Huong Pagoda Festival 2026

The annual Huong Pagoda Festival is a famous event (1) __________ attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every spring. This year, it officially opened on February 22nd in Huong Son Commune, Hanoi, marking one of the largest (2) __________ festivals in Vietnam. With the theme "Safety - Friendliness - Quality", the local authorities aim at (3) __________ safety and better services for tourists.

The festival lasts for several months and offers many cultural activities. Every year, a large (4) __________ of people from all over the country travel to this site to take part in various spiritual events. Pilgrims often (5) __________ the peaceful atmosphere of the pagoda and surrounding mountains. The event also allows visitors to (6) __________ the unique traditions of spring festivals in northern Vietnam.

(Adapted from https://vietnamnews.vn)

How to Improve Your Concentration While Studying

Many students find it difficult to concentrate when studying. Their attention may wander because of noise, phones, or the internet. Here are some (1) __________ to help improve focus:

- Remove distractions and create a quiet study space (2) __________ better concentration.

- Set clear study goals (3) __________ your brain knows exactly what you want to achieve. Research shows that having clear goals can improve productivity.

- Take short breaks after each period of study to help the brain recover energy.

- Find the best time of day to study. Some people work more effectively in the morning while (4) __________ concentrate better at night.

- Get a good night's sleep. Reducing screen time before bed can help students (5) __________ quality sleep and stay mentally (6) __________ while studying.

(Adapted from https://www.icslearn.co.uk)

In today's hyperconnected society, the constant presence of smartphones, laptops, and social media platforms has blurred the line between work and leisure. Notifications appear at all hours, emails demand instant replies, and endless scrolling quietly consumes time (1) __________. A digital detox - the deliberate break from screens and online interactions - has therefore become more than a passing trend. It is increasingly viewed as a response to digital fatigue, a phenomenon marked by anxiety, distraction, and reduced concentration.

(2) __________. Individuals often report improved sleep, stronger focus, and greater emotional stability. Families, too, notice changes: conversations become livelier, meals last longer, and shared activities regain importance. (3) __________. Yet challenges remain. Because technology is woven into education, employment, and entertainment, many find it difficult to disconnect fully, (4) __________.

Nevertheless, short digital breaks, though modest, can offer remarkable relief. Weekend retreats in nature, where phones are left behind, remind people of slower rhythms. By introducing ‘no-email evenings', (5) __________. Even small choices - silencing notifications, setting screen-time limits, or designating phone-free hours - help reclaim attention. A digital detox, once dismissed as impractical, is now being reconsidered as a vital practice, a safeguard against overload and a path towards mindful living. Ultimately, it shows that while technology is vital, rest, reflection, and human connection are equally essential.

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

1. Artificial intelligence represents one of humanity's most ambitious technological achievements, promising to revolutionize numerous aspects of modern life through automated decision-making and intelligent problem-solving capabilities. This rapidly evolving field combines computer science, mathematics, and cognitive psychology to create systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence.

2. AI applications have proliferated across diverse industries, transforming healthcare diagnosis, financial analysis, transportation systems, and manufacturing processes. Medical professionals now utilize AI-powered tools to identify diseases more accurately and develop personalized treatment plans for patients. Similarly, autonomous vehicles rely on sophisticated machine learning algorithms to navigate complex traffic situations and enhance road safety.

3. The development of AI technology raises important ethical considerations that society must address responsibly. Privacy concerns emerge as AI systems collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data to improve their performance. Additionally, job displacement fears grow as automation threatens traditional employment opportunities, particularly in routine-based occupations that machines can easily replicate.

4. Despite these challenges, AI continues advancing at an unprecedented pace, driven by improvements in computing power, data availability, and algorithmic sophistication. Researchers work diligently to ensure AI development prioritizes human welfare and maintains transparent, accountable systems. The future success of AI integration depends on balancing technological innovation with ethical responsibility and social consideration for all affected communities.

(Adapted from Lexiverse: Materials for National High School Exam)

1. The fashion industry, once known for creativity and craftsmanship, has become one of the largest sources of waste and pollution in the world. Fast fashion - cheap clothing designed to imitate luxury trends - has transformed how people consume garments. It encourages shoppers to buy more and discard quickly, creating a cycle of overproduction and overconsumption. Behind each bargain outfit lies an invisible trail of environmental and social cost. [I] Cotton farming demands enormous water use, dyeing processes release toxic chemicals into rivers, and millions of discarded items end up in landfills or are burned every year.

2. The human cost is equally severe. Workers in developing countries often earn just a fraction of a living wage, laboring in unsafe factories to meet unrealistic deadlines. Many brands claim their collections are “sustainably made” or “ethically sourced,” yet these labels are often vague and unverifiable. [II] The marketing of so-called “eco collections” has become the industry's version of greenwashing - soothing consumers' guilt while the production model remains unchanged.

3. Growing awareness has prompted both governments and consumers to act. Some countries are enforcing stricter environmental standards, while online campaigns urge shoppers to “buy less, choose well”. However, progress remains slow because fast fashion's business model relies on mass production and rapid sales. [III] Sustainable fashion requires not only recycling fabrics but also rethinking the culture of constant novelty that drives consumption in the first place.

4. True reform demands collaboration. Designers can prioritize quality over quantity, retailers can offer repair and reuse programs, and consumers can resist impulse buying. But without global regulation, individual action alone will never be enough. [IV] As long as low prices continue to outweigh ethical concerns, fast fashion will remain profitable - at the planet's expense.

(Adapted from The Guardian and National Geographic)