IELTS Reading: How To Manage Digital Overload - Đề Thi Mẫu Có đáp án Chi Tiết » IELTS.NET

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Trong thời đại công nghệ số phát triển vũ bão, vấn đề quá tải thông tin kỹ thuật số (digital overload) đang trở thành một chủ đề nóng hổi được đề cập nhiều trong các kỳ thi IELTS Reading gần đây. Chủ đề này thường xuất hiện với tần suất cao, đặc biệt trong các bài đọc thuộc nhóm Technology, Lifestyle và Social Issues. Theo thống kê từ Cambridge IELTS 15-19, các bài đọc về công nghệ và tác động của nó chiếm khoảng 25-30% tổng số đề thi.

Bài viết này cung cấp cho bạn một đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với 3 passages có độ khó tăng dần từ Easy đến Hard, hoàn toàn giống với format thi thật. Bạn sẽ được luyện tập với 40 câu hỏi đa dạng, bao gồm tất cả các dạng câu hỏi phổ biến như Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, và nhiều dạng khác. Mỗi câu hỏi đều có đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích cụ thể về vị trí thông tin trong bài và cách paraphrase.

Đề thi này phù hợp cho học viên từ band 5.0 trở lên, giúp bạn làm quen với chủ đề “How To Manage Digital Overload” – một chủ đề cực kỳ thiết thực và dễ gặp trong kỳ thi IELTS thực tế. Ngoài việc luyện tập kỹ năng làm bài, bạn còn được trang bị một lượng từ vựng phong phú và các cấu trúc ngữ pháp nâng cao liên quan đến chủ đề công nghệ và cuộc sống hiện đại.

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 dài khoảng 700-1000 từ và độ khó tăng dần. Điểm số được tính dựa trên số câu trả lời đúng, không bị trừ điểm khi sai.

Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:

Passage 1: 15-17 phút (độ khó thấp, câu hỏi trực tiếp)
Passage 2: 18-20 phút (độ khó trung bình, yêu cầu suy luận)
Passage 3: 23-25 phút (độ khó cao, nội dung học thuật phức tạp)

Lưu ý: Không có thời gian chuyển đáp án riêng trong IELTS Reading (khác với IELTS Listening), vì vậy bạn cần viết đáp án trực tiếp vào Answer Sheet trong thời gian 60 phút.

Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này

Đề thi mẫu này bao gồm 8 dạng câu hỏi phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Reading:

Multiple Choice – Câu hỏi trắc nghiệm nhiều lựa chọn
True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng/sai/không được đề cập
Matching Information – Nối thông tin với đoạn văn tương ứng
Sentence Completion – Hoàn thành câu với từ trong bài
Matching Headings – Nối tiêu đề với đoạn văn
Summary Completion – Điền từ vào đoạn tóm tắt
Matching Features – Nối đặc điểm với đối tượng
Short-answer Questions – Trả lời ngắn từ thông tin trong bài

Mỗi dạng câu hỏi yêu cầu kỹ năng đọc hiểu khác nhau, từ scanning (tìm kiếm thông tin cụ thể) đến skimming (nắm ý chính) và detailed reading (đọc kỹ để phân tích).

2. IELTS Reading Practice Test

PASSAGE 1 – The Digital Age and Information Overwhelm

Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)

Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút

In the modern world, we are constantly bombarded with information from various digital sources. From social media notifications to work emails, news alerts to messaging apps, the average person is exposed to more information in a single day than someone living a century ago would encounter in their entire lifetime. This phenomenon, known as digital overload or information overload, has become one of the most significant challenges of the 21st century.

Digital overload occurs when the amount of input to a system exceeds its processing capacity. In human terms, this means we receive more information than we can effectively process, leading to stress, reduced productivity, and decision fatigue. A study conducted by the University of California found that office workers are interrupted or switch tasks approximately every three minutes, and it takes an average of 23 minutes to return to the original task. This constant switching between different digital platforms and information sources creates what researchers call “continuous partial attention” – a state where we are never fully focused on any single task.

The sources of digital overload are numerous and ever-increasing. Smartphones have become the primary gateway through which this flood of information enters our lives. The average smartphone user checks their device 96 times per day, according to recent research. Each check potentially exposes them to dozens of notifications, messages, and updates. Social media platforms are particularly problematic, as they are designed to capture and hold our attention through algorithmic feeds that continuously serve new content. These platforms employ teams of engineers and psychologists who work to make their apps as addictive as possible, using techniques borrowed from the gambling industry.

Email represents another major source of digital overload for many people, especially those in professional environments. The typical office worker receives around 120 emails per day, and many feel pressured to respond quickly to maintain productivity and professional relationships. This creates a cycle where individuals become slaves to their inbox, constantly checking for new messages and feeling anxious when away from their email for extended periods. The expectation of instant availability has extended beyond working hours, with many employees feeling obligated to respond to work communications during evenings, weekends, and even holidays.

The consequences of digital overload extend beyond mere inconvenience. Research has linked excessive digital consumption to various health problems, including sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and decreased cognitive performance. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Many people report using their devices in bed, which further disrupts their sleep patterns. Mental health professionals have observed an increase in technology-related anxiety, with some individuals experiencing phantom vibration syndrome – the sensation that their phone is vibrating when it is not.

Furthermore, digital overload affects our ability to engage in deep work – focused, undistracted time spent on cognitively demanding tasks. Cal Newport, a computer science professor and author, argues that the ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare and therefore increasingly valuable in the modern economy. However, the constant interruptions from digital devices make it extremely difficult to achieve the sustained concentration necessary for this type of work. Instead, we become accustomed to shallow work – tasks that can be performed while distracted, which are generally less valuable and fulfilling.

The impact on personal relationships is also significant. Many families report that digital devices create barriers to meaningful interaction, with family members physically present but mentally absent, absorbed in their individual screens. The term “phubbing” – snubbing someone in favor of your phone – has entered common usage to describe this increasingly common behavior. Children are particularly affected, with studies showing that excessive screen time can impact their social development and academic performance.

Despite these challenges, technology is not inherently negative, and complete digital detox is neither practical nor necessary for most people. The key lies in developing strategies to manage our digital consumption effectively. Understanding the problem is the first step toward finding solutions that allow us to harness the benefits of digital technology while minimizing its negative impacts on our lives.

Questions 1-13

Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

According to the passage, digital overload happens when:
- A) People use too many different devices
- B) The information received exceeds processing ability
- C) Technology becomes too complicated
- D) Social media platforms become too popular
The University of California study found that office workers:
- A) Work more efficiently with multiple tasks
- B) Prefer digital communication to face-to-face interaction
- C) Are interrupted approximately every three minutes
- D) Spend most of their time on social media
How many times does the average smartphone user check their device daily?
- A) 23 times
- B) 96 times
- C) 120 times
- D) The passage doesn’t specify
According to the passage, social media platforms are designed to:
- A) Improve productivity
- B) Connect people globally
- C) Capture and hold attention
- D) Reduce information overload
The term “phubbing” refers to:
- A) Using your phone while walking
- B) Ignoring someone to look at your phone
- C) Excessive phone usage at work
- D) Checking emails during meetings

Questions 6-9: True/False/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information 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

Modern people receive more information in one day than people a century ago received in their lifetime.
Most smartphone notifications come from social media platforms.
Office workers receive approximately 120 emails per day.
Children who use screens excessively perform better academically than those who don’t.

Questions 10-13: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

The state of never being fully focused on one task is called __.
Many employees feel they must be available __ even outside normal working hours.
Blue light from screens disrupts the production of __, affecting sleep.
Cal Newport argues that __ is becoming more valuable in the modern economy.

PASSAGE 2 – Strategies for Managing Digital Consumption

Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)

Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút

As awareness of digital overload grows, both individuals and organizations are beginning to implement strategies to combat its negative effects. These approaches range from simple behavioral modifications to more comprehensive lifestyle changes, and from personal initiatives to company-wide policies. The effectiveness of these strategies varies, but research suggests that a combination of techniques, tailored to individual circumstances, yields the best results.

A. Time-Blocking and Scheduled Connectivity

One of the most effective strategies for managing digital overload involves establishing designated time periods for checking digital communications. Rather than responding to notifications as they arrive, individuals allocate specific blocks of time for email, social media, and other digital activities. This approach, sometimes called “batching,” reduces the cognitive load associated with constant task-switching and allows for more sustained focus on important work. For instance, a professional might check email only three times per day – morning, midday, and late afternoon – rather than maintaining constant availability. During the intervening periods, notification alerts are silenced or disabled entirely, creating protected time for concentrated work.

The implementation of this strategy requires discipline and often necessitates managing others’ expectations. Colleagues, clients, and friends accustomed to immediate responses may need to be informed of new communication boundaries. However, research from the Harvard Business Review indicates that most people significantly overestimate how quickly others expect them to respond to non-urgent messages. In reality, a delay of several hours in responding to routine communications is generally acceptable in professional contexts, and setting these boundaries can actually increase perceived professionalism and organizational skills.

B. Digital Minimalism and Conscious Technology Use

Digital minimalism, a philosophy popularized by author Cal Newport, advocates for a more intentional approach to technology adoption. Rather than automatically embracing every new app, platform, or device, digital minimalists carefully evaluate whether each technology serves their values and goals. This philosophy recognizes that technology is not neutral – each platform we use shapes our behavior, attention, and ultimately our lives in subtle but significant ways.

Implementing digital minimalism often begins with a comprehensive audit of current technology use. Individuals track which apps and services they use, how much time they spend on each, and whether this usage aligns with their priorities. Many are surprised to discover that they spend hours on activities that provide little genuine value or satisfaction. Following this audit, digital minimalists engage in a decluttering process, removing apps and services that don’t meet a high bar for usefulness. Some go further, implementing a digital declutter – a period of 30 days during which they abstain from optional technologies entirely, then thoughtfully reintroduce only those that prove genuinely valuable.

C. Environmental and Device Management

The physical and digital environments we create significantly influence our susceptibility to digital overload. Environmental design – arranging our surroundings to support desired behaviors – can be a powerful tool for managing technology use. Simple modifications, such as keeping smartphones in another room during sleep or removing social media apps from phones while keeping them accessible on computers, create friction that makes mindless usage less likely.

The concept of “single-purpose devices” has gained traction among those seeking to reduce digital overload. Rather than using a smartphone for reading, some individuals prefer dedicated e-readers that lack internet connectivity and notification capabilities. Similarly, some writers use distraction-free writing devices that perform only text editing functions, without the temptation of web browsing or other applications. These devices leverage the principle that limitations can enhance focus and creativity by removing options that, while appealing in the moment, ultimately distract from meaningful work.

Notification management represents another crucial aspect of environmental control. Modern operating systems offer sophisticated tools for controlling when and how apps can demand attention. Taking time to configure these settings thoughtfully – determining which notifications genuinely deserve immediate attention versus those that can wait – dramatically reduces interruptions. Some experts recommend enabling notifications only for direct communications from actual people (messages, calls) while disabling them for everything else (news, social media, promotional emails).

D. Organizational Approaches and Cultural Change

While individual strategies are important, organizational culture plays a significant role in either exacerbating or alleviating digital overload. Progressive companies are recognizing that always-on connectivity reduces employee wellbeing and productivity, and are implementing policies to address this. Some organizations have established “email-free Fridays” or designated certain hours as “communication blackout periods” when employees are not expected to respond to non-urgent messages.

More ambitiously, some companies are redesigning their communication norms entirely. The software company Basecamp, for instance, has built its culture around asynchronous communication – the principle that most workplace communication does not require immediate responses. By defaulting to written communication with expected response times of hours or days rather than minutes, they’ve created an environment where employees can achieve sustained focus without constant interruption. Their experience suggests that very few workplace matters truly require real-time coordination, and that the assumption of necessary immediacy is often cultural rather than functional.

Several European countries have gone further, implementing “right to disconnect” legislation that prohibits employers from expecting employees to respond to work communications outside designated working hours. While such legal frameworks remain controversial and are not universally applicable, they represent recognition at a societal level that unchecked digital connectivity can be harmful to worker welfare and work-life balance.

E. Mindfulness and Metacognitive Strategies

Beyond practical techniques, developing metacognitive awareness – the ability to observe and understand one’s own thought patterns and behaviors – provides a foundation for managing digital consumption. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, train individuals to notice when their attention has been captured and to make conscious choices about where to direct it, rather than reflexively following every digital stimulus.

Regular reflection practices also support more intentional technology use. Taking time to periodically assess whether current digital habits align with long-term goals helps individuals make course corrections before problematic patterns become deeply entrenched. Some people maintain usage journals, recording their technology use and its effects on mood, productivity, and relationships. This data provides concrete feedback that can motivate behavioral change more effectively than abstract concerns about digital overload.

Chiến lược quản lý thông tin kỹ thuật số hiệu quả cho thời đại công nghệ

Questions 14-26

Questions 14-18: Yes/No/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in the passage?

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

Most people expect faster responses to messages than is actually necessary.
Digital minimalism requires completely avoiding all modern technology.
Single-purpose devices can help reduce distractions by limiting functionality.
Basecamp is the most successful software company using asynchronous communication.
Mindfulness meditation has been proven to completely eliminate digital addiction.

Questions 19-23: Matching Headings

The passage has five sections, A-E.

Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.

Write the correct number, i-viii.

List of Headings:
i. Legal frameworks for digital wellbeing
ii. Scheduling specific times for digital activities
iii. The role of self-awareness in technology management
iv. Eliminating all technology from daily life
v. Company policies to reduce digital overload
vi. Simplifying technology choices deliberately
vii. Physical arrangements to limit technology access
viii. Government control of social media platforms

Section A ___
Section B ___
Section C ___
Section D ___
Section E ___

Questions 24-26: Summary Completion

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Digital minimalism involves a careful evaluation of technology to ensure it serves personal values. The process typically begins with a (24) __ of current technology use, followed by a (25) __ where unnecessary apps and services are removed. Some people practice a period of abstaining from optional technologies for 30 days, which is known as a (26) __.

PASSAGE 3 – The Neuroscience of Digital Overload and Cognitive Implications

Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)

Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút

The ubiquity of digital technology in contemporary life has created an unprecedented experiment in human cognition and behavior, the long-term consequences of which are only beginning to be understood. Neuroscientific research is revealing that our brains respond to digital stimuli in ways that can fundamentally alter cognitive functioning, attention capacity, and even the physical structure of neural networks. These findings have profound implications not only for individual wellbeing but also for societal concerns ranging from educational outcomes to workplace productivity and democratic discourse.

The Neurochemistry of Digital Engagement

At the neurochemical level, digital interactions trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward-seeking behavior and pleasure. Each notification, message, or piece of novel information provides a small dopamine hit, creating a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule similar to that employed by slot machines. This type of reinforcement schedule is among the most powerful for establishing and maintaining behavioral patterns, as the unpredictability of rewards creates a compulsive checking behavior. The brain essentially becomes conditioned to seek these digital rewards, and over time, the dopaminergic pathways associated with this behavior become strengthened through a process known as neuroplasticity.

Significantly, research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has demonstrated that these digital rewards activate the same neural circuits involved in substance addiction, particularly in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. While debate continues about whether “technology addiction” constitutes a clinical disorder analogous to substance use disorders, the neurological parallels are striking. Furthermore, as with other forms of addiction, tolerance can develop – individuals require increasingly frequent engagement with digital devices to achieve the same level of satisfaction, while experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and restlessness when separated from their devices.

Attention, Working Memory, and Cognitive Control

The impact of chronic digital multitasking on executive functions – high-level cognitive processes including attention control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility – represents a critical area of concern. Contrary to popular belief, the human brain is not well-designed for multitasking; what we perceive as simultaneous processing is actually rapid task-switching, which carries significant cognitive costs. Research by cognitive neuroscientist Earl Miller at MIT has shown that switching between tasks requires the prefrontal cortex to work overtime to reorganize neural resources, resulting in decreased efficiency and increased error rates.

Longitudinal studies tracking heavy technology users over time have documented measurable changes in attention span and concentration capacity. A study published in Nature following thousands of participants over several years found that those with higher levels of digital media multitasking showed decreased attentional control and were more susceptible to distraction. Particularly concerning is evidence from neurodevelopmental research suggesting that childhood and adolescence – periods of critical brain development – may represent windows of heightened vulnerability to these effects. The prefrontal cortex, which governs executive function and impulse control, continues developing into the mid-20s, and excessive digital stimulation during this period may interfere with its maturation.

Working memory, the cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information, appears particularly susceptible to digital overload. When individuals attempt to process multiple streams of digital information simultaneously, working memory becomes overwhelmed, resulting in decreased comprehension and retention. Moreover, research suggests that the cognitive load imposed by constant digital interruptions can persist even after the interruption has ended – the mind continues processing the interrupted task or anticipating the next interruption, preventing full engagement with subsequent activities. This phenomenon, termed “attention residue” by organizational behavior researcher Sophie Leroy, helps explain why even brief digital interruptions can have disproportionate impacts on cognitive performance.

Structural Brain Changes and Neural Reorganization

Perhaps most provocatively, emerging evidence suggests that sustained patterns of digital consumption may induce structural changes in brain anatomy. Neuroimaging studies have identified correlations between heavy internet use and alterations in gray matter volume in regions associated with attention, decision-making, and cognitive control. While correlation does not establish causation, and these findings remain preliminary, they raise the possibility that our extensive engagement with digital technology may be literally reshaping our brains.

The concept of “cognitive offloading” – the tendency to rely on external devices to store information rather than committing it to memory – has particular relevance here. While cognitive offloading is not inherently problematic and has characterized human tool use throughout history (from written language to calculators), the unprecedented extent and ease of digital offloading may be producing qualitative changes in cognitive functioning. Psychologist Betsy Sparrow and colleagues demonstrated what they termed the “Google effect”: when people expect to have future access to information, they exhibit poorer memory for the information itself but enhanced memory for where to find it. This represents a fundamental shift in memory strategy, with potentially wide-ranging implications for education and knowledge retention.

Furthermore, neuroscientist Susan Greenfield has hypothesized that the fragmented, fast-paced nature of digital information consumption may be inhibiting the development of narrative thinking and sequential reasoning – cognitive capacities that require sustained attention to develop fully. While her claims remain controversial and difficult to test empirically, they highlight important questions about how digital media consumption patterns might shape not just what we think about but how we think.

Implications for Cognitive Development and Education

The educational sector faces particularly acute challenges in navigating digital overload. While technology offers tremendous potential for pedagogical innovation and access to information, its distracting properties can undermine the very learning processes it aims to support. Research consistently demonstrates that students who use laptops or tablets for note-taking in lectures retain less information than those who take handwritten notes, apparently because the ease of verbatim transcription reduces cognitive processing during the lecture. Similarly, studies of reading comprehension show superior performance when information is read in print rather than on screens, possibly due to the tactile and spatial cues provided by physical books or the greater susceptibility to distraction when reading digitally.

The phenomenon of “continuous partial attention,” where individuals maintain awareness of multiple information streams without deeply engaging with any, may be particularly problematic for education. Deep learning requires what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi termed “flow states” – periods of intense focus and cognitive engagement. Yet the constant availability of digital alternatives and interruptions makes achieving and maintaining flow increasingly difficult, particularly for young people who have never experienced an alternative information environment.

Adaptive Strategies and Cognitive Resilience

Despite these concerns, the picture is not entirely pessimistic. The same neuroplasticity that allows digital technology to reshape our brains can also facilitate recovery and adaptation. Studies of digital detox interventions show that even relatively brief periods of reduced technology use can produce measurable improvements in attention, mood, and sleep quality. Moreover, deliberate cognitive training – practices designed to strengthen attention control and resist distraction – has shown promise in building resilience to digital overload.

The emerging field of “cognitive ergonomics” seeks to design digital interfaces and workflows that align with human cognitive capacities rather than exceeding them. This includes principles such as minimizing unnecessary notifications, designing for focused attention rather than maximal engagement, and building in natural breakpoints that allow for cognitive recovery. As awareness of digital overload’s cognitive impacts grows, we may see a shift from the current attention economy – where success is measured by time-on-platform – toward more sustainable models that prioritize user wellbeing alongside engagement.

Ultimately, successfully navigating the digital age requires not merely technological solutions but metacognitive awareness – understanding our own cognitive vulnerabilities and actively managing our digital consumption accordingly. The neurological evidence makes clear that our brains are not naturally equipped to handle the unprecedented information density of modern digital life, but this recognition itself represents a crucial first step toward developing more adaptive relationships with technology.

Tác động của quá tải kỹ thuật số lên não bộ và khả năng nhận thức

Questions 27-40

Questions 27-31: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

According to the passage, variable-ratio reinforcement schedules are effective because:
- A) They provide consistent rewards
- B) The unpredictability creates compulsive behavior
- C) They are used in educational settings
- D) They reduce dopamine production
What does fMRI research reveal about digital rewards?
- A) They only affect the prefrontal cortex
- B) They have no long-term effects
- C) They activate similar circuits as substance addiction
- D) They improve cognitive function
According to Earl Miller’s research, task-switching:
- A) Improves multitasking abilities over time
- B) Requires the prefrontal cortex to reorganize neural resources
- C) Has no impact on error rates
- D) Is natural for the human brain
The “Google effect” refers to:
- A) Improved overall memory capacity
- B) Better memory for information when access is expected
- C) Poorer memory for information but better memory for its location
- D) Complete inability to remember information
Students using laptops for note-taking retain less information because:
- A) Laptops are too heavy to carry
- B) Easy verbatim transcription reduces cognitive processing
- C) Screens are too bright
- D) Keyboards are uncomfortable

Questions 32-36: Matching Features

Match each researcher (32-36) with their correct finding or theory (A-H).

Write the correct letter, A-H.

Researchers:
32. Earl Miller
33. Sophie Leroy
34. Betsy Sparrow
35. Susan Greenfield
36. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Findings/Theories:

A) Flow states are necessary for deep learning
B) Fragmented digital consumption may inhibit narrative thinking
C) Task-switching requires significant cognitive effort
D) Digital devices improve memory capacity
E) The “Google effect” changes memory strategies
F) Attention residue persists after interruptions
G) Social media improves concentration
H) Technology has no effect on brain structure

Questions 37-40: Short-answer Questions

Answer the questions below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.

What type of imaging technology has been used to study digital rewards in the brain?
Which brain region continues developing until the mid-20s?
What term describes relying on external devices to store information?
What does the field of cognitive ergonomics aim to align digital design with?

3. Answer Keys – Đáp Án

PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13

B
C
B
C
B
TRUE
NOT GIVEN
TRUE
FALSE
continuous partial attention
instantly available (hoặc instant availability)
melatonin
deep work

PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26

NO
NO
YES
NOT GIVEN
NO
ii
vi
vii
v
iii
comprehensive audit
decluttering process
digital declutter

PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40

B
C
B
C
B
C
F
E
B
A
functional magnetic resonance imaging (hoặc fMRI)
prefrontal cortex
cognitive offloading
human cognitive capacities

4. Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Passage 1 – Giải Thích

Câu 1: B

Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
Từ khóa: digital overload, happens when
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1-3
Giải thích: Bài đọc nói rõ “Digital overload occurs when the amount of input to a system exceeds its processing capacity.” Đây là paraphrase trực tiếp cho đáp án B “The information received exceeds processing ability.”

Câu 2: C

Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
Từ khóa: University of California study, office workers
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 4-6
Giải thích: Câu trong bài: “office workers are interrupted or switch tasks approximately every three minutes” khớp chính xác với đáp án C.

Câu 3: B

Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
Từ khóa: average smartphone user, check device daily
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 3-4
Giải thích: “The average smartphone user checks their device 96 times per day” – thông tin rất cụ thể, dễ tìm.

Câu 6: TRUE

Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
Từ khóa: modern people, information, one day, century ago, lifetime
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 2-4
Giải thích: Bài viết khẳng định “the average person is exposed to more information in a single day than someone living a century ago would encounter in their entire lifetime” – hoàn toàn trùng khớp với statement.

Câu 8: TRUE

Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
Từ khóa: office workers, 120 emails per day
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 2-3
Giải thích: “The typical office worker receives around 120 emails per day” – thông tin trùng khớp chính xác.

Câu 10: continuous partial attention

Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
Từ khóa: state, never fully focused, one task
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng cuối
Giải thích: Cụm từ được định nghĩa rõ ràng trong bài: “continuous partial attention – a state where we are never fully focused on any single task.”

Câu 13: deep work

Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
Từ khóa: Cal Newport, valuable, modern economy
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 2-4
Giải thích: Cal Newport được trích dẫn nói về “deep work” và khẳng định nó “becoming increasingly rare and therefore increasingly valuable in the modern economy.”

Passage 2 – Giải Thích

Câu 14: NO

Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
Từ khóa: most people, expect faster responses
Vị trí trong bài: Section A, đoạn 2, dòng 3-5
Giải thích: Bài viết nói “most people significantly overestimate how quickly others expect them to respond” – nghĩa là họ nghĩ người khác muốn phản hồi nhanh hơn thực tế, điều này mâu thuẫn với statement.

Câu 15: NO

Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
Từ khóa: digital minimalism, completely avoiding, all modern technology
Vị trí trong bài: Section B, đoạn 1
Giải thích: Digital minimalism là “a more intentional approach” không phải “completely avoiding.” Bài nói về “carefully evaluate” technology chứ không phải tránh hoàn toàn.

Câu 16: YES

Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
Từ khóa: single-purpose devices, reduce distractions, limiting functionality
Vị trí trong bài: Section C, đoạn 2
Giải thích: Bài viết giải thích rõ “These devices leverage the principle that limitations can enhance focus and creativity by removing options that… ultimately distract from meaningful work.”

Câu 19: ii (Section A)

Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
Giải thích: Section A nói về “Time-Blocking and Scheduled Connectivity” – việc lên lịch thời gian cụ thể để check email và digital communications, khớp với heading “Scheduling specific times for digital activities.”

Câu 20: vi (Section B)

Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
Giải thích: Section B về “Digital Minimalism” – “carefully evaluate whether each technology serves their values” và “decluttering process” khớp với heading “Simplifying technology choices deliberately.”

Câu 24: comprehensive audit

Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
Từ khóa: begins with, current technology use
Vị trí trong bài: Section B, đoạn 2, dòng 1-2
Giải thích: “Implementing digital minimalism often begins with a comprehensive audit of current technology use.”

Câu 25: decluttering process

Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
Từ khóa: followed by, removing apps
Vị trí trong bài: Section B, đoạn 2, dòng 4-5
Giải thích: “digital minimalists engage in a decluttering process, removing apps and services…”

Passage 3 – Giải Thích

Câu 27: B

Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
Từ khóa: variable-ratio reinforcement schedules, effective
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 3-5
Giải thích: “This type of reinforcement schedule is among the most powerful… as the unpredictability of rewards creates a compulsive checking behavior.”

Câu 28: C

Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
Từ khóa: fMRI research, digital rewards
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 1-3
Giải thích: “research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has demonstrated that these digital rewards activate the same neural circuits involved in substance addiction.”

Câu 29: B

Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
Từ khóa: Earl Miller, task-switching
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 4-6
Giải thích: “Research by cognitive neuroscientist Earl Miller at MIT has shown that switching between tasks requires the prefrontal cortex to work overtime to reorganize neural resources.”

Câu 32: C (Earl Miller)

Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
Giải thích: Earl Miller được nhắc đến với nghiên cứu về task-switching yêu cầu “prefrontal cortex to work overtime to reorganize neural resources” – khớp với finding C.

Câu 33: F (Sophie Leroy)

Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
Giải thích: Sophie Leroy được credit cho khái niệm “attention residue” – sự tồn đọng chú ý sau khi bị gián đoạn.

Câu 37: functional magnetic resonance imaging (hoặc fMRI)

Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer
Từ khóa: imaging technology, study digital rewards, brain
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 1
Giải thích: “research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)” – tên đầy đủ hoặc viết tắt đều được chấp nhận.

Câu 38: prefrontal cortex

Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer
Từ khóa: brain region, continues developing, mid-20s
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 4-5
Giải thích: “The prefrontal cortex… continues developing into the mid-20s.”

Câu 40: human cognitive capacities

Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer
Từ khóa: cognitive ergonomics, align digital design
Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn cuối, section về Adaptive Strategies
Giải thích: “cognitive ergonomics seeks to design digital interfaces and workflows that align with human cognitive capacities.”

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
bombarded	v	/bɒmˈbɑːdɪd/	bị tấn công liên tục, bị dội bom	“we are constantly bombarded with information”	be bombarded with
processing capacity	n	/ˈprəʊsesɪŋ kəˈpæsəti/	khả năng xử lý	“exceeds its processing capacity”	exceed processing capacity
decision fatigue	n	/dɪˈsɪʒən fəˈtiːɡ/	mệt mỏi trong ra quyết định	“leading to stress, reduced productivity, and decision fatigue”	suffer from decision fatigue
algorithmic feeds	n	/ˌælɡəˈrɪðmɪk fiːdz/	nguồn cấp dữ liệu theo thuật toán	“through algorithmic feeds that continuously serve new content”	algorithmic feeds serve content
addictive	adj	/əˈdɪktɪv/	gây nghiện	“make their apps as addictive as possible”	highly addictive, potentially addictive
slaves to their inbox	phrase	/sleɪvz tuː ðeər ˈɪnbɒks/	nô lệ cho hộp thư	“become slaves to their inbox”	become/be slaves to
instant availability	n	/ˈɪnstənt əˌveɪləˈbɪləti/	sự có mặt tức thì	“expectation of instant availability”	demand instant availability
sleep disorders	n	/sliːp dɪsˈɔːdəz/	rối loạn giấc ngủ	“linked to various health problems, including sleep disorders”	suffer from sleep disorders
melatonin production	n	/ˌmeləˈtəʊnɪn prəˈdʌkʃən/	sản xuất melatonin	“interferes with melatonin production”	disrupt melatonin production
phantom vibration syndrome	n	/ˈfæntəm vaɪˈbreɪʃən ˈsɪndrəʊm/	hội chứng rung ảo	“experiencing phantom vibration syndrome”	suffer from phantom vibration syndrome
deep work	n	/diːp wɜːk/	công việc chuyên sâu	“engage in deep work”	perform deep work, engage in deep work
sustained concentration	n	/səˈsteɪnd ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən/	sự tập trung kéo dài	“achieve the sustained concentration necessary”	require sustained concentration

Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary

Từ vựng	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ từ bài	Collocation
company-wide policies	n	/ˈkʌmpəni waɪd ˈpɒləsiz/	chính sách toàn công ty	“from personal initiatives to company-wide policies”	implement company-wide policies
designated time periods	n	/ˈdezɪɡneɪtɪd taɪm ˈpɪəriədz/	các khoảng thời gian được chỉ định	“establishing designated time periods for checking”	establish designated time periods
cognitive load	n	/ˈkɒɡnətɪv ləʊd/	tải nhận thức	“reduces the cognitive load associated with”	reduce/increase cognitive load
comprehensive audit	n	/ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv ˈɔːdɪt/	kiểm toán toàn diện	“begins with a comprehensive audit”	conduct a comprehensive audit
decluttering process	n	/diːˈklʌtərɪŋ ˈprəʊses/	quá trình dọn dẹp, sắp xếp	“engage in a decluttering process”	undergo a decluttering process
digital declutter	n	/ˈdɪdʒɪtl diːˈklʌtə/	dọn dẹp kỹ thuật số	“implementing a digital declutter”	implement a digital declutter
environmental design	n	/ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl dɪˈzaɪn/	thiết kế môi trường	“Environmental design – arranging our surroundings”	use environmental design
single-purpose devices	n	/ˈsɪŋɡl ˈpɜːpəs dɪˈvaɪsɪz/	thiết bị đơn chức năng	“The concept of single-purpose devices”	use single-purpose devices
notification management	n	/ˌnəʊtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ˈmænɪdʒmənt/	quản lý thông báo	“Notification management represents another crucial aspect”	effective notification management
asynchronous communication	n	/eɪˈsɪŋkrənəs kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən/	giao tiếp không đồng bộ	“built its culture around asynchronous communication”	adopt asynchronous communication
real-time coordination	n	/ˈrɪəl taɪm kəʊˌɔːdɪˈneɪʃən/	phối hợp thời gian thực	“few workplace matters truly require real-time coordination”	require real-time coordination
right to disconnect	n	/raɪt tuː ˌdɪskəˈnekt/	quyền được ngắt kết nối	“right to disconnect legislation”	implement right to disconnect
work-life balance	n	/wɜːk laɪf ˈbæləns/	cân bằng công việc-cuộc sống	“harmful to worker welfare and work-life balance”	maintain work-life balance
metacognitive awareness	n	/ˌmetəˈkɒɡnətɪv əˈweənəs/	nhận thức siêu nhận thức	“developing metacognitive awareness”	develop metacognitive awareness
usage journals	n	/ˈjuːsɪdʒ ˈdʒɜːnlz/	nhật ký sử dụng	“Some people maintain usage journals”	maintain usage journals

Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary

Từ vựng	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ từ bài	Collocation
ubiquity	n	/juːˈbɪkwəti/	sự có mặt khắp nơi	“The ubiquity of digital technology”	the ubiquity of technology
neurotransmitter	n	/ˌnjʊərəʊtrænzˈmɪtə/	chất dẫn truyền thần kinh	“dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with”	release neurotransmitters
variable-ratio reinforcement	n	/ˈveəriəbl ˈreɪʃiəʊ ˌriːɪnˈfɔːsmənt/	củng cố tỷ lệ biến đổi	“variable-ratio reinforcement schedule”	employ variable-ratio reinforcement
dopaminergic pathways	n	/ˌdəʊpəmɪˈnɜːdʒɪk ˈpɑːθweɪz/	đường dẫn dopamin	“the dopaminergic pathways associated with”	strengthen dopaminergic pathways
neuroplasticity	n	/ˌnjʊərəʊplæˈstɪsəti/	tính dẻo thần kinh	“through a process known as neuroplasticity”	demonstrate neuroplasticity
functional magnetic resonance imaging	n	/ˈfʌŋkʃənl mæɡˈnetɪk ˈrezənəns ˈɪmɪdʒɪŋ/	chụp cộng hưởng từ chức năng	“using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)”	conduct fMRI research
nucleus accumbens	n	/ˈnjuːkliəs əˈkʌmbənz/	nhân accumbens (vùng não)	“particularly in the nucleus accumbens”	activate the nucleus accumbens
withdrawal symptoms	n	/wɪðˈdrɔːəl ˈsɪmptəmz/	triệu chứng cai nghiện	“experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety”	suffer withdrawal symptoms
executive functions	n	/ɪɡˈzekjʊtɪv ˈfʌŋkʃənz/	chức năng điều hành	“impact on executive functions”	impair executive functions
task-switching	n	/tɑːsk ˈswɪtʃɪŋ/	chuyển đổi nhiệm vụ	“what we perceive as simultaneous processing is actually rapid task-switching”	frequent task-switching
prefrontal cortex	n	/ˌpriːˈfrʌntl ˈkɔːteks/	vỏ não trước trán	“requires the prefrontal cortex to work overtime”	activate the prefrontal cortex
attentional control	n	/əˈtenʃənl kənˈtrəʊl/	kiểm soát chú ý	“showed decreased attentional control”	improve attentional control
neurodevelopmental research	n	/ˌnjʊərəʊdɪˌveləpˈmentl rɪˈsɜːtʃ/	nghiên cứu phát triển thần kinh	“evidence from neurodevelopmental research”	conduct neurodevelopmental research
cognitive load	n	/ˈkɒɡnətɪv ləʊd/	tải nhận thức	“the cognitive load imposed by constant digital interruptions”	increase cognitive load
attention residue	n	/əˈtenʃən ˈrezɪdjuː/	sự tồn đọng chú ý	“termed attention residue by organizational behavior researcher”	reduce attention residue
neuroimaging studies	n	/ˌnjʊərəʊˈɪmɪdʒɪŋ ˈstʌdiz/	nghiên cứu chụp ảnh thần kinh	“Neuroimaging studies have identified correlations”	conduct neuroimaging studies
gray matter volume	n	/ɡreɪ ˈmætə ˈvɒljuːm/	thể tích chất xám	“alterations in gray matter volume”	measure gray matter volume
cognitive offloading	n	/ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˌɒfˈləʊdɪŋ/	giảm tải nhận thức	“The concept of cognitive offloading”	practice cognitive offloading
narrative thinking	n	/ˈnærətɪv ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/	tư duy tường thuật	“inhibiting the development of narrative thinking”	develop narrative thinking
sequential reasoning	n	/sɪˈkwenʃəl ˈriːzənɪŋ/	suy luận tuần tự	“narrative thinking and sequential reasoning”	improve sequential reasoning
pedagogical innovation	n	/ˌpedəˈɡɒdʒɪkl ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/	đổi mới sư phạm	“offers tremendous potential for pedagogical innovation”	drive pedagogical innovation
flow states	n	/fləʊ steɪts/	trạng thái dòng chảy	“achieving and maintaining flow”	enter flow states
cognitive ergonomics	n	/ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˌɜːɡəˈnɒmɪks/	công thái học nhận thức	“The emerging field of cognitive ergonomics”	apply cognitive ergonomics
attention economy	n	/əˈtenʃən iˈkɒnəmi/	nền kinh tế chú ý	“shift from the current attention economy”	the attention economy model

Từ vựng IELTS Reading về quản lý quá tải kỹ thuật số hiệu quả

Kết bài

Chủ đề “How to manage digital overload” không chỉ là một trong những chủ đề nóng trong các kỳ thi IELTS Reading hiện nay mà còn là một kỹ năng sống thiết yếu trong thời đại công nghệ số. Qua bộ đề thi mẫu hoàn chỉnh này, bạn đã được trải nghiệm với ba passages có độ khó tăng dần – từ những thông tin cơ bản về digital overload, đến các chiến lược quản lý thực tiễn, và cuối cùng là những hiểu biết sâu sắc về khía cạnh thần kinh học.

Ba passages trong đề thi này đã cung cấp đầy đủ các độ khó từ Easy (Band 5.0-6.5), Medium (Band 6.0-7.5) đến Hard (Band 7.0-9.0), giúp bạn làm quen với format thi thật và rèn luyện kỹ năng đọc hiểu một cách bài bản. Với 40 câu hỏi đa dạng bao gồm 8 dạng câu hỏi phổ biến nhất, bạn đã có cơ hội thực hành toàn diện các kỹ thuật làm bài IELTS Reading.

Phần đáp án chi tiết không chỉ cung cấp correct answers mà còn giải thích rõ ràng vị trí thông tin trong bài, cách paraphrase giữa câu hỏi và passage, cũng như chiến lược làm bài cho từng dạng câu hỏi. Điều này giúp bạn không chỉ biết đáp án đúng là gì mà còn hiểu tại sao đó là đáp án đúng – một yếu tố quan trọng để cải thiện band điểm Reading của bạn.

Bộ từ vựng phong phú được tổng hợp từ cả ba passages, với hơn 50 từ vựng quan trọng kèm phiên âm, nghĩa tiếng Việt, ví dụ từ bài và collocations, sẽ là tài liệu quý giá giúp bạn mở rộng vốn từ học thuật. Những từ vựng này không chỉ hữu ích cho phần Reading mà còn có thể áp dụng cho cả Writing và Speaking khi gặp các chủ đề liên quan đến technology và modern lifestyle.

Hãy nhớ rằng, thành công trong IELTS Reading không đến từ việc làm một lần mà từ việc luyện tập đều đặn, phân tích kỹ càng các lỗi sai, và liên tục cải thiện kỹ thuật làm bài. Sử dụng đề thi này như một công cụ để đánh giá năng lực hiện tại của bạn, xác định điểm yếu cần cải thiện, và xây dựng chiến lược học tập hiệu quả cho hành trình chinh phục IELTS của mình. Khi bạn hiểu cách how to stay focused trong quá trình đọc, bạn sẽ cải thiện đáng kể khả năng xử lý thông tin phức tạp trong IELTS Reading.

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