ENGLISH SPEAKING CONTEST FOR CHILDREN

The English Speaking Contest on Crisis Hazard Mitigation & Climate Actions, (1) __________ the importance of innovative solutions to pressing global issues, provides an excellent opportunity for children to showcase their creativity, share unique ideas, and contribute to (2) __________ change.

The organizers, who believe in empowering children to take the lead in (3) __________ and natural resource preservation, are committed to raising awareness and inspiring action toward a sustainable future. This event, which is supported (4) __________ pride by Amslink English Center, fosters collaboration and creativity while encouraging participants to envision a safe, clean, and green Vietnam and ASEAN.

If you are passionate about environmental protection and climate action, register today (5) __________ this impactful initiative. Together, we can (6) __________ a brighter, more sustainable world for every child. For more details, visit: https://umi.cf/44M60G.

(Adapted from: https://hcadanang.com/en/english-speaking-contest-for-children-announcement)

ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHANGE IN FEE AMOUNT

To maintain the beauty of our exteriors, common areas, and other shared spaces, Doe Properties finds it necessary to raise the condominium association fees from $315 to$345 per month, (1) __________ July 1. We have (2) __________ the increase for as long as possible; however, the persistent rise in maintenance costs has made the change unavoidable. While this adjustment may place a burden on some budgets, we assure you that (3) __________ possible effort will go into keeping future costs as low as possible.

(4) __________ maintaining the same high-level services that you have come to expect, we are exploring other ways to enhance the property's overall value. For those who wish to learn more about the reasons behind this adjustment, (5) __________ detailed statement sent with additional information will be shared soon. We (6) __________ your understanding and thank you for your continued support of our community.

(Adapted from: https://www.writeexpress.com/sales11.html)

The Hadza grow no food and raise no livestock. They live without calendars or clocks. In fact, they don't count hours, days, or months. The Hadza language doesn't even have words for numbers beyond three or four, reflecting their lack of emphasis on counting. Consequently, they don't celebrate birthdays or anniversaries and their sense of time is vastly different from the structured schedules of modern societies. (1) __________, making them one of the few remaining communities living as our ancestors did. (2) __________.

Many might assume that there's nothing the Hadza could teach us about life in a modern, technology-driven world. Michael Finkel, (3) __________, strongly disagrees with this notion. He had the rare opportunity to live with the Hadza, and the experience profoundly changed his perspective on life.

So, what can we learn from the Hadza? One key lesson is their simple and minimalist attitude toward possessions. Each Hadza tribesperson owns only a few essential items: a cooking pot, a water container, an ax, and a bow. (4) __________. This minimalist approach challenges the modern tendency to accumulate material possessions, suggesting that many of the things we consider essential may not be necessary after all. (5) __________. Their lives are incredibly risky - one bad fall or a snake bite can be fatal. Yet they don't dwell on fears of the future. Finkel called this transformation in perspective "the Hadza effect" describing how their way of life made him calmer, more present, and ultimately happier.

(Adapted from: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/hadza)

Adaptations of Large Desert Animals

1. Large desert animals have developed remarkable adaptations to survive in extreme heat. One such adaptation is their light-colored fur, which reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption. Unlike most mammals, which maintain a constant internal temperature, desert mammals allow their body temperatures to rise during the day. Grant's gazelles, for example, can tolerate body temperatures as high as 46°C. This approach conserves water and energy that would otherwise be used for cooling. At night, when desert temperatures drop, their bodies cool naturally, sometimes to as low as 34°C in camels. This daily temperature fluctuation allows them to absorb morning heat without overheating, delaying the effects of the desert's intense heat.

2. Another vital adaptation is their ability to endure extreme water loss. Camels, for instance, can lose up to 30% of their body weight in water without harm, whereas humans may die after losing only 12-13%. Desert animals can also rehydrate quickly by drinking large amounts of water in a short time. Camels, for example, can drink over 100 liters in minutes, while humans cannot due to stomach limitations and the risk of water intoxication.

3. These animals can also feed normally even when severely dehydrated, a condition that typically suppresses appetite in humans. Their ability to tolerate dehydration allows them to travel far from water sources and graze in scattered pastures.

4. In conclusion, desert animals possess unique adaptations that enable them to thrive in harsh environments. Their ability to manage heat, conserve water, and maintain normal feeding patterns reflects their resilience and the delicate balance of desert ecosystems. These remarkable survival strategies highlight the ingenuity of nature in overcoming extreme challenges.

(Adapted from: https://animals.howstuffworks.com/animal-facts/desert-animals.htm)

What Does Success Really Mean?

1. We live in a world where success is highly valued in every area of life. However, is it really possible to compare success in business or sports with success in the academic world of studies? [I] While nobody sets out to fail, not everyone achieves top grades. [II] But what does academic success truly lead to? [III] This may be because school and university are often seen as stepping stones rather than goals in themselves. [IV] Success in exams could be compared to winning part of a race, but not the race itself.

2. Despite high hopes, many graduates today find themselves in jobs that do not challenge them or are poorly paid. Even worse, some cannot find work at all due to economic uncertainty. This suggests that academic success may not be a reliable indicator of one's potential in life.

3. In sports, success is often rewarded with local, national, or even international recognition. The most successful athletes enjoy financial rewards that are far beyond what most people can imagine. What do they all have in common? Natural talent, of course, but also dedication and hours of training. Many will have decided to turn their backs on the parties and socializing of their peers in order to do more lengths in the pool or more hours in the gym, to work on their sprint or serving or cycling or passing techniques. Another sad fact of sporting life is that careers are cut short or irrevocably altered by injury.

4. In business, success is usually measured more by salary than by specific achievements. Many successful businesspeople say their success comes from long hours, hard work, and determination. However, they also highlight something often overlooked: creativity. Business success does not come to those who simply follow instructions or do the bare minimum. It is the people who think outside the box, who come up with new ideas and take risks, who reach their goals and achieve true success.

5. In conclusion, success means different things to different people. Whether in school, sports, or business, the key is finding what inspires you and working hard to make it happen.

(Adapted from: IELTS ADVANTAGE by Jeremy Taylor and Jon Wright)