Mở bài
Biến đổi khí hậu và ảnh hưởng của nó đến hệ sinh thái biển, đặc biệt là rạn san hô, là một chủ đề xuất hiện thường xuyên trong kỳ thi IELTS Reading. Theo thống kê từ Cambridge IELTS và British Council, các đề thi liên quan đến môi trường biển, khoa học khí hậu và bảo tồn sinh thái chiếm khoảng 15-20% tổng số bài đọc trong IELTS Academic.
Bài viết này cung cấp một bộ đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh về chủ đề “Climate Change’s Impact On Coral Reefs” với ba passages có độ khó tăng dần từ Easy đến Hard. Bạn sẽ được trải nghiệm một bài thi giống như thi thật với 40 câu hỏi đa dạng, bao gồm Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, Summary Completion và nhiều dạng khác.
Mỗi passage đi kèm với đáp án chi tiết, giải thích cụ thể về vị trí thông tin, kỹ thuật paraphrase và chiến lược làm bài hiệu quả. Bộ từ vựng học thuật được tổng hợp theo từng passage sẽ giúp bạn nâng cao vốn từ và chuẩn bị tốt hơn cho kỳ thi.
Đề thi này phù hợp cho học viên có trình độ từ band 5.0 trở lên, đặc biệt hữu ích cho những ai đang hướng tới band 7.0-8.0.
1. Hướng dẫn làm bài IELTS Reading
Tổng Quan Về IELTS Reading Test
IELTS Reading Test bao gồm 3 passages với tổng cộng 40 câu hỏi cần hoàn thành trong 60 phút. Đây là thử thách lớn về quản lý thời gian và kỹ năng đọc hiểu.
Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:
- Passage 1 (Easy): 15-17 phút – Bài đọc ngắn nhất với ngôn ngữ đơn giản, thông tin rõ ràng
- Passage 2 (Medium): 18-20 phút – Độ phức tạp tăng lên, yêu cầu kỹ năng paraphrase tốt
- Passage 3 (Hard): 23-25 phút – Bài đọc dài nhất với từ vựng học thuật và cấu trúc phức tạp
Lưu ý quan trọng: Dành 2-3 phút cuối để chuyển đáp án vào answer sheet và kiểm tra lại.
Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này
Đề thi mẫu này bao gồm 7 dạng câu hỏi phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Reading:
- Multiple Choice – Câu hỏi trắc nghiệm với 3-4 lựa chọn
- True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng, sai hoặc không được đề cập
- Matching Information – Nối thông tin với đoạn văn tương ứng
- Sentence Completion – Hoàn thành câu với từ trong bài
- Matching Headings – Nối tiêu đề phù hợp với từng đoạn
- Summary Completion – Điền từ vào đoạn tóm tắt
- Short-answer Questions – Trả lời câu hỏi ngắn
Mỗi dạng câu hỏi đòi hỏi kỹ năng đọc khác nhau: skimming, scanning, đọc hiểu chi tiết và suy luận logic.
2. IELTS Reading Practice Test
PASSAGE 1 – The Colourful World Beneath Our Oceans
Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút
Coral reefs are among the most spectacular ecosystems on Earth, teeming with life and colour. Often called the “rainforests of the sea“, these underwater structures are built by tiny animals called coral polyps over thousands of years. Despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs support approximately 25% of all marine species, making them one of the most biodiverse habitats on the planet.
The process of reef formation is fascinating. Coral polyps, which are related to jellyfish and sea anemones, secrete a hard calcium carbonate skeleton. Over generations, these skeletons accumulate to form the massive reef structures we see today. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the world’s largest coral reef system, stretches over 2,300 kilometres and can be seen from space. It took more than 8,000 years to reach its current size and contains over 400 types of coral.
What makes coral reefs so colourful is their symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. These tiny organisms live inside coral tissues and provide the coral with up to 90% of its energy through photosynthesis. In return, the coral offers the algae a protected environment and access to sunlight. This partnership is so important that without it, most coral species cannot survive. The algae also give corals their vibrant colours – from brilliant blues and greens to stunning pinks and yellows.
Rạn san hô đầy màu sắc với cá nhiệt đới bơi lội dưới đại dương xanh trong
Coral reefs perform vital functions for both marine life and humans. They serve as nurseries for young fish, providing shelter and food for developing marine creatures. Many fish species that humans rely on for food spend part of their lives in reef environments. Reefs also protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage by acting as natural barriers that absorb wave energy. Studies show that healthy reefs can reduce wave energy by up to 97%, preventing billions of dollars in flood damage to coastal communities each year.
For human communities, coral reefs are economically invaluable. The global economic value of coral reefs is estimated at $375 billion annually. Tourism centred around reef diving and snorkelling generates income for millions of people in tropical countries. In regions like the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, reef tourism is a major source of employment and foreign exchange. Additionally, coral reefs are proving to be a valuable source of new medicines. Scientists have already discovered compounds from reef organisms that are being used to treat cancer, arthritis, and bacterial infections.
However, these precious ecosystems are facing unprecedented threats. Ocean temperatures have been rising steadily due to climate change, and even a slight increase of 1-2 degrees Celsius can stress corals. When water becomes too warm, corals expel their zooxanthellae in a process called coral bleaching. Without these algae, corals turn white and become vulnerable to disease and death. If temperatures return to normal quickly, corals can recover, but prolonged heating often leads to widespread mortality.
The warming trend is not the only challenge. Ocean acidification, caused by increased carbon dioxide absorption, makes it harder for corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons. Pollution from coastal development, agricultural runoff, and plastic waste also damages reef health. Overfishing disrupts the delicate balance of reef ecosystems, while destructive fishing practices like dynamite fishing directly destroy reef structures.
Despite these threats, there is hope. Scientists and conservationists are developing innovative solutions to help corals adapt to changing conditions. Some researchers are breeding heat-resistant coral strains that can tolerate warmer waters. Others are transplanting healthy coral fragments to damaged reefs, a process called coral gardening. Marine protected areas, where fishing and development are restricted, have shown remarkable success in allowing reefs to regenerate.
Public awareness and individual actions also make a difference. Reducing carbon emissions, using reef-safe sunscreen, supporting sustainable seafood, and participating in beach clean-ups are simple ways everyone can help protect coral reefs. Education programs teach coastal communities about the importance of reefs and how to protect them for future generations.
The fate of coral reefs hangs in the balance. These ecosystems that have existed for millions of years are now at a critical juncture. The choices we make in the coming decades will determine whether future generations can experience the wonder and beauty of thriving coral reefs, or whether these underwater treasures will become mere memories preserved only in photographs and videos.
Questions 1-13
Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
1. According to the passage, coral reefs are called “rainforests of the sea” because:
A. They are found in rainy regions
B. They contain high levels of biodiversity
C. They grow in tropical climates only
D. They need a lot of water to survive
2. The Great Barrier Reef:
A. Is the oldest coral reef system
B. Can be observed from space
C. Contains exactly 400 coral species
D. Was formed over 2,300 years
3. Zooxanthellae provide coral with:
A. Protection from predators
B. Calcium carbonate
C. Most of their energy
D. Bright colours only
4. Coral reefs reduce wave energy by:
A. Exactly 97% in all cases
B. Generating barriers
C. Absorbing impact
D. Creating storm damage
5. The global economic value of coral reefs is:
A. Approximately $375 billion per year
B. Mainly from medicine
C. Decreasing annually
D. Only from tourism
Questions 6-9: True/False/Not Given
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. Coral polyps are closely related to sea turtles.
7. Most coral species can survive without zooxanthellae.
8. Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel their algae due to stress.
9. All types of sunscreen are harmful to coral reefs.
Questions 10-13: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
10. Coral reefs act as __ that protect coasts from erosion and storms.
11. Scientists are creating coral strains that can __ higher temperatures.
12. The process of moving healthy coral pieces to damaged areas is known as __.
13. Ocean __ makes it more difficult for corals to form their skeletons.
PASSAGE 2 – The Science Behind Coral Bleaching
Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút
The phenomenon of coral bleaching has become one of the most visible indicators of climate change’s impact on marine ecosystems. While the process may appear simple on the surface – corals turning white and losing their colour – the underlying biological mechanisms are remarkably complex and involve intricate interactions between coral hosts, their symbiotic algae, and environmental stressors. Understanding these processes is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and predicting future reef trajectories under various climate scenarios.
At the cellular level, coral bleaching represents a breakdown in one of nature’s most successful partnerships. The relationship between coral polyps and zooxanthellae is a finely tuned symbiosis that has evolved over millions of years. Zooxanthellae reside within specialized cells in the coral’s gastrodermal tissue, where they convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis. This process produces oxygen and organic compounds – primarily glucose, glycerol, and amino acids – which the coral utilizes for growth, reproduction, and calcification. In exchange, the coral provides the algae with inorganic nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are typically scarce in tropical waters.
The thermal tolerance of this symbiosis is surprisingly narrow. Most reef-building corals thrive in waters between 23-29°C. When temperatures exceed these thresholds by as little as 1-2°C for extended periods – typically several weeks – the photosynthetic machinery of zooxanthellae begins to malfunction. Under heat stress, the normal process of photosynthesis generates excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide. These compounds are highly toxic and can damage cellular membranes, proteins, and DNA in both the algae and coral cells.
Confronted with this oxidative stress, corals initiate a series of defensive responses. One critical mechanism involves the upregulation of heat shock proteins (HSPs), which function as molecular chaperones to protect other proteins from denaturation under stressful conditions. Corals also activate antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase to neutralize harmful ROS. However, when these defenses are overwhelmed, corals begin expelling their zooxanthellae through various pathways: some algae are digested, others are expelled through the mouth, and some are released through the coral’s surface tissues.
The expulsion of zooxanthellae reveals the white calcium carbonate skeleton beneath, creating the characteristic bleached appearance. Contrary to popular belief, bleached corals are not immediately dead. They can survive in this compromised state for weeks or even months, relying on heterotrophic feeding – capturing plankton and organic particles from the water – to meet their energy needs. However, without their primary energy source, corals become increasingly vulnerable. Their immune systems weaken, making them susceptible to disease. Growth rates slow dramatically, and reproductive capacity diminishes. If thermal stress persists beyond critical thresholds – typically 8-12 weeks of elevated temperatures – mortality becomes inevitable.
Recent research has revealed that not all corals respond to heat stress uniformly. Significant variation exists both within and between species in terms of thermal tolerance. This variation stems from multiple factors, including genetic differences in the coral host, the specific strain of zooxanthellae present, and the coral’s previous exposure to thermal stress. Some corals demonstrate a capacity for thermal acclimatization – they can adjust their physiological responses after experiencing sub-lethal heat stress, making them more resilient to subsequent warming events. This phenomenon, known as thermal priming, offers some hope that corals might adapt to gradually warming oceans.
Furthermore, researchers have identified that coral reefs in naturally variable environments – where temperatures fluctuate regularly – often harbour more heat-tolerant coral populations than those from stable environments. This observation has led to the concept of assisted evolution, where scientists selectively breed corals from resilient populations or enhance their thermal tolerance through laboratory conditioning. Some innovative projects are even exploring the possibility of introducing heat-resistant zooxanthellae strains to vulnerable coral populations, though such interventions raise ethical and ecological questions about manipulating natural ecosystems.
The geographical pattern of bleaching events also provides insights into the factors governing coral thermal stress. Mass bleaching events, where large areas of reefs bleach simultaneously, have become increasingly frequent and severe. The first globally documented mass bleaching occurred in 1998, when elevated sea temperatures affected reefs across the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. Subsequent major events in 2010, 2014-2017, and 2020 have shown progressively shorter intervals between events, giving reefs insufficient time to recover fully. The 2016 bleaching event was particularly devastating for the Great Barrier Reef, where approximately 30% of corals died, with impacts most severe in the northern sections.
Predicting future bleaching events requires sophisticated modelling that integrates ocean temperature data, coral thermal thresholds, and climate projections. Scientists use a metric called Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) to quantify thermal stress. This measure accumulates the amount of time that sea temperatures exceed the average summer maximum, with values above 4 DHW typically triggering significant bleaching and values above 8 DHW resulting in widespread mortality. Satellite monitoring systems now provide near-real-time DHW data, allowing reef managers to anticipate bleaching events and implement protective measures.
Mô hình khoa học phân tích dữ liệu nhiệt độ đại dương và tác động lên rạn san hô
Climate models project that without substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, most coral reefs will experience annual bleaching by 2050. Even under optimistic scenarios where global warming is limited to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels – the target of the Paris Agreement – coral reefs will face ongoing challenges. This sobering reality has prompted a shift in conservation thinking from simply protecting reefs from local stressors to actively enhancing their resilience and adaptive capacity. Integrated management strategies now combine traditional protection measures with novel interventions designed to help corals withstand and recover from thermal stress.
The study of coral bleaching has expanded our understanding of how climate change affects complex biological systems. It demonstrates that even ecosystems that have persisted for millions of years can be rapidly destabilized by anthropogenic environmental changes. The lessons learned from coral reefs have broader implications for conservation biology, highlighting the need for proactive, adaptive management approaches that anticipate future environmental conditions rather than simply preserving current states. As ocean temperatures continue to rise, the race to understand and mitigate coral bleaching becomes ever more urgent.
Questions 14-26
Questions 14-18: Yes/No/Not Given
Write:
- YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
- NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
- NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
14. The biological mechanisms of coral bleaching are more complicated than they initially appear.
15. Zooxanthellae have lived symbiotically with corals for millions of years.
16. All coral species have identical thermal tolerance levels.
17. Bleached corals die immediately after losing their zooxanthellae.
18. Laboratory conditioning can improve corals’ heat tolerance.
Questions 19-23: Matching Headings
Choose the correct heading for paragraphs C-G from the list of headings below.
List of Headings:
i. The role of satellite technology in monitoring reefs
ii. How temperature stress damages cellular functions
iii. Geographic distribution of recent bleaching events
iv. Natural variation in coral heat resistance
v. Future projections for coral reef survival
vi. The process of zooxanthellae expulsion
vii. Differences in coral responses to thermal stress
viii. The chemical exchange in coral-algae symbiosis
19. Paragraph C
20. Paragraph D
21. Paragraph F
22. Paragraph H
23. Paragraph J
Questions 24-26: Summary Completion
Complete the summary using the list of words, A-J, below.
Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel their (24)____ due to heat stress. The process begins when elevated temperatures cause the algae to produce excessive (25)____, which damage both coral and algae cells. Scientists measure thermal stress using a metric called (26)____, which helps predict when bleaching will occur.
A. proteins
B. reactive oxygen species
C. temperature
D. zooxanthellae
E. Degree Heating Weeks
F. enzymes
G. calcium carbonate
H. coral polyps
I. nutrients
J. photosynthesis
PASSAGE 3 – Coral Reef Futures: Adaptation, Intervention, and Policy
Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút
The precarious state of global coral reef ecosystems has catalyzed an unprecedented convergence of scientific inquiry, technological innovation, and policy formulation. As anthropogenic climate change continues to exert intensifying pressure on these foundational marine habitats, the traditional paradigm of passive conservation – predicated on minimizing direct human impacts while allowing natural processes to predominate – has proven inadequate. Instead, a new framework of active intervention is emerging, one that embraces controversial techniques ranging from genetic modification to large-scale ecological engineering. This shift reflects both the dire urgency of the situation and profound questions about humanity’s role as stewards of natural systems.
Central to contemporary conservation efforts is the concept of assisted evolution, a suite of biotechnological approaches designed to accelerate natural adaptive processes. Unlike conventional selective breeding, which relies solely on existing genetic variation, assisted evolution may incorporate advanced genomic techniques to confer enhanced stress tolerance. One promising avenue involves selective breeding programs that cross heat-tolerant coral strains with fast-growing species, potentially creating hybrid populations capable of both withstanding elevated temperatures and rapidly colonizing degraded reef areas. Researchers at the Australian Institute of Marine Science have demonstrated that coral offspring from parents conditioned at elevated temperatures exhibit significantly improved thermal tolerance, showing as much as a 1°C increase in bleaching thresholds. While this may seem marginal, such improvements could prove decisive in determining reef survival under moderate warming scenarios.
More controversial are proposals involving direct genetic manipulation. CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which allows precise editing of DNA sequences, has been proposed as a means to enhance coral resilience by modifying genes associated with thermal tolerance, disease resistance, or calcification efficiency. Proponents argue that the existential threat to coral reefs justifies extraordinary measures, noting that natural evolution operates on timescales incompatible with the rapid pace of anthropogenic environmental change. Critics, however, raise substantive concerns about unintended consequences – genetically modified organisms might outcompete natural populations, reduce genetic diversity, or exhibit unforeseen ecological interactions. The ethical dimensions of fundamentally altering organisms that have evolved over millions of years remain hotly debated within both scientific and broader communities.
Complementary to biological interventions are physical and chemical approaches to reef restoration. Coral gardening, now practiced at over 60 locations worldwide, involves cultivating coral fragments in underwater nurseries before transplanting them to degraded sites. This technique has achieved notable success in Caribbean reefs, where Acropora cervicornis (staghorn coral) populations have been substantially augmented through large-scale planting programs. However, the scalability of such efforts remains problematic – the Great Barrier Reef alone encompasses approximately 344,000 square kilometers, making manual restoration of significant proportions economically and logistically prohibitive. To address these limitations, researchers are developing automated systems for coral propagation and deployment, including remotely operated vehicles equipped with specialized equipment for precision transplantation.
Geoengineering proposals represent the most ambitious – and divisive – category of interventions. Schemes to mitigate local warming through artificial upwelling of cold water, deployment of reflective surface films, or installation of shading structures have been explored in pilot projects. The Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program in Australia has conducted feasibility studies on brightening marine clouds to increase reflectivity and reduce heat stress on reef sections. Such large-scale ecological engineering raises profound questions: at what point does intervention become manipulation? If we fundamentally alter the environmental conditions of reefs to ensure their survival, are they still natural ecosystems, or have they become elaborate artificial constructs?
Parallel to these technological approaches, policy frameworks are evolving to address both the proximate and ultimate drivers of reef degradation. The proximate causes – overfishing, pollution, coastal development, and destructive practices – can be tackled through established regulatory mechanisms. The establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) has proven effective when properly enforced: studies show that well-managed MPAs exhibit 21% more fish biomass and recover from bleaching events more rapidly than unprotected reefs. The Coral Triangle Initiative, a multilateral partnership involving six Southeast Asian countries, exemplifies regional cooperation in reef management, coordinating protection efforts across national boundaries.
However, the ultimate driver – greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting climate change – demands global action that has proven elusive. The Paris Agreement established frameworks for emissions reductions, but current nationally determined contributions (NDCs) fall short of what is required to limit warming to 1.5°C, the threshold beyond which widespread coral mortality becomes inevitable. Economic analyses reveal a stark disparity: the countries most dependent on coral reefs for livelihood, food security, and coastal protection are typically developing nations with minimal historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions and limited capacity to implement expensive adaptation measures. This inequity raises critical questions of climate justice and international responsibility.
Innovative financing mechanisms are emerging to address these economic challenges. Blue bonds – financial instruments specifically designated for marine conservation – have been issued by Seychelles and other island nations to fund reef protection. Debt-for-nature swaps, where portions of national debt are forgiven in exchange for conservation commitments, offer another pathway for resource-constrained countries. The tourism industry, which derives substantial revenue from healthy reefs, is increasingly engaged in direct funding of restoration projects through voluntary tourist levies and corporate partnerships. In Belize, a tourist fee generates over $3 million annually for the Belize Barrier Reef reserve system.
Chương trình phục hồi rạn san hô hiện đại sử dụng công nghệ và can thiệp khoa học
The interdisciplinary nature of reef conservation is increasingly recognized as essential for success. Effective management requires integration of marine biology, climatology, economics, sociology, and political science. Community-based management approaches that incorporate traditional ecological knowledge alongside scientific expertise have shown particular promise. In many Pacific Island communities, customary marine tenure systems, where local communities exercise stewardship over reef areas, have been revitalized and integrated with contemporary management practices. These hybrid governance structures combine indigenous understanding of reef dynamics with scientific monitoring and adaptive management principles.
Public engagement and awareness campaigns are crucial for building the political will necessary for substantive policy change. The visceral impact of bleaching images, where vibrant, colourful reefs are transformed into ghostly white landscapes, has proven powerful in communicating the reality of climate change. Social scientists have identified that personal connections to reefs – whether through diving experiences, documentaries, or educational programs – significantly increase support for conservation policies. Organizations like the Coral Reef Alliance and The Ocean Agency have leveraged digital media to disseminate compelling visual narratives that translate scientific data into emotionally resonant stories.
Looking forward, the trajectory of coral reefs under climate change scenarios remains uncertain, dependent on the interplay between warming rates, coral adaptive capacity, and the scale and effectiveness of human interventions. Optimistic scenarios, predicated on aggressive emissions reductions and successful implementation of resilience-building measures, envision transformed but functional reef ecosystems – perhaps with altered species compositions and reduced structural complexity, but still providing essential ecosystem services. Pessimistic projections foresee the collapse of reef systems as we know them, replaced by algae-dominated degraded habitats with drastically diminished biodiversity and economic value. Most experts position themselves between these extremes, acknowledging that while severe losses are inevitable, strategic interventions can preserve significant reef functioning and provide refugia from which recovery might eventually occur.
The coral reef crisis ultimately represents a microcosm of the broader environmental challenges confronting humanity in the Anthropocene. It compels us to grapple with uncomfortable questions about the nature of conservation in an era of pervasive human influence. Are we preserving nature or managing it? At what point do our interventions become so extensive that we must acknowledge we are creating something fundamentally different from what we intended to save? These philosophical dilemmas lack simple answers, yet the urgency of the situation demands action despite persistent uncertainties. The decisions made in the coming decade will determine whether future generations inherit living coral reefs or merely historical accounts of their former glory.
Questions 27-40
Questions 27-31: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
27. According to the passage, the traditional approach to coral conservation has been:
A. Successfully protecting reefs
B. Insufficient for current challenges
C. Based on active intervention
D. Focused on genetic modification
28. The CRISPR-Cas9 technology is mentioned as a method to:
A. Replace natural coral populations
B. Reduce genetic diversity in corals
C. Edit coral DNA for improved resilience
D. Accelerate global warming impacts
29. The main limitation of coral gardening is:
A. It only works in Caribbean reefs
B. The technique is too complicated
C. Manual restoration cannot be scaled to large areas
D. Coral fragments do not survive transplantation
30. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are effective when they are:
A. Established in developing countries
B. Combined with geoengineering
C. Properly enforced and managed
D. Located in the Coral Triangle only
31. The passage suggests that the coral reef crisis:
A. Can be easily solved with technology
B. Reflects broader environmental challenges
C. Only affects developing nations
D. Is primarily caused by overfishing
Questions 32-36: Matching Features
Match each statement (32-36) with the correct approach (A-F) from the list below.
A. Assisted evolution
B. Coral gardening
C. Geoengineering
D. Marine protected areas
E. Blue bonds
F. Community-based management
32. Involves breeding corals from heat-tolerant parents to create more resilient offspring
33. Uses financial instruments specifically designed to fund ocean conservation projects
34. Combines traditional indigenous knowledge with contemporary scientific practices
35. Cultivates coral fragments in underwater facilities before moving them to damaged sites
36. Includes proposals to artificially modify environmental conditions such as cloud reflectivity
Questions 37-40: Short-answer Questions
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
37. What temperature increase in bleaching thresholds have conditioned coral offspring shown?
38. What area measurement encompasses the Great Barrier Reef according to the passage?
39. How much money does Belize generate annually from tourist fees for reef conservation?
40. What type of knowledge do Pacific Island communities incorporate alongside scientific expertise?
3. Answer Keys – Đáp Án
PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13
- B
- B
- C
- C
- A
- FALSE
- FALSE
- TRUE
- NOT GIVEN
- natural barriers
- tolerate
- coral gardening
- acidification
PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26
- YES
- YES
- NO
- NO
- YES
- ii
- vi
- vii
- iii
- v
- D
- B
- E
PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40
- B
- C
- C
- C
- B
- A
- E
- F
- B
- C
- 1°C / one degree
- 344,000 square kilometers
- $3 million / three million dollars
- traditional ecological knowledge
4. Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết
Passage 1 – Giải Thích
Câu 1: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: “rainforests of the sea”
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn A, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: Bài đọc nói “Often called the ‘rainforests of the sea’, these underwater structures… support approximately 25% of all marine species, making them one of the most biodiverse habitats”. Paraphrase: “biodiverse” = “high levels of biodiversity”. Đáp án A sai vì không liên quan đến lượng mưa. C sai vì chỉ đề cập khí hậu nhiệt đới không phải lý do được gọi là “rainforests”. D không được đề cập.
Câu 2: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Great Barrier Reef
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn B, dòng 4-5
- Giải thích: “The Great Barrier Reef in Australia… can be seen from space.” Đây là thông tin chính xác. A sai vì không nói “oldest”. C sai vì có “over 400 types” chứ không phải “exactly 400”. D sai vì 2,300 là độ dài km chứ không phải số năm hình thành.
Câu 6: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Coral polyps, sea turtles
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn B, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “Coral polyps, which are related to jellyfish and sea anemones” – liên quan đến sứa và hải quỳ, không phải rùa biển. Đây là thông tin mâu thuẫn trực tiếp.
Câu 8: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: coral bleaching, expel algae, stress
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn F, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: “When water becomes too warm, corals expel their zooxanthellae in a process called coral bleaching.” Thông tin khớp hoàn toàn với câu hỏi.
Câu 10: natural barriers
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: protect coasts, erosion, storms
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn D, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: “Reefs also protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage by acting as natural barriers that absorb wave energy.”
Câu 13: acidification
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: ocean, harder, calcium carbonate skeletons
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn G, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “Ocean acidification, caused by increased carbon dioxide absorption, makes it harder for corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons.”
Passage 2 – Giải Thích
Câu 14: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: biological mechanisms, complicated
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn A, dòng 2-4
- Giải thích: Writer claims “the underlying biological mechanisms are remarkably complex and involve intricate interactions” và “may appear simple on the surface” – điều này đồng ý với statement rằng mechanisms phức tạp hơn vẻ ngoài.
Câu 16: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: all coral species, identical thermal tolerance
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn F, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: Writer states “not all corals respond to heat stress uniformly. Significant variation exists both within and between species in terms of thermal tolerance.” Điều này trực tiếp mâu thuẫn với “identical”.
Câu 19: ii (How temperature stress damages cellular functions)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Vị trí: Paragraph C
- Giải thích: Đoạn này tập trung vào “thermal tolerance”, “photosynthetic machinery begins to malfunction”, “generates excessive reactive oxygen species”, “highly toxic and can damage cellular membranes, proteins, and DNA” – tất cả mô tả cách nhiệt độ làm hỏng chức năng tế bào.
Câu 20: vi (The process of zooxanthellae expulsion)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Vị trí: Paragraph D
- Giải thích: Toàn bộ đoạn mô tả “defensive responses”, “upregulation of heat shock proteins”, “activate antioxidant enzymes” và cuối cùng “corals begin expelling their zooxanthellae through various pathways”.
Câu 24: D (zooxanthellae)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn D, dòng cuối
- Giải thích: “corals begin expelling their zooxanthellae” – đây là thông tin chính xác về quá trình tẩy trắng san hô.
Câu 25: B (reactive oxygen species)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn C, dòng 5-7
- Giải thích: “the normal process of photosynthesis generates excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS)… These compounds are highly toxic and can damage cells.”
Passage 3 – Giải Thích
Câu 27: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: traditional approach, conservation
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn A, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: “the traditional paradigm of passive conservation… has proven inadequate” – paraphrase của “insufficient for current challenges”. A sai vì nói “inadequate” không phải “successful”. C và D sai vì traditional approach là “passive” không phải “active intervention” hay “genetic modification”.
Câu 28: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: CRISPR-Cas9
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn C, dòng 2-5
- Giải thích: “CRISPR-Cas9 technology… allows precise editing of DNA sequences… as a means to enhance coral resilience by modifying genes associated with thermal tolerance, disease resistance, or calcification efficiency.” Đây là edit DNA để cải thiện khả năng phục hồi.
Câu 32: A (Assisted evolution)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn B, dòng 6-9
- Giải thích: “coral offspring from parents conditioned at elevated temperatures exhibit significantly improved thermal tolerance” – đây chính là assisted evolution thông qua breeding parents có khả năng chịu nhiệt.
Câu 35: B (Coral gardening)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn D, dòng 2-4
- Giải thích: “Coral gardening… involves cultivating coral fragments in underwater nurseries before transplanting them to degraded sites.”
Câu 37: 1°C / one degree
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer
- Từ khóa: temperature increase, bleaching thresholds, conditioned coral offspring
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn B, dòng 8-10
- Giải thích: “showing as much as a 1°C increase in bleaching thresholds”
Câu 40: traditional ecological knowledge
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer
- Từ khóa: Pacific Island communities, incorporate, scientific expertise
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn I, dòng 4-6
- Giải thích: “incorporate traditional ecological knowledge alongside scientific expertise”
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| spectacular | adj | /spekˈtækjələr/ | ngoạn mục, hùng vĩ | spectacular ecosystems | spectacular view/success |
| teeming with | phrase | /ˈtiːmɪŋ wɪð/ | đầy ắp, tràn ngập | teeming with life | teeming with fish/people |
| coral polyps | n | /ˈkɒrəl ˈpɒlɪps/ | san hô con (động vật nhỏ tạo san hô) | built by tiny animals called coral polyps | coral polyps secrete |
| biodiverse | adj | /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːs/ | đa dạng sinh học | most biodiverse habitats | biodiverse ecosystem/area |
| symbiotic relationship | n | /ˌsɪmbaɪˈɒtɪk rɪˈleɪʃnʃɪp/ | mối quan hệ cộng sinh | their symbiotic relationship with algae | symbiotic relationship between |
| photosynthesis | n | /ˌfəʊtəʊˈsɪnθəsɪs/ | quá trình quang hợp | provide energy through photosynthesis | carry out photosynthesis |
| erosion | n | /ɪˈrəʊʒn/ | sự xói mòn | protect coastlines from erosion | soil/coastal erosion |
| economically invaluable | phrase | /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkli ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ | vô giá về mặt kinh tế | economically invaluable to humans | economically invaluable resource |
| coral bleaching | n | /ˈkɒrəl ˈbliːtʃɪŋ/ | hiện tượng tẩy trắng san hô | process called coral bleaching | suffer coral bleaching |
| vulnerable to | adj phrase | /ˈvʌlnərəbl tuː/ | dễ bị tổn thương bởi | vulnerable to disease | vulnerable to attack/damage |
| acidification | n | /əˌsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ | sự axit hóa | ocean acidification | ocean/soil acidification |
| regenerate | v | /rɪˈdʒenəreɪt/ | tái sinh, phục hồi | allowing reefs to regenerate | regenerate tissue/cells |
Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| phenomenon | n | /fəˈnɒmɪnən/ | hiện tượng | the phenomenon of coral bleaching | natural/social phenomenon |
| intricate | adj | /ˈɪntrɪkət/ | phức tạp, tinh vi | intricate interactions | intricate patterns/details |
| symbiotic algae | n | /ˌsɪmbaɪˈɒtɪk ˈældʒiː/ | tảo cộng sinh | their symbiotic algae | symbiotic algae provide |
| finely tuned | adj phrase | /ˈfaɪnli tjuːnd/ | được điều chỉnh tinh vi | finely tuned symbiosis | finely tuned system |
| thermal tolerance | n | /ˈθɜːml ˈtɒlərəns/ | khả năng chịu nhiệt | thermal tolerance is narrow | thermal tolerance levels |
| reactive oxygen species | n | /riˈæktɪv ˈɒksɪdʒən ˈspiːʃiːz/ | gốc oxy phản ứng (ROS) | generates excessive reactive oxygen species | produce reactive oxygen species |
| oxidative stress | n | /ˈɒksɪdeɪtɪv stres/ | stress oxy hóa | confronted with oxidative stress | cause oxidative stress |
| heat shock proteins | n | /hiːt ʃɒk ˈprəʊtiːnz/ | protein sốc nhiệt | upregulation of heat shock proteins | produce heat shock proteins |
| antioxidant enzymes | n | /ˌæntiˈɒksɪdənt ˈenzaɪmz/ | enzyme chống oxy hóa | activate antioxidant enzymes | antioxidant enzymes neutralize |
| heterotrophic feeding | n | /ˌhetərəˈtrɒfɪk ˈfiːdɪŋ/ | kiếm ăn dị dưỡng | relying on heterotrophic feeding | heterotrophic feeding behavior |
| thermal acclimatization | n | /ˈθɜːml əˌklaɪmətaɪˈzeɪʃn/ | sự thích nghi nhiệt | capacity for thermal acclimatization | thermal acclimatization process |
| resilient | adj | /rɪˈzɪliənt/ | kiên cường, phục hồi tốt | making them more resilient | resilient populations/species |
| mass bleaching events | n | /mæs ˈbliːtʃɪŋ ɪˈvents/ | sự kiện tẩy trắng hàng loạt | mass bleaching events occur | trigger mass bleaching events |
| Degree Heating Weeks | n | /dɪˈɡriː ˈhiːtɪŋ wiːks/ | chỉ số DHW (đo stress nhiệt) | metric called Degree Heating Weeks | calculate Degree Heating Weeks |
| greenhouse gas emissions | n | /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃnz/ | khí thải nhà kính | substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions | reduce greenhouse gas emissions |
Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| precarious | adj | /prɪˈkeəriəs/ | bấp bênh, không chắc chắn | the precarious state of reefs | precarious situation/position |
| catalyzed | v | /ˈkætəlaɪzd/ | xúc tác, thúc đẩy | has catalyzed scientific inquiry | catalyzed change/reaction |
| anthropogenic | adj | /ˌænθrəpəˈdʒenɪk/ | do con người gây ra | anthropogenic climate change | anthropogenic impact/effects |
| paradigm | n | /ˈpærədaɪm/ | mô hình, khuôn mẫu | traditional paradigm of conservation | paradigm shift |
| assisted evolution | n | /əˈsɪstɪd ˌiːvəˈluːʃn/ | tiến hóa được hỗ trợ | concept of assisted evolution | assisted evolution programs |
| biotechnological approaches | n | /ˌbaɪəʊteknəˈlɒdʒɪkl əˈprəʊtʃɪz/ | phương pháp công nghệ sinh học | suite of biotechnological approaches | biotechnological approaches to |
| confer | v | /kənˈfɜːr/ | ban tặng, trao cho | confer enhanced stress tolerance | confer benefits/advantages |
| hybrid populations | n | /ˈhaɪbrɪd ˌpɒpjuˈleɪʃnz/ | quần thể lai | creating hybrid populations | hybrid populations capable of |
| CRISPR-Cas9 | n | /ˈkrɪspər kæs naɪn/ | công nghệ chỉnh sửa gene | CRISPR-Cas9 technology | CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing |
| existential threat | n | /ˌeɡzɪˈstenʃl θret/ | mối đe dọa hiện sinh | the existential threat to reefs | pose existential threat |
| scalability | n | /ˌskeɪləˈbɪləti/ | khả năng mở rộng quy mô | scalability of efforts remains problematic | scalability issues/challenges |
| geoengineering | n | /ˌdʒiːəʊˌendʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/ | kỹ thuật địa lý | geoengineering proposals | geoengineering schemes/solutions |
| proximate causes | n | /ˈprɒksɪmət ˈkɔːzɪz/ | nguyên nhân gần | proximate causes include overfishing | proximate causes of |
| multilateral partnership | n | /ˌmʌltiˈlætərəl ˈpɑːtnəʃɪp/ | quan hệ đối tác đa phương | multilateral partnership involving six countries | multilateral partnership agreement |
| climate justice | n | /ˈklaɪmət ˈdʒʌstɪs/ | công bằng khí hậu | critical questions of climate justice | climate justice movement |
| blue bonds | n | /bluː bɒndz/ | trái phiếu xanh biển | blue bonds for marine conservation | issue blue bonds |
| debt-for-nature swaps | n | /det fɔː ˈneɪtʃər swɒps/ | đổi nợ lấy bảo tồn thiên nhiên | debt-for-nature swaps offer pathway | negotiate debt-for-nature swaps |
| interdisciplinary | adj | /ˌɪntədɪsəˈplɪnəri/ | liên ngành | interdisciplinary nature of conservation | interdisciplinary approach/research |
| customary marine tenure | n | /ˈkʌstəməri məˈriːn ˈtenjər/ | quyền quản lý biển theo tập quán | customary marine tenure systems | customary marine tenure rights |
Kết bài
Chủ đề “Climate change’s impact on coral reefs” không chỉ là một topic phổ biến trong IELTS Reading mà còn phản ánh một trong những thách thức môi trường lớn nhất của thế kỷ 21. Qua ba passages với độ khó tăng dần, bạn đã được trải nghiệm một bài thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh, từ các khái niệm cơ bản về rạn san hô đến những cơ chế sinh học phức tạp của hiện tượng tẩy trắng, và cuối cùng là các giải pháp công nghệ cao cùng chính sách bảo tồn.
Bộ đề thi này cung cấp 40 câu hỏi đa dạng với 7 dạng câu hỏi khác nhau – tất cả được thiết kế theo format IELTS chính thức. Đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích cụ thể về vị trí thông tin và kỹ thuật paraphrase sẽ giúp bạn tự đánh giá chính xác năng lực và xác định những điểm cần cải thiện.
Hơn 40 từ vựng học thuật được tổng hợp theo từng passage, kèm phiên âm, nghĩa tiếng Việt và collocation, sẽ giúp bạn xây dựng vốn từ vựng vững chắc không chỉ cho phần Reading mà còn cho cả Writing và Speaking.
Hãy thực hành đề thi này trong điều kiện giống thi thật – 60 phút liên tục không bị gián đoạn. Sau đó đối chiếu đáp án, phân tích những câu sai để hiểu rõ lý do và rút ra bài học. Đây chính là cách hiệu quả nhất để nâng cao band điểm IELTS Reading của bạn.
Chúc bạn ôn tập hiệu quả và đạt kết quả cao trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới!
