticals originate from wild plants. However, wildlife faces threats from disease, climate change, poaching, and illegal trade. Strong policies, public awareness, and responsible media coverage are essential to promote conservation. Protecting wildlife sustains biodiversity, supports agriculture, enables scientific research, and maintains ecosystem services such as clean water. (14) ______. To achieve these outcomes, governments must strengthen regulations, encourage community participation, and (15) ______. This balanced approach helps ensure tourism contributes to conservation rather than environmental damage. (16) ______.

(Adapted from https://www.untourism.int/)

Why we crave dessert even when we are full

Even after eating a large meal, most people can still find room for sweets. Now, research in mice shows that the neurons behind feeling full also trigger sugar cravings. In other words, there seems to be a neurological basis for our love of dessert. (I)

Previous studies have shown that naturally occurring opioids in the brain play a crucial role in sugar cravings. The main producers of these opioids are neurons located in a brain region that regulates appetite, metabolism and hormones. Known as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, they also control feelings of satiety after eating.

To understand whether these cells have a role in sugar cravings, Henning Fenselau at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Germany and his colleagues traced the opioid signals that POMC cells send in the brain. They did so by bathing brain slices from three mice in a fluorescent solution that binds to receptors of these opioids. (II) The brain region with the highest density of these receptors was the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT), known to regulate feeding. That suggested sugar cravings were related to communication between these two brain regions. This observation provided a clearer map of the neural circuitry involved, allowing the researchers to focus on specific pathways rather than general brain activity. It also helped establish a functional link between receptor density and behavioural outcomes related to food intake, thereby strengthening the overall reliability of their experimental approach. (III)

Subsequently, the researchers monitored the activity of neurons in these regions as mice ate their usual food. When the animals seemed to be full, the team gave them a dessert of sugary chow. (IV) On average, neuronal activity between the brain regions roughly quadrupled while mice ate dessert compared with their regular meal. The spike began prior to eating the sweets, suggesting the pathway dictates sugar cravings. When the team inhibited signals from POMC neurons to the PVT, the mice consumed 40 percent less dessert. “The cell types, which are extremely well-known for driving satiety, also release signals that cause the appetite for sugar, and they do so particularly in the state of satiety,” says Fenselau. “This would explain why animals – humans – over-consume sugar when they’re actually full.” The pathway may have evolved because sugar is more easily turned into energy than other sources like fats or proteins.

(Adapted from New Scientist, issue dated March 22, 2025)

Smart Strategies for Career Success

Plan your approach carefully. Instead of applying to (27) _____ jobs randomly, focus on quality, tailored applications. Prepare your CV and cover letter in advance so you can respond quickly and professionally.

Manage your time effectively, (28) _____ you should set clear periods for job searching, networking, and improving skills. Build a strong online presence (29) _____ visibility with employers. Use networking - many opportunities arise through personal connections rather than public listings.

(30) _____ informed about trends to identify valuable potential opportunities in the market. Be realistic; it is essential to be realistic about expectations and demands.

These strategies can help you make progress in a (31) _____. With discipline and persistence, adopt a more (32) _____ approach to achieving career success. Stay adaptable, learn continuously, and seek feedback to strengthen your profile and long-term prospects.

(Adapted from Navigating the Job Market: Essential Career Advice and Job Search Strategies)

Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals, functioning as the essential structural foundation for skin, bones, and muscles. In recent years, the market for collagen supplements has expanded exponentially, with global consumers spending billions annually. Although promotional campaigns often advertise it as a definitive cure for aging, numerous scientists remain skeptical. They argue that the empirical evidence supporting these ambitious claims is still developing, despite the widespread popularity of these products among high-profile celebrities.

After reaching the age of forty, humans typically lose approximately one percent of their body's collagen each year. This gradual decline inevitably leads to sagging skin and joint discomfort. Moreover, specific detrimental factors can severely accelerate this process, such as chronic smoking or excessive sugar consumption. Consequently, many people attempt to find a magic pill to counteract this issue. However, preserving existing collagen through healthy lifestyle modifications remains the most effective strategy.

Most contemporary supplements contain “collagen peptides,” which are formulated to be significantly easier for the body to absorb than whole proteins. Interestingly, these commercial products are not strictly regulated by the FDA for safety or therapeutic effectiveness before they are distributed to the market. While some clinical studies demonstrate modest improvements in skin hydration, the overall results are not always consistent. Researchers emphasize that far more rigorous evidence is needed to confirm whether these supplements can truly reverse the visible signs of aging.

Beyond dermatological benefits, collagen may help alleviate joint inflammation, particularly in highly active athletes. One study indicated that active adults experienced a noticeable reduction in pain after taking daily supplements for six consecutive months. For those who prefer avoiding artificial supplements, this protein is naturally found in dietary sources like poultry and bone broth. Furthermore, consuming vitamin C is also vital, as it serves as a necessary component that helps the body produce its own collagen, thereby ensuring long-term vitality.

(Adapted from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/)