Mở bài
Chủ đề năng lượng tái tạo và chính sách thương mại quốc tế đang trở thành một trong những chủ đề “nóng” trong kỳ thi IELTS Reading những năm gần đây. Với xu hướng toàn cầu hóa và vấn đề biến đổi khí hậu ngày càng cấp thiết, các đề thi IELTS thường xuyên đề cập đến tác động của năng lượng sạch đối với nền kinh tế thế giới, đặc biệt là trong lĩnh vực thương mại.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ được thực hành với một đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh gồm 3 passages với độ khó tăng dần từ Easy đến Hard. Mỗi passage đều được thiết kế dựa trên format thực tế của Cambridge IELTS, bao gồm 40 câu hỏi đa dạng với 7-8 dạng câu hỏi khác nhau. Ngoài đáp án chi tiết, bạn còn nhận được giải thích từng câu với vị trí cụ thể trong bài, phân tích kỹ thuật paraphrase, và bộ từ vựng quan trọng theo từng passage.
Đề thi mẫu này phù hợp cho học viên từ band 5.0 trở lên, đặc biệt hữu ích cho những ai đang hướng tới band 6.5-7.5. Hãy chuẩn bị 60 phút để hoàn thành bài test này trong điều kiện như thi thật nhé!
1. Hướng Dẫn Làm Bài IELTS Reading
Tổng Quan Về IELTS Reading Test
IELTS Reading Test kéo dài 60 phút với 3 passages và tổng cộng 40 câu hỏi. Mỗi câu trả lời đúng được tính là 1 điểm, không có điểm âm khi trả lời sai. Độ khó của các passages tăng dần, đòi hỏi bạn phải phân bổ thời gian hợp lý:
- Passage 1: 15-17 phút (độ khó Easy, band 5.0-6.5)
- Passage 2: 18-20 phút (độ khó Medium, band 6.0-7.5)
- Passage 3: 23-25 phút (độ khó Hard, band 7.0-9.0)
Lưu ý quan trọng: Bạn cần tự chuyển đáp án sang answer sheet trong 60 phút, không có thời gian thêm. Vì vậy, nên dành 2-3 phút cuối để kiểm tra và chuyển đáp án cẩn thận.
Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này
Đề thi mẫu này bao gồm các dạng câu hỏi phổ biến nhất:
- Multiple Choice – Câu hỏi trắc nghiệm
- True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng/sai/không đề cập
- Matching Headings – Nối tiêu đề với đoạn văn
- Sentence Completion – Hoàn thành câu
- Summary Completion – Hoàn thành đoạn tóm tắt
- Matching Features – Nối thông tin với đặc điểm
- Short-answer Questions – Câu hỏi trả lời ngắn
2. IELTS Reading Practice Test
PASSAGE 1 – The Rise of Renewable Energy in Global Markets
Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút
Over the past two decades, renewable energy has transformed from a niche sector into a major force shaping international trade patterns. Countries worldwide are increasingly investing in solar panels, wind turbines, and other clean energy technologies, not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to gain competitive advantages in the global marketplace. This shift has profound implications for how nations conduct business with one another.
The growth of renewable energy has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2000, renewable sources accounted for less than 2% of global energy consumption. By 2023, this figure had surged to nearly 30%, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This dramatic increase has been driven by several factors: declining costs of solar and wind technology, growing public awareness of climate change, and supportive government policies. Manufacturing hubs in Asia, particularly China, have emerged as dominant players, producing over 70% of the world’s solar panels and wind turbine components.
This manufacturing concentration has created new trade dependencies. European countries, for instance, import approximately 85% of their solar panels from Asia, while the United States relies on foreign suppliers for about 60% of its renewable energy equipment. Such dependencies have prompted governments to reconsider their trade policies and supply chain strategies. The European Union, responding to these concerns, launched its Green Deal Industrial Plan in 2023, which aims to boost domestic production of clean energy technologies through subsidies and tax incentives.
Trade agreements are also evolving to reflect the renewable energy revolution. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), signed by 11 Pacific Rim countries, includes specific provisions for reducing tariffs on environmental goods, including solar panels and wind equipment. Similarly, bilateral agreements between major economies now frequently feature chapters on green technology transfer and cooperation in renewable energy research. These agreements recognize that facilitating trade in clean energy products can help countries meet their climate commitments while fostering economic growth.
However, the renewable energy trade landscape is not without challenges. Trade disputes have emerged over accusations of unfair subsidies and dumping practices. In 2021, the United States imposed tariffs on certain imported solar panels, arguing that heavily subsidized foreign products were harming domestic manufacturers. The European Union filed similar complaints with the World Trade Organization (WTO), claiming that some countries were providing illegal state aid to their renewable energy industries. These tensions highlight the delicate balance between promoting clean energy and protecting domestic industries.
The financial aspects of renewable energy trade are equally significant. Global investment in renewable energy infrastructure reached $500 billion in 2022, with much of this capital flowing across borders. Development banks and international financial institutions have created specialized lending programs for renewable energy projects in developing countries. These programs not only provide funding but also help establish technical standards and quality certifications that facilitate international trade. Countries that adopt internationally recognized standards find it easier to export their renewable energy products and attract foreign investment.
Consumer demand is another driving force behind changes in international trade policies. Many multinational corporations have committed to using 100% renewable energy in their operations, creating pressure on suppliers worldwide to adopt clean energy sources. This corporate sustainability movement has led to the emergence of green supply chains, where companies prioritize sourcing materials and products from suppliers who use renewable energy. Countries with abundant renewable energy resources, such as Iceland with its geothermal power or Morocco with its solar farms, are leveraging these advantages to attract energy-intensive industries like data centers and aluminum smelting.
Developing nations face unique opportunities and challenges in this evolving trade environment. On one hand, many have excellent renewable energy potential – abundant sunshine in sub-Saharan Africa, strong winds in Latin America, and hydroelectric resources in Southeast Asia. On the other hand, they often lack the manufacturing capabilities and technical expertise to fully capitalize on these resources. This gap has led to increased technology transfer initiatives and capacity-building programs sponsored by developed countries and international organizations. Such programs aim to help developing nations not only consume renewable energy but also participate in its production and export.
Looking ahead, experts predict that renewable energy will continue reshaping international trade for decades to come. The International Energy Agency forecasts that by 2050, trade in renewable energy equipment and services could exceed $1 trillion annually. This projection suggests that countries positioning themselves as leaders in clean energy technology stand to gain substantial economic benefits. However, success will require careful policy coordination, including harmonizing technical standards, resolving trade disputes fairly, and ensuring that the transition to renewable energy benefits all nations, not just the wealthiest ones.
Questions 1-6: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, what was the percentage of renewable energy in global energy consumption in 2000?
A. Less than 2%
B. Exactly 2%
C. Nearly 30%
D. More than 30% -
Which region produces the majority of the world’s solar panels?
A. Europe
B. North America
C. Asia
D. Latin America -
Why did the European Union launch its Green Deal Industrial Plan?
A. To increase imports from Asia
B. To boost domestic production of clean energy technologies
C. To reduce carbon emissions by 50%
D. To create new trade agreements -
What did the United States do in 2021 regarding solar panels?
A. Removed all tariffs
B. Increased subsidies
C. Imposed tariffs on certain imported solar panels
D. Banned all solar panel imports -
How much was global investment in renewable energy infrastructure in 2022?
A. $100 billion
B. $300 billion
C. $500 billion
D. $1 trillion -
According to the passage, what advantage does Iceland have in attracting energy-intensive industries?
A. Low labor costs
B. Geothermal power resources
C. Strategic location
D. Advanced technology
Questions 7-10: 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
- China manufactures more than half of the world’s solar panels and wind turbine components.
- The CPTPP agreement includes provisions for eliminating all tariffs on environmental goods immediately.
- Development banks have created specialized lending programs for renewable energy projects.
- Morocco exports more renewable energy than any other African country.
Questions 11-13: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- Many multinational corporations have committed to using 100% renewable energy, which has led to the emergence of _____.
- Developing nations often lack the _____ and technical expertise to fully utilize their renewable energy potential.
- By 2050, the International Energy Agency predicts that trade in renewable energy equipment could exceed _____ annually.
PASSAGE 2 – Policy Frameworks and Trade Mechanisms
Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút
The intersection of renewable energy and international trade policy represents one of the most complex and rapidly evolving areas of global economic governance. As nations transition toward low-carbon economies, traditional trade frameworks established during the fossil fuel era are proving inadequate, necessitating comprehensive reforms in both multilateral institutions and bilateral arrangements. This transformation is not merely technical but involves fundamental questions about economic sovereignty, environmental responsibility, and equitable development.
The World Trade Organization has become a focal point for debates surrounding renewable energy trade. Established in 1995, the WTO’s rules were designed primarily with conventional goods in mind, making their application to renewable energy technologies problematic in several respects. The Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement) exemplifies this challenge. While the agreement prohibits certain subsidies that distort trade, it provides exceptions for environmental purposes – yet the definition and scope of these exceptions remain contentious. Countries have interpreted these provisions differently, leading to numerous dispute settlement cases that have shaped the evolving landscape of renewable energy trade law.
A landmark case involved Canada’s feed-in tariff program for renewable energy. Ontario Province had implemented a scheme guaranteeing favorable prices for renewable electricity, but with requirements that a certain percentage of project content be sourced domestically. Japan and the European Union challenged this local content requirement, arguing it violated WTO rules by discriminating against foreign suppliers. The Appellate Body ruled in favor of the complainants in 2013, establishing that while subsidies for renewable energy are permissible, they cannot include discriminatory local content provisions. This decision has had far-reaching implications, forcing countries to redesign their renewable energy support mechanisms to comply with international trade law while still achieving domestic policy objectives.
Carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs) represent another frontier in renewable energy trade policy. The European Union’s CBAM, which began its transitional phase in 2023, imposes charges on imports from countries with less stringent climate policies. The mechanism aims to prevent carbon leakage – the phenomenon where companies relocate production to jurisdictions with weaker environmental regulations. However, critics argue that CBAMs may function as disguised protectionism, unfairly penalizing developing countries that lack the resources to rapidly decarbonize their industries. The WTO compatibility of CBAMs remains uncertain, with some trade experts warning they could violate most-favored-nation and national treatment principles.
Regional trade agreements have become laboratories for innovative approaches to renewable energy trade. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA in 2020, includes North America’s first standalone chapter on environmental issues. This chapter establishes binding commitments on marine conservation, air quality, and crucially, facilitating trade in environmental goods and services. Under USMCA provisions, the three countries have committed to eliminating tariffs on a wide range of renewable energy technologies and to cooperating on cross-border electricity trade. The agreement also includes enforcement mechanisms with potential trade sanctions, representing a significant evolution from earlier trade deals that treated environmental provisions as non-binding side agreements.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which entered into force in 2022 among 15 Asia-Pacific countries, takes a different approach. Rather than prescriptive environmental rules, RCEP emphasizes voluntary cooperation and capacity building in renewable energy. Member countries commit to sharing best practices, conducting joint research, and providing technical assistance to less-developed members. This softer approach reflects the diverse development levels within RCEP, ranging from highly industrialized Japan and South Korea to emerging economies like Cambodia and Laos. Critics contend this flexibility may undermine environmental effectiveness, while supporters argue it ensures broader participation and genuine cooperation rather than imposed standards.
Export credit agencies (ECAs) play a crucial yet often overlooked role in shaping renewable energy trade patterns. These government-backed institutions provide loans, guarantees, and insurance for domestic companies engaging in international trade. Historically, ECAs have been major financiers of fossil fuel projects, but mounting pressure from environmental groups and changing government policies have prompted a significant reorientation. The OECD Export Credit Group reached an agreement in 2021 to end official export credit support for most international fossil fuel projects, redirecting this financing toward renewable energy. This shift could channel tens of billions of dollars annually toward clean energy infrastructure, fundamentally altering global investment flows.
However, the practical implementation of renewable energy trade policies faces numerous obstacles. Standardization remains a persistent challenge – different countries employ varying technical specifications, safety certifications, and grid connection requirements for renewable energy equipment. A solar panel certified for use in Germany may require expensive additional testing to be approved in Japan, creating non-tariff barriers that impede trade. International efforts to harmonize standards have made limited progress, hampered by legitimate technical differences, varying safety philosophies, and sometimes thinly veiled protectionist motives.
Intellectual property rights present another contentious issue. Developing countries argue that patent protections on advanced renewable energy technologies, particularly energy storage systems and next-generation solar cells, prevent technology diffusion and perpetuate technological dependency. They have called for compulsory licensing provisions that would allow domestic manufacturers to produce patented technologies under specific circumstances, similar to mechanisms that exist for essential medicines. Developed countries and technology holders counter that strong intellectual property protections are necessary to incentivize innovation and recover research investments. This debate has played out in climate negotiations, trade forums, and development discussions, with no clear resolution in sight.
The emerging consensus among trade policy experts is that renewable energy requires a fundamentally new approach to international economic governance. Some scholars advocate for a plurilateral agreement specifically addressing clean energy trade – a framework involving interested countries that could eventually expand to broader membership. Others propose reforming existing institutions, particularly strengthening the WTO’s capacity to handle environmental disputes and clarifying how climate policies interact with trade rules. What remains clear is that the ad hoc, case-by-case approach that has characterized renewable energy trade policy to date is insufficient for the scale and urgency of the energy transition required to address climate change. As renewable energy continues its exponential growth, the pressure to develop coherent, equitable, and effective international trade frameworks will only intensify.
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
- The WTO’s current rules are adequate for handling renewable energy trade issues.
- Carbon border adjustment mechanisms may serve as a form of protectionism against developing countries.
- The USMCA represents an improvement over NAFTA regarding environmental commitments.
- RCEP’s flexible approach to environmental issues is more effective than prescriptive rules.
- Patent protections on renewable energy technologies completely prevent technology transfer to developing countries.
Questions 19-23: Matching Headings
The passage has ten paragraphs (1-10). Choose the correct heading for paragraphs 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 from the list of headings below.
List of Headings:
i. The role of financial institutions in renewable energy trade
ii. Challenges in standardizing renewable energy equipment
iii. WTO rules and their application to renewable energy
iv. Regional cooperation versus binding environmental rules
v. The need for new international governance frameworks
vi. Carbon border mechanisms and their controversies
vii. Intellectual property disputes in clean energy technology
viii. Historical development of trade agreements
- Paragraph 2 _____
- Paragraph 4 _____
- Paragraph 6 _____
- Paragraph 8 _____
- Paragraph 10 _____
Questions 24-26: Summary Completion
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
The WTO ruled against Canada’s feed-in tariff program because it included a 24. _____ that discriminated against foreign suppliers. Meanwhile, 25. _____ have historically financed fossil fuel projects but are now redirecting support toward renewable energy. One major obstacle to renewable energy trade is the lack of 26. _____ across different countries, which creates barriers even when tariffs are eliminated.
PASSAGE 3 – Geopolitical Dimensions and Future Trajectories
Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút
The ascendance of renewable energy as a cornerstone of contemporary economic paradigms has engendered a profound reconfiguration of geopolitical power structures and international trade dynamics. Unlike fossil fuels, which are geographically concentrated in specific regions and have historically conferred disproportionate influence upon resource-rich nations, renewable energy sources are far more ubiquitously distributed across the planet. This democratization of energy resources portends a fundamental shift in the architecture of global trade relations, yet simultaneously gives rise to new forms of strategic competition and asymmetric dependencies that merit rigorous scholarly examination.
The concept of energy security, traditionally predicated upon securing access to finite fossil fuel reserves, is undergoing a substantive reconceptualization in the renewable energy epoch. Rather than focusing on resource extraction rights and transportation route security, contemporary energy security increasingly emphasizes control over manufacturing capacity, critical raw materials, and technological innovation. This transformation manifests most clearly in the competition for materials essential to renewable energy technologies – lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and high-grade silicon. China’s dominance in processing these materials, controlling approximately 70% of global refined lithium production and 90% of rare earth processing, has created what some analysts term a “resource weapon” analogous to OPEC’s historical influence over oil markets.
This material dependency has catalyzed significant policy responses from other major economies. The European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act, proposed in 2023, aims to diversify supply chains and develop domestic processing capabilities for materials crucial to the green transition. The legislation mandates that by 2030, no more than 65% of the EU’s consumption of any strategic raw material should come from a single third country. Similarly, the United States Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions requiring increasing percentages of battery components and critical minerals to be sourced from domestic production or free trade agreement partners to qualify for electric vehicle subsidies. These policies represent a nascent form of strategic decoupling in renewable energy supply chains, deliberately fragmenting global markets to mitigate perceived geopolitical vulnerabilities.
The implications of such economic nationalism for international trade are profound and potentially contradictory. While these policies ostensibly aim to enhance resilience and reduce dependencies, they simultaneously risk creating inefficiencies, elevating costs, and undermining the economies of scale that have driven renewable energy’s cost competitiveness. The global photovoltaic industry exemplifies this tension: concentration in Chinese manufacturing has enabled dramatic cost reductions – solar panel prices declined by over 90% between 2010 and 2020 – making renewable energy economically viable even without subsidies in many markets. Fragmenting production across multiple geographies for geopolitical reasons may reverse these gains, potentially slowing the pace of decarbonization precisely when acceleration is climatically imperative.
Moreover, the subsidy competition between major economies threatens to create a race to the bottom that disproportionately disadvantages countries with limited fiscal capacity. The United States Inflation Reduction Act allocates approximately $369 billion in climate and energy spending over a decade, predominantly through production tax credits, investment tax credits, and direct subsidies for clean energy manufacturing. The European Union responded with its Green Deal Industrial Plan, relaxing state aid rules to allow member states to match foreign subsidies. This transatlantic subsidy war has provoked concerns from other WTO members, particularly developing countries, that lack comparable resources to support their industries. South Korea and Japan have filed formal complaints, arguing these subsidies violate WTO non-discrimination principles and create an unlevel playing field that privileges large, wealthy economies.
The governance deficit in international renewable energy trade is particularly acute regarding technology transfer mechanisms. While the Paris Agreement on climate change acknowledges the necessity of technology transfer to developing countries, its provisions remain largely aspirational rather than binding. Developed countries have established various initiatives – the Climate Technology Centre and Network, the Green Climate Fund’s technology windows, and bilateral partnerships – yet the scale and effectiveness of these programs remain subjects of considerable contention. Developing countries argue that intellectual property barriers, capacity constraints, and insufficient financing impede meaningful technology diffusion, perpetuating a neo-colonial dynamic where they remain dependent on technology imports rather than developing domestic capabilities.
Some scholars propose that compulsory licensing provisions, similar to those employed for pharmaceuticals in public health emergencies, could accelerate renewable energy technology dissemination to developing countries. Under such arrangements, governments could authorize domestic production of patented technologies without the patent holder’s consent, subject to royalty payments. However, this approach faces fierce opposition from technology developers and their home governments, who contend it would undermine innovation incentives and violate TRIPS Agreement protections. The COVID-19 pandemic’s intellectual property debates over vaccine patents have amplified these tensions, with developing countries drawing explicit parallels between health equity and climate justice, arguing both require prioritizing global needs over proprietary interests.
The digitalization of energy systems introduces additional layers of complexity to international trade policy. Smart grids, artificial intelligence-optimized energy distribution, blockchain-based energy trading platforms, and Internet of Things sensors are becoming integral to renewable energy infrastructure. These digital components raise questions about data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and technology standards that existing trade frameworks inadequately address. The European Union’s approach emphasizes digital sovereignty and stringent data protection, while the United States prioritizes interoperability and market-driven standards. China’s investments in digital energy infrastructure as part of its Belt and Road Initiative potentially establish technological standards across participating countries, creating lock-in effects that could influence trade patterns for decades.
Climate clubs – coalitions of countries imposing common carbon pricing and border adjustments – represent an emerging governance model that could fundamentally reshape trade relationships. Economists have long advocated for coordinated carbon pricing as the most efficient mechanism for emissions reduction, yet achieving global consensus has proven politically infeasible. Climate clubs offer an alternative: a subset of countries establishes common carbon pricing, then imposes tariffs on imports from non-members who fail to meet equivalent standards. This approach could incentivize broader participation while providing a credible enforcement mechanism. However, it also risks fragmenting the global trading system into competing blocs, potentially violating WTO principles and diminishing the multilateral consensus that has underpinned trade liberalization since World War II.
The trajectory of renewable energy’s impact on international trade policy remains contingent upon numerous interacting variables: technological developments that may shift competitive advantages, geopolitical events that reshape alliance structures, climate impacts that alter the perceived urgency of the energy transition, and domestic political dynamics within key economies. What appears certain is that the assumption undergirding much post-war trade policy – that economic integration and environmental protection are inherently compatible objectives – requires substantial revision. The renewable energy transition has revealed potential trade-offs between global economic efficiency and national economic security, between innovation incentives and technology access, and between climate ambition and development equity. Resolving these tensions will require institutional innovations, normative evolutions, and political compromises that extend far beyond technical trade policy adjustments. As renewable energy continues its inexorable growth, the challenge facing policymakers is crafting governance frameworks that harness trade’s potential to accelerate the clean energy transition while ensuring the benefits are broadly distributed and the risks equitably managed. The success or failure of this endeavor will profoundly shape both the global economy and the planetary climate for generations to come.
Năng lượng tái tạo và tác động đến chính sách thương mại quốc tế trong IELTS Reading
Questions 27-31: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, how does renewable energy differ from fossil fuels in terms of distribution?
A. Renewable energy is concentrated in fewer locations
B. Renewable energy is more evenly distributed geographically
C. Renewable energy is only found in developing countries
D. Renewable energy requires the same transportation routes -
What percentage of global refined lithium production does China control?
A. Approximately 50%
B. Approximately 60%
C. Approximately 70%
D. Approximately 90% -
By what percentage did solar panel prices decline between 2010 and 2020?
A. Over 50%
B. Over 70%
C. Over 90%
D. Over 95% -
How much does the United States Inflation Reduction Act allocate for climate and energy spending over a decade?
A. Approximately $100 billion
B. Approximately $250 billion
C. Approximately $369 billion
D. Approximately $500 billion -
What does the passage suggest about the relationship between economic integration and environmental protection?
A. They are always compatible objectives
B. They are completely incompatible
C. The assumption that they are inherently compatible requires revision
D. They have no relationship to each other
Questions 32-36: Matching Features
Match each policy or agreement (32-36) with the correct description (A-H).
Write the correct letter, A-H.
Policies/Agreements:
32. European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act
33. United States Inflation Reduction Act
34. Paris Agreement
35. Climate Technology Centre and Network
36. TRIPS Agreement
Descriptions:
A. Provides protection for intellectual property rights
B. Mandates limits on material sourcing from single countries
C. Establishes binding technology transfer requirements
D. Includes vehicle subsidy requirements for domestic sourcing
E. Focuses on pharmaceutical patents only
F. Addresses technology transfer but remains largely aspirational
G. Prohibits all forms of government subsidies
H. Facilitates technology transfer initiatives
Questions 37-40: Short-answer Questions
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.
- What term do some analysts use to describe China’s control over critical material processing?
- What type of dynamic do developing countries argue is perpetuated by insufficient technology transfer?
- What governance model involves coalitions of countries imposing common carbon pricing?
- According to the passage, what two things will the success or failure of renewable energy governance frameworks profoundly shape?
3. Answer Keys – Đáp Án
PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13
- A
- C
- B
- C
- C
- B
- TRUE
- NOT GIVEN
- TRUE
- NOT GIVEN
- green supply chains
- manufacturing capabilities
- $1 trillion / one trillion dollars
PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26
- NO
- YES
- YES
- NOT GIVEN
- NO
- iii
- vi
- iv
- ii
- v
- local content requirement
- Export credit agencies
- standardization
PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40
- B
- C
- C
- C
- C
- B
- D
- F
- H
- A
- resource weapon
- neo-colonial (dynamic)
- Climate clubs
- global economy, planetary climate (accept either order)
4. Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết
Passage 1 – Giải Thích
Câu 1: A
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: percentage, renewable energy, global energy consumption, 2000
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, câu 2
- Giải thích: Câu trong bài viết rõ ràng: “In 2000, renewable sources accounted for less than 2% of global energy consumption.” Đáp án A “Less than 2%” khớp chính xác với thông tin này.
Câu 2: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: region, majority, solar panels
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, câu cuối
- Giải thích: Bài viết nêu: “Manufacturing hubs in Asia, particularly China, have emerged as dominant players, producing over 70% of the world’s solar panels.” Asia là đáp án đúng.
Câu 3: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: European Union, Green Deal Industrial Plan, why
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, câu cuối
- Giải thích: Bài viết chỉ rõ: “launched its Green Deal Industrial Plan in 2023, which aims to boost domestic production of clean energy technologies.” Đây là paraphrase của đáp án B.
Câu 7: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: China, manufactures, more than half, solar panels, wind turbine components
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, câu cuối
- Giải thích: “producing over 70% of the world’s solar panels and wind turbine components” – 70% là hơn một nửa (50%), nên câu phát biểu đúng.
Câu 8: NOT GIVEN
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: CPTPP, eliminating all tariffs, immediately
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4
- Giải thích: Bài chỉ đề cập “reducing tariffs” chứ không nói “eliminating all tariffs immediately”. Không có thông tin về thời gian thực hiện.
Câu 11: green supply chains
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: multinational corporations, 100% renewable energy, led to emergence
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, câu 2
- Giải thích: “This corporate sustainability movement has led to the emergence of green supply chains” – cụm từ cần điền chính xác là “green supply chains”.
Câu 13: $1 trillion / one trillion dollars
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: 2050, International Energy Agency, trade, renewable energy equipment, exceed, annually
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 9, câu 2
- Giải thích: “trade in renewable energy equipment and services could exceed $1 trillion annually” – đáp án là $1 trillion hoặc one trillion dollars.
Passage 2 – Giải Thích
Câu 14: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: WTO’s current rules, adequate, renewable energy trade
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1 và 2
- Giải thích: Tác giả nói rõ: “traditional trade frameworks established during the fossil fuel era are proving inadequate” và “making their application to renewable energy technologies problematic.” Quan điểm tác giả là các quy tắc KHÔNG đầy đủ.
Câu 15: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Carbon border adjustment mechanisms, protectionism, developing countries
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4
- Giải thích: “critics argue that CBAMs may function as disguised protectionism, unfairly penalizing developing countries” – tác giả trình bày quan điểm này, cho thấy đồng tình với khả năng CBAMs có thể là chủ nghĩa bảo hộ.
Câu 16: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: USMCA, improvement, NAFTA, environmental commitments
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5
- Giải thích: Tác giả viết: “representing a significant evolution from earlier trade deals that treated environmental provisions as non-binding side agreements” – từ “evolution” và “significant” cho thấy đây là cải thiện.
Câu 19: iii
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Đoạn 2 nói về: WTO rules và ứng dụng của chúng với năng lượng tái tạo
- Giải thích: Đoạn mở đầu bằng “The World Trade Organization has become a focal point” và thảo luận chi tiết về SCM Agreement và các vấn đề áp dụng. Heading iii “WTO rules and their application to renewable energy” phù hợp nhất.
Câu 20: vi
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Đoạn 4 nói về: Carbon border adjustment mechanisms
- Giải thích: Toàn bộ đoạn tập trung vào CBAMs, tranh cãi xung quanh chúng và lo ngại về chủ nghĩa bảo hộ. Heading vi hoàn toàn phù hợp.
Câu 24: local content requirement
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: Canada’s feed-in tariff, WTO ruled against, discriminated
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3
- Giải thích: “Japan and the European Union challenged this local content requirement, arguing it violated WTO rules by discriminating against foreign suppliers.”
Câu 26: standardization
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: obstacle, lack of, creates barriers, tariffs eliminated
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, câu đầu
- Giải thích: “Standardization remains a persistent challenge” – từ cần điền là “standardization”.
Chiến lược làm bài IELTS Reading hiệu quả với chủ đề năng lượng tái tạo
Passage 3 – Giải Thích
Câu 27: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: renewable energy, differ from fossil fuels, distribution
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1
- Giải thích: “Unlike fossil fuels, which are geographically concentrated in specific regions… renewable energy sources are far more ubiquitously distributed across the planet.” Ubiquitously distributed = more evenly distributed geographically.
Câu 28: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: percentage, China, refined lithium production
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2
- Giải thích: “China’s dominance in processing these materials, controlling approximately 70% of global refined lithium production” – đáp án rõ ràng là C.
Câu 29: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: solar panel prices, decline, 2010, 2020
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4
- Giải thích: “solar panel prices declined by over 90% between 2010 and 2020” – đáp án C chính xác.
Câu 31: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: relationship, economic integration, environmental protection
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 10
- Giải thích: “the assumption undergirding much post-war trade policy – that economic integration and environmental protection are inherently compatible objectives – requires substantial revision.” Tác giả cho rằng giả định này cần xem xét lại.
Câu 32: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3
- Giải thích: “The legislation mandates that by 2030, no more than 65% of the EU’s consumption of any strategic raw material should come from a single third country.” Đây là mô tả về giới hạn nguồn cung từ một quốc gia.
Câu 34: F
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6
- Giải thích: “While the Paris Agreement on climate change acknowledges the necessity of technology transfer to developing countries, its provisions remain largely aspirational rather than binding.” Khớp với mô tả F.
Câu 37: resource weapon
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer
- Từ khóa: term, analysts use, China’s control, critical material processing
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, câu cuối
- Giải thích: “has created what some analysts term a ‘resource weapon'” – thuật ngữ cần tìm là “resource weapon”.
Câu 39: Climate clubs
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer
- Từ khóa: governance model, coalitions, common carbon pricing
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 9, câu đầu
- Giải thích: “Climate clubs – coalitions of countries imposing common carbon pricing and border adjustments” – đáp án là “Climate clubs”.
Câu 40: global economy, planetary climate
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer
- Từ khóa: success or failure, governance frameworks, profoundly shape
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 10, câu cuối
- Giải thích: “will profoundly shape both the global economy and the planetary climate for generations to come” – hai yếu tố là global economy và planetary climate.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| renewable energy | n | /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ | năng lượng tái tạo | renewable energy has transformed from a niche sector | renewable energy sources, renewable energy technologies |
| competitive advantages | n | /kəmˈpetɪtɪv ədˈvɑːntɪdʒɪz/ | lợi thế cạnh tranh | to gain competitive advantages in the global marketplace | sustainable competitive advantage, maintain competitive advantages |
| trade dependencies | n | /treɪd dɪˈpendənsiz/ | sự phụ thuộc thương mại | has created new trade dependencies | reduce trade dependencies, diversify trade dependencies |
| supply chain strategies | n | /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn ˈstrætədʒiz/ | chiến lược chuỗi cung ứng | reconsider their supply chain strategies | optimize supply chain strategies, resilient supply chain strategies |
| trade disputes | n | /treɪd dɪˈspjuːts/ | tranh chấp thương mại | trade disputes have emerged | resolve trade disputes, escalating trade disputes |
| dumping practices | n | /ˈdʌmpɪŋ ˈpræktɪsɪz/ | hành vi bán phá giá | accusations of unfair subsidies and dumping practices | anti-dumping practices, prevent dumping practices |
| technical standards | n | /ˈteknɪkl ˈstændədz/ | tiêu chuẩn kỹ thuật | help establish technical standards | harmonize technical standards, meet technical standards |
| green supply chains | n | /ɡriːn səˈplaɪ tʃeɪnz/ | chuỗi cung ứng xanh | has led to the emergence of green supply chains | develop green supply chains, sustainable green supply chains |
| energy-intensive industries | n | /ˈenədʒi ɪnˈtensɪv ˈɪndəstriz/ | ngành công nghiệp náng lượng cao | attract energy-intensive industries | relocate energy-intensive industries, power energy-intensive industries |
| technology transfer | n | /tekˈnɒlədʒi trænsˈfɜː/ | chuyển giao công nghệ | increased technology transfer initiatives | facilitate technology transfer, barriers to technology transfer |
| capacity-building programs | n | /kəˈpæsəti ˈbɪldɪŋ ˈprəʊɡræmz/ | chương trình xây dựng năng lực | capacity-building programs sponsored by developed countries | implement capacity-building programs, effective capacity-building programs |
| economic benefits | n | /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈbenɪfɪts/ | lợi ích kinh tế | gain substantial economic benefits | maximize economic benefits, long-term economic benefits |
Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| global economic governance | n | /ˈɡləʊbl ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈɡʌvənəns/ | quản trị kinh tế toàn cầu | one of the most complex areas of global economic governance | reform global economic governance, strengthen global economic governance |
| low-carbon economies | n | /ləʊ ˈkɑːbən ɪˈkɒnəmiz/ | nền kinh tế carbon thấp | transition toward low-carbon economies | build low-carbon economies, achieve low-carbon economies |
| multilateral institutions | n | /ˌmʌltiˈlætərəl ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃnz/ | các tổ chức đa phương | reforms in both multilateral institutions | strengthen multilateral institutions, role of multilateral institutions |
| dispute settlement cases | n | /dɪˈspjuːt ˈsetlmənt ˈkeɪsɪz/ | các vụ giải quyết tranh chấp | leading to numerous dispute settlement cases | file dispute settlement cases, resolve dispute settlement cases |
| local content requirement | n | /ˈləʊkl ˈkɒntent rɪˈkwaɪəmənt/ | yêu cầu nội dung địa phương | challenged this local content requirement | impose local content requirement, violate local content requirement |
| carbon leakage | n | /ˈkɑːbən ˈliːkɪdʒ/ | rò rỉ carbon | aims to prevent carbon leakage | address carbon leakage, risk of carbon leakage |
| disguised protectionism | n | /dɪsˈɡaɪzd prəˈtekʃənɪzəm/ | chủ nghĩa bảo hộ ngụy trang | may function as disguised protectionism | combat disguised protectionism, detect disguised protectionism |
| enforcement mechanisms | n | /ɪnˈfɔːsmənt ˈmekənɪzəmz/ | cơ chế thực thi | includes enforcement mechanisms with potential trade sanctions | establish enforcement mechanisms, effective enforcement mechanisms |
| voluntary cooperation | n | /ˈvɒləntri kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃn/ | hợp tác tự nguyện | RCEP emphasizes voluntary cooperation | promote voluntary cooperation, framework for voluntary cooperation |
| capacity building | n | /kəˈpæsəti ˈbɪldɪŋ/ | xây dựng năng lực | voluntary cooperation and capacity building | invest in capacity building, support capacity building |
| export credit agencies | n | /ˈekspɔːt ˈkredɪt ˈeɪdʒənsiz/ | các cơ quan tín dụng xuất khẩu | Export credit agencies play a crucial role | government-backed export credit agencies, support from export credit agencies |
| non-tariff barriers | n | /nɒn ˈtærɪf ˈbæriəz/ | rào cản phi thuế quan | creating non-tariff barriers that impede trade | eliminate non-tariff barriers, reduce non-tariff barriers |
| intellectual property rights | n | /ˌɪntəˈlektʃuəl ˈprɒpəti raɪts/ | quyền sở hữu trí tuệ | Intellectual property rights present another contentious issue | protect intellectual property rights, enforce intellectual property rights |
| compulsory licensing | n | /kəmˈpʌlsəri ˈlaɪsənsɪŋ/ | cấp phép bắt buộc | have called for compulsory licensing provisions | implement compulsory licensing, use compulsory licensing |
| plurilateral agreement | n | /ˌplʊərɪˈlætərəl əˈɡriːmənt/ | hiệp định đa phương | advocate for a plurilateral agreement | negotiate plurilateral agreement, establish plurilateral agreement |
Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| contemporary economic paradigms | n | /kənˈtempərəri ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈpærədaɪmz/ | các mô hình kinh tế đương đại | a cornerstone of contemporary economic paradigms | shift contemporary economic paradigms, challenge contemporary economic paradigms |
| geopolitical power structures | n | /ˌdʒiːəʊpəˈlɪtɪkl ˈpaʊə ˈstrʌktʃəz/ | cấu trúc quyền lực địa chính trị | reconfiguration of geopolitical power structures | reshape geopolitical power structures, analyze geopolitical power structures |
| democratization of energy resources | n | /dɪˌmɒkrətaɪˈzeɪʃn əv ˈenədʒi rɪˈsɔːsɪz/ | dân chủ hóa nguồn năng lượng | This democratization of energy resources | promote democratization of energy resources, effects of democratization of energy resources |
| asymmetric dependencies | n | /ˌæsɪˈmetrɪk dɪˈpendənsiz/ | sự phụ thuộc bất đối xứng | gives rise to new forms of asymmetric dependencies | create asymmetric dependencies, address asymmetric dependencies |
| strategic competition | n | /strəˈtiːdʒɪk ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃn/ | cạnh tranh chiến lược | new forms of strategic competition | intensify strategic competition, engage in strategic competition |
| critical raw materials | n | /ˈkrɪtɪkl rɔː məˈtɪəriəlz/ | nguyên liệu thô quan trọng | control over critical raw materials | secure critical raw materials, access to critical raw materials |
| rare earth elements | n | /reə ɜːθ ˈelɪmənts/ | nguyên tố đất hiếm | materials essential to renewable energy technologies – lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements | extract rare earth elements, dependence on rare earth elements |
| resource weapon | n | /rɪˈsɔːs ˈwepən/ | vũ khí tài nguyên | what some analysts term a “resource weapon” | wield resource weapon, use as resource weapon |
| green transition | n | /ɡriːn trænˈzɪʃn/ | chuyển đổi xanh | materials crucial to the green transition | accelerate green transition, finance green transition |
| strategic decoupling | n | /strəˈtiːdʒɪk diːˈkʌplɪŋ/ | tách rời chiến lược | represent a nascent form of strategic decoupling | pursue strategic decoupling, risks of strategic decoupling |
| geopolitical vulnerabilities | n | /ˌdʒiːəʊpəˈlɪtɪkl ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪlətiz/ | điểm yếu địa chính trị | mitigate perceived geopolitical vulnerabilities | reduce geopolitical vulnerabilities, expose geopolitical vulnerabilities |
| economic nationalism | n | /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈnæʃnəlɪzəm/ | chủ nghĩa dân tộc kinh tế | implications of such economic nationalism | rise of economic nationalism, policies driven by economic nationalism |
| economies of scale | n | /ɪˈkɒnəmiz əv skeɪl/ | lợi ích kinh tế theo quy mô | undermining the economies of scale | achieve economies of scale, benefit from economies of scale |
| subsidy competition | n | /ˈsʌbsədi ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃn/ | cạnh tranh trợ cấp | the subsidy competition between major economies | engage in subsidy competition, escalating subsidy competition |
| race to the bottom | n | /reɪs tə ðə ˈbɒtəm/ | cuộc đua xuống đáy | threatens to create a race to the bottom | prevent race to the bottom, trigger race to the bottom |
| unlevel playing field | n | /ʌnˈlevl ˈpleɪɪŋ fiːld/ | sân chơi không công bằng | create an unlevel playing field | address unlevel playing field, level the unlevel playing field |
| neo-colonial dynamic | n | /ˌniːəʊkəˈləʊniəl daɪˈnæmɪk/ | động lực tân thực dân | perpetuating a neo-colonial dynamic | challenge neo-colonial dynamic, replicate neo-colonial dynamic |
| technology dissemination | n | /tekˈnɒlədʒi dɪˌsemɪˈneɪʃn/ | phổ biến công nghệ | could accelerate renewable energy technology dissemination | facilitate technology dissemination, barriers to technology dissemination |
| climate justice | n | /ˈklaɪmət ˈdʒʌstɪs/ | công lý khí hậu | drawing explicit parallels between health equity and climate justice | pursue climate justice, achieve climate justice |
| data sovereignty | n | /ˈdeɪtə ˈsɒvrənti/ | chủ quyền dữ liệu | raise questions about data sovereignty | protect data sovereignty, issues of data sovereignty |
| lock-in effects | n | /lɒk ɪn ɪˈfekts/ | hiệu ứng khóa chặt | creating lock-in effects that could influence trade patterns | generate lock-in effects, avoid lock-in effects |
| climate clubs | n | /ˈklaɪmət klʌbz/ | câu lạc bộ khí hậu | Climate clubs represent an emerging governance model | form climate clubs, join climate clubs |
| credible enforcement mechanism | n | /ˈkredəbl ɪnˈfɔːsmənt ˈmekənɪzəm/ | cơ chế thực thi đáng tin cậy | providing a credible enforcement mechanism | establish credible enforcement mechanism, lack credible enforcement mechanism |
| multilateral consensus | n | /ˌmʌltiˈlætərəl kənˈsensəs/ | sự đồng thuận đa phương | diminishing the multilateral consensus | build multilateral consensus, undermine multilateral consensus |
| institutional innovations | n | /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənl ˌɪnəˈveɪʃnz/ | đổi mới thể chế | will require institutional innovations | drive institutional innovations, implement institutional innovations |
Từ vựng IELTS Reading quan trọng về năng lượng tái tạo và thương mại
Kết Bài
Chủ đề “Impact Of Renewable Energy On International Trade Policies” không chỉ là một trong những chủ đề thời sự nhất trong kỳ thi IELTS Reading mà còn phản ánh những thay đổi quan trọng đang diễn ra trên toàn cầu. Việc nắm vững chủ đề này sẽ giúp bạn tự tin hơn khi đối mặt với các bài đọc tương tự trong kỳ thi thực tế.
Đề thi mẫu trên đã cung cấp cho bạn 3 passages hoàn chỉnh với độ khó tăng dần từ Easy (Band 5.0-6.5), Medium (Band 6.0-7.5) đến Hard (Band 7.0-9.0). Tổng cộng 40 câu hỏi đa dạng với 7 dạng câu hỏi khác nhau giúp bạn làm quen với format thi thật. Đặc biệt, đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích đã chỉ ra vị trí cụ thể của thông tin trong bài, phân tích kỹ thuật paraphrase và giúp bạn hiểu rõ cách tiếp cận từng dạng câu hỏi.
Để hiểu rõ hơn về các chủ đề liên quan đến biến đổi khí hậu và kinh tế toàn cầu, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm bài viết Impact of climate change on global economic stability, nơi phân tích chi tiết mối liên hệ giữa khí hậu và ổn định kinh tế thế giới. Ngoài ra, Impact of climate change on global tourism cung cấp góc nhìn thú vị về tác động của biến đổi khí hậu đến ngành du lịch quốc tế.
Bộ từ vựng chuyên ngành được tổng hợp theo từng passage sẽ là tài liệu quý giá giúp bạn mở rộng vốn từ học thuật. Hãy chú ý đến các collocations và cách sử dụng trong ngữ cảnh để áp dụng hiệu quả trong cả phần Reading và Writing.
Một khía cạnh quan trọng khác mà bạn nên quan tâm là vấn đề khan hiếm nước, được trình bày chi tiết trong How does climate change impact water scarcity in developing countries?, một chủ đề thường xuyên xuất hiện trong các đề thi IELTS gần đây. Đồng thời, việc tìm hiểu về Impact of global trade agreements on environmental sustainability sẽ giúp bạn hiểu sâu hơn về mối quan hệ giữa thương mại và môi trường.
Lời khuyên cuối cùng: Hãy luyện tập đề thi này trong điều kiện thi thật (60 phút, không tra từ điển), sau đó đối chiếu đáp án và đọc kỹ phần giải thích. Đừng chỉ dừng lại ở việc biết đáp án đúng hay sai, mà hãy hiểu TẠI SAO đó là đáp án đúng và LÀM THẾ NÀO để tìm ra nó một cách hiệu quả. Nếu bạn muốn tìm hiểu thêm về thách thức trong việc tích hợp năng lượng tái tạo vào lưới điện quốc gia, hãy xem What are the challenges of integrating renewable energy into national grids? để có cái nhìn toàn diện hơn.
Chúc bạn luyện tập hiệu quả và đạt được band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới! Hãy nhớ rằng, sự kiên trì và phương pháp học đúng đắn là chìa khóa thành công.
