Đề thi chính thức tốt nghiệp THPT môn Tiếng Anh năm 2018 - Mã đề 406

Taking piano lessons and solving math puzzles on a computer significantly improve specific math skills of elementary schoolchildren, according to a new study. The results, (23) ______ were published in the journal , are the latest in a series that links musical training to the Neurological Research development of higher brain functions. Researchers worked with 135 second-grade students at a school in Los Angeles after (24) ______ a pilot study with 102 students. Children that were given four months of piano training as well as time playing (25) ______ newly designed computer software scored 27 percent higher on math and fraction tests than other children. Piano instruction is thought to enhance the brain's "hard wiring" for spatial-temporal reasoning, or the ability to visualise and transform objects in space and time, says Professor Gordon Shaw, who led the study. At the same time, the computer game allows children to solve geometric and math puzzles that boost their ability to (26) ______ shapes in their mind. The findings are significant (27) ______ a grasp of proportional math and fractions is a prerequisite to math at higher levels, and children who do not master these areas of math cannot understand more advanced math that is critical to high-tech fields. (Adapted from "Eye on Editing 2" by Joyce S. Cain)

When we meet people for the first time, we often make decisions about them based entirely on how they look. And of course, we too are being judged on our appearance. Undoubtedly, it's what's inside that's important but sometimes we can send out the wrong signals and so get a negative reaction, simply by wearing inappropriate clothing. When selecting your clothes each day, it is therefore important to think about who you're likely to meet, where you are going to be spending most of your time and what tasks you are likely to perform. Clearly, on a practical level, some outfits will be more appropriate to different sorts of activity and this will dictate your choice to an extent. However, there's no need to abandon your individual taste completely. After all, if you dress to please somebody else's idea of what looks good, you may end up feeling uncomfortable and not quite yourself. Some colours bring your natural colouring to life and others can give you a washed-out appearance. Try out new ones by all means, but remember that dressing in bright colours when you really like subtle neutral tones or vice versa will make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. You know deep down where your own taste boundaries lie. It may be fun to cross these sometimes, but do take care not to go too far all at once. Reappraising your image isn't selfish because everyone who comes into contact with you will benefit. You'll look better and you'll feel a better person all round. And if in doubt, you only need to read Professor Albert Mehrabian's book, which showed that the impact we make on Silent Messages each other depends 55 percent on how we look and behave, 38 percent on how we speak, and only seven percent on what we actually say. (Adapted from "Expert First" by Jan Bell and Roger Gower)

While watching sports on TV, the chances are children will see professional players cheating, having tantrums, fighting, or abusing officials. In addition, it's highly likely that children will be aware of well-known cases of sportspeople being caught using drugs to improve their performance. The danger of all this is that it could give children the idea that winning is all that counts and you should win at all costs. Good behaviour and fair play aren't the message that comes across. Instead, it looks as if cheating and bad behaviour are reasonable ways of getting what you want. This message is further bolstered by the fact that some of these sportspeople acquire enormous fame and wealth, making it seem they are being handsomely rewarded either despite or because of their bad behaviour. What can parents do about this? They can regard sport on television as an opportunity to discuss attitudes and behaviour with their children. When watching sports together, if parents see a player swearing at the referee, they can get the child's opinion on that behaviour and discuss whether a player's skill is more important than their behaviour. Ask what the child thinks the player's contribution to the team is. Point out that no player can win a team game on their own, so it's important for members to work well together. Another thing to focus on is what the commentators say. Do they frown on bad behaviour from players, think it's amusing or even consider it's a good thing? What about the officials? If they let players get away with a clear foul, parents can discuss with children whether this is right and what effect it has on the game. Look too at the reactions of coaches and managers. Do they accept losing with good grace or scowl and show a bad attitude? Parents can use this to talk about attitudes to winning and losing and to remind children that both are part of sport. However, what children learn from watching sports is by no means all negative and parents should make sure they accentuate too. They should emphasise to children the high reputation that well-behaved players have, not just with their teammates but also with spectators and the media. They can focus on the contribution made by such players during a game, discussing how valuable they are in the team. In the interviews after a game, point out to a child that the well-behaved sportspeople don't gloat when they win or sulk when they lose. And parents can stress how well these people conduct themselves in their personal lives and the good work they do for others when not playing. In other words, parents should get their children to focus on the positive role models, rather than the antics of the badly behaved but often more publicised players. (Adapted from "New English File - Advanced" by Will Maddox)