SIMPLE WAYS TO STAY FOCUSED WHILE STUDYING

Maintaining concentration can be difficult, but a few small changes can help you stay focused (1) __________ your study sessions.

- Turn off unnecessary phone notifications (2) __________ they can easily distract you.

- Organize your table and remove (3) __________ that you don't need for learning.

- If you have several assignments, finish one task and then prepare for (4) __________ things on your list.

- Use helpful tools to plan your breaks and manage your time more (5) __________.

- If you feel tired, take a short walk so you don't end up (6) __________ your wheels without making progress.

(Adapted from Study Skills Guide)

PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT EVERY DAY!

Discover what simple changes we can make in our daily routines to benefit the environment.

Current challenges:

In the last few decades, industrial activities and widespread urban development (1) __________ forests and other habitats. Additionally, we (2) __________ 500 million plastic bottles every week, contributing to land and ocean pollution. This waste leads to the deaths of countless marine animals each year.

Steps we can take!

- Choose eco-friendly products and reduce water consumption at home. This helps decrease the (3) __________ of resources needed for production.

- Avoid products (4) __________ in excess materials. Instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles, use a refillable water bottle! This helps lower the (5) __________ of waste you generate.

- Compost biodegradable waste and reuse organic materials whenever possible. Separate food scraps from recyclable items for better waste (6) __________.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACT ON WORKERS

Climate change is an environmental issue, but it increasingly affects workers, as rising temperatures, poor air quality, and extreme weather increase workplace risks. Labour data from the United States (1) __________. Meanwhile, millions of workers continue to work in environments where climate-related health risks are difficult to avoid.

One of the most serious threats is heat exposure. Outdoor workers, such as farmers and construction workers, (2) __________. Extremely high temperatures can cause heat exhaustion or stroke and lead to fatigue, which reduces workers' concentration and increases the risk of accidents in dangerous occupations.

Air pollution is another growing concern. As droughts and wildfires become more common, greater amounts of dust and smoke are released into the atmosphere. Rising temperatures also extend pollen seasons, worsening allergies and asthma. (3) __________.

(4) __________. Research suggests that work performance begins to decline when temperatures rise above about 25°C. Extreme heat in physically demanding jobs lowers productivity, causing economic challenges in some tropical regions.

Extreme weather can also disrupt employment. Floods, droughts and wildfires may damage infrastructure, transport systems and farmland, leading to job losses. (5) __________, offering workers new paths as economies adjust to climate change.

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

1. Digital amnesia is becoming a serious issue in our world today. This phenomenon happens when people depend too much on their electronic devices to store information. Many individuals cannot remember their friends' phone numbers or important dates because smartphones keep this data safely. Instead of using our own brains to remember things, we trust technology to do the work for us. This shift in how we use memory is happening everywhere, affecting both young and old people around the globe.

2. The consequences of this growing dependency are quite concerning. When our devices break down or information gets lost, we suddenly face real problems because essential data disappears. We lose access to crucial information that we should have remembered ourselves. Security also becomes a big worry because people forget their passwords and rely too much on automatic storage features. The report from Kaspersky shows that this habit weakens not only our memory but also our protection against cyber threats.

3. Additionally, both teenagers and adults struggle with this challenge equally. Nobody is safe from this trend because almost everyone uses mobile devices every day. Whether you are a student or a professional, you probably depend on your gadget for basic information. This universal issue shows how technology has changed the way our minds work. We have become comfortable with outsourcing our memory to machines instead of training our brains.

4. To solve this problem, experts suggest developing better digital habits immediately. People need to improve their cybersecurity awareness and practice safer methods of managing their information. Instead of relying completely on devices, individuals should make an effort to remember important details. By taking responsibility for their own memory and data protection, users can reduce risks and build healthier relationships with technology. This requires conscious effort and discipline from everyone.

(Adapted from https://media.kasperskycontenthub.com/mk)

1. [I] As the world grapples with the finite nature of fossil fuel reserves and the detrimental impact of climate change, the future of energy undeniably lies in renewable sources. [II] Scientists and engineers are making substantial advancements in the development of technologies that more efficiently harness solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy. [III] Although the transition to these renewable sources presents significant challenges, it is also regarded as a pivotal step towards establishing a sustainable and resilient energy system. [IV]

2. One of the most promising advancements in renewable energy is the enhancement of solar panel efficiency. Progress in photovoltaic technology has led to the creation of panels that convert a higher proportion of sunlight into electricity. Likewise, wind turbines are becoming more and more efficient. They are capable of generating power even under low-wind conditions. Hydropower technology has the capacity to generate the world's largest source of renewable electricity efficiently, meeting the needs of millions of households. These innovations are essential for making renewable energy more feasible and accessible to a broader population.

3. However, the transition to renewable energy is fraught with obstacles. The intermittent nature of sources like solar and wind necessitates reliable storage solutions to ensure a consistent power supply. Although battery technology has seen significant improvements, further advancements are imperative to meet growing demand. Moreover, the infrastructure for distributing renewable energy requires expansion and upgrading to accommodate these new power sources.

4. The economic impact of transitioning to renewable energy is another critical consideration. While the initial investment in renewable energy infrastructure can be substantial, the long-term benefits include reduced energy costs and job creation in the green energy sector. Governments and private enterprises are increasingly acknowledging the necessity of investing in renewable energy projects, which is crucial for fostering innovation and diminishing reliance on fossil fuels.

5. Ultimately, the future of energy hinges on our capacity to innovate and adapt. By continuing to invest in research and development, improving infrastructure, and addressing economic and technical challenges, we can transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system.

(Adapted from the Ha Nam Provincial Gifted Student Exam, 2023-2024)