Đề cương ôn tập giữa kỳ I – Tiếng Anh 12 – Năm học 2026-2027 – Test 1, Test 2, Test 3

START YOUR JOURNEY WITH LIFE STORIES WE ADMIRE

Be inspired (1) ___ the extraordinary life stories of individuals who turned adversity into triumph. At Life Stories We Admire, you'll learn how to apply lessons from those (2) ___ life-changing personal challenges. These stories show that success isn't just about achievements, but about resilience, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles.

By setting goals, embracing determination, and capitalizing on opportunities, you can achieve your own version of greatness. From overcoming (3) ___ hardships to leading game-changing revolutionary projects, these stories provide valuable insights into the strength of the human spirit. With our (4) ___, you'll gain the mindset and skills to become the hero of your own story.

(5) ___ the leap today and let these life stories guide you toward building your own legacy!

LIFE STORIES WE ADMIRE

Life can be tough, but Life Stories We Admire show us how people overcome difficulties. (6) ___ of us face hard times, but the stories of others can help us find hope and strength.

Why Read Life Stories We Admire?

• Learn from the experience of others: By reading about people who have struggled, we can understand how to deal with our own challenges. (7) ___, one person might find (8) ___ their job after many years, while (9) ___ finds peace in family during tough times.
• Find strength in tough times: These stories remind us that we can still keep going even when things are difficult. Success is not always about winning, but about staying strong through (10) ___.
• Get inspired: Through the courage of others, we can find the strength to face our fears and keep moving forward.

Start reading Life Stories We Admire today. Let these stories help you find your way to success.

Are you looking for inspiration from the most profound people in history? Discover "Voices of Wisdom," an audio (11) ___ that shares the powerful words of great thinkers, leaders, and visionaries. It features inspiring speeches and lessons from Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Martin Luther King Jr., whose courage and ideas (12) ___ the world. While we were developing this collection, our team (13) ___ for rare recordings and meaningful quotes to make every track truly motivating. With "Voices of Wisdom," you can learn from these incredible figures while walking, working, or relaxing. Their voices and ideas will encourage you to dream big and (14) ___. Don't miss the chance to connect (15) ___ the wisdom of history's most profound people. Start listening today and feel the difference!

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

Be Inspired: Malala Yousafzai's Life Story

Do you want to learn about someone who changed the world? Malala Yousafzai's courage can inspire you.

Who is Malala?

• Born in Pakistan in 1997
• Loved learning and dreamed of becoming a teacher or doctor
• (16) ___ when the Taliban banned girls from going to school

What Happened?

• Wrote blogs and gave interviews to support girls' education
• In 2012, while she was travelling home from school, a man (17) ___ her bus and shot her
• Her friends were screaming and hiding while the attack (18) ___
• Malala was badly injured but survived after many operations

What Did She Achieve?

• Continued to (19) ___ education after her recovery
• Founded the Malala Fund to help children worldwide
• Met leaders and became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner

Why Admire Her?

• She showed bravery and hope in a (20) ___
• Her story proves that one person's voice can make a global change

About 35% of the world population drives on the left, and the countries that do are mostly old British colonies. This strange custom is different from the rest of the world, but there is a perfectly good reason.

In the past, almost everybody travelled on the left side of the road because that was the most sensible option for violent societies, since most people are right-handed, swordsmen preferred to keep to the left in order to have their right arm nearer to an opponent and their sword cover further from him. Moreover, it reduced the chance of sword cover (worn on the left) hitting other people.

After the Second World War, left-driving Sweden, the odd one out in mainland Europe, felt increasing pressure to change sides in order to conform with the rest of the continent. The problem was that all their neighbours already drove on the right side and since there are a lot of small roads without border guards leading into Norway and Finland, one had to remember in which country one was.

In 1955, the Swedish government held an election on the introduction of right-hand driving. Although no less than 82.9% voted "no" to this, the Swedish parliament passed a law on the conversion to right-hand driving in 1963. Finally, the change took place on Sunday, 3 September 1967, at 5 o'clock in the morning. The day was referred to as Dagen H or, in English, H day. The 'H' stands for 'Högertrafik', the Swedish word for 'right-hand traffic'. All traffic with private motor-driven vehicles was prohibited four hours before and one hour after the conversion, in order to be able to rearrange all traffic signs. Even the army was called in to help. Also a very low speed limit was applied, which was raised in a number of steps. The whole process took about a month to prepare.

(Adapted from: https://www.worldstandards.eu/cars/driving-on-the-left/)

CULTURE SHOCK

Many people dream of living in a foreign country. It can be an amazing experience for those who are willing to settle down in a new place. (1) ___, there's one potential problem you should be aware of: culture shock. Culture shock is the feeling we get from living in a place (2) ___ is so different to where we grew up that we are not sure how to deal with it. Societies are (3) ___ in many different ways. Customs and traditions can be very different and that can sometimes make it difficult to get on with local people who might not approve of things you do and might object to things you say. You might be banned from doing things in (4) ___ country that are perfectly legal in your own. For example, in Singapore people can be forced to (5) ___ a large fine just for dropping rubbish. Eventually, though, most people who live abroad fall in love with their adopted country and learn to accept its differences.

CELEBRATING MULTICULTURALISM

Are you interested in learning about different cultures? Our community is a vibrant example of (6) ___ diversity. We believe that embracing multiculturalism enriches our lives and (7) ___ a stronger community. Every year, we host a festival where people from various backgrounds come together to share their traditions, food, and (8) ___.

This event is an opportunity to experience diverse music, dance, and art from around the world. It's also a chance to make new friends and (9) ___ understanding among different cultures. Join us this weekend to celebrate our (10) ___ heritage and learn how we can all contribute to a more inclusive society!

[Adapted from Cultural Awareness]

The Ghost Month or The Ghost Festival, also known as 'Tet Trung Nguyen' in Vietnam, is celebrated as a period (11) ___ the liberation from the hell of damned souls. The "homeless" ought to be "nourished" and placated with food donations. The discharge of fish and fowl also results in rewards for the living. 'Thang Co Hon', or the month of lonely spirits, is the colloquial name for the lunar month during which the event is held. It is said to be haunted and particularly unfortunate.

This celebration, (12) ___ by Buddhism, falls on Vu Lan, which is Ullambana's Vietnamese equivalent. Today, Mother's Day is also observed on Vu Lan. People who still have their moms around them bring red roses and express gratitude, while those who don't might opt (13) ___ ceremonies to pray for the dead and carry white roses.

Any culture, including Vietnam's, (14) ___ the widespread concept that there is a spiritual presence after death. The country's rich history, diversified culture, and emphasis on commemorating the deceased are all reflected in the (15) ___ and superstitions that take place during Vietnam's Ghost Month.

[Adapted from: https://www.bestpricetravel.com]

Culture shock refers to feelings of uncertainty, confusion, or anxiety that people may experience when moving to a new country or experiencing a new culture or surroundings. This cultural adjustment is normal and is the result of being in an (16) ___ environment.

Culture shock can (17) ___ when people move to another city or country, such as when retiring abroad. Culture shock can also occur when people go on vacation, travel in retirement or for business, or study abroad for school. (18) ___, international students studying abroad for a semester in (19) ___ country may experience a cultural adjustment due to an unfamiliarity with the weather, local customs, language, food, and values. Although the timing of each person's adjustment process can be different, there are specific phases that most people (20) ___ before they adjust to their new environment. Culture shock can be quite stressful and lead to anxiety. However, it's possible to overcome it and grow as a result.

[Adapted from: https://www.investopedia,com]

The Korean Wave, or Hallyu, denotes the global rise of South Korea's cultural economy, encompassing music, films, dramas, and cuisine. Since the late 1990s, Hallyu has reshaped South Korea's international image, boosting its economy by USD 12.3 billion in 2019 and attracting 17.5 million tourists annually. Films like Swiri (1999) and dramas such as Autumn in My Heart (2000) sparked this phenomenon, captivating audiences across Asia and beyond with their emotional depth and innovative storytelling. Hallyu exemplifies South Korea's soft power, a concept defined by Joseph Nye as influence through cultural appeal rather than military or economic force.

Several factors catalyzed Hallyu's emergence. In the early 1990s, the lifting of foreign travel bans enabled Koreans to engage with Western culture, fostering fresh artistic perspectives. The 1997-98 Asian financial crisis prompted the restructuring of Korean chaebols, opening markets for smaller enterprises and emphasizing technology and culture as economic drivers. Additionally, the 1996 abolition of censorship laws granted artists creative freedom, allowing filmmakers and musicians to explore bold themes. These developments created a fertile ground for Hallyu's growth, with productions like Parasite (2019) earning global acclaim, including four Academy Awards.

Hallyu's sustained growth owes much to strategic government support. The Korean Ministry of Culture, with a USD 5.5 billion budget, actively promotes cultural exports through initiatives like K-Culture Valley and global cultural festivals. This support ensures Hallyu's appeal across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with 89 million fans reported in 2019. Korean brands like Samsung and Hyundai further enhance Hallyu's reach by improving South Korea's global reputation.

Despite its success, Hallyu faces challenges, including sustaining innovation and avoiding over-exposure of celebrities. By balancing authenticity with global appeal, South Korea can continue leveraging Hallyu to strengthen its cultural and economic influence worldwide.

(Adapted from https://martinroll.com)

Hákarl: Iceland's Fermented Shark – A Viking Legacy

Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic speciality made from fermented Greenland shark. This fish comes from the cold waters around Iceland, where its fresh meat is toxic because of high levels of urea and trimethylamine oxide. Early settlers in Iceland, who were Norsemen from the 9th century, created a special process to make it safe to eat. They did this to survive in a harsh environment with limited resources. As a result, hákarl became an important part of Icelandic cuisine and history.

The preparation of hákarl takes several months and follows careful steps. First, people behead and gut the shark. Then, they bury the flesh in gravelly sand for six to twelve weeks, which allows harmful fluids to drain away. After that, the meat is hung in open-air sheds to dry for a few more months. This drying process gives it a chewy texture and removes the toxicity. Today, you can find hákarl in restaurants in Reykjavík or even in supermarkets.

When you taste hákarl, it has a very strong and pungent flavor, similar to ammonia or blue cheese. Some people say it even smells like urine, which can be surprising at first. The texture changes depending on the part of the shark: the belly is chewy, while leaner pieces are soft like cheese. Although it is an acquired taste, many enjoy it after a few bites. However, eating it might make you burp a lot.

Hákarl represents Iceland's Viking legacy of resilience. It is often served during Þorrablót, a midwinter festival that celebrates old Norse gods and heritage. At this event, hákarl appears with other preserved foods, such as boiled sheep's head or pickled ram's testicles. People usually pair it with brennivín, a strong schnapps called "Black Death," to help with the intense flavor. For Icelanders and tourists, trying hákarl is like a rite of passage.

(Adapted from https://runawayjuno.com)

Green Living: A Better Tomorrow

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is crucial for preserving our planet. Adopting (1) ___ like recycling can significantly reduce waste. Many people feel (2) ___ with traditional methods of waste disposal, but recycling offers an exciting and rewarding alternative. Raised awareness among communities helps to inspire others to join the cause. To achieve a greener future, everyone must contribute their efforts (3) ___ environmental protection.

By going green, we ensure a sustainable life for future generations. It is important to reuse containers instead of relying on single-use packaging. Sorting household waste, (4) ___ separating recyclables, minimizes the impact on landfills. Together, let's (5) ___ a change for a cleaner, healthier Earth!

ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS FOR GREEN LIVING

Green living has become increasingly popular as people look for ways to reduce their impact on the environment. One key part of this movement is the use of eco-friendly products, which are items that are (6) ___ to have minimal impact on the planet. Eco-friendly products often use natural materials and renewable resources, (7) ___ helping to conserve energy and reduce pollution. For example, items made from bamboo or recycled materials are highly sustainable and reduce waste in landfills. Choosing eco-friendly products also encourages businesses to adopt (8) ___ sustainable practices. However, it's essential to understand that not all products labeled "eco-friendly" are truly beneficial. Consumers should (9) ___ research before making purchases to ensure products are genuinely environmentally friendly. This thoughtful approach to buying (10) ___ not only the environment but also promotes healthier living.

[Adapted from The Green Guide]

Are you looking for a smart way to support green living in your daily life? Our new EcoBin 360 is the perfect choice for every home. This product helps you separate (11) ___ into three simple sections: organic, (12) ___, and general. It reduces the amount of trash sent to landfills, (13) ___ makes our environment cleaner and healthier. Many people worry about waste disposal, but this bin (14) ___ the problem with its clear design and easy-to-use system. By using the EcoBin 360, you save money, reduce pollution, and protect nature. (15) ___ with EcoBin 360 and make a real difference for your family and the planet!

(Adapted from https://ecobin.pl)

Green Living: Small Steps, Big Change

Living green helps the planet and makes our lives healthier. Here are simple ways to start:

• Travel wisely: Walk, cycle, or use public transport, (16) ___ reduces air pollution.
• Save water: (17) ___ the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
• Avoid (18) ___ plastic: Replace plastic bags and bottles with (19) ___ ones to save money.
• Use less electricity: Switch off lights when not needed and unplug chargers.
• Plant trees and grow herbs: Plants clean the air and give shade. This keeps cities cooler. Remember: One small action may seem tiny, but together they (20) ___ a big difference. Choose green living today - for yourself, for others, and for the Earth!

(Adapted from https://greenly.earth)

For the past decades, the importance of various ecosystems has become widely understood. Therefore, humans have carried out various methods to protect the natural world, including making the switch to green energy sources.

Solar energy is harnessed through solar panels and converted into usable electricity. This remarkably efficient energy source generates few harmful emissions, making it a potent tool in reducing our carbon footprint. Furthermore, solar panels are ideally suited for small-scale installations, such as residential homes, as they demand minimal maintenance costs and have a long lifespan. However, the effectiveness of solar power is determined by weather conditions, which makes it less practical in areas where sunny weather is infrequent.

Wind power involves the transformation of wind energy into electricity through the use of large turbines. Wind power produces little greenhouse gases, but it is less suitable for private use due to the consistent maintenance requirements of turbines. Nevertheless, wind farms can be deployed on a large scale and are capable of generating electricity continuously. As a result, there could be increased investments in wind power that could offer a stable energy supply to major cities.

The combined forces of wind and solar power play a substantial role in promoting an eco-friendly environment by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, reducing pollution and slowing down the progression of climate change. Moreover, the utilisation of renewable energy sources stimulates investment in sustainable development by creating new career opportunities within the green energy sector.

Today, the installation and infrastructure costs are the main obstacles to the transition to green energy. However, they offer undeniable benefits that far outweigh their drawbacks, which can help US ensure a more sustainable future.

Green Living

Green living, often referred to as sustainable living, encourages individuals to adopt environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives. This lifestyle includes reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and promoting eco-friendly habits, which collectively help to minimize the negative impact on the environment (Davies & Mulligan, 2017). Although green living requires effort and adjustment, its benefits for the planet and future generations are substantial.

One of the fundamental aspects of green living is waste reduction. This can be achieved through practices like recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics. According to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling and composting can significantly decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution (EPA, 2021). Additionally, adopting reusable items such as water bottles and shopping bags minimizes reliance on plastic, which is crucial for protecting ecosystems and wildlife.

Another key component of green living is energy conservation. Simple changes, like switching to LED light bulbs and using public transportation, can reduce an individual's carbon footprint. A study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that energy efficiency improvements, if widely implemented, could decrease global energy demand by up to 40% by 2050 (IEA, 2019). By conserving energy, individuals not only lower their utility bills but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, which is essential for mitigating climate change.

Green living also involves making conscious choices about the products we consume. This includes opting for sustainably sourced goods, supporting local businesses, and choosing organic produce. Sustainable agriculture practices reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm both the soil and water sources (Smith & Taylor, 2020). By making informed purchases, consumers can support eco-friendly industries and help create a demand for greener alternatives.

[Adapted from The Impact Of Green Living by Davies & Mulligan]