Bộ 5 đề thi cuối kì 1 Tiếng Anh 12 Friends Global có đáp án (đề 3)

From: Cordelia Chase <cordelia.chase@meadowoodnapavalley.com>

To: Shuji Kashiwagi <shuji-kashiwagi5490@gmail.com>

Subject: Arrival at Meadowood Napa Valley

Date: January 17, 2024

Dear Mr. Kashiwagi,

We’re excited to welcome you soon to Meadowood Napa Valley! Your check-in time is between 3:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. If your plans (10) ______, please give us a call at (707) 531-1275 to let us know if you’ll arrive outside these hours. If you arrive after 8:00 P.M. without (11) ______, we may have to offer your room to another lucky guest.

(12) ______ in, you’ll receive complimentary tickets to our breakfast buffet, (13) ______ is conveniently located just a few steps from the lobby. To elevate your stay, consider reserving a table at the Terrace Café on the top floor. The (14) ______ mountain views are the perfect backdrop for a memorable dinner.

Before you head out, we advise that you (15) ______ visit our guest services desk. Whether you’re into wine tasting, hiking, or exploring hidden gems, we’re here to help you make the most of your time in the valley.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Best regards,

Cordelia Chase.

THE GREAT BRITISH SEASIDE

What does the phrase ‘the great British seaside’ bring to mind? Most people, if asked off the top of their heads, (18) ________ to places such as Blackpool or Torquay with poor weather, old, faded attractions and a low standard of accommodation. These days, (19) _______ to go abroad to see the sights, traditional British seaside towns are suffering from an image problem. Now, finally, some of the resorts have decided to bring their images up to date in the hope (20) ________ the tourists. Many will need a lot of convincing, but those that do come will find that today’s Blackpool (21) ________ the picture postcard past.

After years of neglect, Blackpool has to work hard to catch up with foreign destinations but that’s (22) ________. It’s the first time so much has happened to improve the place in such a short time. A massive building project, including a new casino and indoor entertainment centre, (Q23) ________. And it appears to be working. As the tourists start to make for the bright lights of Blackpool once again, it seems that the great British seaside has a bright future ahead.

CULTURE SHOCK

Many people dream (24) ______ living in a foreign country. It can be an amazing experience for those who (25) ______ the courage to leave their family and friends and settle down in a new place. (26) ______, there’s one potential problem you should be aware of: culture shock. Culture shock is the feeling we get from living in a place that is (27) ______ different to where we grew up that we are not sure how to deal with it. Societies are organised in many different ways, and we can often be (28) ______ aback by some of the things we find in foreign countries.

The Most Unusual Tourist Attractions

A. Island of Dolls, Mexico

Deep in the green waters of Xochimilco near Mexico City lies a small island with a history that chills to the bone. The Island of Dolls is a place where countless dolls, in varying states of decay, hang from trees. These dolls are said to be an offering by a grieving caretaker to calm the restless spirit of a young girl who drowned in the canal nearby. Visitors describe an intense atmosphere, where the silence is broken only by the whispering leaves and the unblinking gazes of plastic figures. It’s an attraction that blends folklore, sadness, and the supernatural.

B. Temple of Rats, Deshnok, India

In the town of Deshnok, Rajasthan, the Karni Mata Temple is home to thousands of rats that are considered sacred. Locals and travellers alike tread carefully so as not to disturb these holy creatures, believed to be the reincarnated family members of the goddess Karni Mata. The air smells of incense, and the quiet squeaks of the rats fill the space. Visitors leave milk and grain for them, and it’s considered lucky to spot the rare white rat among the throng.

C. The Gum Wall, Seattle

Adjacent to the box office for Seattle’s Market Theater, this colourful wall covered with used chewing gum is a testament to spontaneous urban art. Starting in the early 1990s as a peculiar habit by theatregoers, it has transformed into a colorful display of sticky art. Despite several cleanings of the walls, the gum-sticking remained, and the authorities eventually decided to embrace the eccentric tradition.

D. Baldwin Street, Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin’s claim to fame is Baldwin Street, recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world’s steepest. Visitors huff and puff up the street, where the footpath feels almost vertical, and the houses look like they’re tilted. This quirky urban wonder is a hub for fun events, like the annual Jaffa Race, where thousands of candies roll down to the amusement of spectators, turning this steep street into a spectacle of community and celebration.

PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE

Ideas from teenagers

To encourage young people to learn about and appreciate our cultural heritage, we organised an ideas competition. We invited students from across the country to send us their ideas for protecting and promoting our heritage. We have received many interesting entries. Below are the winners.

A. Heritage Goes Viral

The idea of promoting heritage sites through social media came from a group of 11th-grade students. Their idea includes running social media activities, such as photo competitions during important festivals, to get the youth of today actively engaged in the past and local traditions. They also put forward creating trending topics or challenges on social media, like a ‘postcard challenge’ where people can create and share unusual and exciting postcards about the heritage sites that they have visited.

B. Local History Buffs Assemble

Two 10th-grade students came up with the idea of forming historical societies or local groups for young history enthusiasts. These groups will provide information about local heritage sites, organise special events to celebrate local festivals, and give young people a platform to discuss issues related to preserving the heritage. This way, they will be able to give voice to suggestions and solutions to problems they find meaning-ful. They will feel that they are making a difference in preserving their culture.

C. Folk Clubs for the Next Generation

To keep traditional music and stories alive, a group of secondary school students proposed setting up folk clubs. These clubs will hold events for young people to experience and learn about traditional performing arts. The artists will not only perform, but also introduce their arts and talk about how students can contribute to promoting folk culture. The clubs will organise training for students interested in learning folk songs, folk dancing, or traditional instruments.