Công nghệ blockchain đang trở thành một trong những chủ đề nóng hổi và thường xuyên xuất hiện trong IELTS Reading, đặc biệt với xu hướng số hóa toàn cầu hiện nay. Chủ đề “How Is Blockchain Technology Influencing Global Economic Development?” không chỉ phổ biến trong các đề thi IELTS Academic gần đây mà còn yêu cầu người học có khả năng hiểu sâu về công nghệ, kinh tế và tác động xã hội.
Bài viết này cung cấp cho bạn một bộ đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với 3 passages tăng dần độ khó (Easy → Medium → Hard), bao gồm 40 câu hỏi đa dạng giống như thi thật. Bạn sẽ được luyện tập với các dạng câu hỏi phổ biến nhất, từ Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given đến Matching Headings và Summary Completion. Mỗi câu hỏi đều có đáp án chính xác kèm giải thích chi tiết, giúp bạn hiểu rõ cách tìm thông tin và paraphrase như thế nào. Bên cạnh đó, bạn sẽ được trang bị từ vựng quan trọng liên quan đến công nghệ blockchain và phát triển kinh tế, kèm theo các kỹ thuật làm bài hiệu quả.
Đề thi này phù hợp cho học viên từ band 5.0 trở lên, giúp bạn làm quen với độ khó thực tế và cải thiện kỹ năng đọc hiểu một cách toàn diện.
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. Điểm đặc biệt là bạn không có thời gian chuyển đáp án riêng, vì vậy phải quản lý thời gian cực kỳ chặt chẽ.
Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:
- Passage 1 (Easy): 15-17 phút – Đây là passage dễ nhất, giúp bạn “khởi động” và ghi điểm nhanh
- Passage 2 (Medium): 18-20 phút – Độ khó trung bình, yêu cầu kỹ năng paraphrase tốt hơn
- Passage 3 (Hard): 23-25 phút – Passage khó nhất với từ vựng học thuật và cấu trúc phức tạp
Lưu ý quan trọng: Dành 2-3 phút cuối để kiểm tra và chuyển đáp án lên answer sheet (nếu làm bài trên giấy).
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 nhiều lựa chọn
- True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng/sai/không được đề cập
- Matching Information – Nối thông tin với đoạn văn tương ứng
- Matching Headings – Chọn tiêu đề phù hợp cho các đoạn
- Summary Completion – Điền từ vào đoạn tóm tắt
- Sentence Completion – Hoàn thiện câu với thông tin từ bài đọc
- Short-answer Questions – Trả lời ngắn gọn các câu hỏi
IELTS Reading Practice Test
PASSAGE 1 – The Birth of Blockchain: A Revolutionary Technology
Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút
The concept of blockchain technology first emerged in 2008 when an individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto published a paper describing a new electronic cash system. This system, which would later become known as Bitcoin, introduced a revolutionary approach to digital transactions that did not require a central authority such as a bank or government institution. The underlying technology that made this possible was blockchain – a distributed ledger system that records transactions across multiple computers in a way that makes it nearly impossible to alter or hack.
At its core, blockchain is essentially a chain of blocks, where each block contains a list of transactions. When a new transaction occurs, it is broadcast to all participants in the network, known as nodes. These nodes then verify the transaction using complex mathematical algorithms. Once verified, the transaction is combined with other transactions to create a new block of data. This new block is then added to the existing chain in a way that is permanent and unalterable. What makes this system particularly secure is that each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, creating an interconnected chain that is extremely difficult to manipulate.
The decentralized nature of blockchain technology offers several significant advantages over traditional systems. First, it eliminates the need for intermediaries such as banks, which can reduce transaction costs and increase efficiency. Second, because the ledger is distributed across many computers, it is much more resistant to failure or attack than centralized systems. If one node fails or is compromised, the rest of the network continues to function normally. Third, the transparency of blockchain means that all participants can view the transaction history, which increases accountability and reduces the risk of fraud.
However, the early days of blockchain were not without challenges. The technology required substantial computational power, leading to concerns about energy consumption. Additionally, the processing speed of blockchain networks was relatively slow compared to traditional payment systems. For example, while a credit card network might process thousands of transactions per second, early blockchain networks could only handle a handful. These limitations meant that blockchain was initially seen as suitable primarily for cryptocurrency applications rather than broader commercial use.
Despite these early obstacles, businesses and governments began to recognize the potential applications of blockchain technology beyond digital currencies. Financial institutions started exploring how blockchain could streamline processes such as cross-border payments, securities trading, and regulatory compliance. The technology promised to reduce the time required for international money transfers from days to minutes, while also cutting costs significantly. Supply chain companies saw opportunities to use blockchain to track products from manufacture to delivery, ensuring authenticity and reducing counterfeiting.
The healthcare sector also identified promising uses for blockchain. Medical records could be stored on a blockchain, giving patients more control over their data while allowing authorized healthcare providers to access complete and accurate information. This could improve diagnosis accuracy and reduce medical errors caused by incomplete patient histories. Furthermore, blockchain could help combat the problem of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, which is estimated to cost the global economy billions of dollars annually and poses serious health risks.
By 2015, major technology companies and startups had begun investing heavily in blockchain research and development. Pilot programs were launched across various industries to test the technology’s viability for different applications. Consortiums were formed, bringing together competitors to develop common blockchain standards and protocols. Governments started considering regulatory frameworks to govern blockchain applications while encouraging innovation. This period marked the transition of blockchain from a niche technology associated primarily with cryptocurrency to a potentially transformative force across multiple sectors of the global economy.
Questions 1-13
Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
1. According to the passage, who created the first blockchain system?
A. A well-known computer scientist
B. A person or group using a false name
C. A government research institution
D. A major technology company
2. What happens after a transaction is verified in a blockchain network?
A. It is sent to a central authority for approval
B. It is immediately deleted from the system
C. It is combined with other transactions to form a new block
D. It is stored separately from the main chain
3. Why is blockchain considered more secure than traditional systems?
A. It uses simple algorithms that are easy to understand
B. Each block contains encrypted information from the previous block
C. Only government agencies can access the information
D. It requires fewer computers to operate
4. What was one of the main challenges facing early blockchain technology?
A. Lack of interest from businesses
B. Too many transactions per second
C. High energy requirements
D. Excessive transparency
5. By 2015, what significant change occurred in blockchain development?
A. The technology was abandoned by most companies
B. It became exclusively used for healthcare
C. Major companies began investing in research and forming partnerships
D. Governments banned all blockchain applications
Questions 6-9: True/False/Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
Write:
- TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
- FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
- NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
6. Blockchain technology requires a central authority to verify transactions.
7. Early blockchain networks could process more transactions per second than credit card networks.
8. Financial institutions were interested in using blockchain for cross-border payments.
9. All governments welcomed blockchain technology without any concerns about regulation.
Questions 10-13: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
10. In blockchain technology, all participants in the network are called __.
11. The decentralized nature of blockchain eliminates the need for __ such as banks.
12. Supply chain companies could use blockchain to track products and ensure __.
13. Blockchain could help the healthcare sector combat the problem of __.
PASSAGE 2 – Blockchain’s Impact on Financial Systems and Banking
Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút
The traditional banking system, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries, is facing its most profound disruption in modern history due to blockchain technology. This innovative digital infrastructure is not merely offering incremental improvements to existing processes; rather, it is fundamentally challenging the very foundations upon which financial institutions operate. The implications of this technological revolution extend far beyond simple cost reduction, touching upon issues of financial inclusion, regulatory compliance, and the democratization of financial services.
A One of the most compelling applications of blockchain in finance is in the realm of cross-border transactions. Traditional international money transfers typically involve multiple intermediary banks, each adding fees and processing time to the transaction. A payment from New York to Mumbai, for instance, might pass through three or four correspondent banks, taking three to five business days and incurring fees of 5-7% of the transaction value. Blockchain-based systems can complete the same transaction in minutes with fees of less than 1%. This dramatic improvement is achieved through smart contracts – self-executing agreements with the terms directly written into code – which automatically process transactions when predetermined conditions are met, eliminating the need for manual verification and reconciliation.
B The impact on remittances – money sent home by migrant workers – is particularly noteworthy. The World Bank estimates that migrants send over $700 billion annually to their home countries, with traditional services charging an average of 6.5% per transaction. For families in developing nations who depend on these funds for basic necessities, these fees represent a substantial burden. Blockchain-based remittance services have emerged as a viable alternative, offering significantly lower costs and faster transfer times. Companies utilizing blockchain technology have demonstrated that remittances can be completed in near real-time with fees below 2%, potentially saving billions of dollars annually for the world’s most vulnerable populations.
C Beyond payments, blockchain is revolutionizing securities trading and settlement processes. In traditional stock markets, when shares are bought or sold, the settlement – the actual transfer of ownership – typically takes two business days (T+2). During this period, both parties face counterparty risk: the possibility that the other party might fail to complete the transaction. Blockchain enables near-instantaneous settlement, reducing this risk substantially. Moreover, the technology can facilitate fractional ownership of assets, allowing retail investors to purchase portions of expensive assets such as real estate or fine art, thereby democratizing access to investment opportunities previously available only to wealthy individuals and institutions.
D The regulatory landscape surrounding blockchain in finance presents both challenges and opportunities. Financial regulators worldwide are grappling with how to oversee this new technology while encouraging innovation. Some jurisdictions have adopted a “regulatory sandbox” approach, allowing companies to test blockchain applications under supervised conditions with relaxed regulatory requirements. This approach aims to balance consumer protection with fostering technological advancement. However, concerns remain about money laundering, terrorist financing, and consumer protection, particularly given blockchain’s association with cryptocurrencies, which can be used for illicit activities.
E Central banks have taken notice of blockchain’s potential, with many exploring the concept of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). These would be digital versions of national currencies, combining the efficiency and technological advantages of blockchain with the stability and trust associated with central bank-issued money. China has been at the forefront of this development, conducting extensive trials of its digital yuan. The European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve are also seriously investigating digital versions of the euro and dollar respectively. Proponents argue that CBDCs could increase financial inclusion by providing unbanked populations with access to digital financial services, improve the effectiveness of monetary policy, and reduce the costs associated with printing and distributing physical currency.
F However, the wholesale adoption of blockchain by traditional banks faces significant impediments. Legacy systems that have been in place for decades are deeply entrenched and integrated into every aspect of banking operations. The cost and complexity of replacing or retrofitting these systems are considerable. Additionally, banks must navigate a complex web of regulations that were designed for traditional banking operations and may not accommodate blockchain-based approaches. There are also concerns about scalability – whether blockchain networks can handle the enormous transaction volumes processed by global banking systems – and interoperability, the ability of different blockchain systems to communicate and work together.
G Despite these challenges, the trajectory is clear: blockchain technology is progressively reshaping the financial landscape. Major financial institutions are no longer questioning whether to adopt blockchain but rather how quickly they can implement it without disrupting existing operations. Consortiums such as R3 and the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance have brought together hundreds of financial institutions to develop common blockchain standards and platforms. This collaborative approach suggests that the future of finance will likely involve a hybrid model, where traditional banking infrastructure coexists with blockchain-based systems, each serving different functions and gradually converging as the technology matures and regulatory frameworks evolve.
Công nghệ blockchain đang cách mạng hóa hệ thống ngân hàng và giao dịch tài chính toàn cầu hiện đại
Questions 14-26
Questions 14-18: Matching Headings
The passage has seven paragraphs, A-G.
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.
List of Headings:
i. The global impact on workers sending money home
ii. Obstacles preventing banks from fully implementing blockchain
iii. Government-issued digital currencies as a new development
iv. Collaboration between financial institutions for common standards
v. Transforming international money transfers
vi. The challenges of regulating new financial technology
vii. Improving stock market transactions and ownership options
viii. The future of cryptocurrency markets
ix. Privacy concerns in digital banking
14. Paragraph A
15. Paragraph B
16. Paragraph C
17. Paragraph D
18. Paragraph E
Questions 19-23: Yes/No/Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in the passage?
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
19. Blockchain technology offers only minor improvements to existing banking processes.
20. Traditional international money transfers are more expensive and slower than blockchain-based transfers.
21. All financial regulators have adopted the same approach to overseeing blockchain technology.
22. Central Bank Digital Currencies could help people without bank accounts access financial services.
23. Major banks have decided not to adopt blockchain technology due to excessive costs.
Questions 24-26: Summary Completion
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
In traditional stock markets, the 24. __ of shares typically takes two business days, during which both parties face risks. Blockchain can enable almost immediate completion of these transfers. Additionally, the technology allows for 25. __ of expensive assets, making investment opportunities available to more people. However, banks face challenges in adopting blockchain because their 26. __ are deeply embedded in their operations and difficult to replace.
PASSAGE 3 – Blockchain Technology and Global Economic Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities
Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút
The paradigmatic shift represented by blockchain technology extends considerably beyond the confines of financial services, permeating diverse sectors and catalyzing a fundamental reconceptualization of economic organization and governance structures. As this technology matures and its applications proliferate, economists and policymakers are increasingly cognizant of its potential to address systemic inefficiencies that have long plagued global economic development, particularly in emerging markets where institutional frameworks remain nascent or compromised by corruption and bureaucratic inertia. However, the actualization of this potential is contingent upon navigating a labyrinth of technical, regulatory, and socio-political challenges that threaten to impede the technology’s optimal deployment.
The concept of disintermediation – the removal of intermediaries from transactions – represents perhaps the most economically consequential aspect of blockchain technology. In developing economies, where institutional trust is often eroded by corruption and inefficiency, the need for trusted third parties creates substantial friction in economic activity. Land registries provide an emblematic example: in many nations, property rights remain ambiguous or contested due to inadequate record-keeping systems that are susceptible to manipulation. Blockchain-based land registries, such as those piloted in Ghana and Georgia, offer an immutable record of property ownership that cannot be retroactively altered without leaving a visible trace. This innovation has profound implications for economic development, as clearly established property rights are a fundamental prerequisite for functioning credit markets, urban planning, and agricultural investment. When farmers can irrefutably demonstrate ownership of their land, they can use it as collateral for loans, facilitating capital investment and productivity improvements.
The application of blockchain to supply chain management exemplifies its capacity to enhance transparency and accountability in global trade networks. Modern supply chains are extraordinarily complex, often involving hundreds of participants across multiple countries. This complexity creates opportunities for unethical practices such as the use of forced labor, environmental degradation, and the introduction of counterfeit or substandard products. Blockchain enables the creation of tamper-proof records tracking products from their origin to the end consumer. For instance, in the diamond industry, blockchain has been implemented to combat the trade in “conflict diamonds” – gems mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict. Each diamond is assigned a unique digital identity recorded on a blockchain, documenting its journey through the supply chain. Consumers can verify that their purchase has not contributed to human rights abuses, while retailers can ensure provenance and maintain brand integrity. Similar applications are being developed for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to organic food, where authenticity verification is paramount.
However, the deployment of blockchain technology in developing economies faces formidable obstacles. The digital divide – the gap between those with access to digital technologies and those without – poses a fundamental barrier. Blockchain systems require reliable internet connectivity and a degree of technological literacy that remain unavailable to large swathes of the global population. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, internet penetration rates hover around 30%, and even where connectivity exists, it is often intermittent and expensive. Furthermore, the predominance of the informal economy in many developing nations complicates blockchain implementation. When a substantial proportion of economic activity occurs outside formal channels, often conducted in cash without documentation, integrating such transactions into a blockchain-based system presents considerable challenges.
The energy consumption associated with certain blockchain implementations has emerged as a particularly contentious issue, with significant implications for global economic development and environmental sustainability. Proof-of-work consensus mechanisms, employed by Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, require vast amounts of computational power and, consequently, electricity. Estimates suggest that Bitcoin mining alone consumes as much electricity annually as some medium-sized countries. As concerns about climate change intensify, this energy intensity raises questions about the long-term viability and ethical justification of such systems. Alternative consensus mechanisms, such as proof-of-stake, offer substantially reduced energy requirements, but they involve different trade-offs regarding security and decentralization. The choice of consensus mechanism thus represents not merely a technical decision but one with far-reaching economic and environmental ramifications.
Regulatory arbitrage – the practice of taking advantage of differing regulations across jurisdictions – presents both opportunities and challenges for blockchain’s role in economic development. The technology’s borderless nature allows for the creation of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) that operate without a fixed geographical locus, potentially circumventing national regulations. While this could enable entrepreneurial innovation unfettered by bureaucratic constraints, it also raises concerns about tax evasion, regulatory oversight, and the potential for facilitating illicit activities. The challenge for policymakers is to craft regulatory frameworks that protect consumers and maintain financial stability without stifling innovation or driving blockchain development to jurisdictions with lax oversight. This challenge is particularly acute given that blockchain’s global nature requires international coordination at a time when multilateral cooperation faces unprecedented strain.
The question of governance within blockchain systems themselves represents a critical dimension often overlooked in discussions of the technology’s economic impact. Who decides how blockchain protocols evolve? How are disputes resolved? The decentralized ethos of blockchain suggests community-based governance, but in practice, governance is often concentrated among a small number of developers, miners, or token holders. This concentration raises concerns about plutocracy – rule by the wealthy – particularly when governance rights are tied to token ownership. As blockchain systems increasingly mediate significant economic activity, the legitimacy and inclusiveness of their governance mechanisms become paramount. Developing governance structures that are simultaneously efficient, equitable, and resistant to capture by vested interests represents one of the technology’s most formidable challenges.
Looking forward, the influence of blockchain on global economic development will likely be determined not by the technology itself but by the institutional arrangements and policy decisions that shape its implementation. History demonstrates that technologies do not possess inherent deterministic qualities; rather, their impact is mediated by social, political, and economic contexts. The printing press facilitated both the Protestant Reformation and the Spanish Inquisition; the internet has enabled both democratic movements and authoritarian surveillance. Similarly, blockchain could either become a tool for economic empowerment and enhanced transparency, or it could exacerbate existing inequalities and create new forms of exclusion and exploitation. The trajectory will depend on whether stakeholders – including governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and technological communities – can collaborate to ensure that blockchain deployment prioritizes inclusive economic development over narrow commercial interests, and whether regulatory frameworks can evolve to harness the technology’s benefits while mitigating its risks.
Blockchain đang thay đổi cách thức phát triển kinh tế toàn cầu với ứng dụng trong nhiều lĩnh vực khác nhau
Questions 27-40
Questions 27-31: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
27. According to the passage, what is the most economically significant aspect of blockchain?
A. Its ability to process transactions quickly
B. The removal of intermediary parties from transactions
C. Its use in cryptocurrency markets
D. The reduction in energy consumption
28. How do blockchain-based land registries benefit farmers in developing countries?
A. They receive free land from the government
B. They can use their land as security for obtaining loans
C. They no longer need to pay property taxes
D. Their crops automatically increase in value
29. What challenge does the informal economy pose for blockchain implementation?
A. It requires too much electricity
B. Many transactions occur in cash without formal documentation
C. Workers refuse to use digital technology
D. Governments oppose all blockchain applications
30. What is the main environmental concern regarding blockchain technology?
A. The physical space required for servers
B. The chemicals used in computer manufacturing
C. The high electricity consumption of some consensus mechanisms
D. The disposal of old computer equipment
31. According to the final paragraph, what will determine blockchain’s impact on economic development?
A. The speed of technological advancement
B. The amount of investment in blockchain companies
C. The institutional arrangements and policy decisions surrounding its use
D. The number of people using cryptocurrency
Questions 32-36: Matching Features
Match the following blockchain applications (A-F) with the statements below (Questions 32-36).
Blockchain Applications:
A. Land registries
B. Supply chain tracking
C. Central Bank Digital Currencies
D. Diamond industry verification
E. Smart contracts
F. Decentralized autonomous organizations
32. Helps prevent products mined in conflict zones from entering legitimate markets
33. Provides clear documentation of property ownership in developing nations
34. Enables organizations to operate without a fixed physical location
35. Automatically executes agreements when specific conditions are fulfilled
36. Creates permanent records tracking items from production to consumer
Questions 37-40: Short-answer Questions
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
37. What term describes the gap between people who have access to digital technology and those who do not?
38. What type of mechanism does Bitcoin use that requires large amounts of computational power?
39. What practice involves exploiting different regulations in various countries?
40. What does the passage say is often concentrated among a small number of developers and token holders?
Answer Keys – Đáp Án
PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13
- B
- C
- B
- C
- C
- FALSE
- FALSE
- TRUE
- NOT GIVEN
- nodes
- intermediaries
- authenticity
- counterfeit pharmaceuticals
PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26
- v
- i
- vii
- vi
- iii
- NO
- YES
- NO
- YES
- NO
- settlement
- fractional ownership
- legacy systems
PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40
- B
- B
- B
- C
- C
- D
- A
- F
- E
- B
- digital divide
- proof-of-work
- regulatory arbitrage
- governance
Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết
Passage 1 – Giải Thích
Câu 1: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: who created, first blockchain system
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: Bài đọc nói rõ “an individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto”. Từ “pseudonym” có nghĩa là “tên giả” hoặc “false name”, do đó đáp án B chính xác. Các đáp án khác không được đề cập trong bài.
Câu 2: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: after, transaction, verified
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 5-7
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “Once verified, the transaction is combined with other transactions to create a new block of data”. Đây là paraphrase trực tiếp của đáp án C. Không có central authority (loại A), không bị xóa (loại B), và được thêm vào chain chứ không lưu riêng (loại D).
Câu 3: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: why, more secure
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 8-11
- Giải thích: “Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block” là lý do chính làm blockchain an toàn. “Cryptographic hash” được paraphrase thành “encrypted information” trong đáp án B.
Câu 4: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: main challenges, early blockchain
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói rõ “The technology required substantial computational power, leading to concerns about energy consumption”. Đây chính là đáp án C về high energy requirements.
Câu 5: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: by 2015, significant change
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: “Major technology companies and startups had begun investing heavily in blockchain research and development” và “Consortiums were formed” thể hiện việc các công ty lớn đầu tư và hợp tác, chính xác với đáp án C.
Câu 6: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: requires, central authority, verify transactions
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 4-6
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói blockchain “did not require a central authority such as a bank or government institution”, điều này trái ngược hoàn toàn với câu statement, nên đáp án là FALSE.
Câu 7: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: more transactions per second, credit card networks
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 4-6
- Giải thích: “While a credit card network might process thousands of transactions per second, early blockchain networks could only handle a handful” cho thấy blockchain chậm hơn, không phải nhanh hơn. Đáp án là FALSE.
Câu 8: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: financial institutions, cross-border payments
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 2-4
- Giải thích: “Financial institutions started exploring how blockchain could streamline processes such as cross-border payments” khớp chính xác với statement. Đáp án là TRUE.
Câu 9: NOT GIVEN
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: all governments, welcomed, without concerns
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 6-7
- Giải thích: Bài chỉ nói “Governments started considering regulatory frameworks” nhưng không nói tất cả chính phủ đều chào đón không có lo ngại. Thông tin không đủ để xác định, nên đáp án là NOT GIVEN.
Câu 10: nodes
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: participants, network, called
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “All participants in the network, known as nodes” – đáp án trực tiếp là “nodes”.
Câu 11: intermediaries
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: decentralized nature, eliminates, need for
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “It eliminates the need for intermediaries such as banks” – đáp án là “intermediaries”.
Câu 12: authenticity
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: supply chain companies, track products, ensure
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 6-8
- Giải thích: “Track products from manufacture to delivery, ensuring authenticity” – đáp án là “authenticity”.
Câu 13: counterfeit pharmaceuticals
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: healthcare sector, combat, problem
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 6-7
- Giải thích: “Combat the problem of counterfeit pharmaceuticals” – đáp án là “counterfeit pharmaceuticals” (hai từ).
Hướng dẫn chi tiết các bước làm bài IELTS Reading hiệu quả với chiến lược phân bổ thời gian
Passage 2 – Giải Thích
Câu 14: v (Transforming international money transfers)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Từ khóa: cross-border transactions, international money transfers
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn A
- Giải thích: Đoạn A tập trung hoàn toàn vào việc blockchain cách mạng hóa các giao dịch chuyển tiền quốc tế, so sánh giữa hệ thống truyền thống (3-5 ngày, phí 5-7%) với blockchain (vài phút, phí dưới 1%).
Câu 15: i (The global impact on workers sending money home)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Từ khóa: remittances, migrant workers
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn B
- Giải thích: Đoạn B nói về tác động của blockchain đến việc công nhân di cư gửi tiền về nhà ($700 tỷ hàng năm), và cách blockchain giảm phí từ 6.5% xuống dưới 2%.
Câu 16: vii (Improving stock market transactions and ownership options)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Từ khóa: securities trading, settlement, fractional ownership
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn C
- Giải thích: Đoạn C thảo luận về cách blockchain cải thiện giao dịch chứng khoán (từ T+2 xuống gần như tức thì) và tạo điều kiện cho fractional ownership của tài sản.
Câu 17: vi (The challenges of regulating new financial technology)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Từ khóa: regulatory landscape, challenges, opportunities
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn D
- Giải thích: Đoạn D tập trung vào các thách thức và cơ hội trong việc điều tiết blockchain, bao gồm regulatory sandbox và các mối lo ngại về rửa tiền, tài trợ khủng bố.
Câu 18: iii (Government-issued digital currencies as a new development)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Từ khóa: Central Bank Digital Currencies, CBDCs
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn E
- Giải thích: Đoạn E nói về việc các ngân hàng trung ương khám phá CBDCs, với các ví dụ từ Trung Quốc, ECB và Federal Reserve.
Câu 19: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: only minor improvements
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn đầu, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói blockchain “is not merely offering incremental improvements…rather, it is fundamentally challenging the very foundations”, điều này trái ngược với “only minor improvements”. Đáp án là NO.
Câu 20: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: traditional, more expensive, slower
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn A, dòng 3-7
- Giải thích: Bài viết so sánh rõ ràng: traditional (3-5 ngày, phí 5-7%) vs blockchain (vài phút, phí dưới 1%). Blockchain rõ ràng nhanh hơn và rẻ hơn. Đáp án là YES.
Câu 21: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: all, same approach
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn D, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: “Some jurisdictions have adopted a ‘regulatory sandbox’ approach” cho thấy không phải tất cả đều dùng cùng một cách tiếp cận. Đáp án là NO.
Câu 22: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: CBDCs, unbanked, access financial services
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn E, dòng 8-10
- Giải thích: “CBDCs could increase financial inclusion by providing unbanked populations with access to digital financial services” khớp chính xác với statement. Đáp án là YES.
Câu 23: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: major banks, decided not to adopt
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn G, dòng 2-4
- Giải thích: “Major financial institutions are no longer questioning whether to adopt blockchain but rather how quickly they can implement it” cho thấy các ngân hàng đang áp dụng, không phải từ chối. Đáp án là NO.
Câu 24: settlement
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: shares, two business days
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn C, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “The settlement – the actual transfer of ownership – typically takes two business days” – đáp án là “settlement”.
Câu 25: fractional ownership
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: expensive assets, making investment opportunities
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn C, dòng 6-8
- Giải thích: “Facilitate fractional ownership of assets, allowing retail investors to purchase portions of expensive assets” – đáp án là “fractional ownership”.
Câu 26: legacy systems
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: banks, deeply embedded, difficult to replace
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn F, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: “Legacy systems that have been in place for decades are deeply entrenched and integrated” – đáp án là “legacy systems”.
Passage 3 – Giải Thích
Câu 27: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: most economically significant
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “The concept of disintermediation – the removal of intermediaries from transactions – represents perhaps the most economically consequential aspect” trực tiếp chỉ ra đáp án B.
Câu 28: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: farmers, benefit, land registries
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 12-14
- Giải thích: “When farmers can irrefutably demonstrate ownership of their land, they can use it as collateral for loans” – họ có thể dùng đất làm thế chấp để vay tiền, chính xác với đáp án B.
Câu 29: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: informal economy, challenge
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 7-10
- Giải thích: “When a substantial proportion of economic activity occurs outside formal channels, often conducted in cash without documentation” giải thích thách thức là giao dịch bằng tiền mặt không có chứng từ, đúng với đáp án B.
Câu 30: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: environmental concern
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 1-4
- Giải thích: “Energy consumption” và “require vast amounts of computational power and, consequently, electricity” chỉ ra mối quan tâm về mức tiêu thụ điện năng cao, đáp án C.
Câu 31: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: what will determine, impact
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn cuối, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “Will likely be determined not by the technology itself but by the institutional arrangements and policy decisions that shape its implementation” trực tiếp chỉ ra đáp án C.
Câu 32: D (Diamond industry verification)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Từ khóa: conflict zones, legitimate markets
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 6-8
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói về việc ngành kim cương dùng blockchain “to combat the trade in conflict diamonds”, đúng với mô tả về sản phẩm từ vùng xung đột.
Câu 33: A (Land registries)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Từ khóa: clear documentation, property ownership, developing nations
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 5-8
- Giải thích: “Blockchain-based land registries…offer an immutable record of property ownership” khớp với việc cung cấp tài liệu rõ ràng về quyền sở hữu tài sản.
Câu 34: F (Decentralized autonomous organizations)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Từ khóa: without fixed physical location
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) that operate without a fixed geographical locus” chính xác với mô tả hoạt động không có vị trí cố định.
Câu 35: E (Smart contracts)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Từ khóa: automatically executes, specific conditions
- Vị trí trong bài: Passage 2, Đoạn A, dòng 6-8
- Giải thích: “Smart contracts – self-executing agreements with the terms directly written into code – which automatically process transactions when predetermined conditions are met” mô tả chính xác smart contracts.
Câu 36: B (Supply chain tracking)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Từ khóa: permanent records, production to consumer
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 4-6
- Giải thích: “Creation of tamper-proof records tracking products from their origin to the end consumer” khớp với mô tả về tracking từ sản xuất đến người tiêu dùng.
Câu 37: digital divide
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: gap, access to digital technology
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “The digital divide – the gap between those with access to digital technologies and those without” định nghĩa trực tiếp thuật ngữ này.
Câu 38: proof-of-work
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: Bitcoin, mechanism, computational power
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: “Proof-of-work consensus mechanisms, employed by Bitcoin…require vast amounts of computational power” – đáp án là “proof-of-work”.
Câu 39: regulatory arbitrage
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: exploiting different regulations, various countries
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “Regulatory arbitrage – the practice of taking advantage of differing regulations across jurisdictions” định nghĩa chính xác thuật ngữ này.
Câu 40: governance
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: concentrated, small number, developers, token holders
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 4-5
- Giải thích: “In practice, governance is often concentrated among a small number of developers, miners, or token holders” – đáp án là “governance”.
Từ Vựng Quan Trọng Theo Passage
Passage 1 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pseudonym | n | /ˈsuːdənɪm/ | Bút danh, tên giả | An individual using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto | under a pseudonym |
| distributed ledger | n | /dɪˈstrɪbjuːtɪd ˈledʒə(r)/ | Sổ cái phân tán | A distributed ledger system that records transactions | distributed ledger technology |
| cryptographic hash | n | /ˌkrɪptəˈɡræfɪk hæʃ/ | Mã băm mật mã | Each block contains a cryptographic hash | cryptographic hash function |
| decentralized | adj | /diːˈsentrəlaɪzd/ | Phi tập trung | The decentralized nature of blockchain | decentralized system |
| intermediaries | n | /ˌɪntəˈmiːdiəriz/ | Trung gian | Eliminates the need for intermediaries | financial intermediaries |
| transparency | n | /trænsˈpærənsi/ | Tính minh bạch | The transparency of blockchain | increase transparency |
| accountability | n | /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ | Trách nhiệm giải trình | Increases accountability | ensure accountability |
| substantial | adj | /səbˈstænʃl/ | Đáng kể, lớn | Required substantial computational power | substantial improvement |
| viability | n | /ˌvaɪəˈbɪləti/ | Tính khả thi | Test the technology’s viability | commercial viability |
| consortium | n | /kənˈsɔːtiəm/ | Liên hiệp, hiệp hội | Consortiums were formed | business consortium |
| transformative | adj | /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ | Có tính chuyển đổi | A transformative force | transformative technology |
| counterfeit | adj/n | /ˈkaʊntəfɪt/ | Giả mạo | Combat counterfeit pharmaceuticals | counterfeit products |
Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| profound disruption | n | /prəˈfaʊnd dɪsˈrʌpʃn/ | Sự gián đoạn sâu sắc | Facing its most profound disruption | cause profound disruption |
| incremental improvements | n | /ˌɪnkrəˈmentl ɪmˈpruːvmənts/ | Cải tiến tăng dần | Not merely offering incremental improvements | make incremental improvements |
| democratization | n | /dɪˌmɒkrətaɪˈzeɪʃn/ | Dân chủ hóa | The democratization of financial services | financial democratization |
| smart contracts | n | /smɑːt ˈkɒntrækt/ | Hợp đồng thông minh | Through smart contracts | execute smart contracts |
| remittances | n | /rɪˈmɪtənsɪz/ | Tiền kiều hối | The impact on remittances | send remittances |
| migrant workers | n | /ˈmaɪɡrənt ˈwɜːkəz/ | Công nhân di cư | Money sent by migrant workers | employ migrant workers |
| vulnerable populations | n | /ˈvʌlnərəbl ˌpɒpjuˈleɪʃnz/ | Nhóm dân cư dễ bị tổn thương | Saving billions for vulnerable populations | protect vulnerable populations |
| settlement | n | /ˈsetlmənt/ | Thanh toán, quyết toán | The settlement typically takes two days | trade settlement |
| counterparty risk | n | /ˈkaʊntəpɑːti rɪsk/ | Rủi ro đối tác | Both parties face counterparty risk | manage counterparty risk |
| fractional ownership | n | /ˈfrækʃənl ˈəʊnəʃɪp/ | Sở hữu phân số | Facilitate fractional ownership | fractional ownership model |
| regulatory sandbox | n | /ˈreɡjələtəri ˈsændbɒks/ | Hộp cát quy định | Adopted a regulatory sandbox approach | establish regulatory sandbox |
| illicit activities | n | /ɪˈlɪsɪt ækˈtɪvətiz/ | Hoạt động bất hợp pháp | Used for illicit activities | prevent illicit activities |
| wholesale adoption | n | /ˈhəʊlseɪl əˈdɒpʃn/ | Áp dụng toàn diện | The wholesale adoption faces impediments | wholesale adoption of technology |
| legacy systems | n | /ˈleɡəsi ˈsɪstəmz/ | Hệ thống kế thừa cũ | Legacy systems are deeply entrenched | replace legacy systems |
| interoperability | n | /ˌɪntərˌɒpərəˈbɪləti/ | Khả năng tương tác | Concerns about interoperability | ensure interoperability |
Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| paradigmatic shift | n | /ˌpærədɪɡˈmætɪk ʃɪft/ | Sự thay đổi mô hình | Represents a paradigmatic shift | undergo paradigmatic shift |
| permeating | v | /ˈpɜːmieɪtɪŋ/ | Thấm, lan tràn | Permeating diverse sectors | permeate through society |
| systemic inefficiencies | n | /sɪˈstemɪk ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃnsiz/ | Sự kém hiệu quả hệ thống | Address systemic inefficiencies | reduce systemic inefficiencies |
| nascent | adj | /ˈnæsnt/ | Mới hình thành | Institutional frameworks remain nascent | nascent industry |
| bureaucratic inertia | n | /ˌbjʊərəˈkrætɪk ɪˈnɜːʃə/ | Sự trì trệ quan liêu | Compromised by bureaucratic inertia | overcome bureaucratic inertia |
| disintermediation | n | /ˌdɪsˌɪntəˌmiːdiˈeɪʃn/ | Loại bỏ trung gian | The concept of disintermediation | financial disintermediation |
| immutable record | n | /ɪˈmjuːtəbl ˈrekɔːd/ | Hồ sơ bất biến | Offer an immutable record | create immutable record |
| collateral | n | /kəˈlætərəl/ | Tài sản thế chấp | Use it as collateral for loans | provide collateral |
| provenance | n | /ˈprɒvənəns/ | Nguồn gốc | Ensure provenance | verify provenance |
| formidable obstacles | n | /ˈfɔːmɪdəbl ˈɒbstəklz/ | Chướng ngại vật lớn | Faces formidable obstacles | overcome formidable obstacles |
| digital divide | n | /ˈdɪdʒɪtl dɪˈvaɪd/ | Khoảng cách số | The digital divide poses a barrier | bridge the digital divide |
| technological literacy | n | /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈlɪtərəsi/ | Hiểu biết về công nghệ | Requires technological literacy | improve technological literacy |
| contentious issue | n | /kənˈtenʃəs ˈɪʃuː/ | Vấn đề gây tranh cãi | A particularly contentious issue | raise contentious issue |
| consensus mechanisms | n | /kənˈsensəs ˈmekənɪzəmz/ | Cơ chế đồng thuận | Proof-of-work consensus mechanisms | different consensus mechanisms |
| regulatory arbitrage | n | /ˈreɡjələtəri ˈɑːbɪtrɑːʒ/ | Chênh lệch quy định | The practice of regulatory arbitrage | exploit regulatory arbitrage |
| plutocracy | n | /pluːˈtɒkrəsi/ | Chế độ phú hào | Raises concerns about plutocracy | prevent plutocracy |
| vested interests | n | /ˌvestɪd ˈɪntrəsts/ | Lợi ích đã có | Resistant to capture by vested interests | protect vested interests |
| exacerbate | v | /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ | Làm trầm trọng thêm | Could exacerbate existing inequalities | exacerbate the problem |
Kết bài
Chủ đề “How is blockchain technology influencing global economic development?” không chỉ phổ biến trong IELTS Reading mà còn là một chủ đề có tính thời sự cao, yêu cầu người học hiểu sâu về công nghệ, kinh tế và các tác động xã hội toàn cầu. Qua bộ đề thi mẫu hoàn chỉnh này với 3 passages tăng dần độ khó từ Easy đến Hard, bạn đã được trải nghiệm một bài thi IELTS Reading thực tế với đầy đủ 40 câu hỏi đa dạng.
Passage 1 giúp bạn làm quen với khái niệm cơ bản về blockchain, Passage 2 đi sâu vào ứng dụng trong lĩnh vực tài chính ngân hàng, và Passage 3 phân tích những thách thức và cơ hội phức tạp khi triển khai công nghệ này trên quy mô toàn cầu. Mỗi passage được thiết kế với từ vựng và cấu trúc câu phù hợp với band điểm mục tiêu, giúp bạn làm quen với độ khó thực tế của kỳ thi.
Phần đáp án chi tiết không chỉ cung cấp câu trả lời đúng mà còn giải thích rõ ràng cách tìm thông tin, kỹ thuật paraphrase và vị trí chính xác trong bài đọc. Điều này giúp bạn hiểu được logic làm bài và tự đánh giá kỹ năng của mình một cách chính xác. Bảng từ vựng quan trọng kèm theo phiên âm, nghĩa tiếng Việt và collocation sẽ giúp bạn mở rộng vốn từ và sử dụng ngữ cảnh phù hợp.
Hãy luyện tập thường xuyên với đề thi này trong điều kiện thời gian thực tế (60 phút) để cải thiện tốc độ đọc, kỹ năng skimming và scanning. Đừng quên rằng thành công trong IELTS Reading không chỉ đến từ kiến thức mà còn từ kỹ thuật làm bài bài bản và quản lý thời gian hiệu quả. Chúc bạn đạt được band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới!
