Trong kỷ nguyên công nghệ số phát triển mạnh mẽ, vấn đề đạo đức trong xác minh danh tính số (Ethical Issues In Digital Identity Verification) đã trở thành chủ đề được quan tâm sâu rộng trên toàn cầu. Chủ đề này xuất hiện ngày càng thường xuyên trong các đề thi IELTS Reading gần đây, đặc biệt ở Passage 2 và Passage 3 với độ khó từ trung bình đến cao. Việc nắm vững nội dung và từ vựng liên quan đến lĩnh vực này không chỉ giúp bạn tự tin hơn khi gặp phải trong phòng thi mà còn mở rộng hiểu biết về một vấn đề quan trọng của xã hội hiện đại.
Bài viết này cung cấp cho bạn một bộ đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với 3 passages được thiết kế tăng dần độ khó từ Easy (Band 5.0-6.5) qua Medium (Band 6.0-7.5) đến Hard (Band 7.0-9.0). Bạn sẽ được luyện tập với 40 câu hỏi đa dạng dạng giống như trong kỳ thi thật, kèm theo đáp án chi tiết với giải thích giúp bạn hiểu rõ cách tìm thông tin và paraphrase. Đặc biệt, phần từ vựng quan trọng theo từng passage sẽ giúp bạn tích lũy vốn từ học thuật cần thiết.
Đề thi này phù hợp cho học viên có trình độ từ band 5.0 trở lên, muốn làm quen với format thi thật và nâng cao kỹ năng làm bài Reading một cách bài bản và hiệu quả.
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 1 điểm, không có điểm âm khi trả lời sai. Độ khó của các passages tăng dần từ Passage 1 đến Passage 3.
Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:
- Passage 1: 15-17 phút (Easy level)
- Passage 2: 18-20 phút (Medium level)
- Passage 3: 23-25 phút (Hard level)
Lưu ý rằng không có thời gian phụ để chuyển đáp án sang Answer Sheet, vì vậy bạn cần viết đáp án trực tiếp trong khi làm bài.
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 – Chọn đáp án đúng nhất
- True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng/sai/không được đề cập
- Yes/No/Not Given – Xác định ý kiến của tác giả
- Matching Headings – Ghép tiêu đề với đoạn văn
- Sentence Completion – Hoàn thành câu
- Summary Completion – Hoàn thành đoạn tóm tắt
- Short-answer Questions – Trả lời câu hỏi ngắn
Mỗi dạng câu hỏi yêu cầu một kỹ thuật làm bài khác nhau, vì vậy hãy đọc kỹ instructions trước khi làm bài.
IELTS Reading Practice Test
PASSAGE 1 – The Evolution of Digital Identity Systems
Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút
In the modern digital age, the concept of identity verification has undergone a remarkable transformation. Traditional methods of confirming who we are – such as presenting physical documents like passports or driver’s licenses – are increasingly being supplemented or even replaced by digital identity systems. These systems use various technologies to authenticate individuals in the online world, from simple password-based mechanisms to more sophisticated biometric solutions involving fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans.
The development of digital identity verification can be traced back to the early days of the internet. Initially, basic username and password combinations were considered sufficient for most online transactions. However, as cyber threats evolved and became more complex, it became clear that these simple methods were no longer adequate. Hackers could easily steal or guess passwords, leading to identity theft and financial fraud on a massive scale. This prompted technology companies and security experts to develop more robust authentication methods.
One of the first major improvements was the introduction of two-factor authentication (2FA). This system requires users to provide two different types of information to verify their identity. Typically, this involves something the user knows (like a password) and something the user has (like a mobile phone that receives a one-time code). The implementation of 2FA significantly reduced the risk of unauthorized access, as criminals would need to compromise both factors to gain entry to an account.
As technology continued to advance, biometric authentication emerged as a game-changing solution. Unlike passwords that can be forgotten or stolen, biometric characteristics such as fingerprints or facial features are unique to each individual and cannot be easily replicated. Modern smartphones commonly include fingerprint sensors or facial recognition cameras, making biometric authentication convenient and accessible for everyday users. Banks and financial institutions have been particularly enthusiastic adopters of this technology, using it to secure mobile banking applications and authorize transactions.
The rise of blockchain technology has introduced another dimension to digital identity verification. Blockchain-based identity systems promise to give individuals greater control over their personal information. Instead of relying on centralized databases maintained by governments or corporations, blockchain allows for decentralized identity management. In this model, individuals can store their identity credentials in a secure digital wallet and choose what information to share with different service providers. This approach potentially reduces the risk of large-scale data breaches, as there is no single database containing millions of people’s personal information.
Despite these technological advances, digital identity verification systems are not without their challenges. Privacy concerns remain at the forefront of public debate. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of their biometric data being stored in databases, fearing it could be misused or hacked. There are also questions about who should have access to this information and under what circumstances. Regulatory frameworks struggle to keep pace with technological development, creating uncertainty for both businesses and consumers.
Accessibility represents another significant challenge. While digital identity systems offer convenience for many, they can create barriers for certain populations. Elderly individuals who are not comfortable with technology, people in remote areas with limited internet access, or those who cannot afford smartphones may find themselves excluded from services that require digital verification. This digital divide raises important questions about equity and inclusion in an increasingly digital society.
The accuracy of digital identity systems is also a subject of ongoing scrutiny. Facial recognition technology, for instance, has been shown to have higher error rates for people with darker skin tones, women, and elderly individuals. These disparities can lead to people being wrongly denied access to services or, in some cases, wrongly identified as suspects in criminal investigations. Technology companies are working to address these issues, but perfect accuracy remains an elusive goal.
Looking to the future, experts predict that digital identity verification will become even more integrated into our daily lives. The concept of a universal digital identity – a single, secure digital credential that can be used across multiple platforms and services – is gaining traction. Several countries have already implemented national digital identity programs, and international organizations are exploring ways to create interoperable systems that work across borders. Such systems could streamline processes ranging from international travel to accessing healthcare services in foreign countries.
However, the path forward must be carefully navigated. Balancing the benefits of convenience and security with the need to protect individual privacy and rights will require thoughtful policy-making and ongoing dialogue between technologists, policymakers, and the public. As digital identity systems continue to evolve, ensuring they are secure, accurate, accessible, and respectful of fundamental human rights will be essential to their success and acceptance.
Questions 1-5
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
- Traditional physical documents are completely being replaced by digital identity systems.
- Basic username and password systems proved insufficient as cyber threats became more sophisticated.
- Two-factor authentication requires users to provide three different types of information.
- Biometric characteristics such as fingerprints can be easily replicated by criminals.
- Blockchain-based identity systems allow individuals to decide what information to share with different organizations.
Questions 6-9
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- One of the main concerns about biometric data is that it might be stored in __ and could potentially be misused.
- People who live in areas with poor internet connectivity may face a __ when accessing services requiring digital verification.
- Facial recognition technology has been found to have __ for certain demographic groups.
- The idea of a __ that works across multiple platforms is becoming increasingly popular.
Questions 10-13
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
-
According to the passage, what was the main reason for developing better authentication methods?
- A) To make online shopping easier
- B) To respond to evolving cyber threats
- C) To reduce the cost of security systems
- D) To comply with government regulations
-
Why have banks been quick to adopt biometric authentication?
- A) It is cheaper than other methods
- B) Customers demanded the technology
- C) It provides better security for financial transactions
- D) Government regulations required it
-
What advantage does blockchain-based identity management offer?
- A) It is completely free to use
- B) It eliminates all privacy concerns
- C) It reduces the risk of large-scale data breaches
- D) It works without internet connection
-
What does the passage suggest about the future of digital identity systems?
- A) They will become less common
- B) They will be banned in most countries
- C) They will require careful balancing of benefits and privacy concerns
- D) They will only be used for international travel
PASSAGE 2 – Ethical Dilemmas in Biometric Data Collection
Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút
The proliferation of biometric authentication systems across both public and private sectors has ushered in an era of unprecedented convenience in identity verification. However, this technological revolution has simultaneously given rise to a complex web of ethical considerations that society is only beginning to grapple with. At the heart of these concerns lies a fundamental tension: how can we harness the benefits of biometric technology while safeguarding individual autonomy, privacy, and dignity?
Informed consent represents one of the most contentious ethical issues surrounding biometric data collection. Unlike traditional forms of identification, biometric characteristics are immutable – you cannot change your fingerprints or facial structure the way you might change a password. This permanence raises the stakes considerably when individuals are asked to provide such data. In many cases, however, the concept of meaningful consent is severely compromised. When employers implement fingerprint-based attendance systems, or when accessing government services requires facial recognition, individuals may feel they have little genuine choice in the matter. The power imbalance inherent in such situations calls into question whether consent given under these circumstances can truly be considered voluntary.
The issue becomes even more problematic when biometric data is collected without explicit consent at all. Surveillance systems equipped with facial recognition technology are increasingly being deployed in public spaces – shopping centers, transportation hubs, and city streets. Proponents argue that such systems enhance public safety by helping to identify criminals or locate missing persons. Critics, however, contend that mass surveillance represents a fundamental violation of the right to privacy and creates opportunities for authoritarian abuse. The technology enables unprecedented tracking of individuals’ movements and associations, potentially creating what civil liberties advocates describe as a “chilling effect” on free expression and assembly.
For those concerned with social justice, the topic aligns closely with challenges of ensuring digital privacy, as marginalized communities often bear the brunt of surveillance systems while having less power to resist their implementation.
Algorithmic bias constitutes another critical ethical dimension of biometric identity verification. Numerous studies have documented that facial recognition systems exhibit significantly higher error rates for women, people of color, and elderly individuals compared to their performance identifying young, white males. These disparities are not merely technical inconveniences; they have real-world consequences. In law enforcement contexts, misidentification can lead to false arrests and wrongful prosecution. When used to gate access to services or facilities, these errors can result in discriminatory exclusion.
The roots of this bias lie in the data used to train these systems. Machine learning algorithms learn to recognize patterns based on the examples they are shown during training. If training datasets disproportionately feature certain demographic groups while underrepresenting others, the resulting systems will naturally perform better for the overrepresented groups. Some researchers argue that the problem extends beyond mere statistical imbalance. The conceptual frameworks underlying facial recognition technology may themselves encode cultural assumptions about human appearance that do not translate well across different populations.
Addressing algorithmic bias presents both technical and ethical challenges. While improving dataset diversity can help, it raises its own ethical questions: is it appropriate to collect more biometric data from underrepresented groups without their communities’ meaningful involvement in decisions about how that data will be used? Some civil rights organizations have called for a moratorium on facial recognition use in law enforcement until these bias issues are resolved, while others argue that such technology should be permanently prohibited in certain contexts regardless of technical improvements.
The commercialization of biometric data introduces yet another layer of ethical complexity. Companies collecting biometric information for one purpose – such as unlocking a smartphone – may be tempted to use or sell that data for other purposes, such as targeted advertising or market research. The value proposition is clear from a business perspective: biometric data, when combined with other information, can create remarkably detailed profiles of individuals’ behavior, preferences, and even emotional states. However, this commodification of our physical characteristics raises profound questions about human dignity and whether some types of information should be beyond the reach of commercial exploitation.
Data security represents a particularly urgent concern given the irreplaceable nature of biometric information. When a credit card number is stolen, it can be cancelled and reissued. When biometric data is compromised, however, the consequences are permanent. You cannot get new fingerprints or a new face. The catastrophic potential of a major biometric database breach is difficult to overstate. Yet such databases are becoming increasingly common, creating attractive targets for cybercriminals and hostile state actors alike. Some security experts argue that the very existence of large centralized biometric databases is inherently problematic from a risk management perspective, regardless of how well they are protected.
The cross-border dimension of biometric identity verification adds further complexity to the ethical landscape. Different countries and cultures have varying attitudes toward privacy, surveillance, and the appropriate role of technology in society. What might be considered an unacceptable intrusion in one country could be viewed as a reasonable security measure in another. As digital identity systems become increasingly interoperable across national boundaries, whose ethical standards should prevail? The risk of a “race to the bottom” – where international systems adopt the least protective standards to ensure compatibility – is a significant concern for privacy advocates.
Perhaps most fundamentally, the rise of ubiquitous biometric surveillance forces us to reconsider what it means to live in a free society. When our movements, expressions, and associations can be continuously monitored and recorded, does that change the nature of public space? Does it alter our willingness to engage in lawful but potentially controversial activities? These questions extend beyond traditional privacy concerns into the realm of political philosophy and our collective vision for the kind of society we wish to inhabit. As one prominent ethicist noted, the question is not simply whether biometric technology can be made ethical, but whether a society saturated with biometric surveillance can remain truly free.
Questions 14-18
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
-
What makes biometric data collection more ethically problematic than traditional identification methods?
- A) It is more expensive to implement
- B) The data cannot be changed if compromised
- C) It requires special equipment
- D) Most people do not understand the technology
-
According to the passage, why is consent problematic in workplace biometric systems?
- A) Employees are not informed about data collection
- B) The technology is too complicated
- C) Workers may feel they have no real choice
- D) Companies do not ask for permission
-
What is the main cause of algorithmic bias in facial recognition systems?
- A) Deliberate discrimination by programmers
- B) Unbalanced training datasets
- C) Poor quality cameras
- D) Lack of government regulation
-
Why is a biometric database breach considered more serious than a credit card breach?
- A) Biometric databases contain more people’s information
- B) Biometric data cannot be replaced or changed
- C) Banks can easily recover from credit card breaches
- D) Criminals are more interested in biometric data
-
What concern do privacy advocates have about international biometric systems?
- A) They will be too expensive to implement
- B) They may adopt the weakest privacy protections
- C) Different countries will refuse to cooperate
- D) The technology will not work across borders
Questions 19-23
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Biometric surveillance systems in public places have created significant controversy. While supporters claim these systems improve (19) __, critics argue they violate privacy rights and enable potential (20) __. The technology allows for detailed tracking of people’s movements, which civil liberties groups say creates a (21) __ on freedom of expression. Additionally, facial recognition exhibits (22) __ that particularly affect women and minorities, leading to potential (23) __ when the technology is used in law enforcement.
Questions 24-26
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 commercial use of biometric data for advertising purposes raises questions about human dignity.
- All countries should adopt the same ethical standards for biometric data collection.
- Society needs to consider whether constant biometric surveillance is compatible with maintaining a free society.
PASSAGE 3 – Regulatory Frameworks and the Future of Digital Identity Ethics
Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút
The governance of digital identity verification systems represents one of the most formidable regulatory challenges of the twenty-first century, sitting at the intersection of technology policy, human rights law, consumer protection, and national security imperatives. As governments worldwide grapple with how to oversee these rapidly evolving technologies, fundamentally different regulatory philosophies have emerged, each reflecting distinct cultural values and political priorities. The resulting patchwork of regulations creates both opportunities and risks as digital identity systems increasingly operate across jurisdictional boundaries.
The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), implemented in 2018, represents perhaps the most comprehensive and rights-centric approach to data governance globally. The GDPR explicitly classifies biometric data as a “special category” of personal information requiring particularly stringent protections. Organizations collecting such data must demonstrate a clear legal basis – typically explicit consent or legal obligation – and implement robust security measures. Critically, the regulation enshrines several principles that profoundly impact how biometric identity systems can operate: data minimization (collecting only what is strictly necessary), purpose limitation (using data only for specified purposes), and the right to erasure (allowing individuals to demand deletion of their data).
The GDPR’s extraterritorial reach – applying to any organization processing EU residents’ data regardless of where that organization is based – has given it global influence. Many companies have found it more practical to implement GDPR-compliant practices worldwide rather than maintaining different systems for different markets. This phenomenon, sometimes called the “Brussels Effect,” has effectively exported European privacy norms internationally. However, critics argue that the GDPR’s complex compliance requirements create disproportionate burdens for smaller organizations while being less onerous for technology giants with extensive legal resources. There are also questions about whether the regulation has adequately kept pace with technological developments, particularly regarding newer applications like real-time facial recognition in public spaces.
This regulatory landscape shares important connections with how blockchain is improving digital security, as both domains involve balancing innovation with protection of individual rights.
In stark contrast, regulatory approaches in the United States reflect the country’s traditionally more market-oriented philosophy and fragmented governance structure. Rather than comprehensive federal legislation, the U.S. relies on a sectoral approach where different laws govern different contexts – healthcare data protected under HIPAA, financial information under various banking regulations, and so forth. This piecemeal framework has created significant gaps in protection for biometric data. Several states have enacted their own biometric privacy laws, with Illinois’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) being particularly notable for providing a private right of action allowing individuals to sue companies for violations. This has resulted in numerous high-profile lawsuits and substantial settlements.
The lack of federal regulation has led to what some commentators describe as a “wild west” environment for biometric data collection, particularly by private companies. Technology firms have deployed facial recognition systems in retail environments to track customer behavior, while employers have implemented biometric time-tracking systems with minimal oversight. Privacy advocates argue that this regulatory vacuum is untenable and call for comprehensive federal legislation. However, efforts to pass such legislation have repeatedly foundered due to disagreements between industry groups seeking flexibility and consumer advocates demanding stronger protections, as well as broader ideological divisions about the appropriate scope of government regulation.
China’s approach to digital identity governance operates under fundamentally different premises, prioritizing social stability and state security over individual privacy rights. The government has implemented an extensive social credit system that integrates digital identity verification with behavioral monitoring across multiple domains – financial transactions, social media activity, legal compliance, and more. Facial recognition technology is ubiquitously deployed in public spaces, linked to databases that enable real-time identification and tracking of citizens. While officials frame this system as promoting trustworthiness and accountability, critics characterize it as an Orwellian surveillance apparatus that enables unprecedented state control over individual behavior.
The Chinese model demonstrates how digital identity technology can be instrumentalized to serve authoritarian ends. The system has been used to suppress dissent, target ethnic minorities (particularly Uyghurs in Xinjiang province), and enforce political conformity. This has raised urgent questions about technology companies’ ethical responsibilities when their systems are deployed in such contexts. Several Western companies have faced backlash for providing technology or expertise that enables these surveillance capabilities, prompting debates about whether certain applications of digital identity technology are inherently incompatible with human rights regardless of regulatory compliance.
Emerging economies face distinct challenges in developing regulatory frameworks for digital identity. Many governments in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are simultaneously implementing large-scale digital identity programs to extend financial services and government benefits to previously undocumented populations while lacking the institutional capacity to adequately oversee these systems. India’s Aadhaar program, which has enrolled over 1.3 billion citizens in a biometric database, exemplifies both the promise and perils of this approach. The system has facilitated access to banking and government services for millions previously excluded. However, it has also generated significant controversy regarding data security vulnerabilities, inadequate consent processes, and the mandatory linkage of the digital ID to essential services – effectively creating a system where opting out is not a viable option.
The jurisprudence surrounding digital identity is still in its nascent stages, with courts in various jurisdictions beginning to articulate principles that may shape future regulation. The European Court of Justice has issued several landmark rulings emphasizing proportionality in biometric data collection and the need for specific legal authorization for surveillance activities. In the United States, courts are wrestling with whether biometric surveillance by government agencies constitutes a “search” requiring a warrant under the Fourth Amendment. These judicial developments are gradually establishing boundaries, but significant legal ambiguities remain, particularly regarding newer technologies and applications.
Looking forward, several scholars and policymakers have proposed alternative governance models that might better address the unique challenges of digital identity technology. One approach involves “soft law” mechanisms – industry standards, professional codes of conduct, and multi-stakeholder governance bodies – that can potentially adapt more quickly than traditional legislation. The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) has developed ethics guidelines for autonomous and intelligent systems, including identity verification applications. However, questions remain about the enforceability and legitimacy of such frameworks when they lack democratic accountability and statutory authority.
Another emerging concept is “algorithmic accountability,” which would require organizations deploying biometric identity systems to conduct impact assessments, document their decision-making processes, and submit to independent audits. Some jurisdictions are beginning to implement such requirements. The European Commission’s proposed Artificial Intelligence Act would classify certain uses of biometric identification as “high-risk” applications subject to stringent requirements including human oversight, transparency, and accuracy standards. Whether such ex-ante regulatory frameworks can effectively govern rapidly evolving technology without stifling innovation remains a subject of considerable debate.
The development of international norms and standards represents another crucial frontier. Organizations including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the OECD have developed principles and guidelines for digital identity and biometric systems, emphasizing human rights, transparency, and accountability. However, translating these high-level principles into concrete, enforceable standards that can operate across diverse legal and cultural contexts presents formidable challenges. The geopolitical dimension cannot be ignored; countries with opposing views on surveillance and privacy are unlikely to agree on binding international frameworks, potentially leading to the emergence of distinct “digital sovereignty” regions with fundamentally incompatible approaches.
Ultimately, the ethical governance of digital identity verification requires more than regulatory compliance; it demands ongoing societal dialogue about the kind of world we are creating. As these technologies become more sophisticated and pervasive, the decisions we make today about their governance will have profound implications for individual autonomy, social equality, and democratic governance for decades to come. The challenge lies not merely in crafting technically sound regulations, but in ensuring that the values we profess – human dignity, privacy, freedom, equality – are genuinely embedded in the systems that increasingly mediate our interactions with institutions and each other.
Questions 27-31
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
-
According to the passage, what is the “Brussels Effect”?
- A) European companies dominating global markets
- B) The EU’s privacy regulations influencing practices worldwide
- C) Technology companies moving to Brussels
- D) The GDPR being adopted only within Europe
-
How does the U.S. approach to biometric regulation differ from the EU’s?
- A) The U.S. has stricter national laws
- B) The U.S. uses sector-specific laws rather than comprehensive legislation
- C) The U.S. prohibits all biometric data collection
- D) The U.S. follows the same model as the EU
-
What is the primary criticism of China’s social credit system?
- A) It is too expensive to operate
- B) It uses outdated technology
- C) It enables state control and suppresses dissent
- D) It does not work effectively
-
What challenge do emerging economies face regarding digital identity programs?
- A) Lack of citizens willing to enroll
- B) Insufficient institutional capacity to oversee these systems
- C) Opposition from developed countries
- D) Inability to access the necessary technology
-
What does “algorithmic accountability” require organizations to do?
- A) Share their technology with competitors
- B) Conduct impact assessments and submit to independent audits
- C) Stop using biometric systems entirely
- D) Only use government-approved algorithms
Questions 32-36
Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A-H, from the box below.
- The GDPR classifies biometric data
- India’s Aadhaar program has both provided access to services and
- The principle of data minimization requires
- Courts in various jurisdictions are beginning
- International organizations have developed guidelines but face challenges
A. collecting only necessary information.
B. to establish legal boundaries for digital identity technology.
C. generated controversy over security and consent issues.
D. as a special category requiring extra protection.
E. ignored privacy concerns entirely.
F. in translating high-level principles into enforceable standards.
G. prohibited the use of facial recognition.
H. eliminated all digital identity programs.
Questions 37-40
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- What type of right does Illinois’s BIPA provide that allows individuals to sue companies?
- What term describes China’s extensive surveillance and behavioral monitoring system?
- What type of mechanisms include industry standards and professional codes that can adapt quickly to change?
- According to the passage, what must be embedded in identity verification systems beyond just technical regulations?
Answer Keys – Đáp Án
PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13
- FALSE
- TRUE
- FALSE
- FALSE
- TRUE
- databases
- digital divide
- higher error rates
- universal digital identity
- B
- C
- C
- C
PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26
- B
- C
- B
- B
- B
- public safety
- authoritarian abuse
- chilling effect
- algorithmic bias / higher error rates
- misidentification / false arrests
- YES
- NOT GIVEN
- YES
PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40
- B
- B
- C
- B
- B
- D
- C
- A
- B
- F
- private right of action
- social credit system
- soft law
- values / human dignity / privacy / freedom / equality
Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết
Passage 1 – Giải Thích
Câu 1: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Traditional physical documents, completely replaced
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 2-4
- Giải thích: Câu hỏi nói rằng tài liệu vật lý truyền thống đang “hoàn toàn” được thay thế. Trong bài viết, tác giả sử dụng cụm “are increasingly being supplemented or even replaced” – tức là “đang ngày càng được bổ sung hoặc thậm chí thay thế”. Từ “supplemented” chỉ ra rằng các phương pháp truyền thống vẫn được sử dụng song song, chứ không phải hoàn toàn bị thay thế. Do đó đáp án là FALSE.
Câu 2: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Basic username and password, insufficient, cyber threats sophisticated
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói rõ “as cyber threats evolved and became more complex, it became clear that these simple methods were no longer adequate” – khi các mối đe dọa mạng phát triển và trở nên phức tạp hơn, rõ ràng các phương pháp đơn giản này không còn đủ. Điều này khớp hoàn toàn với ý của câu hỏi.
Câu 3: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Two-factor authentication, three different types
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói rõ “This system requires users to provide two different types of information” – hệ thống này yêu cầu người dùng cung cấp hai loại thông tin khác nhau, không phải ba như câu hỏi đề cập. Do đó FALSE.
Câu 5: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Blockchain-based identity systems, individuals decide, information to share
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 4-6
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “individuals can store their identity credentials in a secure digital wallet and choose what information to share with different service providers” – cá nhân có thể chọn thông tin gì để chia sẻ với các nhà cung cấp dịch vụ khác nhau. Điều này hoàn toàn khớp với ý của câu hỏi.
Câu 6: databases
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: biometric data, stored, misused
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of their biometric data being stored in databases, fearing it could be misused or hacked.” Từ cần điền là “databases”.
Câu 8: higher error rates
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: Facial recognition technology, demographic groups
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “Facial recognition technology, for instance, has been shown to have higher error rates for people with darker skin tones, women, and elderly individuals.” Từ cần điền là “higher error rates”.
Câu 10: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: main reason, developing better authentication methods
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2
- Giải thích: Đoạn 2 giải thích rõ ràng rằng khi cyber threats phát triển và trở nên phức tạp hơn (“as cyber threats evolved and became more complex”), các phương pháp đơn giản không còn đủ, dẫn đến việc phát triển các phương pháp xác thực tốt hơn. Đáp án B đúng.
Câu 13: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: future of digital identity systems
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn cuối
- Giải thích: Đoạn cuối cùng nhấn mạnh “Balancing the benefits of convenience and security with the need to protect individual privacy and rights will require thoughtful policy-making” – cân bằng lợi ích và quyền riêng tư đòi hỏi sự cân nhắc kỹ lưỡng. Đáp án C phản ánh chính xác ý này.
Passage 2 – Giải Thích
Câu 14: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: biometric data collection, more ethically problematic
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói rõ “Unlike traditional forms of identification, biometric characteristics are immutable – you cannot change your fingerprints or facial structure the way you might change a password. This permanence raises the stakes considerably.” Dữ liệu sinh trắc học không thể thay đổi, làm cho vấn đề đạo đức trở nên nghiêm trọng hơn. Đáp án B đúng.
Câu 16: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: main cause, algorithmic bias
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 1-5
- Giải thích: Đoạn văn giải thích “The roots of this bias lie in the data used to train these systems” và “If training datasets disproportionately feature certain demographic groups while underrepresenting others, the resulting systems will naturally perform better for the overrepresented groups.” Nguyên nhân chính là sự mất cân bằng trong dữ liệu huấn luyện. Đáp án B.
Câu 19: public safety
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: supporters claim, improve
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: “Proponents argue that such systems enhance public safety by helping to identify criminals or locate missing persons.” Từ cần điền là “public safety”.
Câu 21: chilling effect
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: civil liberties groups, freedom of expression
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng cuối
- Giải thích: “The technology enables unprecedented tracking of individuals’ movements and associations, potentially creating what civil liberties advocates describe as a ‘chilling effect’ on free expression and assembly.” Cụm từ chính xác là “chilling effect”.
Câu 24: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng cuối
- Giải thích: Tác giả nói rõ “However, this commodification of our physical characteristics raises profound questions about human dignity and whether some types of information should be beyond the reach of commercial exploitation.” Tác giả đồng ý rằng việc sử dụng dữ liệu sinh trắc học cho mục đích thương mại đặt ra câu hỏi về nhân phẩm. Đáp án YES.
Câu 26: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn cuối
- Giải thích: Đoạn cuối đặt câu hỏi “the question is not simply whether biometric technology can be made ethical, but whether a society saturated with biometric surveillance can remain truly free.” Tác giả rõ ràng cho rằng xã hội cần xem xét liệu giám sát sinh trắc học có tương thích với một xã hội tự do hay không. Đáp án YES.
Passage 3 – Giải Thích
Câu 27: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Brussels Effect
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 6-9
- Giải thích: Bài viết giải thích “This phenomenon, sometimes called the ‘Brussels Effect,’ has effectively exported European privacy norms internationally” – hiện tượng này đã xuất khẩu các chuẩn mực quyền riêng tư của Châu Âu ra toàn cầu. Đáp án B chính xác.
Câu 28: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: U.S. approach, differ from EU
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: “In stark contrast, regulatory approaches in the United States reflect the country’s traditionally more market-oriented philosophy and fragmented governance structure. Rather than comprehensive federal legislation, the U.S. relies on a sectoral approach” – Mỹ sử dụng cách tiếp cận theo từng lĩnh vực thay vì luật liên bang toàn diện. Đáp án B.
Câu 30: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: emerging economies, challenge
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: “Emerging economies face distinct challenges in developing regulatory frameworks for digital identity. Many governments… are simultaneously implementing large-scale digital identity programs… while lacking the institutional capacity to adequately oversee these systems.” Thiếu năng lực thể chế để giám sát. Đáp án B.
Câu 31: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: algorithmic accountability, require
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 9, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: “Another emerging concept is ‘algorithmic accountability,’ which would require organizations deploying biometric identity systems to conduct impact assessments, document their decision-making processes, and submit to independent audits.” Đáp án B chính xác.
Câu 32: D
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching sentence endings
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: “The GDPR explicitly classifies biometric data as a ‘special category’ of personal information requiring particularly stringent protections.” Khớp với ending D.
Câu 34: A
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching sentence endings
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 6-7
- Giải thích: “data minimization (collecting only what is strictly necessary)” – nguyên tắc giảm thiểu dữ liệu yêu cầu chỉ thu thập thông tin cần thiết. Khớp với ending A.
Câu 37: private right of action
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer question
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 4-5
- Giải thích: “Illinois’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) being particularly notable for providing a private right of action allowing individuals to sue companies for violations.”
Câu 39: soft law
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer question
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “One approach involves ‘soft law’ mechanisms – industry standards, professional codes of conduct, and multi-stakeholder governance bodies – that can potentially adapt more quickly than traditional legislation.”
Câu 40: values / human dignity / privacy / freedom / equality
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer question
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn cuối, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: “The challenge lies not merely in crafting technically sound regulations, but in ensuring that the values we profess – human dignity, privacy, freedom, equality – are genuinely embedded in the systems.” Bất kỳ từ nào trong số này đều được chấp nhận (tối đa 3 từ).
Từ Vựng Quan Trọng Theo Passage
Passage 1 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| verification | n | /ˌverɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ | sự xác minh, kiểm chứng | identity verification | identity/age/address verification |
| authentication | n | /ɔːˌθentɪˈkeɪʃən/ | sự xác thực | biometric authentication | two-factor/multi-factor authentication |
| sophisticated | adj | /səˈfɪstɪkeɪtɪd/ | tinh vi, phức tạp | sophisticated biometric solutions | sophisticated technology/system/approach |
| robust | adj | /rəʊˈbʌst/ | mạnh mẽ, vững chắc | robust authentication methods | robust system/security/framework |
| credentials | n | /krɪˈdenʃəlz/ | thông tin xác thực | identity credentials | security/login/digital credentials |
| centralized | adj | /ˈsentrəlaɪzd/ | tập trung hóa | centralized databases | centralized system/control/authority |
| decentralized | adj | /diːˈsentrəlaɪzd/ | phi tập trung | decentralized identity management | decentralized network/platform/approach |
| accessibility | n | /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ | khả năng tiếp cận | accessibility represents a challenge | digital/internet/service accessibility |
| disparities | n | /dɪˈspærətiz/ | sự chênh lệch, bất bình đẳng | disparities can lead to denial | income/racial/health disparities |
| interoperable | adj | /ˌɪntərˈɒpərəbəl/ | có khả năng tương tác | interoperable systems | interoperable platforms/technologies/standards |
| streamline | v | /ˈstriːmlaɪn/ | tối ưu hóa, đơn giản hóa | streamline processes | streamline operations/procedures/workflow |
| elusive | adj | /ɪˈluːsɪv/ | khó nắm bắt, khó đạt được | perfect accuracy remains elusive | elusive goal/target/concept |
Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| proliferation | n | /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/ | sự gia tăng nhanh | proliferation of biometric systems | nuclear/weapons/technology proliferation |
| unprecedented | adj | /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ | chưa từng có | unprecedented convenience | unprecedented scale/level/growth |
| immutable | adj | /ɪˈmjuːtəbəl/ | không thay đổi được | biometric characteristics are immutable | immutable facts/laws/truth |
| contentious | adj | /kənˈtenʃəs/ | gây tranh cãi | contentious ethical issues | contentious issue/debate/topic |
| surveillance | n | /sɜːˈveɪləns/ | sự giám sát | mass surveillance | government/video/electronic surveillance |
| authoritarian | adj | /ɔːˌθɒrɪˈteəriən/ | độc đoán, chuyên quyền | authoritarian abuse | authoritarian regime/government/control |
| algorithmic bias | n phrase | /ˌælɡəˈrɪðmɪk ˈbaɪəs/ | thiên kiến thuật toán | algorithmic bias constitutes ethical dimension | address/combat/reduce algorithmic bias |
| misidentification | n | /ˌmɪsaɪˌdentɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ | sự nhận dạng sai | misidentification can lead to arrests | prevent/avoid/reduce misidentification |
| discriminatory | adj | /dɪˈskrɪmɪnətəri/ | mang tính phân biệt đối xử | discriminatory exclusion | discriminatory practices/policies/treatment |
| commodification | n | /kəˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ | sự thương mại hóa | commodification of physical characteristics | commodification of data/information/culture |
| moratorium | n | /ˌmɒrəˈtɔːriəm/ | lệnh đình chỉ tạm thời | call for a moratorium | declare/impose/lift a moratorium |
| catastrophic | adj | /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ | thảm khốc | catastrophic potential | catastrophic failure/consequences/impact |
| ubiquitous | adj | /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/ | có mặt khắp nơi | ubiquitous biometric surveillance | ubiquitous technology/presence/use |
| chilling effect | n phrase | /ˈtʃɪlɪŋ ɪˈfekt/ | tác động làm nản lòng | chilling effect on free expression | have/create/produce a chilling effect |
| legitimacy | n | /lɪˈdʒɪtɪməsi/ | tính hợp pháp | questions about legitimacy | political/legal/moral legitimacy |
Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| formidable | adj | /ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl/ | đáng gờm, khó khăn | formidable regulatory challenges | formidable task/opponent/challenge |
| stringent | adj | /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ | nghiêm ngặt | stringent protections | stringent measures/regulations/requirements |
| extraterritorial | adj | /ˌekstrəˌterɪˈtɔːriəl/ | ngoài lãnh thổ | extraterritorial reach | extraterritorial jurisdiction/application/effect |
| onerous | adj | /ˈəʊnərəs/ | nặng nề, khó khăn | onerous for technology giants | onerous task/burden/requirement |
| sectoral | adj | /ˈsektərəl/ | theo từng lĩnh vực | sectoral approach | sectoral regulations/policies/framework |
| piecemeal | adj | /ˈpiːsmiːl/ | rời rạc, từng phần | piecemeal framework | piecemeal approach/reforms/solution |
| foundered | v | /ˈfaʊndəd/ | thất bại, đắm (tàu) | efforts have foundered | foundered on disagreements/difficulties |
| instrumentalized | v | /ˌɪnstrəˈmentəlaɪzd/ | công cụ hóa | technology can be instrumentalized | instrumentalized for political purposes |
| nascent | adj | /ˈnæsənt/ | mới hình thành | jurisprudence is in nascent stages | nascent industry/technology/democracy |
| jurisprudence | n | /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈpruːdəns/ | luật học, hệ thống pháp luật | jurisprudence surrounding digital identity | legal/constitutional/medical jurisprudence |
| enforceability | n | /ɪnˌfɔːsəˈbɪləti/ | tính khả thi trong thi hành | questions about enforceability | legal/contract/rule enforceability |
| ex-ante | adj/adv | /eks ˈænti/ | trước khi xảy ra | ex-ante regulatory frameworks | ex-ante regulation/assessment/control |
| pervasive | adj | /pəˈveɪsɪv/ | lan rộng, thấm nhuần | technologies become more pervasive | pervasive influence/presence/problem |
| geopolitical | adj | /ˌdʒiːəʊpəˈlɪtɪkəl/ | thuộc địa chính trị | geopolitical dimension | geopolitical tensions/rivalry/considerations |
| autonomy | n | /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ | quyền tự chủ | individual autonomy | personal/political/regional autonomy |
| enshrines | v | /ɪnˈʃraɪnz/ | ghi nhận, tôn vinh | regulation enshrines principles | enshrine rights/values/principles |
| grapple with | v phrase | /ˈɡræpəl wɪð/ | vật lộn với, giải quyết | governments grapple with oversight | grapple with issues/problems/questions |
| mediate | v | /ˈmiːdieɪt/ | làm trung gian, điều tiết | systems that mediate our interactions | mediate conflicts/disputes/relationships |
Kết Bài
Chủ đề vấn đề đạo đức trong xác minh danh tính số không chỉ là một nội dung học thuật quan trọng mà còn phản ánh những thách thức thực tế mà xã hội đang phải đối mặt trong kỷ nguyên số. Việc hiểu rõ các khía cạnh từ công nghệ, đạo đức, đến pháp lý của lĩnh vực này sẽ giúp bạn tự tin hơn khi gặp các đề thi IELTS Reading có chủ đề tương tự, đồng thời mở rộng hiểu biết về thế giới xung quanh.
Bộ đề thi mẫu này đã cung cấp cho bạn 3 passages với độ khó tăng dần từ Easy đến Hard, phản ánh chính xác cấu trúc của bài thi IELTS Reading thật. Với 40 câu hỏi đa dạng bao gồm 7 dạng khác nhau, bạn đã có cơ hội luyện tập toàn diện các kỹ năng cần thiết: scanning, skimming, paraphrasing, và suy luận thông tin.
Đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích không chỉ cho bạn biết câu trả lời đúng mà còn hướng dẫn cách tìm thông tin, nhận biết paraphrase, và hiểu logic của từng dạng câu hỏi. Phần từ vựng quan trọng theo từng passage với bảng phân loại rõ ràng sẽ giúp bạn tích lũy vốn từ học thuật cần thiết cho cả phần Reading và Writing.
Hãy sử dụng đề thi này như một công cụ luyện tập thực chiến. Làm bài trong điều kiện giống thi thật, sau đó đối chiếu đáp án và nghiên cứu kỹ phần giải thích để hiểu sâu hơn về chiến lược làm bài. Việc luyện tập thường xuyên với các đề thi chất lượng cao như thế này sẽ giúp bạn nâng cao band điểm Reading một cách vững chắc và bền vững. Chúc bạn học tập hiệu quả và đạt kết quả cao trong kỳ thi IELTS!