IELTS Reading: Impact of Automation on Retail Sales – Đề Thi Mẫu Có Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Mở Bài

Chủ đề “Impact Of Automation On Retail Sales” (Tác động của tự động hóa đến doanh số bán lẻ) đang trở thành một trong những chủ đề nóng hổi và thường xuyên xuất hiện trong các đề thi IELTS Reading gần đây. Với sự phát triển vượt bậc của công nghệ, ngành bán lẻ đang trải qua một cuộc cách mạng toàn diện, từ việc áp dụng trí tuệ nhân tạo, robot, đến các hệ thống thanh toán tự động. Điều này không chỉ ảnh hưởng đến cách thức kinh doanh mà còn thay đổi căn bản hành vi mua sắm của người tiêu dùng.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ được trải nghiệm một đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với ba passages có độ khó tăng dần từ Easy đến Hard. Bạn sẽ học được cách xử lý các dạng câu hỏi đa dạng như Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, và nhiều dạng khác. Mỗi passage được thiết kế tỉ mỉ để phản ánh đúng cấu trúc và độ khó của đề thi thực tế, kèm theo đáp án chi tiết và giải thích cặn kẽ giúp bạn hiểu rõ phương pháp làm bài. Ngoài ra, bộ từ vựng chuyên ngành được tổng hợp sẽ giúp bạn nâng cao vốn từ vựng học thuật một cách hiệu quả.

Đề thi này phù hợp cho học viên có trình độ từ band 5.0 trở lên, đặc biệt hữu ích cho những ai đang nhắm đến band điểm 6.5-7.5 trong phần thi Reading.

1. Hướng Dẫn Làm Bài IELTS Reading

Tổng Quan Về IELTS Reading Test

IELTS Reading Test là một phần thi quan trọng trong kỳ thi IELTS Academic, được thiết kế để đánh giá khả năng đọc hiểu tiếng Anh học thuật của thí sinh. Bài thi có những đặc điểm sau:

Thời gian: 60 phút cho toàn bộ bài thi, không có thời gian chuyển đáp án bổ sung

Cấu trúc: 3 passages với độ dài khoảng 2,000-2,750 từ tổng cộng

Tổng số câu hỏi: 40 câu, mỗi câu đúng được 1 điểm

Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:

• Passage 1 (Easy): 15-17 phút
• Passage 2 (Medium): 18-20 phút
• Passage 3 (Hard): 23-25 phút

Lưu ý rằng độ khó của các passages tăng dần, do đó bạn nên quản lý thời gian hợp lý để có đủ thời gian xử lý passage 3 – phần khó nhất của bài thi.

Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này

Đề thi mẫu này bao gồm đầy đủ các dạng câu hỏi phổ biến trong IELTS Reading:

1. Multiple Choice – Câu hỏi trắc nghiệm nhiều lựa chọn
2. True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng/sai/không được đề cập
3. Yes/No/Not Given – Xác định ý kiến của tác giả
4. Matching Headings – Nối tiêu đề với đoạn văn
5. Sentence Completion – Hoàn thành câu
6. Summary Completion – Hoàn thành đoạn tóm tắt
7. Matching Features – Nối thông tin với đặc điểm
8. Short-answer Questions – Câu hỏi trả lời ngắn

Mỗi dạng câu hỏi yêu cầu một kỹ năng đọc hiểu và chiến lược làm bài khác nhau. Việc luyện tập thường xuyên với các dạng câu hỏi này sẽ giúp bạn tự tin hơn trong ngày thi.

2. IELTS Reading Practice Test

PASSAGE 1 – The Dawn of Automated Retail

Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)

Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút

The retail industry is experiencing a profound transformation as automation technologies reshape the way businesses operate and customers shop. From self-service checkouts to robotic warehouse systems, automation is becoming increasingly prevalent in stores worldwide. This shift is not merely about replacing human workers with machines; it represents a fundamental change in how retail businesses function and deliver value to their customers.

One of the most visible forms of automation in retail is the self-checkout system. These machines allow customers to scan and pay for their purchases without assistance from a cashier. Major supermarket chains began introducing these systems in the early 2000s, and they have since become commonplace in many countries. The primary advantage of self-checkout systems is that they can reduce waiting times during busy periods. A single staff member can oversee multiple self-checkout machines, allowing stores to serve more customers simultaneously. However, these systems have also faced criticism. Some customers find them confusing or frustrating to use, particularly older shoppers who may not be comfortable with technology. Additionally, there are concerns about increased shoplifting, as these systems rely on customer honesty.

Inventory management has also been revolutionized by automation. Modern retail stores use sophisticated software systems that track products from the moment they arrive at the warehouse until they are sold. Barcode scanners and, more recently, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags allow retailers to monitor stock levels in real-time. When inventory runs low, the system can automatically place orders with suppliers. This automated inventory management reduces the risk of stockouts – situations where popular items are unavailable – and helps stores maintain optimal stock levels. The result is improved customer satisfaction and reduced waste from overstocking.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into retail operations has opened up new possibilities for personalization and customer engagement. AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of customer data to identify shopping patterns and preferences. This information enables retailers to create targeted marketing campaigns and personalized product recommendations. For instance, online retailers use AI algorithms to suggest products based on a customer’s browsing history and previous purchases. Some physical stores have begun implementing similar technologies, using customer loyalty cards and mobile apps to track shopping behavior and offer customized promotions.

Robotics is another area where automation is making significant inroads into retail. In warehouses and distribution centers, robots are increasingly being used to retrieve, sort, and pack products. Companies like Amazon have invested heavily in robotic systems that can move products around vast warehouses more efficiently than human workers. These robots work alongside human employees, handling the most physically demanding and repetitive tasks. This collaboration allows human workers to focus on more complex activities that require judgment and problem-solving skills. The speed and accuracy of robotic systems have dramatically improved the efficiency of order fulfillment, enabling faster delivery times for online purchases.

The impact of automation on retail employment is a subject of considerable debate. Critics argue that automation will lead to widespread job losses, particularly in entry-level positions such as cashiers and stock clerks. According to some estimates, millions of retail jobs could be displaced by automated systems over the next decade. However, proponents of automation point out that while some jobs may disappear, new types of employment will emerge. Retail businesses will need workers who can maintain and manage automated systems, analyze data, and provide specialized customer service that machines cannot replicate. The key challenge is ensuring that workers whose jobs are automated receive adequate training and support to transition to new roles.

Consumer attitudes toward retail automation are mixed. Many shoppers appreciate the convenience and speed that automated systems provide. The ability to quickly scan and pay for items without waiting in line is particularly valued by time-pressed consumers. However, some customers miss the personal interaction that comes with traditional retail experiences. They value the advice and assistance that knowledgeable staff can provide, especially when making complex purchasing decisions. Retail businesses must therefore strike a balance between efficiency and personal service, using automation to enhance rather than replace the human element of shopping.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of retail automation seems clear: it will continue to expand and evolve. Emerging technologies such as cashier-less stores, where customers can simply pick up items and leave without going through a checkout process, are already being tested by major retailers. These stores use sensors and cameras to track what customers take from the shelves and automatically charge their accounts. While such innovations may seem futuristic, they represent the logical next step in retail automation. The retailers that thrive in this new environment will be those that can effectively integrate automation while maintaining the customer focus that has always been central to successful retailing.

Questions 1-13

Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice

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

1. What is the main advantage of self-checkout systems mentioned in the passage?
   A) They completely eliminate the need for staff
   B) They reduce customer waiting times during peak hours
   C) They are preferred by all age groups
   D) They prevent all forms of theft

2. According to the passage, RFID tags are used for:
   A) preventing shoplifting
   B) processing customer payments
   C) monitoring stock levels in real-time
   D) providing product recommendations

3. AI systems in retail help businesses by:
   A) replacing all human decision-making
   B) analyzing customer data to identify shopping patterns
   C) operating warehouse robots
   D) managing employee schedules

4. The passage suggests that robots in warehouses:
   A) work independently without human supervision
   B) perform only simple tasks
   C) handle physically demanding and repetitive tasks
   D) are less efficient than human workers

5. What does the passage say about future retail employment?
   A) All retail jobs will disappear
   B) Employment numbers will increase dramatically
   C) New types of jobs will emerge to manage automated systems
   D) Only technology experts will find work in retail

Questions 6-9: 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

6. Self-checkout systems were first introduced in supermarkets in the early 2000s.

7. Automated inventory management completely eliminates the problem of overstocking.

8. Amazon has stopped using human workers in its warehouses.

9. Some customers prefer traditional retail experiences because they value personal interaction.

Questions 10-13: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences below.

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

10. Modern inventory management systems can automatically place orders when __ are low.

11. AI algorithms suggest products based on a customer’s __ and previous purchases.

12. The speed and accuracy of robotic systems have improved the efficiency of __.

13. Cashier-less stores use sensors and cameras to __ customer accounts automatically.

Hệ thống thanh toán tự động trong siêu thị hiện đại với công nghệ IELTS Reading

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PASSAGE 2 – Automation’s Dual Impact on Retail Performance

Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)

Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút

The proliferation of automation technologies in the retail sector has generated considerable scholarly attention, with researchers examining both the operational benefits and potential drawbacks of this technological shift. While conventional wisdom suggests that automation invariably leads to improved efficiency and profitability, the reality is considerably more nuanced. The impact of automation on retail sales is multifaceted, influenced by factors ranging from implementation quality to consumer psychology and market dynamics.

A From an operational perspective, automation delivers several tangible advantages that can positively influence retail performance. Automated systems excel at executing routine tasks with consistency and precision, minimizing the errors that inevitably accompany human involvement. In inventory management, for instance, automated systems can reduce stock discrepancies by up to 30%, according to industry studies. This accuracy translates directly into enhanced availability of products, which is a critical determinant of sales. When customers consistently find the items they seek, they are more likely to complete purchases and return to the store. Moreover, automation enables retailers to optimize pricing strategies through dynamic pricing algorithms that adjust prices based on demand fluctuations, competitor pricing, and inventory levels. This sophisticated approach to pricing can maximize revenue while maintaining competitive positioning.

B The efficiency gains from automation extend beyond operational processes to reshape the customer experience in ways that can stimulate sales. Automated systems can significantly reduce transaction times, which is particularly valuable in high-traffic retail environments. Research indicates that reducing checkout times by even one minute can increase customer satisfaction scores by up to 20%. Furthermore, automation enables extended operating hours without proportional increases in labor costs. Tương tự như The rise of online retail in traditional markets, 24/7 availability of automated services, such as online ordering systems with automated fulfillment, caters to the growing consumer demand for convenience and flexibility. This accessibility can capture sales that might otherwise be lost to competitors or simply not occur due to timing constraints.

C However, the relationship between automation and sales performance is not uniformly positive. A significant body of research highlights potential negative effects that can undermine the anticipated benefits of automation. One critical concern centers on the depersonalization of the shopping experience. Retail transactions have traditionally involved human interaction, which serves multiple functions beyond the mechanical exchange of goods for money. Sales staff provide personalized recommendations, answer questions, and offer a social dimension to shopping that many consumers value. When automation supplants these interactions, some customers experience a sense of alienation that can diminish their engagement with the brand. Studies have shown that stores with predominantly automated service models often experience lower customer loyalty compared to those maintaining substantial human interaction.

D The demographic divide in technology adoption represents another complicating factor in automation’s impact on sales. While younger consumers generally embrace automated systems and may actively prefer them for certain transactions, older shoppers often find these technologies intimidating or impersonal. This generational gap can fragment a retailer’s customer base, potentially alienating valuable older customers who may have higher spending capacity and brand loyalty than their younger counterparts. Retailers who implement automation without adequately considering these demographic differences risk eroding their market share among certain customer segments. The challenge is particularly acute for retailers whose traditional customer base skews older, as aggressive automation may drive these customers toward competitors who maintain more traditional service models.

E The technical reliability of automated systems is another crucial variable affecting their impact on sales. When automation functions flawlessly, it can deliver the promised efficiency and convenience. However, technical malfunctions, system downtime, and software glitches can severely disrupt retail operations and frustrate customers. Điều này có điểm tương đồng với What are the effects of digital transformation on business strategy? khi Self-checkout systems, for example, frequently require staff intervention when items fail to scan correctly or when age verification is needed for restricted products. These interruptions can negate the time-saving benefits that constitute the primary rationale for implementing such systems. More seriously, significant technical failures can result in system-wide outages that prevent stores from processing transactions altogether, leading to immediate sales losses and long-term damage to customer trust.

F The financial investment required for automation implementation also influences its net impact on retail performance. Sophisticated automated systems entail substantial upfront costs for hardware, software, installation, and integration with existing infrastructure. Additionally, these systems require ongoing maintenance, updates, and eventually replacement. For many retailers, particularly smaller operations, these costs can be prohibitive. Even for larger retailers with adequate capital resources, the return on investment may take years to materialize. During the interim period, the financial burden of automation can constrain other strategic investments that might more directly enhance sales, such as product development, marketing initiatives, or store renovations.

G Emerging evidence suggests that the most successful retail automation strategies are those that pursue a hybrid approach, strategically combining automated systems with human elements to leverage the strengths of each. This balanced model uses automation to handle standardized, high-volume tasks while preserving human involvement in areas where personal interaction, expertise, and emotional intelligence create value. For instance, some progressive retailers employ automated systems for routine checkout and inventory management but maintain well-trained staff to provide personalized styling advice, demonstrate products, and resolve complex customer issues. This approach can optimize operational efficiency while safeguarding the relational aspects of retail that foster customer loyalty and drive premium pricing power.

Questions 14-26

Questions 14-18: Yes/No/Not Given

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

Write:

• YES if the statement agrees with the views of the writer
• NO if the statement contradicts the views of the writer
• NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

14. Automation always leads to increased profitability in retail businesses.

15. Automated inventory systems can reduce stock discrepancies significantly.

16. All consumers prefer automated checkout systems to traditional cashier service.

17. Older customers typically have greater spending power than younger customers.

18. The most effective retail automation combines automated and human elements.

Questions 19-23: Matching Headings

The passage has seven paragraphs, A-G.

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

Write the correct number, i-x.

List of Headings:
i. The financial challenges of implementing automation
ii. How automation improves inventory accuracy
iii. The problem of technology failures
iv. Different age groups respond differently to automation
v. Combining human and automated service
vi. The total replacement of human workers
vii. Operational benefits of retail automation
viii. How automation affects customer satisfaction
ix. The loss of personal connection in automated retail
x. Future predictions for retail technology

19. Paragraph A
20. Paragraph C
21. Paragraph D
22. Paragraph E
23. Paragraph F

Questions 24-26: Summary Completion

Complete the summary below.

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

Automation in retail provides many benefits but also presents challenges. While automated systems reduce errors and improve 24 __ of products, they can also lead to a sense of 25 __ among some customers who value human interaction. Additionally, the 26 __ needed for automation can be very high, particularly for smaller retail businesses.

Ảnh hưởng của tự động hóa đến trải nghiệm mua sắm của khách hàng IELTS

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PASSAGE 3 – The Socioeconomic Ramifications of Retail Automation

Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)

Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút

The inexorable march of automation through the retail sector represents more than a mere technological evolution; it constitutes a paradigmatic shift with far-reaching socioeconomic implications that extend well beyond immediate business metrics. As retail enterprises increasingly integrate sophisticated automated systems into their operations, the reverberations are being felt across labor markets, consumer behavior patterns, urban planning, and social equity. Understanding these multidimensional impacts requires moving beyond simplistic narratives of technological determinism to engage with the complex interplay between technology, economic structures, and human agency.

The labor market ramifications of retail automation have crystallized as perhaps the most contentious aspect of this transformation. Empirical studies suggest that automation technologies have already displaced significant numbers of retail workers, with projections indicating this trend will accelerate in coming decades. A comprehensive 2019 analysis by labor economists estimated that approximately 3.7 million retail positions in the United States alone face a high probability of automation-driven obsolescence by 2030. However, the distributional effects of this displacement are decidedly uneven, with certain demographic cohorts bearing disproportionate impacts. Workers in routine, codifiable positions—such as cashiers, stock clerks, and inventory specialists—face substantially elevated displacement risk compared to those in roles requiring complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, or creative thinking. This stratification exacerbates existing socioeconomic inequalities, as the most vulnerable workers—those with limited educational credentials and economic mobility—are precisely those most susceptible to automation-induced job loss.

The orthodox economic perspective on technological unemployment maintains that while automation may eliminate certain job categories, it simultaneously generates new employment opportunities in emerging sectors. According to this view, historical patterns of technological disruption demonstrate that economies adapt through the creation of novel occupations that leverage uniquely human capabilities. Proponents cite the proliferation of roles such as data analysts, user experience designers, and automation systems managers as evidence that retail automation is creating a new occupational landscape. However, critical economists contend that this optimistic assessment overlooks several crucial asymmetries. Đối với những ai quan tâm đến How does the rise of automation affect the service industry?, first, the temporal mismatch between job destruction and creation can precipitate extended periods of structural unemployment. Second, the spatial distribution of newly created positions may not align with the locations where jobs are eliminated, creating geographic labor market dislocations. Third, and perhaps most significantly, the skill requirements for emerging automation-related positions typically far exceed those of displaced roles, creating a qualifications gap that many affected workers cannot readily bridge without substantial retraining investments.

From a consumer welfare perspective, the impact of retail automation presents an equally intricate picture. Neoclassical economic theory suggests that automation should confer consumer benefits through enhanced efficiency, reduced operational costs, and subsequently lower prices. Empirical evidence provides partial support for this hypothesis: retailers implementing automation have indeed achieved notable cost reductions, with some large-scale operations reporting operational savings of 20-30%. However, the transmission mechanism from cost savings to consumer prices is mediated by multiple factors, including market structure, competitive intensity, and strategic pricing decisions. In concentrated markets with limited competition, retailers may appropriate the benefits of automation as increased profit margins rather than passing them through to consumers via lower prices. Moreover, the quality dimensions of consumer experience may deteriorate under extensive automation, offsetting any pecuniary advantages. Qualitative research indicates that many consumers perceive a degradation in service quality when human intermediation is supplanted by automated systems, particularly in contexts requiring nuanced assistance or personalized guidance.

The spatial implications of retail automation intersect with broader urbanization trends in consequential ways. Historically, retail establishments have served as anchor institutions in community fabric, providing not merely commercial functions but also social gathering spaces and sources of local employment. As automation reduces labor requirements per retail outlet, the employment density of retail districts diminishes, potentially undermining the economic viability of surrounding businesses and eroding neighborhood vitality. Furthermore, the competitive advantages that automation confers disproportionately benefit large-scale operators with capital resources to invest in sophisticated technologies. This dynamic accelerates the displacement of small, independent retailers by major corporate chains, contributing to the homogenization of commercial landscapes and the loss of distinctive local character. The proliferation of cashier-less stores and automated fulfillment centers in urban peripheries rather than traditional retail corridors represents a spatial reorganization of retail activity with profound implications for urban form and community structure.

Equity considerations add another layer of complexity to assessments of retail automation’s impact. The benefits and burdens of automation are asymmetrically distributed across socioeconomic strata, geographic regions, and demographic groups. Affluent consumers with technological fluency and digital access can fully exploit the convenience and efficiency of automated retail systems, while those lacking technological competence or reliable internet connectivity may find themselves marginalized. This digital divide risks creating a bifurcated retail landscape where premium human service becomes a luxury good accessible primarily to high-income consumers, while mass-market retail becomes increasingly depersonalized and automated. Similarly, geographically, automation’s benefits accrue disproportionately to urban centers with technological infrastructure and market scale to justify automation investments, while rural and economically disadvantaged areas may experience job losses without commensurate gains in service quality or price reductions.

Regulatory frameworks have struggled to keep pace with the rapidity of retail automation, creating governance lacunae that may amplify negative externalities while insufficiently protecting affected stakeholders. Một ví dụ chi tiết về The role of AI in improving productivity là traditional labor regulations were designed for employment relationships characterized by direct human supervision and clearly defined workplace parameters. The integration of AI-driven automated systems complicates questions of workplace safety, algorithmic bias, and labor rights. When algorithmic management systems make staffing decisions or evaluate worker performance, who bears responsibility for discriminatory outcomes? How should labor law conceptualize the displacement of workers by machines? These questions lack clear juridical answers, and the resulting regulatory uncertainty may impede the development of governance structures that could mitigate automation’s adverse consequences while preserving its legitimate benefits.

Looking forward, optimal outcomes from retail automation will likely require proactive interventions across multiple domains. Workforce development programs must anticipate shifting skill demands and provide accessible pathways for workers to acquire competencies relevant to the evolving retail landscape. Competition policy may need strengthening to prevent market concentration that allows large retailers to exploit automation advantages in anti-competitive ways. Social safety nets should be reconfigured to provide adequate support for workers navigating employment transitions. Perhaps most fundamentally, societal discourse should move toward a more nuanced understanding that recognizes automation as neither inherently beneficial nor categorically harmful, but rather as a technological tool whose impacts depend critically on the institutional contexts and policy choices that shape its deployment and governance.

Questions 27-40

Questions 27-31: Multiple Choice

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

27. According to the passage, which group of workers faces the highest risk of job displacement due to automation?
    A) Data analysts and system managers
    B) Workers in creative positions
    C) Cashiers and stock clerks in routine positions
    D) Workers with emotional intelligence skills

28. What do critical economists say about new job creation from automation?
    A) It happens immediately when old jobs are eliminated
    B) There is a time gap between job destruction and creation
    C) New jobs require fewer skills than displaced positions
    D) All displaced workers can easily find new employment

29. According to the passage, cost savings from automation:
    A) are always passed on to consumers as lower prices
    B) only benefit large corporations
    C) may be kept as increased profits rather than reducing prices
    D) have no impact on market competition

30. The passage suggests that retail automation affects urban areas by:
    A) increasing employment density in retail districts
    B) supporting small independent retailers
    C) reducing the number of jobs per retail outlet
    D) eliminating all social gathering spaces

31. What does the passage say about regulatory frameworks for retail automation?
    A) They are comprehensive and effective
    B) They have not kept up with the speed of automation
    C) They completely protect workers from displacement
    D) They prevent all algorithmic bias

Questions 32-36: Matching Features

Match each statement (32-36) with the correct perspective (A-E).

Write the correct letter, A-E.

Perspectives:
A) Orthodox economic perspective
B) Critical economists
C) Neoclassical economic theory
D) Qualitative research findings
E) Labor economists

32. Automation should lead to lower consumer prices through efficiency gains

33. Approximately 3.7 million US retail jobs face automation risk by 2030

34. There is a significant gap between skills needed for new jobs versus lost jobs

35. Many consumers feel service quality declines with extensive automation

36. Historical patterns show economies adapt by creating new types of jobs

Questions 37-40: Short-answer Questions

Answer the questions below.

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

37. What type of retail system makes staffing decisions and evaluates worker performance?

38. According to the passage, what becomes a “luxury good” accessible mainly to wealthy consumers?

39. What must workforce development programs anticipate to help workers adapt?

40. What type of understanding does the passage say society needs about automation?

Tác động xã hội và kinh tế của tự động hóa bán lẻ IELTS Reading

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3. Answer Keys – Đáp Án

PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13

1. B
2. C
3. B
4. C
5. C
6. TRUE
7. FALSE
8. FALSE
9. TRUE
10. stock levels
11. browsing history
12. order fulfillment
13. charge

PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26

14. NO
15. YES
16. NO
17. NOT GIVEN
18. YES
19. vii
20. ix
21. iv
22. iii
23. i
24. enhanced availability
25. alienation
26. financial investment / upfront costs

PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40

27. C
28. B
29. C
30. C
31. B
32. C
33. E
34. B
35. D
36. A
37. algorithmic management systems
38. premium human service
39. shifting skill demands
40. nuanced understanding

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4. Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Passage 1 – Giải Thích

Câu 1: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: main advantage, self-checkout systems
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 4-6
• Giải thích: Bài đọc nói rõ “The primary advantage of self-checkout systems is that they can reduce waiting times during busy periods.” Điều này được paraphrase trong đáp án B là “reduce customer waiting times during peak hours”. Đáp án A sai vì vẫn cần nhân viên giám sát, C sai vì người lớn tuổi thấy khó sử dụng, D sai vì có lo ngại về shoplifting.

Câu 2: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: RFID tags, used for
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 3-4
• Giải thích: Bài viết nói “RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags allow retailers to monitor stock levels in real-time.” Đây chính xác là đáp án C. RFID không được đề cập để chống trộm, thanh toán hay đưa ra gợi ý sản phẩm.

Câu 3: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: AI systems, help businesses
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 2-3
• Giải thích: “AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of customer data to identify shopping patterns and preferences.” Đây là đáp án B. AI không thay thế hoàn toàn con người (A sai), không vận hành robot kho (C sai), và không quản lý lịch nhân viên (D không được đề cập).

Câu 6: TRUE

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: self-checkout systems, first introduced, early 2000s
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 3-4
• Giải thích: Bài đọc nói rõ “Major supermarket chains began introducing these systems in the early 2000s” – khớp hoàn toàn với phát biểu.

Câu 7: FALSE

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: automated inventory management, completely eliminates, overstocking
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng cuối
• Giải thích: Bài viết chỉ nói “reduced waste from overstocking” (giảm lãng phí), không phải “completely eliminates” (hoàn toàn loại bỏ). Đây là sự khác biệt quan trọng giữa “reduce” và “eliminate”.

Câu 10: stock levels

• Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
• Từ khóa: automatically place orders when…are low
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 5-6
• Giải thích: “When inventory runs low, the system can automatically place orders with suppliers.” Từ cần điền là “stock levels” theo câu trước đó.

Câu 13: charge

• Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
• Từ khóa: cashier-less stores, sensors and cameras, automatically…accounts
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn cuối, dòng 3-5
• Giải thích: “These stores use sensors and cameras to track what customers take from the shelves and automatically charge their accounts.” Đáp án là “charge”.

Passage 2 – Giải Thích

Câu 14: NO

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: automation, always leads, increased profitability
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 2-3
• Giải thích: Bài viết nói “While conventional wisdom suggests that automation invariably leads to improved efficiency and profitability, the reality is considerably more nuanced.” Từ “nuanced” cho thấy tác giả không đồng ý với quan điểm “always leads”.

Câu 15: YES

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: automated inventory systems, reduce stock discrepancies, significantly
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn A, dòng 4-5
• Giải thích: “Automated systems can reduce stock discrepancies by up to 30%, according to industry studies.” Con số 30% cho thấy sự giảm đáng kể, tác giả đồng ý với điều này.

Câu 16: NO

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: all consumers prefer, automated checkout systems
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn D
• Giải thích: Đoạn D nói rõ có sự phân chia về tuổi tác – người trẻ thích còn người già thấy khó khăn. Do đó “all consumers prefer” là sai.

Câu 19: vii (Operational benefits of retail automation)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
• Vị trí: Đoạn A
• Giải thích: Đoạn A tập trung vào “operational perspective”, “tangible advantages”, “enhanced availability”, “optimize pricing strategies” – tất cả là lợi ích vận hành của tự động hóa.

Câu 20: ix (The loss of personal connection in automated retail)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
• Vị trí: Đoạn C
• Giải thích: Đoạn C nói về “depersonalization”, “human interaction”, “alienation”, “diminish their engagement” – đều liên quan đến mất kết nối cá nhân.

Câu 24: enhanced availability

• Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
• Từ khóa: improve…of products
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn A, dòng 6
• Giải thích: “This accuracy translates directly into enhanced availability of products” – cụm từ cần điền.

Câu 25: alienation

• Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
• Từ khóa: sense of…among customers
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn C, dòng 7
• Giải thích: “Some customers experience a sense of alienation that can diminish their engagement” – từ cần điền là “alienation”.

Passage 3 – Giải Thích

Câu 27: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: highest risk, job displacement
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 5-7
• Giải thích: “Workers in routine, codifiable positions—such as cashiers, stock clerks, and inventory specialists—face substantially elevated displacement risk” – đáp án C chính xác nhắc đến cashiers và stock clerks.

Câu 28: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: critical economists, new job creation
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 6-8
• Giải thích: “Critical economists contend…the temporal mismatch between job destruction and creation can precipitate extended periods of structural unemployment.” Đây là time gap được đề cập trong đáp án B.

Câu 29: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: cost savings, automation
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 5-7
• Giải thích: “In concentrated markets with limited competition, retailers may appropriate the benefits of automation as increased profit margins rather than passing them through to consumers via lower prices.” Đây chính xác là đáp án C.

Câu 32: C (Neoclassical economic theory)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 1-2
• Giải thích: “Neoclassical economic theory suggests that automation should confer consumer benefits through enhanced efficiency, reduced operational costs, and subsequently lower prices.”

Câu 37: algorithmic management systems

• Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
• Từ khóa: makes staffing decisions, evaluates worker performance
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 5-6
• Giải thích: “When algorithmic management systems make staffing decisions or evaluate worker performance” – đáp án chính xác.

Câu 40: nuanced understanding

• Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
• Từ khóa: society needs, about automation
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn cuối, dòng 4-5
• Giải thích: “Societal discourse should move toward a more nuanced understanding that recognizes automation as neither inherently beneficial nor categorically harmful” – đáp án là “nuanced understanding”.

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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
profound transformation	n. phrase	/prəˈfaʊnd trænsfəˈmeɪʃən/	sự chuyển đổi sâu sắc	The retail industry is experiencing a profound transformation	undergo/experience a profound transformation
reshape	v	/riːˈʃeɪp/	định hình lại, thay đổi cấu trúc	automation technologies reshape the way businesses operate	reshape the industry/landscape
self-service checkout	n. phrase	/self ˈsɜːvɪs ˈtʃekaʊt/	quầy thanh toán tự phụ vụ	self-service checkouts are becoming prevalent	use/implement self-service checkout
prevalent	adj	/ˈprevələnt/	phổ biến, thịnh hành	automation is becoming increasingly prevalent	increasingly/widely prevalent
oversee	v	/ˌəʊvəˈsiː/	giám sát, trông nom	A staff member can oversee multiple machines	oversee operations/activities
simultaneously	adv	/ˌsɪməlˈteɪniəsli/	đồng thời	serve more customers simultaneously	occur/happen simultaneously
inventory management	n. phrase	/ˈɪnvəntri ˈmænɪdʒmənt/	quản lý hàng tồn kho	Inventory management has been revolutionized	improve/optimize inventory management
sophisticated	adj	/səˈfɪstɪkeɪtɪd/	tinh vi, phức tạp	sophisticated software systems	sophisticated technology/approach
stockouts	n	/stɒkaʊts/	tình trạng hết hàng	reduce the risk of stockouts	prevent/avoid stockouts
optimal	adj	/ˈɒptɪməl/	tối ưu	maintain optimal stock levels	optimal level/performance
integration	n	/ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən/	sự tích hợp	The integration of artificial intelligence	system/technology integration
retrieve	v	/rɪˈtriːv/	lấy ra, thu thập	robots are used to retrieve products	retrieve information/data

Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary

Từ vựng	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ từ bài	Collocation
proliferation	n	/prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/	sự gia tăng nhanh chóng	The proliferation of automation technologies	rapid/nuclear proliferation
considerable	adj	/kənˈsɪdərəbəl/	đáng kể	generated considerable scholarly attention	considerable impact/attention
nuanced	adj	/ˈnjuːɑːnst/	có nhiều sắc thái, tinh tế	the reality is considerably more nuanced	nuanced understanding/approach
multifaceted	adj	/ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/	nhiều khía cạnh	The impact is multifaceted	multifaceted problem/issue
tangible	adj	/ˈtændʒəbəl/	hữu hình, rõ ràng	tangible advantages	tangible benefits/results
consistency	n	/kənˈsɪstənsi/	tính nhất quán	executing tasks with consistency	maintain consistency
discrepancies	n	/dɪsˈkrepənsiz/	sự khác biệt, sai lệch	reduce stock discrepancies	identify/resolve discrepancies
dynamic pricing	n. phrase	/daɪˈnæmɪk ˈpraɪsɪŋ/	định giá linh hoạt	dynamic pricing algorithms	implement/use dynamic pricing
fluctuations	n	/ˌflʌktʃuˈeɪʃənz/	sự dao động	based on demand fluctuations	market/price fluctuations
depersonalization	n	/diːˌpɜːsənəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/	sự phi nhân cách hóa	concern centers on the depersonalization	process of depersonalization
supplants	v	/səˈplɑːnts/	thay thế, chiếm chỗ	When automation supplants these interactions	supplant traditional methods
alienation	n	/ˌeɪliəˈneɪʃən/	sự xa lánh, cô lập	sense of alienation	social/cultural alienation
demographic divide	n. phrase	/ˌdeməˈɡræfɪk dɪˈvaɪd/	sự phân chia theo nhân khẩu học	The demographic divide in technology adoption	bridge the demographic divide
fragment	v	/ˈfræɡmənt/	phân mảnh, chia cắt	can fragment a retailer’s customer base	fragment the market
malfunctions	n	/ˌmælˈfʌŋkʃənz/	sự trục trặc	technical malfunctions	equipment/system malfunctions

Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary

Từ vựng	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ từ bài	Collocation
inexorable march	n. phrase	/ɪnˈeksərəbəl mɑːtʃ/	bước tiến không thể cưỡng lại	The inexorable march of automation	inexorable march of progress
paradigmatic shift	n. phrase	/ˌpærədɪɡˈmætɪk ʃɪft/	sự thay đổi mô hình	constitutes a paradigmatic shift	represent a paradigmatic shift
far-reaching implications	n. phrase	/fɑː ˈriːtʃɪŋ ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/	hệ quả sầu rộng	far-reaching socioeconomic implications	have far-reaching implications
ramifications	n	/ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz/	hậu quả, nhánh phụ	labor market ramifications	political/social ramifications
crystallized	v	/ˈkrɪstəlaɪzd/	kết tinh, trở nên rõ ràng	have crystallized as the most contentious aspect	ideas crystallized
contentious	adj	/kənˈtenʃəs/	gây tranh cãi	most contentious aspect	contentious issue/debate
displaced	v	/dɪsˈpleɪst/	bị thay thế, dời chỗ	automation has already displaced workers	displaced workers/populations
projections	n	/prəˈdʒekʃənz/	dự báo	projections indicating this trend will accelerate	economic/financial projections
obsolescence	n	/ˌɒbsəˈlesəns/	sự lỗi thời	automation-driven obsolescence	planned/technological obsolescence
distributional effects	n. phrase	/ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃənəl ɪˈfekts/	tác động phân phối	distributional effects are uneven	analyze distributional effects
disproportionate	adj	/ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənət/	không cân xứng	disproportionate impacts	disproportionate effect/impact
cohorts	n	/ˈkəʊhɔːts/	nhóm người (cùng đặc điểm)	demographic cohorts	age/generational cohorts
codifiable	adj	/ˈkəʊdɪfaɪəbəl/	có thể mã hóa	routine, codifiable positions	codifiable knowledge/tasks
exacerbates	v	/ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪts/	làm trầm trọng thêm	This stratification exacerbates inequalities	exacerbate the problem
susceptible	adj	/səˈseptəbəl/	dễ bị ảnh hưởng	most susceptible to job loss	susceptible to disease/influence
asymmetries	n	/eɪˈsɪmətriz/	sự bất cân xứng	several crucial asymmetries	information/power asymmetries
precipitate	v	/prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/	gây ra đột ngột	can precipitate extended unemployment	precipitate a crisis
confer	v	/kənˈfɜː/	ban cho, trao cho	automation should confer consumer benefits	confer benefits/advantages
mediated	v	/ˈmiːdieɪtɪd/	được trung gian hóa	transmission is mediated by multiple factors	mediated by technology

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Kết Bài

Chủ đề “Impact of automation on retail sales” không chỉ phản ánh xu hướng công nghệ hiện đại mà còn là một chủ đề quan trọng thường xuyên xuất hiện trong IELTS Reading. Qua ba passages với độ khó tăng dần từ Easy, Medium đến Hard, bạn đã được trải nghiệm một bài thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với đầy đủ 40 câu hỏi thuộc nhiều dạng khác nhau.

Passage 1 giới thiệu các khái niệm cơ bản về tự động hóa trong bán lẻ với ngôn ngữ dễ hiểu, phù hợp cho người mới bắt đầu. Passage 2 đi sâu hơn vào phân tích tác động kép của tự động hóa với từ vựng học thuật và cấu trúc câu phức tạp hơn. Passage 3 đòi hỏi khả năng đọc hiểu ở mức cao với các khái niệm trừu tượng về kinh tế xã hội và ngôn ngữ chuyên ngành.

Phần đáp án chi tiết đã cung cấp không chỉ đáp án đúng mà còn giải thích rõ ràng vị trí thông tin trong bài, cách paraphrase, và lý do tại sao các đáp án khác không đúng. Điều này giúp bạn tự đánh giá năng lực hiện tại và xác định những điểm cần cải thiện. Bộ từ vựng được tổng hợp theo từng passage sẽ là tài liệu quý giá giúp bạn mở rộng vốn từ học thuật, đặc biệt trong lĩnh vực công nghệ và kinh doanh.

Để đạt kết quả tốt nhất, bạn nên luyện tập đề thi này nhiều lần, chú ý quản lý thời gian và áp dụng các kỹ thuật làm bài như skimming, scanning, và xác định từ khóa. Hãy nhớ rằng IELTS Reading không chỉ kiểm tra khả năng đọc hiểu mà còn đánh giá kỹ năng quản lý thời gian và chiến lược làm bài của bạn.