Đề cương ôn tập giữa kì 1 Tiếng Anh 12 Friends Global có đáp án - Part 2: Reading

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.

Winning the lottery is often considered a life-changing event, but maximizing the benefits of such a windfall requires careful planning and strategy. Experts suggest selecting (1) _______ numbers, such as those above 31, to reduce the likelihood of sharing the prize with others, as many people choose numbers based on (2) _______ like birthdays. Additionally, winners are often (3) _______ to take their prize as a lump sum rather than annual payments, allowing for opportunities to invest and grow the money over time. (4)_______, without careful financial management, many lottery winners quickly deplete their funds. (5)_______ financial advisors is crucial to developing a plan for saving, investing, and budgeting to ensure the winnings provide long-term stability. These simple yet effective strategies can help lottery winners (6) _______ the most of their fortune and avoid common pitfalls.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 11.

Treating children fairly is not just about giving them the same things – it means understanding their unique personalities, emotions, and needs. (7) ________, real fairness comes from recognizing differences and responding to them thoughtfully. If one child enjoys being praised in front of others, but another prefers private encouragement, parents should adjust their approach to make both feel valued. Because children see fairness in their own way, parents should have open conversations (8) ________ about fairness in the family. Whenever there is a disagreement, involving children in decisions – such as planning activities or setting rules – helps them feel included rather than powerless. (9) ________, the more they will understand what each one truly needs. Since fairness is not only about material things, parents must also balance emotional support, (10) ________. In the long run, fair parenting teaches children to handle conflicts with kindness, speak up for themselves, (11) ________ in an imperfect world.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 12 to 19.

The Mystery of the Electra and Oedipus Complexes

    Have you ever noticed how little kids sometimes seem to have a "favorite" parent? A young boy might want his mother’s attention all the time, while a little girl might run to her father for comfort. Psychologists Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung believed this wasn’t just a phase but part of a deeper psychological process. Freud’s Oedipus complex and Jung’s Electra complex describe how children form attachments to one parent while feeling some rivalry with the other. But how true are these ideas today?

    The Oedipus complex, named after a tragic Greek hero, suggests that boys, around ages 3-6, develop an unconscious attachment to their mothers. They might prefer spending time with her, seek her approval, and even feel jealous when she pays attention to their father. Freud believed that this was a normal stage of childhood and that boys eventually learn to respect and imitate their fathers instead of competing with them. Some psychologists say this theory helps explain why many young boys look up to their fathers as role models later in life.

    On the other hand, the Electra complex, named after another Greek mythological character, describes how young girls form a strong bond with their fathers. They might prefer their father’s company, seek his approval, or even try to act like him. This idea suggests that a girl’s relationship with her father can influence how she interacts with men later in life. However, unlike Freud’s Oedipus complex, the Electra complex was not developed in as much detail. Some psychologists question whether it happens in the same way.

    Are these complexes still relevant today? Many experts argue that children’s attachments depend more on their upbringing than unconscious desires. For example, in single-parent households, children don’t always show favoritism but instead bond deeply with the available parent. Studies also show that in families where both parents are equally involved, children tend to form balanced relationships rather than strong attachments to just one parent.

    So, while the Electra and Oedipus complexes offer interesting ideas about childhood, they don’t apply to everyone. What’s most important is that children grow up feeling loved and secure, whether they are closer to their mom, dad, or both.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 20 to 29.

Can Computers Catch Criminals?

    Have you ever seen a security camera staring at you in a shop? Well, it’s not just sitting there for decoration. Thanks to clever computer technology, some cameras can now spot bad behavior! These “smart cameras” use something called computer vision algorithms to analyze what’s happening in real time. Sounds like something from a spy movie, right? But don’t worry! They’re not watching you just for fun (unless you’re making silly faces at them).

    [I] Here’s how it works. Smart cameras are programmed to notice unusual actions, like someone grabbing something off a shelf and running out the door. [II] The computer “learns” what normal behavior looks like – walking, shopping, chatting – and then flags anything strange. [III] So, if you’re doing cartwheels in a supermarket or dancing in the frozen food aisle, the camera might think, “Wait, what’s going on here?” [IV]

    These smart cameras aren’t just for catching shoplifters. They’re also used in airports and train stations to keep people safe. For example, if someone leaves a bag unattended in a crowded area, the camera can detect it and alert security. Imagine someone suspiciously pacing back and forth near a gate at the airport. The smart camera might recognize this as unusual and send a message to human guards. It’s like giving cameras a sixth sense, though they still rely on humans to make the final call.

    But, of course, these high-tech systems aren’t perfect. Sometimes they make mistakes. Imagine you’re in a store, juggling your phone, a bag of snacks, and a water bottle, and then you trip and drop everything. The camera might think you’re causing a scene or stealing. Oops! Or let’s say you’re at a bus stop doing yoga stretches (weird but possible), and the camera decides you’re acting “too strange.” Computers don’t understand everything – they’re smart, but they’re not genius-level yet.

    So, what’s next for these super-smart cameras? Some scientists think they might one day predict crimes before they even happen – like in futuristic movies. Or maybe they’ll be used for more harmless tasks, like spotting lost pets in parks. Whatever happens, it’s clear that technology is getting smarter every day. Just remember: if you’re planning to do something goofy, you might end up confusing the camera. At least you’ll make the robot detective’s job a bit harder!