Mở bài
Chủ đề về tác động của phát triển đô thị đến sức khỏe cộng đồng là một trong những chủ đề quan trọng và xuất hiện thường xuyên trong kỳ thi IELTS Reading. Với sự đô thị hóa nhanh chóng trên toàn cầu, các vấn đề liên quan đến môi trường sống, không gian xanh, ô nhiễm và chất lượng cuộc sống trong các thành phố lớn đang trở thành mối quan tâm hàng đầu. Chủ đề này thường xuất hiện dưới nhiều góc độ khác nhau trong các đề thi IELTS Reading, đặc biệt là ở Cambridge IELTS từ tập 12 trở đi.
Bài viết này cung cấp một bộ đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với ba passages có độ khó tăng dần từ Easy đến Hard, phù hợp cho học viên từ band 5.0 trở lên. Bạn sẽ được thực hành với đầy đủ 40 câu hỏi đa dạng các dạng bài như True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, Multiple Choice, Summary Completion và nhiều dạng khác – hoàn toàn giống như trong kỳ thi thật. Đặc biệt, đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích cụ thể sẽ giúp bạn hiểu rõ cách paraphrase, xác định thông tin và áp dụng các kỹ thuật làm bài hiệu quả. Đây là tài liệu luyện tập lý tưởng giúp bạn làm quen với chủ đề quan trọng này và nâng cao kỹ năng đọc hiểu học thuật.
1. Hướng dẫn làm bài IELTS Reading
Tổng Quan Về IELTS Reading Test
IELTS Reading Test kéo dài 60 phút với 3 passages và tổng cộng 40 câu hỏi. Mỗi passage có độ khó tăng dần và yêu cầu kỹ năng đọc hiểu khác nhau. Để đạt hiệu quả cao nhất, bạn nên phân bổ thời gian hợp lý:
- Passage 1 (Easy): 15-17 phút – Đây là passage dễ nhất với từ vựng và cấu trúc câu đơn giản, thông tin rõ ràng và dễ xác định.
- Passage 2 (Medium): 18-20 phút – Độ khó trung bình với từ vựng học thuật, yêu cầu kỹ năng paraphrase và suy luận tốt hơn.
- Passage 3 (Hard): 23-25 phút – Passage khó nhất với nội dung phức tạp, từ vựng chuyên ngành và yêu cầu phân tích sâu.
Lưu ý rằng bạn cần chuyển đáp án vào answer sheet trong 60 phút này, không có thời gian thêm như phần Listening.
Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này
Đề thi mẫu này bao gồm đầy đủ các dạng câu hỏi phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Reading:
- Multiple Choice: Chọn đáp án đúng từ 3-4 lựa chọn
- True/False/Not Given: Xác định thông tin đúng, sai hoặc không được đề cập
- Matching Headings: Nối tiêu đề phù hợp với các đoạn văn
- Summary Completion: Hoàn thành đoạn tóm tắt bằng từ trong bài
- Sentence Completion: Hoàn thiện câu với thông tin từ passage
- Matching Features: Nối thông tin với các đặc điểm tương ứng
- Short-answer Questions: Trả lời câu hỏi ngắn với số từ giới hạn
Mỗi dạng câu hỏi yêu cầu kỹ năng và chiến lược khác nhau, và bạn sẽ được thực hành tất cả trong bài thi mẫu này.
2. IELTS Reading Practice Test
PASSAGE 1 – Urban Green Spaces and Community Wellbeing
Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút
The rapid expansion of cities across the globe has brought with it numerous challenges to public health. As urban populations continue to grow, the need for adequate green spaces within city limits has become increasingly apparent. Parks, gardens, and other natural areas are not merely aesthetic additions to the urban landscape; they play a crucial role in maintaining and improving the physical and mental health of city residents.
Research conducted over the past two decades has consistently demonstrated the positive correlation between access to green spaces and various health outcomes. A comprehensive study in the United Kingdom examined data from over 200,000 residents and found that individuals living within 500 meters of a park or public garden reported significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those living further away. The study also noted improved cardiovascular health among frequent park users, with regular visitors showing a 15% reduction in risk of heart disease.
The mechanisms through which green spaces influence health are diverse and interconnected. Firstly, these areas provide opportunities for physical activity. Whether it’s jogging, cycling, or simply walking, urban parks encourage movement and exercise, which are essential for maintaining healthy body weight and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. In densely populated cities like Singapore and Copenhagen, urban planners have strategically integrated extensive networks of parks and walking trails, resulting in notably higher rates of physical activity among residents.
Beyond physical benefits, green spaces offer substantial mental health advantages. The psychological impact of nature exposure has been well-documented in numerous studies. Being in natural environments, even within urban settings, has been shown to reduce cortisol levels – the body’s primary stress hormone. A notable experiment in Japan involving the practice of “forest bathing” (shinrin-yoku) demonstrated that just 15 minutes spent in a green environment could lower blood pressure and improve mood significantly. Urban planners in cities such as Melbourne and Vancouver have incorporated these findings into their development strategies, ensuring that new residential areas are built with adequate access to natural spaces.
Green spaces also serve as important social hubs within communities. They provide venues for social interaction, community events, and recreational activities that bring people together. This social cohesion is itself a determinant of health, as strong community connections have been linked to better mental wellbeing and even increased longevity. In neighborhoods with well-maintained parks, residents report greater sense of belonging and community pride, factors that contribute to overall life satisfaction.
However, the distribution of green spaces within cities is often inequitable. Research has revealed that wealthier neighborhoods typically have better access to parks and gardens compared to lower-income areas. This disparity creates what public health experts call “green space inequality,” where the health benefits of nature are not equally available to all urban residents. Cities like Barcelona and Portland have begun addressing this issue through targeted initiatives to create new parks in underserved communities and improve existing ones.
The environmental benefits of urban green spaces extend to the broader community health as well. Trees and plants help filter air pollution, reducing the concentration of harmful particles that can cause respiratory problems. During summer months, vegetation provides natural cooling effects, helping to mitigate the “urban heat island” phenomenon where cities become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas. This cooling effect is particularly important for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
Công viên đô thị xanh mát với người dân tập thể dục và thư giãn minh họa tác động tích cực của không gian xanh đến sức khỏe cộng đồng
Looking forward, urban planners and public health officials increasingly recognize that green space provision should be considered a fundamental aspect of urban infrastructure, equivalent in importance to transportation and utilities. The World Health Organization recommends that every city resident should have access to green space within a 15-minute walk from their home. Achieving this goal requires integrated planning approaches that consider health outcomes alongside traditional development priorities such as housing density and commercial growth.
Questions 1-6: True/False/Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
Write:
- TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
- FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
- NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
- Green spaces in cities are only valuable for their visual appeal.
- People living close to parks experience lower levels of stress than those living far from parks.
- Singapore has created extensive park networks to encourage physical activity.
- Forest bathing requires at least one hour to produce health benefits.
- Wealthier neighborhoods generally have better access to green spaces than poorer areas.
- The World Health Organization suggests that green spaces should be within 15 minutes’ walk for all residents.
Questions 7-10: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, regular park visitors in the UK study showed:
- A) A 15% increase in physical activity
- B) A 15% reduction in heart disease risk
- C) A 15% improvement in mental health
- D) A 15% decrease in stress levels
-
What does the passage say about urban heat island phenomenon?
- A) It only affects elderly people
- B) It makes cities warmer than rural areas
- C) It is caused by too many parks
- D) It cannot be controlled by vegetation
-
Green spaces contribute to social cohesion by:
- A) Reducing crime rates
- B) Providing venues for community interaction
- C) Increasing property values
- D) Creating employment opportunities
-
The term “green space inequality” refers to:
- A) Unequal distribution of parks across neighborhoods
- B) Different types of plants in various areas
- C) Varying quality of park maintenance
- D) Differences in park sizes
Questions 11-13: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
-
Green spaces help filter air pollution and reduce particles that can cause __.
-
Trees and vegetation provide natural __ during hot summer months.
-
Urban planners should view green space provision as a fundamental part of urban __.
PASSAGE 2 – The Hidden Costs of Urban Sprawl on Public Health
Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút
The phenomenon of urban sprawl – the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land – has become one of the defining characteristics of modern city development. While often viewed primarily as an environmental or economic issue, the implications of sprawl for public health are profound and multifaceted, affecting everything from physical activity levels to mental wellbeing and even life expectancy. Understanding these health impacts is crucial for developing more sustainable and health-promoting urban environments.
One of the most significant health consequences of urban sprawl relates to transportation patterns and their associated risks. Sprawling cities are typically characterized by low-density development, segregated land use (with residential areas separated from commercial and recreational zones), and limited public transportation options. This configuration creates what urban planners call “automobile dependency,” where residents have little choice but to drive for virtually all daily activities. The health ramifications of this car-centric lifestyle are substantial. Studies comparing sprawling cities such as Atlanta and Houston with more compact urban areas like Boston and San Francisco have revealed striking differences in obesity rates and cardiovascular disease prevalence. Research published in the American Journal of Public Health found that residents of sprawling counties were likely to walk less, weigh more, and have higher rates of hypertension compared to those living in more compact areas.
The relationship between urban form and physical activity operates through multiple pathways. In sprawling environments, the distances between destinations are often too great for walking or cycling to be practical alternatives to driving. Furthermore, many sprawling suburban areas lack basic pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and safe street crossings, effectively making active transportation dangerous or impossible. A comprehensive analysis of 448 counties across the United States demonstrated that individuals living in the most sprawling counties walked 180 fewer minutes per month compared to those in the least sprawling areas. Over time, this accumulated deficit in physical activity contributes to a range of chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Beyond the direct impacts on physical activity, urban sprawl influences health through its effects on air quality and environmental pollution. The heavy reliance on automobiles in sprawling areas generates substantial vehicle emissions, contributing to elevated levels of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants. These airborne contaminants are associated with increased rates of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Moreover, long commute times – a hallmark of sprawling development patterns – mean that residents spend more time exposed to traffic-related pollution, both as drivers and as individuals living near major roadways.
The mental health implications of urban sprawl, while perhaps less immediately obvious, are equally concerning. Extended commuting times, which are typical in sprawling metropolitan areas, have been consistently linked to higher levels of stress, reduced life satisfaction, and increased risk of depression. Tương tự như how is climate change influencing global public health, the psychological effects of urban sprawl can be pervasive and long-lasting. A longitudinal study tracking 21,000 commuters over several years found that each additional hour of commuting time was associated with increased anxiety and decreased overall wellbeing. The social isolation that often accompanies life in sprawling suburbs – where neighbors may live far apart and community spaces are limited – further exacerbates these mental health challenges.
The economic burden associated with sprawl-related health issues is considerable. Healthcare costs attributable to physical inactivity alone are estimated at billions of dollars annually in countries like the United States and Australia. When combined with costs related to traffic accidents, air pollution-related illnesses, and mental health treatment, the total economic impact becomes staggering. These expenses are borne not only by individuals and families but also by public health systems and society at large.
Addressing the health consequences of urban sprawl requires comprehensive planning interventions that reshape how cities grow and function. The concept of “smart growth” has emerged as a response to sprawl, emphasizing compact development, mixed-use neighborhoods (where residential, commercial, and recreational facilities are integrated), enhanced public transportation, and the creation of walkable communities. Cities that have implemented smart growth principles, such as Portland, Oregon, and Freiburg, Germany, have documented improvements in population health metrics, including increased physical activity levels and reduced obesity rates.
The implementation of transit-oriented development (TOD) represents another promising strategy. TOD focuses on creating high-density, mixed-use communities centered around public transportation hubs, reducing automobile dependency while promoting active transportation and social interaction. Research evaluating TOD projects in cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo has shown positive associations with increased walking and public transit use, alongside reductions in automobile ownership and use.
Khu dân cư đô thị hiện đại bền vững với nhà mật độ cao tích hợp không gian xanh và phương tiện giao thông công cộng thể hiện mô hình phát triển thông minh chống lại urban sprawl
Policy interventions at the municipal and regional levels are essential for redirecting development patterns. Zoning regulations can be modified to encourage higher-density development and mixed-use projects. Investment in public transportation infrastructure makes alternatives to driving more viable and attractive. The establishment of urban growth boundaries – designated limits beyond which urban development is restricted – has been employed successfully in cities like Portland to prevent further sprawl and encourage infill development within existing urban areas.
However, implementing these changes faces significant challenges. Existing development patterns are deeply entrenched, supported by decades of policy decisions, infrastructure investments, and cultural preferences. Transitioning to more health-promoting urban forms requires not only technical planning expertise but also political will, community engagement, and often substantial financial resources. Nevertheless, the mounting evidence of sprawl’s health costs makes a compelling case for prioritizing such transformations as a matter of public health necessity.
Questions 14-19: Matching Headings
The passage has ten paragraphs. Choose the correct heading for paragraphs A-F from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i-x.
List of Headings:
- i. Economic implications of health problems from sprawl
- ii. The definition and scope of urban sprawl
- iii. Transportation patterns and health risks
- iv. Mental health effects of suburban living
- v. Solutions through smart growth strategies
- vi. Air quality deterioration in sprawling cities
- vii. The role of policy in changing development patterns
- viii. Physical activity reduction in sprawling areas
- ix. Success stories from compact cities
- x. Future predictions for urban development
- Paragraph 2 __
- Paragraph 3 __
- Paragraph 4 __
- Paragraph 5 __
- Paragraph 6 __
- Paragraph 7 __
Questions 20-23: Summary Completion
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Urban sprawl creates automobile dependency, leading to reduced physical activity. Studies show residents of sprawling areas walk less and have higher rates of (20) __ and cardiovascular disease. The lack of proper (21) __ such as sidewalks makes walking dangerous. Additionally, vehicle emissions cause elevated (22) __, leading to respiratory problems. Smart growth emphasizes compact development and (23) __ to address these issues.
Questions 24-26: Yes/No/Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer?
Write:
- YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
- NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
- NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
- Urban sprawl is primarily an environmental problem rather than a health issue.
- Commuting time has a direct relationship with mental health and wellbeing.
- All cities that implement smart growth principles see immediate improvements in public health.
PASSAGE 3 – Urbanization and the Epidemiological Transition: A Complex Interplay
Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút
The unprecedented scale and pace of contemporary urbanization represent one of the most transformative demographic shifts in human history, with profound implications for population health dynamics. As of 2023, more than 56% of the world’s population resides in urban areas, a proportion projected to reach 68% by 2050 according to United Nations estimates. This massive demographic transition is intrinsically linked to what epidemiologists term the “epidemiological transition” – a shift in the predominant causes of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. However, the relationship between urbanization and health outcomes is far more nuanced and context-dependent than simple linear models might suggest, varying substantially across different geographical regions, socioeconomic strata, and developmental trajectories.
The classical epidemiological transition theory, first articulated by Abdel Omran in 1971, posited that societies progress through distinct stages characterized by changing patterns of disease and mortality. In pre-industrial societies, infectious diseases and malnutrition were the primary health challenges, resulting in high mortality rates, particularly among infants and children. As societies modernized and urbanized, improvements in sanitation, nutrition, and medical care led to the control of infectious diseases, with chronic, degenerative diseases emerging as the predominant health concerns. While this framework provides valuable insights, recent scholarship has revealed that the health impacts of urbanization in the 21st century are considerably more complex, with many low- and middle-income countries experiencing a “double burden of disease” where both infectious diseases and NCDs coexist at significant levels, creating compounded challenges for health systems.
Urban environments present a paradoxical relationship with health outcomes. On one hand, cities typically offer superior access to healthcare facilities, clean water, sanitation infrastructure, and educational opportunities compared to rural areas. These advantages, often termed the “urban health advantage,” can translate into better health outcomes across numerous indicators. Comprehensive data from the Demographic and Health Surveys conducted across 42 low- and middle-income countries demonstrate that urban residents generally have lower infant mortality rates and higher life expectancy compared to their rural counterparts. Furthermore, cities serve as centers of innovation in medical research and healthcare delivery, with teaching hospitals and specialized medical facilities predominantly located in urban areas.
Conversely, the concentration of large populations in relatively confined geographic areas creates distinctive health challenges that can offset or even reverse the urban health advantage, particularly among marginalized populations. The phenomenon known as the “urban health penalty” manifests through multiple pathways. Overcrowding in informal settlements or slums – where a substantial proportion of urban residents in developing countries live – facilitates the transmission of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, dengue fever, and, as recent experience has demonstrated, novel respiratory pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Inadequate housing conditions, poor ventilation, and limited access to clean water and sanitation in these communities create environments conducive to disease transmission. A study examining health outcomes across 16 sub-Saharan African cities found that residents of informal settlements had mortality rates comparable to or exceeding those in rural areas, effectively negating the presumed urban advantage.
The built environment of cities exerts substantial influence on health through multiple mechanisms that extend beyond infectious disease transmission. Urban design characteristics – including street connectivity, land use patterns, availability of public spaces, and transportation infrastructure – shape the opportunities and constraints for healthy behaviors. Neighborhoods designed with pedestrian-oriented features such as wide sidewalks, protected bicycle lanes, and mixed-use development that places residential, commercial, and recreational facilities in close proximity have been associated with higher levels of physical activity and lower obesity rates. Điều này có điểm tương đồng với impact of rising temperatures on agricultural yields khi environmental factors significantly shape health and social outcomes. Conversely, urban areas characterized by automobile-centric design, limited public transportation, and spatial segregation of land uses create barriers to active living and contribute to sedentary lifestyles.
The socioeconomic stratification inherent in many urban areas generates pronounced health inequities within cities. While aggregate health indicators may suggest favorable outcomes at the city level, disaggregating data by neighborhood or socioeconomic status often reveals substantial disparities. Research conducted in major cities across different continents – from New York to Mumbai to Lagos – consistently demonstrates that life expectancy can vary by 10-20 years between affluent and disadvantaged neighborhoods within the same city. These intra-urban health inequalities reflect differential exposure to health risks (such as air pollution, violence, and environmental hazards) as well as differential access to health-promoting resources (including healthcare, nutritious food, and safe recreational spaces).
Environmental health hazards represent another dimension through which urbanization impacts population health. Industrial activities, vehicular traffic, and energy consumption in cities generate substantial pollution, with urban areas accounting for approximately 70% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Ambient air pollution, primarily from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide, is estimated to cause approximately 4.2 million premature deaths annually worldwide, with urban residents bearing disproportionate exposure. The health effects of air pollution extend beyond respiratory and cardiovascular diseases to include adverse pregnancy outcomes, cognitive impairment, and possibly increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. Additionally, urban areas often experience elevated noise levels, which have been linked to hypertension, sleep disturbances, and psychological stress.
Hình ảnh tương phản giữa khu đô thị hiện đại phát triển và khu ổ chuột cho thấy sự bất bình đẳng về sức khỏe trong quá trình đô thị hóa
The temporal dynamics of urbanization also merit consideration. Rapid, unplanned urban growth – characteristic of many cities in Asia and Africa – often outpaces the development of adequate infrastructure and services, creating what some scholars term “urban health crisis” conditions. When migration to cities occurs faster than the expansion of housing, water systems, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services, the result is often the proliferation of informal settlements with substandard living conditions. In contrast, cities experiencing more gradual, planned growth with concurrent infrastructure development tend to maintain better health outcomes.
Climate change adds another layer of complexity to urban health challenges. Cities are particularly vulnerable to climate-related health risks, including heat waves, flooding, and vector-borne disease transmission. The urban heat island effect, whereby cities experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding areas due to heat-absorbing surfaces and limited vegetation, amplifies the health impacts of rising global temperatures. Để hiểu rõ hơn về how artificial intelligence is improving disaster relief efforts, technology applications in urban health management are becoming increasingly relevant. Elderly populations and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to heat-related mortality, which is projected to increase substantially in the coming decades absent significant adaptation measures.
Addressing the health challenges of urbanization requires multi-sectoral approaches that transcend traditional public health interventions. The concept of “Health in All Policies” (HiAP) advocates for integrating health considerations into decision-making across sectors including urban planning, transportation, housing, and environmental management. This approach recognizes that the fundamental determinants of urban health lie largely outside the health sector per se. Successful implementation of HiAP has been documented in cities such as Helsinki and Adelaide, where cross-sectoral collaboration has led to policies that simultaneously address environmental sustainability, social equity, and health promotion.
The development of “healthy cities” frameworks, pioneered by the World Health Organization in the 1980s and now adopted by thousands of municipalities worldwide, represents another comprehensive approach to urban health. These initiatives emphasize participatory governance, community engagement, and evidence-based interventions tailored to local contexts. Evaluations of healthy cities programs have demonstrated improvements in various health indicators, though sustainability and scalability remain ongoing challenges.
Looking forward, emerging technologies and data analytics offer new opportunities for understanding and addressing urban health challenges. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enable sophisticated spatial analysis of health determinants and outcomes, facilitating targeted interventions in high-risk areas. Big data analytics drawing on diverse sources – from mobile phone data tracking population movements to satellite imagery assessing environmental conditions – provide unprecedented insights into urban health dynamics. However, realizing the potential of these technological tools requires addressing issues of data privacy, digital equity, and the integration of quantitative analytics with qualitative understanding of community needs and preferences.
Questions 27-31: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, the epidemiological transition refers to:
- A) The movement of people from rural to urban areas
- B) A shift from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases as primary health concerns
- C) Changes in healthcare delivery systems
- D) The spread of diseases across different populations
-
The “double burden of disease” mentioned in the passage occurs when:
- A) Healthcare costs increase dramatically
- B) Urban and rural areas have different health problems
- C) Both infectious diseases and NCDs are significant health challenges simultaneously
- D) Wealthy and poor populations experience different diseases
-
What does the passage suggest about the “urban health advantage”?
- A) It applies equally to all urban residents
- B) It is primarily due to better education in cities
- C) It can be offset by challenges faced by marginalized populations
- D) It has been disproven by recent research
-
According to the passage, intra-urban health inequalities:
- A) Are minor compared to differences between urban and rural areas
- B) Can result in life expectancy variations of 10-20 years within the same city
- C) Only exist in developing countries
- D) Are caused solely by air pollution
-
The “Health in All Policies” approach advocates for:
- A) Increasing healthcare spending in all sectors
- B) Training all policymakers in public health
- C) Integrating health considerations into decision-making across different sectors
- D) Creating new health departments in every government agency
Questions 32-36: Matching Features
Match each challenge with the correct description.
Write the correct letter, A-H.
Challenges:
32. Urban heat island effect __
33. Informal settlements __
34. Automobile-centric design __
35. Ambient air pollution __
36. Rapid unplanned urban growth __
Descriptions:
- A) Creates barriers to active living and physical activity
- B) Causes approximately 4.2 million premature deaths annually
- C) Facilities transmission of infectious diseases through overcrowding
- D) Results in cities experiencing higher temperatures than surrounding areas
- E) Leads to better health outcomes in all populations
- F) Outpaces development of adequate infrastructure
- G) Reduces access to healthcare facilities
- H) Increases life expectancy in urban areas
Questions 37-40: Short-answer Questions
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
-
What percentage of the world’s population is projected to live in urban areas by 2050?
-
What term describes the situation where urban areas produce 70% of global carbon dioxide emissions?
-
What type of systems enable sophisticated spatial analysis of health determinants?
-
Apart from data privacy, what other issue must be addressed when using technological tools for urban health?
3. Answer Keys – Đáp Án
PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13
- FALSE
- TRUE
- TRUE
- FALSE
- TRUE
- TRUE
- B
- B
- B
- A
- respiratory problems
- cooling effects
- infrastructure
PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26
- iii
- viii
- vi
- iv
- i
- v
- hypertension
- pedestrian infrastructure
- particulate matter
- mixed-use neighborhoods
- NO
- YES
- NOT GIVEN
PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40
- B
- C
- C
- B
- C
- D
- C
- A
- B
- F
- 68%
- environmental health hazards
- Geographic Information Systems
- digital equity
4. Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết
Passage 1 – Giải Thích
Câu 1: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: green spaces, only valuable, visual appeal
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: Câu hỏi nói rằng không gian xanh chỉ có giá trị về mặt thẩm mỹ. Trong bài viết rõ ràng nói “they are not merely aesthetic additions to the urban landscape; they play a crucial role in maintaining and improving the physical and mental health” – điều này mâu thuẫn trực tiếp với câu hỏi. Từ “merely” (chỉ) và “not merely” cho thấy không gian xanh có nhiều giá trị hơn là chỉ về mặt thẩm mỹ.
Câu 2: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: living close to parks, lower levels of stress
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “individuals living within 500 meters of a park or public garden reported significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those living further away.” Câu hỏi paraphrase “living close to” với “within 500 meters” và thông tin hoàn toàn khớp với nội dung bài viết.
Câu 7: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: regular park visitors, UK study
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng cuối
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói rõ “regular visitors showing a 15% reduction in risk of heart disease” – điều này tương đương với đáp án B. Các đáp án khác không được đề cập với con số 15% cụ thể.
Câu 11: respiratory problems
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: filter air pollution, reduce particles, cause
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “Trees and plants help filter air pollution, reducing the concentration of harmful particles that can cause respiratory problems.” Đáp án chính xác là “respiratory problems” – không vượt quá hai từ theo yêu cầu.
Passage 2 – Giải Thích
Câu 14: iii (Transportation patterns and health risks)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Vị trí: Đoạn 2
- Giải thích: Đoạn văn này tập trung vào mối liên hệ giữa urban sprawl và các mô hình di chuyển, đặc biệt là “automobile dependency” và các tác động sức khỏe như obesity rates và cardiovascular disease. Tiêu đề iii chính xác phản ánh nội dung chính của đoạn này.
Câu 20: hypertension
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: residents of sprawling areas, walk less, higher rates
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, cuối đoạn
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “residents of sprawling counties were likely to walk less, weigh more, and have higher rates of hypertension” – đáp án chính xác là “hypertension”, phù hợp với ngữ cảnh về các vấn đề sức khỏe tim mạch được đề cập trong summary.
Câu 24: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1
- Giải thích: Câu hỏi khẳng định urban sprawl chủ yếu là vấn đề môi trường hơn là vấn đề sức khỏe. Tuy nhiên, đoạn mở đầu nói rõ “While often viewed primarily as an environmental or economic issue, the implications of sprawl for public health are profound and multifaceted” – điều này mâu thuẫn với quan điểm trong câu hỏi, do đó đáp án là NO.
Câu 25: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói rõ “Extended commuting times…have been consistently linked to higher levels of stress, reduced life satisfaction, and increased risk of depression” và “each additional hour of commuting time was associated with increased anxiety and decreased overall wellbeing.” Điều này khẳng định mối quan hệ trực tiếp giữa thời gian đi lại và sức khỏe tinh thần.
Passage 3 – Giải Thích
Câu 27: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: epidemiological transition
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, giữa đoạn
- Giải thích: Bài viết định nghĩa rõ ràng: “the epidemiological transition – a shift in the predominant causes of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).” Đáp án B chính xác phản ánh định nghĩa này.
Câu 28: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: double burden of disease
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, cuối đoạn
- Giải thích: Bài viết giải thích “double burden of disease” là khi “both infectious diseases and NCDs coexist at significant levels” – đáp án C phản ánh chính xác khái niệm này.
Câu 30: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: intra-urban health inequalities
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói rõ “life expectancy can vary by 10-20 years between affluent and disadvantaged neighborhoods within the same city” – đáp án B chính xác trích dẫn thông tin này.
Câu 37: 68%
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: percentage, world’s population, 2050, urban areas
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “a proportion projected to reach 68% by 2050” – đáp án chính xác là “68%” (không vượt quá ba từ).
Câu 39: Geographic Information Systems
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: systems, spatial analysis, health determinants
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 12, đầu đoạn
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enable sophisticated spatial analysis of health determinants and outcomes” – đáp án là “Geographic Information Systems” (đúng ba từ).
5. Từ Vựng Quan Trọng Theo Passage
Passage 1 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| crucial role | noun phrase | /ˈkruːʃəl rəʊl/ | vai trò quan trọng | They play a crucial role in maintaining health | play a crucial role in |
| cardiovascular | adjective | /ˌkɑːdiəʊˈvæskjʊlə(r)/ | tim mạch | Improved cardiovascular health | cardiovascular health/disease |
| chronic diseases | noun phrase | /ˈkrɒnɪk dɪˈziːzɪz/ | bệnh mãn tính | Preventing chronic diseases | suffer from chronic diseases |
| cortisol levels | noun phrase | /ˈkɔːtɪsɒl ˈlevəlz/ | nồng độ cortisol | Reduce cortisol levels | lower/increase cortisol levels |
| forest bathing | noun phrase | /ˈfɒrɪst ˈbeɪðɪŋ/ | tắm rừng (liệu pháp thiên nhiên) | The practice of forest bathing | practice forest bathing |
| social cohesion | noun phrase | /ˈsəʊʃəl kəʊˈhiːʒən/ | sự gắn kết xã hội | This social cohesion is a health determinant | promote/strengthen social cohesion |
| inequitable | adjective | /ɪnˈekwɪtəbl/ | không công bằng | Distribution is often inequitable | inequitable distribution/access |
| respiratory problems | noun phrase | /ˈrespərətri ˈprɒbləmz/ | vấn đề hô hấp | Can cause respiratory problems | suffer from respiratory problems |
| urban heat island | noun phrase | /ˈɜːbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd/ | hiện tượng đảo nhiệt đô thị | Mitigate the urban heat island phenomenon | urban heat island effect |
| vulnerable populations | noun phrase | /ˈvʌlnərəbl ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃənz/ | nhóm dân cư dễ bị tổn thương | Particularly important for vulnerable populations | protect vulnerable populations |
| integrated planning | noun phrase | /ˈɪntɪɡreɪtɪd ˈplænɪŋ/ | quy hoạch tích hợp | Requires integrated planning approaches | integrated planning strategy |
| sense of belonging | noun phrase | /sens əv bɪˈlɒŋɪŋ/ | cảm giác thuộc về | Greater sense of belonging | create a sense of belonging |
Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| urban sprawl | noun phrase | /ˈɜːbən sprɔːl/ | sự phát triển đô thị lan tỏa | The phenomenon of urban sprawl | combat/reduce urban sprawl |
| automobile dependency | noun phrase | /ˈɔːtəməbiːl dɪˈpendənsi/ | sự phụ thuộc vào ô tô | Creates automobile dependency | reduce automobile dependency |
| compact urban areas | noun phrase | /kəmˈpækt ˈɜːbən ˈeəriəz/ | khu vực đô thị nhỏ gọn | Compared with compact urban areas | develop compact urban areas |
| hypertension | noun | /ˌhaɪpəˈtenʃən/ | tăng huyết áp | Higher rates of hypertension | suffer from hypertension |
| pedestrian infrastructure | noun phrase | /pəˈdestriən ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ | cơ sở hạ tầng cho người đi bộ | Lack basic pedestrian infrastructure | improve pedestrian infrastructure |
| particulate matter | noun phrase | /pɑːˈtɪkjʊlət ˈmætə(r)/ | bụi mịn | Elevated levels of particulate matter | reduce particulate matter |
| respiratory illnesses | noun phrase | /ˈrespərətri ˈɪlnəsɪz/ | bệnh về hô hấp | Increased rates of respiratory illnesses | prevent respiratory illnesses |
| life satisfaction | noun phrase | /laɪf ˌsætɪsˈfækʃən/ | sự hài lòng với cuộc sống | Reduced life satisfaction | improve life satisfaction |
| social isolation | noun phrase | /ˈsəʊʃəl ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃən/ | sự cô lập xã hội | The social isolation that accompanies | combat social isolation |
| smart growth | noun phrase | /smɑːt ɡrəʊθ/ | tăng trưởng thông minh | The concept of smart growth | implement smart growth |
| mixed-use neighborhoods | noun phrase | /mɪkst juːs ˈneɪbəhʊdz/ | khu vực đa chức năng | Emphasizing mixed-use neighborhoods | create mixed-use neighborhoods |
| transit-oriented development | noun phrase | /ˈtrænsɪt ˈɔːrientɪd dɪˈveləpmənt/ | phát triển định hướng giao thông công cộng | Implementation of transit-oriented development | promote transit-oriented development |
| zoning regulations | noun phrase | /ˈzəʊnɪŋ ˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃənz/ | quy định phân vùng | Zoning regulations can be modified | enforce zoning regulations |
| infill development | noun phrase | /ˈɪnfɪl dɪˈveləpmənt/ | phát triển lấp đầy (xây dựng trong khu vực trống) | Encourage infill development | support infill development |
| political will | noun phrase | /pəˈlɪtɪkəl wɪl/ | ý chí chính trị | Requires political will | demonstrate political will |
Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| epidemiological transition | noun phrase | /ˌepɪˌdiːmiəˈlɒdʒɪkəl trænˈzɪʃən/ | chuyển đổi dịch tễ học | The epidemiological transition | undergo epidemiological transition |
| non-communicable diseases | noun phrase | /nɒn kəˈmjuːnɪkəbl dɪˈziːzɪz/ | bệnh không lây nhiễm | Shift to non-communicable diseases | prevent non-communicable diseases |
| double burden of disease | noun phrase | /ˈdʌbl ˈbɜːdən əv dɪˈziːz/ | gánh nặng bệnh tật kép | Experiencing a double burden of disease | face double burden of disease |
| urban health advantage | noun phrase | /ˈɜːbən helθ ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/ | lợi thế sức khỏe đô thị | The urban health advantage | maintain urban health advantage |
| marginalized populations | noun phrase | /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪzd ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃənz/ | nhóm dân cư thiệt thòi | Particularly among marginalized populations | support marginalized populations |
| urban health penalty | noun phrase | /ˈɜːbən helθ ˈpenəlti/ | hình phạt sức khỏe đô thị | The urban health penalty manifests | offset urban health penalty |
| overcrowding | noun | /ˌəʊvəˈkraʊdɪŋ/ | tình trạng quá đông đúc | Overcrowding facilitates disease transmission | reduce overcrowding |
| respiratory pathogens | noun phrase | /ˈrespərətri ˈpæθədʒənz/ | mầm bệnh đường hô hấp | Novel respiratory pathogens | transmit respiratory pathogens |
| built environment | noun phrase | /bɪlt ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ | môi trường xây dựng | The built environment exerts influence | improve built environment |
| pedestrian-oriented features | noun phrase | /pəˈdestriən ˈɔːrientɪd ˈfiːtʃəz/ | đặc điểm định hướng người đi bộ | Designed with pedestrian-oriented features | incorporate pedestrian-oriented features |
| socioeconomic stratification | noun phrase | /ˌsəʊsiəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˌstrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ | phân tầng kinh tế xã hội | Socioeconomic stratification generates inequities | address socioeconomic stratification |
| intra-urban health inequalities | noun phrase | /ˈɪntrə ˈɜːbən helθ ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlətiz/ | bất bình đẳng sức khỏe nội đô | These intra-urban health inequalities | reduce intra-urban health inequalities |
| ambient air pollution | noun phrase | /ˈæmbiənt eə(r) pəˈluːʃən/ | ô nhiễm không khí xung quanh | Ambient air pollution causes deaths | combat ambient air pollution |
| psychological stress | noun phrase | /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl stres/ | căng thẳng tâm lý | Increased psychological stress | manage psychological stress |
| multi-sectoral approaches | noun phrase | /ˌmʌlti ˈsektərəl əˈprəʊtʃɪz/ | phương pháp đa ngành | Requires multi-sectoral approaches | adopt multi-sectoral approaches |
| Health in All Policies | noun phrase | /helθ ɪn ɔːl ˈpɒləsiz/ | Sức khỏe trong mọi chính sách | The concept of Health in All Policies | implement Health in All Policies |
| participatory governance | noun phrase | /pɑːˈtɪsɪpətri ˈɡʌvənəns/ | quản trị có sự tham gia | Emphasize participatory governance | promote participatory governance |
| digital equity | noun phrase | /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈekwəti/ | công bằng kỹ thuật số | Issues of digital equity | ensure digital equity |
Kết bài
Chủ đề về tác động của phát triển đô thị đến sức khỏe cộng đồng là một trong những chủ đề then chốt trong kỳ thi IELTS Reading, phản ánh những thách thức thực tế mà xã hội hiện đại đang phải đối mặt. Ba passages trong bài thi mẫu này đã cung cấp cho bạn một cái nhìn toàn diện từ cấp độ cơ bản đến nâng cao về mối quan hệ phức tạp giữa môi trường đô thị và sức khỏe con người.
Passage 1 giới thiệu những khái niệm cơ bản về không gian xanh và lợi ích sức khỏe, phù hợp cho học viên band 5.0-6.5. Passage 2 đi sâu vào phân tích urban sprawl và những tác động tiêu cực của nó, yêu cầu kỹ năng đọc hiểu ở mức độ 6.0-7.5. Cuối cùng, Passage 3 khám phá các khía cạnh học thuật phức tạp về chuyển đổi dịch tễ học và bất bình đẳng sức khỏe đô thị, thách thức học viên ở band 7.0-9.0.
Đáp án chi tiết kèm theo giải thích cụ thể đã chỉ ra cách xác định thông tin trong bài, kỹ thuật paraphrase và chiến lược làm bài cho từng dạng câu hỏi. Bảng từ vựng được biên soạn kỹ lưỡng với hơn 40 từ và cụm từ quan trọng sẽ giúp bạn không chỉ hiểu sâu hơn về chủ đề mà còn có thể áp dụng trong cả phần thi Writing và Speaking.
Hãy luyện tập bài thi mẫu này nhiều lần, chú ý đến thời gian và phân tích kỹ những câu trả lời sai để cải thiện. Đối với những ai quan tâm đến the role of cultural heritage in modern societies, bạn cũng sẽ thấy nhiều điểm tương đồng trong cách tiếp cận các chủ đề xã hội phức tạp. Chúc bạn luyện tập hiệu quả và đạt band điểm mục tiêu trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới.
[…] và tự tin hơn khi đối mặt với đề thi thật. Đối với những ai quan tâm đến Impact of urban development on public health, bài đọc này cũng cung cấp nhiều từ vựng và cấu trúc câu liên quan hữu […]