IELTS Reading: Tác Động của Tự Động Hóa lên Thất Nghiệp – Đề Thi Mẫu Có Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Giới Thiệu

Chủ đề tác động của tự động hóa lên thị trường lao động là một trong những đề tài nóng hổi và xuất hiện thường xuyên trong kỳ thi IELTS Reading. Với sự phát triển vũ bão của công nghệ, robot và trí tuệ nhân tạo đang dần thay thế lao động con người trong nhiều ngành nghề, đặt ra những thách thức lớn về việc làm và cơ cấu lao động toàn cầu. Đây là một chủ đề mang tính thời sự cao, liên quan trực tiếp đến kinh tế, xã hội và công nghệ – ba lĩnh vực yêu thích của đề thi IELTS.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ được trải nghiệm một bộ đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với ba passages có độ khó tăng dần từ Easy đến Hard. Bạn sẽ gặp đủ các dạng câu hỏi phổ biến như Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, Summary Completion và nhiều dạng khác. Mỗi câu hỏi đều được thiết kế giống như đề thi thật, giúp bạn làm quen với format chuẩn Cambridge. Đặc biệt, phần đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích sẽ giúp bạn hiểu rõ cách paraphrase, xác định thông tin và áp dụng chiến lược làm bài hiệu quả.

Bộ đề này phù hợp cho học viên từ band 5.0 trở lên, những ai muốn rèn luyện kỹ năng đọc hiểu học thuật và chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng cho kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới.

Hướng Dẫn Làm Bài IELTS Reading

Tổng Quan Về IELTS Reading Test

IELTS Reading Test là phần thi đánh giá khả năng đọc hiểu tiếng Anh học thuật của bạn trong thời gian 60 phút. Bạn sẽ phải hoàn thành 40 câu hỏi dựa trên 3 passages với độ dài khoảng 2000-2750 từ tổng cộng.

Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:

• Passage 1: 15-17 phút (dễ nhất, giúp bạn khởi động tốt)
• Passage 2: 18-20 phút (độ khó trung bình, cần tập trung cao hơn)
• Passage 3: 23-25 phút (khó nhất, yêu cầu kỹ năng phân tích sâu)

Lưu ý quan trọng: Không có thời gian bổ sung để chép đáp án, vì vậy bạn cần ghi đáp án trực tiếp vào phiếu trả lời trong 60 phút.

Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này

Đề thi mẫu này bao gồm 7 dạng câu hỏi phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Reading:

1. Multiple Choice – Chọn đáp án đúng từ các phương án cho sẵn
2. True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng, sai hay không được đề cập
3. Matching Information – Ghép thông tin với đoạn văn tương ứng
4. Matching Headings – Chọn tiêu đề phù hợp cho mỗi đoạn
5. Summary Completion – Điền từ vào chỗ trống để hoàn thành đoạn tóm tắt
6. Sentence Completion – Hoàn thành câu với thông tin từ bài đọc
7. Short-answer Questions – Trả lời câu hỏi ngắn với số từ giới hạn

IELTS Reading Practice Test

PASSAGE 1 – The Dawn of Workplace Automation

Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)

Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút

The modern workplace is experiencing a transformation unlike any seen since the Industrial Revolution. Automation, powered by advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, is rapidly changing how work is performed across numerous industries. From manufacturing plants to retail stores, and from agriculture to customer service, machines are increasingly taking over tasks that were once performed exclusively by human workers.

The concept of automation is not entirely new. Throughout history, humans have invented tools and machines to make work easier and more efficient. The water wheel, the steam engine, and the assembly line were all revolutionary innovations that changed the nature of work. However, the current wave of automation is different in both scope and speed. Modern automated systems can perform not just repetitive physical tasks, but also cognitive functions that require decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

In the manufacturing sector, the impact of automation has been particularly dramatic. Industrial robots can now perform complex tasks with precision and consistency that far exceeds human capabilities. These machines can work 24 hours a day without breaks, don’t require benefits or holidays, and maintain the same level of productivity regardless of time or conditions. A single robot can often replace multiple human workers on a production line, leading to significant cost savings for companies. According to recent studies, the automotive industry has seen a 30% increase in the use of industrial robots over the past decade, with corresponding reductions in human workforce numbers.

The service industry is also experiencing substantial changes due to automation. Self-checkout machines in supermarkets, automated kiosks in restaurants, and chatbots for customer service are becoming increasingly common. These technologies allow businesses to reduce labor costs while maintaining or even improving service quality. A major fast-food chain recently announced plans to install automated ordering systems in thousands of its locations worldwide, a move that could affect employment for tens of thousands of workers.

Agricultural automation represents another significant area of transformation. Modern farms increasingly rely on GPS-guided tractors, automated irrigation systems, and harvesting robots that can pick fruits and vegetables with remarkable efficiency. These technologies address labor shortages in agriculture while increasing productivity. However, they also reduce the need for seasonal workers who have traditionally depended on farm work for their livelihoods.

The transportation sector stands on the brink of perhaps the most profound automation revolution. Self-driving vehicles, once the stuff of science fiction, are now being tested on public roads in numerous countries. Companies are investing billions of dollars in developing autonomous trucks, taxis, and delivery vehicles. If successful, this technology could eventually eliminate millions of driving jobs worldwide, from taxi drivers to long-haul truckers.

Despite these concerning trends, not all experts view automation as purely negative for employment. Some economists argue that while automation does eliminate certain jobs, it also creates new opportunities. The technology sector itself has grown dramatically, creating millions of new positions for software developers, data analysts, robotics engineers, and AI specialists. Moreover, automation can free humans from dangerous, monotonous, or physically demanding work, allowing them to focus on tasks that require creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving – skills that machines still struggle to replicate.

Historical evidence also suggests that societies have successfully adapted to technological changes in the past. When the automobile replaced horse-drawn carriages, it eliminated jobs for stable workers and blacksmiths but created far more opportunities in automobile manufacturing, road construction, and related services. Similarly, the digital revolution eliminated many traditional jobs but spawned entirely new industries and professions that didn’t exist before.

However, the speed of current technological change presents unique challenges. Workers displaced by automation may not have the time or resources to retrain for new careers, particularly older workers or those with limited education. This creates a risk of increasing economic inequality, with a skills gap between those who can work with new technologies and those who cannot. Policymakers and educators face the challenge of preparing the workforce for an economy where the nature of work itself is constantly evolving.

Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice

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

1. What makes current automation different from previous technological changes?
   A. It only affects manufacturing jobs
   B. It can perform both physical and cognitive tasks
   C. It is slower than past changes
   D. It requires more human supervision

2. According to the passage, industrial robots in manufacturing
   A. need regular breaks like human workers
   B. work less efficiently than humans
   C. can operate continuously without rest
   D. are more expensive than human labor

3. In the automotive industry, the use of robots has
   A. decreased by 30% in ten years
   B. remained stable over the past decade
   C. increased by 30% in the last decade
   D. completely replaced all human workers

4. Self-driving vehicles are described as
   A. already widely used worldwide
   B. impossible to develop successfully
   C. currently being tested in several countries
   D. only suitable for short distances

5. Some economists believe automation
   A. will only destroy jobs
   B. creates new opportunities while eliminating others
   C. should be banned completely
   D. has no effect on employment

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

6. Automated systems in agriculture can completely replace all farm workers.
7. The transportation sector may experience major job losses due to autonomous vehicles.
8. All workers displaced by automation can easily find new jobs in the technology sector.
9. Older workers face particular challenges when adapting to automation.

Questions 10-13: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences below.

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

10. In retail stores, _____ have become common alternatives to human cashiers.
11. Modern technologies like GPS-guided tractors help address _____ in the agricultural sector.
12. Automation allows humans to concentrate on work requiring _____, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving.
13. The rapid pace of technological change may increase _____ between skilled and unskilled workers.

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PASSAGE 2 – Economic and Social Dimensions of Job Displacement

Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)

Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút

The displacement of workers through automation represents one of the most pressing economic challenges of the 21st century. While technological advancement has historically been a catalyst for economic growth and improved living standards, the current trajectory of automation raises profound questions about the future of work and the distribution of prosperity. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this challenge requires examining not only the direct effects on employment but also the broader economic and social ramifications.

Economic research reveals a nuanced picture of automation’s impact on labor markets. A comprehensive study by the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that by 2030, between 400 and 800 million individuals worldwide could be displaced by automation and need to find new occupations. However, the impact varies significantly across different sectors and skill levels. Jobs involving routine manual tasks or predictable physical activities face the highest susceptibility to automation, with a displacement probability exceeding 80%. Conversely, occupations requiring sophisticated interpersonal skills, creative thinking, or complex problem-solving demonstrate considerably lower vulnerability to technological replacement.

The phenomenon of labor market polarization has emerged as a particularly concerning trend. Middle-skill jobs – those requiring moderate levels of education and training but involving largely routine tasks – are disappearing at an accelerating rate. Meanwhile, employment growth concentrates at the opposite ends of the skill spectrum: high-skill, high-wage positions in fields like technology, healthcare, and specialized services, and low-skill, low-wage jobs in personal care, food service, and other sectors that require human presence but minimal specialized training. This hollowing out of the middle class poses serious challenges for social stability and economic mobility, as similar opportunities that once provided pathways to middle-class prosperity become increasingly scarce.

Geographical considerations add another layer of complexity to the automation challenge. The impact is not uniformly distributed across regions. Areas with economies heavily reliant on manufacturing or other automation-vulnerable sectors face disproportionate disruption. A study examining U.S. regional economies found that some communities could see unemployment rates increase by as much as 40% due to automation, while others with more diversified, knowledge-based economies might experience minimal negative effects or even job growth. This geographical inequality threatens to exacerbate existing regional disparities in economic development and opportunity.

The temporal dimension of adjustment to automation also warrants careful consideration. Unlike previous technological transitions, which unfolded over decades, current automation capabilities are advancing with unprecedented rapidity. The compressed timeframe for adaptation places extraordinary pressure on educational institutions, workforce development programs, and social support systems. Workers displaced by automation typically face substantial barriers to reemployment, including skill mismatches, geographical immobility, and age discrimination. Research indicates that workers over 50 who lose their jobs to automation experience significantly longer unemployment periods and often must accept positions with considerably lower wages when they do find new employment.

The psychological and social costs of job displacement extend far beyond simple economic calculations. Work provides not only income but also identity, purpose, and social connection. Long-term unemployment resulting from automation can lead to mental health challenges, family stress, and community deterioration. Studies have documented increased rates of depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse in communities experiencing widespread job losses due to technological change. The social fabric that binds communities together can fray when employment opportunities disappear, leading to reduced civic engagement, declining local institutions, and erosion of community cohesion.

From a macroeconomic perspective, widespread automation presents a paradox. While increased productivity through automation should theoretically generate greater overall wealth, the benefits may not be equitably distributed. If automation primarily enriches capital owners and highly skilled workers while displacing large numbers of others, the result could be concentrated wealth and reduced consumer purchasing power. This phenomenon, sometimes called the “productivity paradox,” raises questions about the sustainability of economic growth in highly automated economies. Some economists worry about a scenario where automation increases production capacity but reduces the consumer base able to purchase goods and services, potentially leading to economic stagnation.

Several theoretical frameworks have emerged to address these challenges. The concept of “skill-biased technological change” suggests that automation disproportionately benefits workers with advanced education and specialized skills, increasing wage inequality. An alternative perspective, “routine-biased technological change,” emphasizes that automation primarily affects routine tasks regardless of skill level, offering a more nuanced explanation for observed labor market patterns. More recently, some economists have proposed the “task-based approach,” which analyzes how automation affects specific job tasks rather than entire occupations, providing granular insights into how work is restructured rather than simply eliminated.

The distributional consequences of automation have sparked intense debate about appropriate policy responses. Proposals range from strengthened education and retraining programs to more radical interventions such as universal basic income or robot taxes. Proponents of education-focused approaches argue that equipping workers with skills that complement rather than compete with automation represents the most sustainable solution. However, critics contend that education alone cannot address the scale and speed of displacement, particularly for workers mid-career who face formidable obstacles to acquiring new skills.

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. The impact of automation on employment is straightforward and affects all sectors equally.
15. Middle-skill jobs are disappearing faster than jobs at other skill levels.
16. All regions within a country experience the same level of job displacement from automation.
17. Previous technological changes occurred more slowly than current automation.
18. Education and retraining alone can fully solve the automation displacement problem.

Questions 19-23: Matching Information

Match the following statements (19-23) with the correct paragraph (A-I).

You may use any letter more than once.

A. Paragraph 2 (Economic research reveals…)
B. Paragraph 3 (The phenomenon of labor market…)
C. Paragraph 4 (Geographical considerations…)
D. Paragraph 5 (The temporal dimension…)
E. Paragraph 6 (The psychological and social costs…)
F. Paragraph 7 (From a macroeconomic perspective…)
G. Paragraph 8 (Several theoretical frameworks…)
H. Paragraph 9 (The distributional consequences…)

19. Discussion of how automation might reduce overall economic demand
20. Description of which types of jobs are most at risk from automation
21. Explanation of how job loss affects mental health and community life
22. Information about regional differences in automation impact
23. Analysis of different academic theories about automation effects

Questions 24-26: Summary Completion

Complete the summary below.

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

The McKinsey Global Institute predicts that hundreds of millions of workers could face (24) by 2030. The phenomenon of (25) means that middle-skill jobs are disappearing while employment grows at both high and low skill levels. This creates challenges for (26) _____, as traditional pathways to middle-class status become less available.

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PASSAGE 3 – Navigating the Future: Policy Responses and Adaptive Strategies

Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)

Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút

The inexorable advance of automation technology has precipitated a fundamental reconceptualization of the social contract between individuals, employers, and governments. As artificial intelligence and robotics increasingly encroach upon domains once considered the exclusive province of human cognition and capability, policymakers confront the formidable challenge of reconciling technological progress with social cohesion and economic equity. The heterogeneity of approaches adopted by different nations reflects not merely divergent economic philosophies but fundamentally different conceptions of the role of work in human society and the obligations of governance in an era of unprecedented technological disruption.

Scandinavian countries have emerged as exemplars of a comprehensive, proactive approach to automation-induced displacement, predicated upon the principle of “flexicurity” – a neologism combining flexibility and security. This model acknowledges the inevitability of technological change and labor market dynamism while ensuring robust social protection for affected workers. Denmark’s system epitomizes this approach: relatively permissive employment regulations allow firms to adapt rapidly to technological changes, while generous unemployment benefits (typically replacing 80-90% of previous income), extensive retraining programs, and comprehensive job placement services provide a robust safety net for displaced workers. This system is underpinned by substantial public investment – Denmark allocates approximately 2% of GDP to active labor market policies, far exceeding the OECD average of 0.4%.

The efficacy of the Nordic model, however, depends upon factors that may not be easily replicable elsewhere. High levels of social trust, cultural homogeneity (though this is changing), strong labor unions working collaboratively with employers, and a longstanding tradition of high taxation to fund extensive social programs all contribute to the system’s functionality. Moreover, these small, wealthy nations with diversified economies may be uniquely positioned to absorb the fiscal burden of such comprehensive support systems. Attempts to transplant these approaches to larger, more diverse, or less affluent nations may encounter insurmountable obstacles.

In stark contrast, the Anglo-American approach has traditionally emphasized market-based solutions and individual adaptability, reflecting a philosophical predisposition toward minimal state intervention in labor markets. The United States, in particular, has eschewed the expansive social welfare systems characteristic of European nations, instead privileging labor market flexibility and entrepreneurship as mechanisms for addressing technological displacement. This approach posits that reducing regulatory impediments to business formation and growth, maintaining flexible labor markets, and fostering an entrepreneurial culture will naturally generate new employment opportunities to replace those lost to automation. Tax incentives for research and development, minimal employment protection regulations, and comparatively limited unemployment benefits characterize this model.

Empirical evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of these divergent approaches remains ambiguous and contested. The United States has demonstrated remarkable capacity for job creation, particularly in the technology sector, and has produced many of the world’s most innovative companies. However, this dynamism has been accompanied by increasing income inequality, stagnant wages for middle and lower-income workers, and inadequate support for those displaced by technological change. The average duration of unemployment in the U.S. for workers displaced by automation significantly exceeds that in countries with more robust social safety nets, and wage losses upon reemployment tend to be more pronounced.

Singapore represents an intriguing hybrid model that combines elements of both approaches while reflecting its unique geopolitical and socioeconomic context. The city-state’s SkillsFuture initiative provides all citizens with substantial credits for continuing education and skills training, which can be used throughout their working lives. Coupled with targeted subsidies for employers who adopt advanced technologies while retraining existing workers, and sector-specific transformation programs that help entire industries adapt to technological change, Singapore’s approach seeks to preemptively address displacement by ensuring continuous workforce adaptation. This model reflects Singapore’s technocratic governance style and strategic imperative to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Increasingly, attention has focused on more radical policy interventions that acknowledge the potentially transformative – and possibly labor-displacing – effects of advanced automation. Universal Basic Income (UBI), perhaps the most discussed of these proposals, would provide all citizens with a regular, unconditional cash payment regardless of employment status. Proponents argue that UBI could provide economic security in an era of labor market uncertainty, simplify complex welfare systems, and recognize the economic value of currently unpaid work such as caregiving and community service. Moreover, by decoupling income from employment, UBI might liberate individuals to pursue education, entrepreneurship, or creative endeavors that enhance societal welfare but don’t generate immediate income.

Critics of UBI raise numerous substantive objections. The fiscal implications are staggering – even a modest UBI could cost trillions of dollars annually in large economies, requiring unprecedented tax increases or reallocation of existing government spending. Concerns about work disincentives persist despite mixed evidence from pilot programs. Perhaps most fundamentally, critics question whether providing income without employment addresses the non-pecuniary benefits that work provides: purpose, identity, social connection, and structure. The psychological research consistently demonstrates that unemployment causes deterioration in mental health beyond what can be explained by income loss alone, suggesting that simply replacing lost income may be insufficient to address the full spectrum of challenges posed by widespread displacement.

Alternative proposals include conditional basic income (providing payments contingent upon education, training, or community service), job guarantee programs (government commitment to provide employment to all who seek it), and “robot taxes” (levying charges on companies that replace human workers with automation, using revenues to fund transition support). Each approach embodies different assumptions about human nature, the role of work in society, and the appropriate scope of government intervention. The prevailing debate reflects not merely technical questions of economic efficiency but profound normative disagreements about distributive justice, individual responsibility, and the kind of society we aspire to create.

The corporate sector’s role in managing automation’s consequences has received increasing scrutiny. Some progressive companies have adopted “responsible automation” practices, including transparent communication about technological changes, preferential retraining and redeployment of affected workers, and severance packages that exceed legal requirements. Technology firms like Amazon, despite criticism for their use of warehouse automation, have invested billions in employee education programs. However, critics argue that voluntary corporate initiatives remain inadequate in scope and often serve more as public relations gestures than substantive solutions. The fundamental tension between fiduciary duties to shareholders and broader social responsibilities suggests that corporate self-regulation alone cannot adequately address automation’s societal implications.

Educational institutions stand at the forefront of long-term adaptation strategies. Beyond simply providing more education, the challenge involves fundamentally reconceptualizing what and how we teach. The traditional model – intensive education early in life followed by decades of employment using those skills – appears increasingly obsolete in rapidly evolving labor markets. Emphasis has shifted toward metacognitive skills (learning how to learn), adaptability, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving – competencies that remain distinctly human advantages over artificial intelligence. “Lifelong learning” has evolved from aspirational slogan to practical imperative, requiring new educational delivery models that accommodate working adults and provide relevant, demand-driven skills training.

Yet education’s limitations as a panacea for automation-induced displacement must be acknowledged. Not all workers possess equal capacity or opportunity for retraining, particularly older workers or those with limited previous education. Moreover, if automation eventually encroaches upon increasingly sophisticated tasks, the “race between education and technology” that economist Jan Tinbergen described may become unwinnable for many workers. This possibility underscores the necessity of comprehensive policy frameworks that combine education with social protection, labor market intervention, and perhaps more fundamental reconsiderations of how we organize economic life.

The automation challenge ultimately transcends technical or economic dimensions to raise fundamental philosophical questions about human flourishing, the meaning of work, and the kind of future we wish to create. Will we achieve a utopian scenario where automation liberates humanity from drudgery to pursue higher purposes, or a dystopian outcome of mass unemployment and inequality? The answer depends not on technology itself but on the policy choices and social adaptations we make in response. As we stand at this historical inflection point, the imperative for thoughtful, inclusive dialogue about automation’s governance has never been more urgent.

Questions 27-31: Multiple Choice

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

27. The “flexicurity” model adopted by Scandinavian countries
    A. restricts companies from making technological changes
    B. combines labor market flexibility with strong worker protection
    C. completely prevents job displacement
    D. requires workers to fund their own retraining

28. According to the passage, the Nordic model’s success depends on
    A. low taxation levels
    B. weak labor unions
    C. high social trust and cultural factors
    D. large diverse populations

29. The Anglo-American approach to automation is characterized by
    A. extensive government welfare programs
    B. strict employment protection laws
    C. emphasis on market solutions and entrepreneurship
    D. high levels of government intervention

30. Singapore’s SkillsFuture initiative
    A. provides credits for continuing education to all citizens
    B. only supports unemployed workers
    C. focuses solely on technology companies
    D. replaces traditional education completely

31. Critics of Universal Basic Income argue that
    A. it would be too inexpensive to implement
    B. it might not address the non-financial benefits of work
    C. it has been proven unsuccessful in all pilot programs
    D. it would definitely increase employment

Questions 32-36: Matching Features

Match each policy approach (A-F) with the correct characteristic (32-36).

Write the correct letter, A-F, next to questions 32-36.

Policy Approaches:
A. Danish flexicurity model
B. Anglo-American approach
C. Singapore’s model
D. Universal Basic Income
E. Robot taxes
F. Job guarantee programs

32. Provides unconditional regular payments to all citizens _____
33. Emphasizes minimal state intervention and entrepreneurship _____
34. Offers sector-specific transformation programs _____
35. Government promises employment to everyone seeking work _____
36. Allocates approximately 2% of GDP to labor market policies _____

Questions 37-40: Short-answer Questions

Answer the questions below.

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

37. What term describes the combination of flexibility and security in the Scandinavian labor market model?
38. What two benefits, besides income, does work provide according to psychological research?
39. What type of skills are emphasized in modern education to maintain human advantages over AI?
40. According to economist Jan Tinbergen, what race might become unwinnable for many workers?

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Answer Keys – Đáp Án

PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13

1. B
2. C
3. C
4. C
5. B
6. NOT GIVEN
7. TRUE
8. FALSE
9. TRUE
10. self-checkout machines / automated kiosks
11. labor shortages
12. creativity
13. economic inequality / skills gap

PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26

14. NO
15. YES
16. NO
17. YES
18. NO
19. F
20. A
21. E
22. C
23. G
24. displacement
25. labor market polarization
26. economic mobility / social stability

PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40

27. B
28. C
29. C
30. A
31. B
32. D
33. B
34. C
35. F
36. A
37. flexicurity
38. purpose (and) identity / identity (and) purpose / social connection (and) structure (any two valid combinations)
39. metacognitive skills / adaptability / critical thinking
40. (between) education (and) technology

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Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Passage 1 – Giải Thích

Câu 1: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: current automation, different, previous technological changes
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 5-8
• Giải thích: Đoạn văn nói rõ “the current wave of automation is different in both scope and speed. Modern automated systems can perform not just repetitive physical tasks, but also cognitive functions that require decision-making and problem-solving abilities.” Paraphrase: “both physical and cognitive tasks” = đáp án B.

Câu 2: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: industrial robots, manufacturing
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 3-5
• Giải thích: Bài viết nói “These machines can work 24 hours a day without breaks” – tức là có thể hoạt động liên tục không cần nghỉ ngơi, đúng với đáp án C.

Câu 3: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: automotive industry, robots
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng cuối
• Giải thích: “the automotive industry has seen a 30% increase in the use of industrial robots over the past decade” – tăng 30% trong thập kỷ qua, chính xác là đáp án C.

Câu 6: NOT GIVEN

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: automated systems, agriculture, completely replace all farm workers
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5
• Giải thích: Đoạn văn chỉ nói automation “reduce the need for seasonal workers” chứ không nói về việc thay thế hoàn toàn tất cả công nhân nông nghiệp. Không có thông tin đủ để xác định → NOT GIVEN.

Câu 7: TRUE

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: transportation sector, major job losses, autonomous vehicles
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6
• Giải thích: “this technology could eventually eliminate millions of driving jobs worldwide” – phù hợp với “major job losses” → TRUE.

Câu 9: TRUE

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: older workers, challenges, adapting to automation
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 9, dòng cuối
• Giải thích: “particularly older workers or those with limited education” – người lao động lớn tuổi đối mặt với thách thức đặc biệt → TRUE.

Câu 10: self-checkout machines / automated kiosks

• Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
• Từ khóa: retail stores, common alternatives, human cashiers
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 1-2
• Giải thích: “Self-checkout machines in supermarkets, automated kiosks in restaurants” – cả hai đều đúng.

Câu 12: creativity

• Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
• Từ khóa: automation, humans concentrate, emotional intelligence, complex problem-solving
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 4-6
• Giải thích: “allowing them to focus on tasks that require creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving” – đáp án là “creativity”.

Minh họa tác động của tự động hóa lên thị trường lao động và công nhân các ngành nghề

Passage 2 – Giải Thích

Câu 14: NO

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: impact automation, straightforward, affects all sectors equally
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 3-5
• Giải thích: Tác giả nói rõ “the impact varies significantly across different sectors and skill levels” – tác động khác nhau giữa các ngành → trái ngược với “affects all sectors equally” → NO.

Câu 15: YES

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: middle-skill jobs, disappearing faster
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3
• Giải thích: “Middle-skill jobs…are disappearing at an accelerating rate” – đúng với quan điểm của tác giả → YES.

Câu 17: YES

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: previous technological changes, more slowly, current automation
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 1-3
• Giải thích: “Unlike previous technological transitions, which unfolded over decades, current automation capabilities are advancing with unprecedented rapidity” – tác giả xác nhận rõ ràng → YES.

Câu 18: NO

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: education and retraining alone, fully solve
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 9, dòng cuối
• Giải thích: Tác giả nói “critics contend that education alone cannot address the scale and speed of displacement” – giáo dục một mình không đủ → NO.

Câu 19: F

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Information
• Từ khóa: automation, reduce overall economic demand
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7 (Paragraph F)
• Giải thích: Đoạn này thảo luận về “productivity paradox” và làm thế nào automation có thể “reduce the consumer base able to purchase goods and services” – giảm nhu cầu kinh tế tổng thể.

Câu 22: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Information
• Từ khóa: regional differences, automation impact
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4 (Paragraph C)
• Giải thích: “Geographical considerations add another layer of complexity” và “some communities could see unemployment rates increase by as much as 40%…while others…might experience minimal negative effects” – nói về sự khác biệt theo khu vực.

Câu 24: displacement

• Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
• Từ khóa: McKinsey Global Institute, hundreds of millions, workers, 2030
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 2-3
• Giải thích: “between 400 and 800 million individuals worldwide could be displaced by automation” – đáp án là “displacement”.

Câu 25: labor market polarization

• Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
• Từ khóa: middle-skill jobs, disappearing, employment grows, high and low skill levels
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 1
• Giải thích: “The phenomenon of labor market polarization has emerged” – đây chính là thuật ngữ mô tả hiện tượng.

Passage 3 – Giải Thích

Câu 27: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: flexicurity model, Scandinavian countries
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 2-4
• Giải thích: “a neologism combining flexibility and security. This model acknowledges the inevitability of technological change and labor market dynamism while ensuring robust social protection” – kết hợp sự linh hoạt với bảo vệ người lao động mạnh mẽ → B.

Câu 28: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: Nordic model’s success, depends on
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 1-3
• Giải thích: “High levels of social trust, cultural homogeneity…strong labor unions…and a longstanding tradition of high taxation” – các yếu tố xã hội và văn hóa → C.

Câu 31: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: Critics, Universal Basic Income
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 6-9
• Giải thích: “critics question whether providing income without employment addresses the non-pecuniary benefits that work provides: purpose, identity, social connection, and structure” – không giải quyết các lợi ích phi tài chính của công việc → B.

Câu 32: D

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
• Từ khóa: unconditional regular payments to all citizens
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 2-3
• Giải thích: “Universal Basic Income…would provide all citizens with a regular, unconditional cash payment” → D.

Câu 37: flexicurity

• Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Question
• Từ khóa: term, combination flexibility and security, Scandinavian
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 2
• Giải thích: “predicated upon the principle of ‘flexicurity’ – a neologism combining flexibility and security” – rõ ràng là “flexicurity”.

Câu 38: purpose (and) identity / identity (and) purpose

• Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Question
• Từ khóa: two benefits, besides income, work provides, psychological research
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 7-8
• Giải thích: “work provides: purpose, identity, social connection, and structure” – bất kỳ hai trong số này đều được chấp nhận, thường là “purpose” và “identity”.

Câu 40: (between) education (and) technology

• Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Question
• Từ khóa: race, economist Jan Tinbergen, unwinnable, workers
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 11, dòng 3-4
• Giải thích: “the ‘race between education and technology’ that economist Jan Tinbergen described may become unwinnable” – đáp án là “education and technology” hoặc “between education and technology”.

Các chiến lược chính sách và giáo dục để đối phó với thất nghiệp do tự động hóa

Từ Vựng Quan Trọng Theo Passage

Passage 1 – Essential Vocabulary

Từ vựng	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ từ bài	Collocation
transformation	n	/ˌtrænsfərˈmeɪʃn/	sự chuyển đổi, biến đổi	The modern workplace is experiencing a transformation	undergo transformation, digital transformation
Industrial Revolution	n	/ɪnˈdʌstriəl ˌrevəˈluːʃn/	Cách mạng Công nghiệp	unlike any seen since the Industrial Revolution	during the Industrial Revolution
revolutionary	adj	/ˌrevəˈluːʃəneri/	mang tính cách mạng	were all revolutionary innovations	revolutionary change, revolutionary technology
scope	n	/skəʊp/	phạm vi, quy mô	different in both scope and speed	broad scope, scope of work
repetitive	adj	/rɪˈpetətɪv/	lặp đi lặp lại	repetitive physical tasks	repetitive work, repetitive motion
cognitive	adj	/ˈkɒɡnətɪv/	thuộc về nhận thức	cognitive functions	cognitive ability, cognitive skills
dramatic	adj	/drəˈmætɪk/	đáng kể, mạnh mẽ	has been particularly dramatic	dramatic change, dramatic increase
precision	n	/prɪˈsɪʒn/	độ chính xác	perform complex tasks with precision	with precision, precision engineering
productivity	n	/ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/	năng suất	maintain the same level of productivity	increase productivity, productivity gains
substantial	adj	/səbˈstænʃl/	đáng kể, lớn	experiencing substantial changes	substantial amount, substantial impact
brink	n	/brɪŋk/	bờ vực, ngưỡng cửa	stands on the brink	on the brink of, brink of collapse
monotonous	adj	/məˈnɒtənəs/	đơn điệu, buồn tẻ	dangerous, monotonous work	monotonous work, monotonous routine

Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary

Từ vựng	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ từ bài	Collocation
displacement	n	/dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/	sự thay thế, dịch chuyển	displacement of workers	job displacement, worker displacement
catalyst	n	/ˈkætəlɪst/	chất xúc tác, tác nhân	been a catalyst for economic growth	catalyst for change, act as catalyst
trajectory	n	/trəˈdʒektəri/	quỹ đạo, xu hướng	current trajectory of automation	career trajectory, upward trajectory
ramifications	n	/ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃnz/	hệ quả, tác động	broader economic and social ramifications	serious ramifications, far-reaching ramifications
nuanced	adj	/ˈnjuːɑːnst/	tinh tế, nhiều sắc thái	reveals a nuanced picture	nuanced understanding, nuanced approach
susceptibility	n	/səˌseptəˈbɪləti/	tính dễ bị tác động	face the highest susceptibility	susceptibility to disease, genetic susceptibility
polarization	n	/ˌpəʊləraɪˈzeɪʃn/	sự phân cực	labor market polarization	political polarization, social polarization
hollowing out	phrase	/ˈhɒləʊɪŋ aʊt/	làm rỗng ruột, làm suy yếu	This hollowing out of the middle class	hollowing out effect
disproportionate	adj	/ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənət/	không cân đối, quá mức	face disproportionate disruption	disproportionate impact, disproportionate effect
exacerbate	v	/ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/	làm trầm trọng thêm	threatens to exacerbate existing regional disparities	exacerbate the problem, exacerbate tensions
temporal	adj	/ˈtempərəl/	thuộc về thời gian	The temporal dimension	temporal lobe, temporal relationship
fray	v	/freɪ/	sờn, mòn, suy yếu	social fabric can fray	fray at the edges, nerves are frayed
paradox	n	/ˈpærədɒks/	nghịch lý	presents a paradox	apparent paradox, paradox of choice
stagnation	n	/stæɡˈneɪʃn/	sự trì trệ, đình trệ	leading to economic stagnation	economic stagnation, wage stagnation
granular	adj	/ˈɡrænjələr/	chi tiết, tỉ mỉ	providing granular insights	granular data, granular level

Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary

Từ vựng	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ từ bài	Collocation
inexorable	adj	/ɪnˈeksərəbl/	không thể cưỡng lại	The inexorable advance	inexorable decline, inexorable logic
precipitate	v	/prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/	gây ra đột ngột	has precipitated a fundamental reconceptualization	precipitate a crisis, precipitate change
reconceptualization	n	/ˌriːkənˌseptʃuəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/	sự tái khái niệm hóa	a fundamental reconceptualization	require reconceptualization
encroach upon	phrasal v	/ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ əˈpɒn/	xâm lấn, xâm phạm	increasingly encroach upon domains	encroach upon rights, encroach upon territory
heterogeneity	n	/ˌhetərəʊdʒəˈniːəti/	tính không đồng nhất	The heterogeneity of approaches	genetic heterogeneity, cultural heterogeneity
exemplar	n	/ɪɡˈzemplɑː(r)/	tấm gương, mô hình	emerged as exemplars	exemplar of excellence, moral exemplar
predicated	adj	/ˈpredɪkeɪtɪd/	dựa trên, căn cứ vào	predicated upon the principle	predicated on the assumption
flexicurity	n	/fleksiˈkjʊərəti/	sự linh hoạt an toàn	principle of flexicurity	flexicurity model, flexicurity approach
epitomize	v	/ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/	là điển hình của	Denmark’s system epitomizes	epitomize the spirit, epitomize success
efficacy	n	/ˈefɪkəsi/	hiệu quả, hiệu lực	The efficacy of the Nordic model	demonstrate efficacy, proven efficacy
eschew	v	/ɪsˈtʃuː/	tránh xa, kiêng	has eschewed the expansive social welfare	eschew violence, eschew publicity
ambiguous	adj	/æmˈbɪɡjuəs/	mơ hồ, không rõ ràng	remains ambiguous and contested	ambiguous statement, ambiguous relationship
stagnant	adj	/ˈstæɡnənt/	trì trệ, đình đốn	stagnant wages	stagnant economy, stagnant growth
preemptively	adv	/priˈemptɪvli/	một cách phòng ngừa	seeks to preemptively address displacement	act preemptively, strike preemptively
decouple	v	/diːˈkʌpl/	tách rời	by decoupling income from employment	decouple from, economic decoupling
substantive	adj	/ˈsʌbstəntɪv/	quan trọng, thực chất	raise numerous substantive objections	substantive issues, substantive changes
non-pecuniary	adj	/nɒn pɪˈkjuːniəri/	phi tài chính	the non-pecuniary benefits	non-pecuniary rewards, non-pecuniary damages
prevailing	adj	/prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/	phổ biến, chiếm ưu thế	The prevailing debate	prevailing view, prevailing conditions
fiduciary	adj	/fɪˈdjuːʃəri/	tín thác, ủy thác	fiduciary duties to shareholders	fiduciary responsibility, fiduciary duty
metacognitive	adj	/ˌmetəˈkɒɡnətɪv/	siêu nhận thức	metacognitive skills	metacognitive strategies, metacognitive awareness
panacea	n	/ˌpænəˈsiːə/	phương thuốc vạn năng	education’s limitations as a panacea	not a panacea, universal panacea

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Kết Bài

Chủ đề tác động của tự động hóa lên thất nghiệp không chỉ là một đề tài nóng trong thực tế mà còn là một chủ đề được yêu thích trong kỳ thi IELTS Reading. Qua bộ đề thi mẫu hoàn chỉnh này, bạn đã được trải nghiệm ba passages với độ khó tăng dần, từ Easy đến Medium và Hard, phản ánh chính xác cấu trúc đề thi thật của Cambridge IELTS.

Ba passages đã cung cấp góc nhìn đa chiều về vấn đề: từ những tác động trực tiếp của công nghệ tự động hóa lên các ngành nghề cụ thể (Passage 1), đến những hệ quả kinh tế-xã hội sâu rộng hơn như phân cực thị trường lao động và bất bình đẳng (Passage 2), và cuối cùng là các chiến lược chính sách phức tạp để đối phó với thách thức này trên phạm vi toàn cầu (Passage 3). Sự đa dạng này không chỉ giúp bạn làm quen với nhiều góc độ tiếp cận một chủ đề mà còn mở rộng vốn từ vựng học thuật của bạn một cách tự nhiên.

Phần đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích đã chỉ ra cách xác định thông tin trong bài, kỹ thuật paraphrase, và chiến lược làm bài cho từng dạng câu hỏi. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để bạn tự đánh giá năng lực và học hỏi từ những sai lầm. Đặc biệt, phần từ vựng theo từng passage với bảng chi tiết giúp bạn không chỉ ghi nhớ từ mới mà còn hiểu cách sử dụng chúng trong ngữ cảnh học thuật. Hiểu rõ về Impact of automation on retail sales cũng sẽ giúp bạn có cái nhìn toàn diện hơn về xu hướng tự động hóa trong các ngành dịch vụ khác nhau.

Hãy nhớ rằng, để đạt band điểm cao trong IELTS Reading, bạn cần luyện tập đều đặn với các đề thi chất lượng như thế này. Việc hiểu sâu về The role of technology in enhancing productivity sẽ giúp bạn nắm vững các khái niệm cốt lõi thường xuất hiện trong các bài đọc về công nghệ và kinh tế. Đồng thời, tìm hiểu thêm về The role of AI in improving productivity cũng rất hữu ích khi chủ đề trí tuệ nhân tạo ngày càng phổ biến trong đề thi.

Không chỉ trong lĩnh vực sản xuất, việc tìm hiểu How does the rise of automation affect the service industry? sẽ giúp bạn có góc nhìn đa chiều về tác động của tự động hóa. Ngoài ra, chủ đề về Impact of artificial intelligence on creative industries cũng đang trở thành xu hướng mới trong các đề thi IELTS gần đây, cho thấy AI không chỉ ảnh hưởng đến công việc thủ công mà còn cả những ngành nghề sáng tạo.

Đừng chỉ làm đề một lần rồi bỏ qua. Hãy xem lại sau vài ngày, tập trung vào những câu hỏi bạn đã làm sai, và phân tích lý do tại sao. Kỹ năng Reading không cải thiện qua một đêm, nhưng với sự kiên trì và phương pháp đúng đắn, bạn hoàn toàn có thể đạt được mục tiêu band điểm của mình. Chúc bạn ôn thi hiệu quả và thành công rực rở trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới!