FUEL PRICES GO UP AS MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT GETS WORSE

HANOI – Vietnam's fuel prices reached a record high on March 7 due to the growing conflict in the Middle East. The crisis, (1) __________ has stopped movement on the world's most important oil shipping route, triggered an immediate price change earlier than the usual schedule. Experts say this market trouble is due to a large (2) __________ of challenges in global supply and rising transport costs for tankers.

The government warns that the current price shock could have a(n) (3) __________ impact on the country's economic recovery and transportation sector. To (4) __________ how to reduce these effects, the inter-ministry panel is considering several tax relief measures and using the price stabilization fund.

The surge in energy costs is largely due to (5) __________ damage at major oil facilities after recent drone strikes. Given that Vietnam's economy is still heavily dependent (6) __________ imported energy for industrial production, officials are closely monitoring the Strait of Hormuz for any further blockades that could threaten domestic security.

(Adapted from https://e.vnexpress.net)

ANNOUNCEMENT: THE 2026 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAM SCHEDULE

The Ministry of Education and Training has recently announced the official schedule for the 2026 National Graduation Exam. This announcement provides (1) __________ to help students prepare well for their upcoming examination.

- Exam Dates: The exam will take place from June 10th to 12th. Candidates will officially (2) __________ for their papers on June 11th and 12th.

- Registration: Between April 17th and April 21st, every Grade 12 student is encouraged to participate in a trial online registration on the official system. Technical problems are sometimes beyond students' (3) __________, so early registration is strongly recommended.

- Subjects: The exam consists of three sessions. (4) __________ Math and Literature, students must choose another two subjects from the elective list such as Physics, History, or IT.

- Question Types: Literature is the only essay-based subject. Other exams will increase the application of knowledge and skills to real-world situations, which is expected to make a clear difference in evaluating students' actual abilities.

- New Program: The 2026 exam follows the 2018 General Education Program. Due to this change, free candidates who studied the old 2006 program are also required to (5) __________ with this new curriculum.

- Results: Scores will be announced on July 1st, (6) __________ to the completion of graduation recognition by July 3rd.

(Adapted from https://laodong.vn)

Paper bags, (1) __________, have sparked debate in recent years. While they are biodegradable and easier to recycle than plastic, their production process requires a lot of energy and water. Manufacturing a single paper bag uses four times more energy than a plastic one, often leading to significant chemical pollution. In reality, (2) __________, as the massive carbon footprint of production can easily outweigh the benefits of their natural origin.

Proponents of paper bags argue that they are safer for wildlife and easy to recover for recycling. A common misconception, however, is that all paper bags are strong enough to balance out their high environmental cost at the beginning. To address this issue, certain forward-thinking companies (3) __________, aiming to improve the strength and quality of paper products during the manufacturing stage. Still, the fact that paper fibers weaken each time they are recycled remains a major point of contention.

As a result, many consumers are turning to reusable options, such as bags made from cotton or polypropylene bags, as a long-term solution. However, studies show that a cotton bag must be reused over a hundred times to match the environmental impact of a conventional plastic bag. Therefore, (4) __________. The environmental impact of packaging remains a complex issue with no simple answer. Viewed through the lens of sustainability, (5) __________, thereby fostering a more responsible approach toward our planet's finite resources.

(Adapted from https://education.nationalgeographic.org)

1. Impulse buying refers to making unplanned purchases driven by strong emotions and sudden urges rather than necessity. It is a widespread behaviour that many individuals experience at various points in their lives. Understanding the underlying psychological factors and the potential consequences of this phenomenon is essential for maintaining healthy financial habits and emotional well-being.

2. There are several psychological factors contributing to impulse buying, with intense emotions being one of the primary drivers. Many people use shopping as a way to cope with their feelings, seeking a temporary sense of pleasure or comfort during emotional low points. Social influence also plays a significant role; impulsive purchases often result from peer pressure, which drives individuals to blend in or keep up with social trends. Finally, retailers also play a significant role. Store layouts, product displays, and marketing strategies are carefully designed to entice shoppers to make spontaneous purchases. Furthermore, discounts, flash sales, and limited-time offers can pressure customers to buy more items than they actually need.

3. The effects of impulse buying on consumers can be quite diverse. On the one hand, a spontaneous purchase can provide immediate satisfaction and a temporary mood boost. However, this excitement is usually short-lived, often followed by feelings of guilt and regret. In more serious cases, frequent overspending leads to financial stress and debt, which have long-term negative consequences on a person's quality of life.

4. Managing the urge to buy impulsively requires a combination of self-awareness and practical tactics. To alleviate these negative effects, consumers can apply strategies such as making shopping lists, setting strict budgets, and delaying shopping urges. These methods help individuals reflect on whether a purchase is truly essential, allowing them to make more informed decisions and maintain better control over their finances.

1. Despite the promises of hyper-connected urban life – where individuals live in proximity to thousands of others, surrounded by endless opportunities for engagement – a silent epidemic of loneliness has taken root. [I] While cities are designed to maximize accessibility and interaction, their architecture surprisingly creates deep isolation. Tower blocks, temporary populations, and fast-paced lifestyles reduce the depth of social ties. Ironically, even in coffee shops full of people or on subways crammed shoulder to shoulder, meaningful human connection can remain hard to find. For many urban dwellers, the absence of community has become a quiet, long-term problem, hidden by the busy pace of modern life.

2. This phenomenon, while not novel, is escalating in size and complexity. [II] With the rise of remote work, precarious gig economies, and digital-first communication, the traditional foundations of belonging – neighborhood familiarity, face-to-face routines, and physical gathering spaces – are fading. Algorithms increasingly control our interactions, prioritizing efficiency over intimacy. Some urban planners argue that design decisions, such as prioritizing private transport over walkable public spaces, have indirectly caused social isolation. This slow erosion of communal infrastructure is rarely noticed in policy debates, yet its psychological consequences are becoming undeniable.

3. Governments and public health bodies are beginning to acknowledge loneliness not merely as an emotional state but as a public health concern. [III] Studies have equated chronic loneliness with the risks of smoking and obesity. They link it to higher rates of depression, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. In response, some cities have created the position of “ministers of loneliness,” started programs to improve social spaces, and even tried “connection prescriptions,” where people are encouraged to join local clubs, choirs, or group activities instead of taking medicine. However, critics say these efforts are mostly symbolic and often do not have enough long-term funding or strong support.

4. Still, addressing urban loneliness demands more than reactive programs. [IV] It calls for a fundamental reimagining of urban life – one that values depth over density, presence over productivity. This might involve rearranging city spaces to foster spontaneous interactions, investing in third places like libraries or community kitchens, and using digital tools in ways that improve – rather than replace – face-to-face interaction. If left unaddressed, the city may continue to expand in size and complexity yet shrink in human warmth and solidarity.

(Adapted from Research Gate)