Đề thi vào lớp 10 môn Anh Chuyên - Sở GD&ĐT Khánh Hòa năm 2026

Phở drifts into the morning like a soft memory, and its arrival is almost 21.1 (NOTICE), yet deeply felt. The rising steam forms an intriguing 21.2 (MIX) of scent and silence, where herbs and broth seem to 21.3 (BREATH) together.

There is an artful refinement in every detail, a slow 21.4 (DEVOTE) shaped by hands both 21.5 (KNOW) and patient. The flavors gather in subtle depth, not demanding attention, but inviting it softly and 21.6 (PERSIST). Each bowl feels charming, not in extravagance, but in its quiet 21.7 (HONEST).

Beyond taste, there is something more elusive. A quiet 21.8 (WARM) settles, almost 21.9 (CONSCIOUS), like a forgotten feeling returning. The world outside may remain restless and 21.10 (CHANGE), but here, something stays still.

Little Things, Deep Happiness

People often believe happiness comes only with success, distant journeys, or the moment long-cherished dreams finally come true. They wait 23.1 the "right moment", thinking life will only become meaningful then. Yet, true joy often hides in the smallest, quietest moments.

A simple dinner with family, the smell of rain after a hot day, or a gentle message from someone asking if we are alright can warm the heart beyond words. 23.2, such moments are easy to overlook because they seem too ordinary. We spend 23.3 much time looking ahead that we forget what is already here. It does not mean giving up ambition or forgetting our goals. 23.4, it means learning to pause and treasure the present.

Sometimes, happiness is sitting beside someone you love in 23.5, saying nothing, and still feeling understood. It is hearing your mother call your name or watching the sky turn orange at sunset. These moments remind us 23.6 life is built not only on success, but also on affection, gratitude, and human connection. We become 23.7 peaceful and less afraid of whatever tomorrow may bring.

Love appears not in expensive gifts 23.8 in small daily kindnesses - a glass of water offered, a patient ear, or a warm and sincere smile. They often mean far 23.9 than we realize. Joy is not something we search 23.10. It is already around us, waiting softly to be seen.

In Japan, the concept of omotenashi represents a deeply rooted tradition of selfless service, where hosts anticipate guests' needs without expecting anything in return. During a traditional tea ceremony, the host may 24.1performrehearsefosterpromote each movement with extreme precision, turning a simple drink into an art form. Guests are encouraged to 24.2flattercelebrateappreciateundermine the quiet atmosphere and notice subtle gestures. Silence is valued as part of the experience, not awkward but 24.3highlyflatlyutterlystrongly meaningful.

This cultural practice is based on the idea that one should 24.4embodyattendimmerseengage fully in the present moment, leaving distractions behind. Even the arrangement of utensils can have a significant 24.5improvementlimitationconsequenceimpact on the emotional experience of the guest.

Tourists who are 24.6attendeddivertedledcarried through such ceremonies often report feeling unexpectedly calm. They also become more 24.7awareattentivesensitiveapprehensive of small details that are usually ignored in daily life. Compared with Western-style hospitality, omotenashi is less 24.8reflectedreliedimposedfocused on verbal communication and more on thoughtful action.

This philosophy continues to influence modern society. It is now 24.9minorredundantexternalintegral in many service training programs, and many international hotels 24.10rejectabandonadoptresist elements of this approach.

Gratitude in a Restless World

[A] On a crowded train during the evening rush, most passengers are absorbed in their own private worlds - scrolling through phones, answering emails, or simply staring blankly ahead. It is easy, in such moments, to feel disconnected, as if life were a series of obligations rather than experiences to be valued. Yet, scattered among these ordinary scenes are quiet instances of gratitude: a commuter offering a seat to an elderly stranger, a brief smile exchanged between two tired workers, or a message of thanks sent at the end of a long day. These small gestures suggest that gratitude, though often overlooked, remains a powerful force in modern life. In fact, gratitude is commonly defined as the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself. However, this definition barely captures its depth. It is not merely a polite response to kindness or a social convention reinforced by upbringing; rather, it is a way of seeing the world. Individuals who cultivate gratitude tend to notice not only grand achievements but also the subtle moments that give life texture - the warmth of sunlight on a cold morning, the comfort of familiar routines, or the presence of supportive relationships.

[B] In recent years, psychologists have taken a growing interest in gratitude, seeking to understand its impact on human well-being. Studies suggest that people who regularly reflect on what they are thankful for report higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress. This is partly because gratitude shifts attention away from what is lacking toward what is already present. In a culture that often emphasizes comparison and achievement, such a shift can be both refreshing and transformative. Moreover, the influence of gratitude extends beyond the individual. In social contexts, expressions of appreciation can strengthen relationships and foster trust. When people feel acknowledged, they are more likely to engage positively with others, creating a cycle of goodwill. For example, a simple thank-you in the workplace can increase motivation and cooperation, while in personal relationships, it can deepen emotional connections. In this sense, gratitude functions as a kind of social glue, binding individuals together in mutual respect.

[C] Despite its many benefits, gratitude does not always come naturally. Modern life, with its constant demands and distractions, can make it difficult to pause and reflect. People often take positive aspects of their lives for granted, focusing instead on problems or unmet expectations. This tendency is sometimes referred to as the "negativity bias," a psychological phenomenon in which negative experiences have a greater impact on our thoughts and emotions than positive ones. Overcoming this bias requires conscious effort and practice. One widely recommended approach is the use of a gratitude journal. By writing down a few things each day that one is thankful for, individuals can gradually train their minds to recognize positive experiences more readily. Over time, this practice can reshape habit patterns of thinking, making gratitude a more automatic response. Another method involves expressing appreciation directly to others, whether through spoken words, written notes, or simple acts of kindness.

[D] Such expressions not only benefit the recipient but also reinforce the giver's own sense of gratitude. However, it is important to note that gratitude is not about ignoring difficulties or pretending that everything is perfect. Rather, it coexists with hardship, offering a way to find meaning even in challenging circumstances. For instance, someone facing adversity may still feel grateful for the support of friends or the lessons learned through struggle. In this way, gratitude does not eliminate suffering but can make it more bearable, providing a sense of perspective and resilience. Cultural differences also shape how gratitude is expressed and understood. In some societies, it is conveyed openly through words and gestures, while in others, it may be demonstrated more subtly through actions. Regardless of these variations, the underlying principle remains consistent: an acknowledgment of the value that others and the world contribute to one's life.

[E] This universality suggests that gratitude is a fundamental aspect of human experience, transcending language and tradition. Ultimately, gratitude invites a shift in attention from what is missing to what is present, from dissatisfaction to appreciation. It encourages individuals to engage more fully with their surroundings and to recognize the interconnectedness of human lives. In a world that often feels hurried and fragmented, such a perspective can offer a sense of grounding. As the train reaches its final stop and passengers disperse into the night, the brief encounters of the day fade into memory. Yet, the moments of gratitude - however small - linger quietly, shaping how individuals perceive their lives and their relationships. Though it may not solve every problem, gratitude has the potential to transform the ordinary into something meaningful, reminding us that even in the midst of routine, there is much to be thankful for.