Giới Thiệu
Nền kinh tế chia sẻ (sharing economy) đang là một trong những xu hướng toàn cầu nổi bật nhất thế kỷ 21, với sự xuất hiện của các nền tảng như Airbnb, Uber, và Grab đã làm thay đổi hoàn toàn cách thức tiêu dùng và kinh doanh truyền thống. Chủ đề “How The Sharing Economy Is Reshaping Traditional Industries” thường xuyên xuất hiện trong các đề thi IELTS Reading chính thức, đặc biệt là từ năm 2018 đến nay, khi mà hiện tượng này trở nên phổ biến và có tác động sâu rộng đến xã hội.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ được thực hành với một đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh bao gồm:
- 3 passages với độ khó tăng dần từ Easy đến Hard, tổng cộng hơn 2000 từ
- 40 câu hỏi đa dạng với 7 dạng bài khác nhau như trong thi thật
- Đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích từng câu và vị trí thông tin
- Từ vựng quan trọng với phiên âm, nghĩa và cách sử dụng thực tế
- Chiến lược làm bài hiệu quả cho từng dạng câu hỏi
Đề thi này phù hợp cho học viên đang hướng đến band điểm từ 5.0 trở lên, giúp bạn làm quen với chủ đề kinh tế – xã hội đương đại và rèn luyện kỹ năng đọc hiểu học thuật một cách bài bản.
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 trừ điểm cho câu sai. Điểm thô (raw score) sau đó được chuyển đổi thành band điểm từ 1-9.
Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:
- Passage 1: 15-17 phút (độ khó thấp nhất)
- Passage 2: 18-20 phút (độ khó trung bình)
- Passage 3: 23-25 phút (độ khó cao nhất)
Lưu ý dành 2-3 phút cuối để chuyển đáp án vào answer sheet một cách cẩn thận.
Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này
Đề thi mẫu này bao gồm 7 dạng câu hỏi phổ biến nhất:
- Multiple Choice – Chọn đáp án đúng từ A, B, C, D
- True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng, sai hay không được đề cập
- Matching Information – Nối thông tin với đoạn văn tương ứng
- Sentence Completion – Hoàn thành câu với từ trong bài
- Matching Headings – Chọn tiêu đề phù hợp cho các đoạn văn
- Summary Completion – Điền từ vào tóm tắt
- Short-answer Questions – Trả lời câu hỏi ngắn
IELTS Reading Practice Test
PASSAGE 1 – The Rise of Collaborative Consumption
Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút
The concept of the sharing economy has transformed from a niche market into a mainstream phenomenon that is fundamentally changing how people consume goods and services. This economic model, which enables individuals to share access to products, services, and skills, has grown exponentially over the past decade, challenging traditional business structures and creating new opportunities for both consumers and entrepreneurs.
At its core, the sharing economy is built on the principle of collaborative consumption – the idea that access is more important than ownership. Rather than purchasing items that might be used infrequently, consumers can now rent, borrow, or share these resources with others through digital platforms. This shift represents a fundamental change in consumer behaviour, driven partly by economic necessity following the 2008 financial crisis, and partly by growing environmental awareness among younger generations who are increasingly concerned about sustainable consumption.
The transportation sector provides one of the most visible examples of this transformation. Ride-sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft have disrupted the traditional taxi industry by connecting passengers directly with drivers through smartphone applications. These services offer several advantages over conventional taxis: they are often cheaper, more convenient to book, and provide transparency through features like driver ratings and fare estimates. In many cities worldwide, ride-sharing has become the preferred mode of transportation for millions of people, particularly among tech-savvy younger users who value the convenience of cashless payments and real-time tracking.
Similarly, the accommodation sector has been revolutionised by platforms such as Airbnb, which allows homeowners to rent out spare rooms or entire properties to travellers. This peer-to-peer model has created an alternative to traditional hotels, offering tourists more authentic and often more affordable accommodation options. For property owners, it provides an opportunity to generate additional income from underutilised space. The impact has been so significant that in some popular tourist destinations, concerns have been raised about the effect on local housing markets and traditional hospitality businesses.
The sharing economy has also extended into numerous other sectors. Co-working spaces have transformed how people work, particularly benefiting freelancers, remote workers, and startup companies who need flexible office arrangements without long-term commitments. Platforms for sharing tools, equipment, and even clothing have emerged, allowing people to access items they need temporarily without the expense of purchasing them. In the food sector, apps connecting restaurants with customers seeking last-minute meal deals have helped reduce food waste while providing affordable dining options.
This economic model has been facilitated by technological advances, particularly the widespread adoption of smartphones and the development of secure digital payment systems. Trust mechanisms such as user reviews, ratings, and identity verification have been crucial in overcoming initial concerns about safety and reliability when dealing with strangers. Social media integration has further enhanced these platforms by allowing users to see connections with other participants, adding another layer of reassurance.
However, the rapid growth of the sharing economy has not been without controversy. Traditional businesses argue that sharing economy companies often operate in regulatory grey areas, avoiding the taxes, licenses, and safety standards that conventional businesses must follow. Labour rights advocates have raised concerns about the classification of workers on these platforms, many of whom are treated as independent contractors rather than employees, potentially leaving them without benefits like health insurance, paid leave, or job security. Cities have struggled to develop appropriate regulations that protect consumers and traditional businesses while not stifling innovation.
Despite these challenges, the sharing economy continues to grow and evolve. The COVID-19 pandemic initially disrupted many sharing economy services, particularly in transportation and accommodation, but also accelerated the adoption of other forms of sharing, such as grocery delivery and online skill-sharing platforms. As society becomes more comfortable with these models, and as technology continues to advance, the sharing economy is likely to expand into even more aspects of daily life, potentially reshaping the very concept of ownership in the modern world.
Questions 1-5
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Passage 1?
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
- The sharing economy has grown from a small market segment to become widely accepted.
- The 2008 financial crisis was the only factor that drove the growth of collaborative consumption.
- Ride-sharing services are always cheaper than traditional taxis in every city.
- Airbnb has caused some concerns about its impact on local housing in tourist areas.
- All sharing economy workers receive the same employment benefits as traditional employees.
Questions 6-9
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- The sharing economy is based on the idea that __ is more valuable than owning things.
- Ride-sharing platforms offer features like driver ratings which provide __ to users.
- Platforms use __ such as reviews and ratings to help users feel safe when using services.
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to faster growth in services like grocery delivery and __ platforms.
Questions 10-13
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
-
According to the passage, what is one main principle of the sharing economy?
- A. Buying new products regularly
- B. Sharing access to resources rather than owning them
- C. Only renting expensive items
- D. Avoiding all forms of ownership
-
What advantage do ride-sharing apps offer over traditional taxis?
- A. They are always available 24 hours
- B. They employ more drivers
- C. They provide real-time tracking and cashless payments
- D. They are regulated by governments
-
Co-working spaces are particularly beneficial for:
- A. Large multinational corporations
- B. Government offices
- C. Freelancers and startup companies
- D. Traditional manufacturing businesses
-
What challenge does the passage mention about sharing economy companies?
- A. They cannot use technology effectively
- B. They often operate outside normal regulations
- C. They are too expensive for consumers
- D. They are not popular with young people
Nền kinh tế chia sẻ đang thay đổi cách tiêu dùng truyền thống qua các nền tảng công nghệ số
PASSAGE 2 – Disruption and Transformation Across Industries
Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút
The proliferation of sharing economy platforms has created unprecedented disruption across multiple traditional industries, forcing established businesses to reconsider their business models and adapt to changing consumer expectations. This transformation extends far beyond simple competition; it represents a paradigm shift in how value is created, delivered, and captured in the modern economy. Understanding these changes requires examining both the mechanisms through which disruption occurs and the various strategies that traditional industries have employed to respond.
In the transportation sector, the impact has been particularly acute. Traditional taxi companies, which previously operated under regulated monopolies or oligopolies in many cities, have seen their market share eroded by ride-sharing platforms. These incumbents initially attempted to use regulatory barriers to prevent the entry of new competitors, arguing that ride-sharing companies should be subject to the same licensing requirements, vehicle inspections, and driver background checks that taxis face. However, consumers’ overwhelming preference for the convenience and pricing of ride-sharing services has often led regulators to create new frameworks that accommodate both models.
The response from traditional taxi companies has been varied and instructive. Some have embraced technology, developing their own apps and improving customer service to compete more effectively. Others have formed strategic partnerships with existing ride-sharing platforms, leveraging their licensed status and established infrastructure. A third group has chosen to lobby for stricter regulations on competitors, though this approach has generally proved less successful in markets where consumers have already adopted ride-sharing services. This adaptive response demonstrates how traditional businesses can evolve when faced with disruptive innovation, though the success of these strategies varies considerably depending on local market conditions and regulatory environments.
The hospitality industry’s encounter with home-sharing platforms offers another compelling case study. Hotels initially viewed platforms like Airbnb as catering to a different market segment – budget-conscious travellers seeking authentic local experiences rather than standardised hotel services. However, as these platforms have grown and diversified their offerings to include boutique properties and luxury accommodations, they have begun to compete directly with traditional hotels across all market segments. Research indicates that in some markets, the presence of Airbnb has led to measurable declines in hotel revenues and occupancy rates, particularly in the mid-range segment.
Hotels have responded through various differentiation strategies. Many have emphasised the consistency, reliability, and professional service that distinguish hotels from home-sharing options. Loyalty programmes have been enhanced to reward frequent guests, and hotels have invested in unique amenities that cannot easily be replicated in residential properties – such as concierge services, business facilities, and on-site dining. Some hotel chains have even launched their own home-sharing divisions, attempting to compete directly with Airbnb while leveraging their brand recognition and operational expertise. Interestingly, some research suggests that the competition from home-sharing may be driving innovation in the hotel industry, encouraging properties to improve their offerings and customer experience.
The retail sector presents yet another dimension of sharing economy disruption. Peer-to-peer marketplaces for both new and used goods have challenged traditional retailers by offering consumers greater choice, often at lower prices, while providing sellers with access to broader markets. Fashion rental services have emerged, allowing consumers to access designer clothing temporarily, which particularly appeals to environmentally conscious consumers concerned about the sustainability implications of fast fashion. These models challenge the traditional retail assumption that consumers want to own products, instead prioritising access and variety.
Traditional retailers have had to navigate this changing landscape carefully. Some have developed their own rental programmes or resale platforms, attempting to capture this new market segment while protecting their primary business. Others have focused on enhancing the in-store experience, offering personalised service and immediate gratification that online platforms cannot match. Omnichannel strategies that integrate online and physical retail have become increasingly important, allowing traditional retailers to combine the convenience of digital platforms with the tactile experience of physical stores.
Beyond these specific sectors, the sharing economy has prompted broader questions about the nature of employment and the social contract between businesses, workers, and society. The gig economy – characterised by short-term contracts and freelance work rather than permanent employment – has grown alongside sharing economy platforms. While this model offers flexibility and autonomy for workers, it has also raised concerns about income stability, benefits, and worker protections. Policymakers worldwide are grappling with how to regulate these new forms of work, attempting to balance innovation and flexibility with adequate worker protections.
The trajectory of the sharing economy suggests that its influence will continue to grow, albeit with increasing regulation and maturation of business models. Traditional industries that have successfully adapted have typically done so by incorporating elements of the sharing model into their operations while capitalising on their existing advantages – such as brand reputation, operational expertise, and established customer relationships. As both sharing platforms and traditional businesses continue to evolve, the distinction between them may become increasingly blurred, leading to a more integrated economic landscape that combines the benefits of both models.
Questions 14-18
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
The sharing economy has caused major changes across many industries. In transportation, traditional taxi companies that once operated under 14. __ have lost customers to ride-sharing platforms. These traditional companies have responded in different ways: some have developed their own 15. __ to compete, others have formed 16. __ with ride-sharing platforms, while some have tried to use 17. __ to restrict competitors. In the hotel industry, many properties have focused on offering 18. __ that cannot be easily copied by home-sharing options.
Questions 19-23
Choose FIVE letters, A-H.
Which FIVE of the following statements are mentioned in the passage as responses by traditional businesses to sharing economy disruption?
A. Developing new technology applications
B. Reducing prices significantly below competitors
C. Creating loyalty programmes for customers
D. Closing physical store locations
E. Launching their own sharing platforms
F. Improving in-store customer experiences
G. Hiring more full-time employees
H. Forming partnerships with sharing economy companies
Questions 24-26
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Passage 2?
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
- Hotels initially believed that Airbnb was targeting a completely different type of customer.
- All research shows that Airbnb has reduced hotel revenues in every market worldwide.
- The gig economy provides workers with more flexibility but less job security than traditional employment.
PASSAGE 3 – Regulatory Challenges and the Future Economic Landscape
Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút
The ascendancy of the sharing economy has precipitated a profound regulatory dilemma for governments worldwide, one that epitomises the tension between fostering innovation and protecting public interest. This challenge is multifaceted, encompassing questions of labour classification, tax compliance, consumer protection, market competition, and urban planning. The regulatory frameworks that govern traditional industries were developed in an era when the boundaries between consumers and producers, employers and employees, and commercial and private activities were relatively clear-cut. The sharing economy, however, has fundamentally blurred these distinctions, creating what scholars have termed “regulatory arbitrage” – the ability of companies to exploit gaps between existing regulations designed for different economic models.
The classification of workers within sharing economy platforms represents perhaps the most contentious regulatory issue. Platform companies typically designate their workers as independent contractors rather than employees, a distinction that carries substantial implications for both parties. This classification allows platforms to avoid traditional employer obligations such as minimum wage guarantees, overtime pay, health insurance contributions, unemployment insurance, and pension contributions. For workers, the independent contractor status offers flexibility in choosing when and how much to work, but at the cost of financial security and social protections that have been foundational to labour relations in developed economies since the early twentieth century.
Various jurisdictions have adopted divergent approaches to this issue, reflecting different philosophical orientations toward labour market regulation. In California, the passage of Assembly Bill 5 in 2019 attempted to reclassify many gig workers as employees by applying a stringent “ABC test” to determine worker status. However, this was followed by Proposition 22 in 2020, which exempted ride-sharing and delivery drivers from this classification following an intensive lobbying campaign by platform companies. The measure instead created a hybrid category with some limited protections but maintaining the fundamental independent contractor relationship. This legislative vacillation illustrates the political complexity surrounding these issues and the considerable economic leverage that sharing economy companies can mobilise.
European approaches have generally been more prescriptive. The European Union has proposed legislation that would shift the burden of proof to platform companies to demonstrate that workers are not employees, effectively reversing the presumption of independent contractor status. Several European countries have gone further, with courts in the United Kingdom, France, and Spain ruling that certain platform workers should be classified as employees entitled to corresponding benefits. These decisions reflect a stronger regulatory tradition of worker protection in Europe compared to the more market-oriented approach prevalent in the United States, demonstrating how cultural and institutional contexts shape regulatory responses to shared challenges.
The question of taxation presents another formidable challenge. Sharing economy transactions often occur through digital platforms that facilitate peer-to-peer exchanges, making it difficult for tax authorities to monitor and collect appropriate taxes. Individual participants may not understand their tax obligations, or may deliberately underreport income in the belief that such transactions are unlikely to be detected. Platform companies themselves have been accused of strategically structuring their operations to minimise tax liabilities, often by locating their corporate headquarters in low-tax jurisdictions while operating globally. This has exacerbated concerns about tax fairness and the erosion of public revenue bases that fund essential services.
Some jurisdictions have responded by requiring platforms to withhold taxes on behalf of users or to provide transaction data directly to tax authorities. France, for instance, implemented legislation requiring platforms to provide annual statements to users summarising their earnings and tax obligations, and to share this information with tax authorities. Such measures represent attempts to adapt tax collection mechanisms to the realities of platform-mediated commerce, though their effectiveness remains contested, and implementation challenges persist, particularly for platforms that operate across multiple jurisdictions with different tax regimes.
Urban planning and housing policy have emerged as critical areas where sharing economy impacts have been particularly pronounced. The proliferation of short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb has been implicated in exacerbating housing affordability crises in popular tourist destinations. Property owners, incentivised by the higher returns available from short-term tourist rentals compared to long-term residential leases, have withdrawn housing units from the residential market, constraining supply and driving up prices for local residents. This has prompted some cities to implement restrictive regulations, including caps on the number of nights properties can be rented, requirements that hosts live on the premises, or outright bans in certain neighbourhoods.
Barcelona provides an illustrative case of aggressive regulatory intervention. The city has strictly limited short-term rental licenses, imposed substantial fines for illegal rentals, and even pursued legal action against platforms for advertising unlicensed properties. These measures reflect a prioritisation of residents’ housing needs over tourism interests, though they have been controversial and have faced legal challenges from both property owners and platforms. Other cities, including Amsterdam, Paris, and New York, have implemented similar though often less stringent measures, reflecting the global nature of these tensions between tourism, technology, and urban liveability.
Looking forward, the trajectory of the sharing economy will likely be shaped by three intersecting factors: regulatory evolution, technological advancement, and societal adaptation. Regulatory approaches will probably converge toward hybrid models that acknowledge the distinctive characteristics of platform-mediated work and commerce while ensuring basic protections and tax compliance. Technology itself may offer solutions to some regulatory challenges – for instance, blockchain-based systems could enable more transparent tracking of transactions for tax purposes while preserving user privacy, or algorithmic management tools could be designed to build in labour protections.
Perhaps most significantly, societal attitudes toward ownership, work, and consumption will continue to evolve in response to sharing economy models. Younger generations who have grown up with these platforms may have fundamentally different expectations about employment relationships and consumption patterns compared to previous generations. The normalisation of flexible work arrangements and access-based consumption may render current debates about regulatory categories increasingly obsolete, requiring entirely new frameworks that we are only beginning to envision. The sharing economy, therefore, represents not merely a business model innovation but a potential catalyst for reimagining the fundamental structures of economic and social organisation in the twenty-first century.
Questions 27-31
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
-
What does the term “regulatory arbitrage” refer to in the passage?
- A. The process of companies following all regulations carefully
- B. Companies exploiting gaps between regulations designed for different models
- C. Government efforts to create new regulations
- D. The cost of regulatory compliance for sharing economy firms
-
According to the passage, what is the main difference between employees and independent contractors?
- A. Independent contractors work fewer hours
- B. Employees receive minimum wage and benefits while contractors do not
- C. Independent contractors pay higher taxes
- D. Employees have more flexibility in their schedules
-
What does the passage suggest about California’s approach to worker classification?
- A. It has been consistent and clear
- B. It shows the political difficulty of these issues
- C. It has been copied by other states
- D. It completely banned gig work
-
How have European approaches to worker classification generally differed from American approaches?
- A. European approaches are more focused on protecting workers
- B. European approaches are less regulated
- C. European approaches favour platform companies
- D. There is no significant difference
-
What problem does the passage identify with short-term rental platforms in cities?
- A. They reduce tourism
- B. They are too expensive for tourists
- C. They reduce housing availability for residents
- D. They increase property taxes
Questions 32-36
Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A-H, below.
- Assembly Bill 5 in California attempted to __
- European Union legislation proposes to __
- France implemented laws requiring platforms to __
- Barcelona has responded to housing concerns by __
- Blockchain technology could potentially __
A. make transaction tracking more transparent for tax purposes
B. reclassify gig workers as employees
C. increase tourism in popular destinations
D. provide annual earnings statements to users
E. require platforms to prove workers are not employees
F. strictly limit short-term rental licenses
G. reduce the cost of housing
H. eliminate all regulations on sharing economy platforms
Questions 37-40
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- What type of test did California’s Assembly Bill 5 use to determine worker status?
- Where do platform companies often locate their headquarters to reduce taxes?
- What percentage of nights might cities limit for short-term rentals? (The passage does not specify a number – answer with what type of restriction is mentioned)
- What three factors does the passage say will shape the future of the sharing economy?
Các thành phố trên thế giới đang điều chỉnh quy định về nhà ở chia sẻ và du lịch ngắn hạn
Answer Keys – Đáp Án
PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13
- TRUE
- FALSE
- NOT GIVEN
- TRUE
- FALSE
- access
- transparency
- trust mechanisms
- online skill-sharing
- B
- C
- C
- B
PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26
- regulated monopolies
- apps
- strategic partnerships
- regulatory barriers
- unique amenities
19-23. A, C, E, F, H (any order) - YES
- NO
- YES
PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40
- B
- B
- B
- A
- C
- B
- E
- D
- F
- A
- ABC test
- low-tax jurisdictions
- caps (on nights)
- regulatory evolution, technological advancement, societal adaptation
Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết
Passage 1 – Giải Thích
Câu 1: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: sharing economy, niche market, mainstream phenomenon
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: Câu đầu tiên của passage nói rõ “The concept of the sharing economy has transformed from a niche market into a mainstream phenomenon”. Đây là paraphrase trực tiếp của câu hỏi “grown from a small market segment to become widely accepted”, nên đáp án là TRUE.
Câu 2: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: 2008 financial crisis, only factor, collaborative consumption
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 4-6
- Giải thích: Passage nói “driven partly by economic necessity following the 2008 financial crisis, and partly by growing environmental awareness” – có 2 yếu tố chứ không phải chỉ một yếu tố duy nhất như câu hỏi nêu (“only factor”), nên đáp án là FALSE.
Câu 3: NOT GIVEN
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: ride-sharing, always cheaper, every city
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3
- Giải thích: Passage chỉ nói ride-sharing “often cheaper” (thường rẻ hơn) chứ không khẳng định “always cheaper in every city” (luôn luôn rẻ hơn ở mọi thành phố). Thông tin này không được đề cập cụ thể, nên đáp án là NOT GIVEN.
Câu 4: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Airbnb, concerns, local housing, tourist areas
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, câu cuối
- Giải thích: Passage nói rõ “in some popular tourist destinations, concerns have been raised about the effect on local housing markets”. Đây là paraphrase của câu hỏi, nên đáp án là TRUE.
Câu 5: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: sharing economy workers, same employment benefits, traditional employees
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 4-6
- Giải thích: Passage nói workers trên platform “are treated as independent contractors rather than employees, potentially leaving them without benefits like health insurance, paid leave, or job security” – nghĩa là không có quyền lợi như nhân viên truyền thống. Câu hỏi nói “all workers receive the same benefits” là sai, nên đáp án là FALSE.
Câu 6: access
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: sharing economy, more valuable, owning
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “collaborative consumption – the idea that access is more important than ownership” – từ cần điền là “access”.
Câu 7: transparency
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: ride-sharing platforms, driver ratings
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 4-5
- Giải thích: “provide transparency through features like driver ratings and fare estimates” – từ cần điền là “transparency”.
Câu 8: trust mechanisms
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: reviews, ratings, feel safe
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “Trust mechanisms such as user reviews, ratings, and identity verification have been crucial” – cụm từ cần điền là “trust mechanisms”.
Câu 9: online skill-sharing
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: COVID-19, grocery delivery
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “accelerated the adoption of other forms of sharing, such as grocery delivery and online skill-sharing platforms” – cụm từ cần điền là “online skill-sharing”.
Câu 10: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: main principle, sharing economy
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: Passage nói rõ nguyên tắc cốt lõi là “access is more important than ownership” – paraphrase là “sharing access to resources rather than owning them”. Đáp án A, C, D không được đề cập hoặc không chính xác.
Câu 11: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: ride-sharing apps, advantage, traditional taxis
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 4-6
- Giải thích: Passage liệt kê “convenience of cashless payments and real-time tracking” là những ưu điểm. Đáp án C đúng. Đáp án A, B, D không được nhắc đến như là ưu điểm chính.
Câu 12: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: co-working spaces, beneficial
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “particularly benefiting freelancers, remote workers, and startup companies” – đáp án C chính xác. Các đáp án khác không được đề cập.
Câu 13: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: challenge, sharing economy companies
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “sharing economy companies often operate in regulatory grey areas, avoiding the taxes, licenses, and safety standards” – paraphrase là “operate outside normal regulations”, đáp án B. Các đáp án khác không được nhắc đến như là thách thức.
Passage 2 – Giải Thích
Câu 14: regulated monopolies
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: traditional taxi companies, operated under
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 2
- Giải thích: “Traditional taxi companies, which previously operated under regulated monopolies or oligopolies” – cụm từ cần điền là “regulated monopolies”.
Câu 15: apps
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: traditional companies, developed, compete
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 2
- Giải thích: “Some have embraced technology, developing their own apps” – từ cần điền là “apps”.
Câu 16: strategic partnerships
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: formed with ride-sharing platforms
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “Others have formed strategic partnerships with existing ride-sharing platforms” – cụm từ cần điền là “strategic partnerships”.
Câu 17: regulatory barriers
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: restrict competitors
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: “initially attempted to use regulatory barriers to prevent the entry of new competitors” – cụm từ cần điền là “regulatory barriers”.
Câu 18: unique amenities
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: hotels, cannot be easily copied
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 4-5
- Giải thích: “hotels have invested in unique amenities that cannot easily be replicated” – cụm từ cần điền là “unique amenities”.
Câu 19-23: A, C, E, F, H
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Information (Multiple Selection)
- Giải thích từng đáp án:
- A (Developing new technology applications): Đoạn 3 – “developing their own apps”
- C (Creating loyalty programmes): Đoạn 5 – “Loyalty programmes have been enhanced”
- E (Launching their own sharing platforms): Đoạn 5 – “Some hotel chains have even launched their own home-sharing divisions”
- F (Improving in-store experiences): Đoạn 6 – “Others have focused on enhancing the in-store experience”
- H (Forming partnerships): Đoạn 3 – “formed strategic partnerships with existing ride-sharing platforms”
- B, D, G không được đề cập trong passage như là chiến lược phản ứng.
Câu 24: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Hotels initially believed, Airbnb, different type of customer
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “Hotels initially viewed platforms like Airbnb as catering to a different market segment” – khớp với câu hỏi, đáp án YES.
Câu 25: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: All research, Airbnb reduced revenues, every market worldwide
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 4-5
- Giải thích: Passage chỉ nói “in some markets” chứ không phải “every market worldwide”, và cũng không nói “all research”. Câu hỏi quá tuyệt đối, nên đáp án là NO.
Câu 26: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: gig economy, flexibility, less job security
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “this model offers flexibility and autonomy for workers, it has also raised concerns about income stability, benefits, and worker protections” – khớp với câu hỏi về flexibility nhưng less security, đáp án YES.
Passage 3 – Giải Thích
Câu 27: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: regulatory arbitrage
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng cuối
- Giải thích: “regulatory arbitrage – the ability of companies to exploit gaps between existing regulations designed for different economic models” – đáp án B paraphrase chính xác định nghĩa này.
Câu 28: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: difference, employees, independent contractors
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: Passage nêu rõ independent contractors không nhận “minimum wage guarantees, overtime pay, health insurance contributions” mà employees có. Đáp án B chính xác.
Câu 29: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: California’s approach, worker classification
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3
- Giải thích: “This legislative vacillation illustrates the political complexity surrounding these issues” – California ban hành AB5 rồi lại có Prop 22 miễn trừ, cho thấy sự phức tạp chính trị. Đáp án B đúng.
Câu 30: A
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: European approaches, American approaches, differ
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, câu cuối
- Giải thích: “a stronger regulatory tradition of worker protection in Europe compared to the more market-oriented approach prevalent in the United States” – Châu Âu bảo vệ người lao động nhiều hơn. Đáp án A.
Câu 31: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: problem, short-term rental platforms, cities
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 2-4
- Giải thích: “Property owners…have withdrawn housing units from the residential market, constraining supply and driving up prices for local residents” – làm giảm nhà ở cho cư dân địa phương. Đáp án C.
Câu 32: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Sentence Endings
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “Assembly Bill 5 in 2019 attempted to reclassify many gig workers as employees” – khớp với ending B.
Câu 33: E
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Sentence Endings
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “The European Union has proposed legislation that would shift the burden of proof to platform companies to demonstrate that workers are not employees” – khớp với ending E.
Câu 34: D
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Sentence Endings
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “France…implemented legislation requiring platforms to provide annual statements to users summarising their earnings” – khớp với ending D.
Câu 35: F
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Sentence Endings
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “Barcelona…The city has strictly limited short-term rental licenses” – khớp với ending F.
Câu 36: A
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Sentence Endings
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 9, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: “blockchain-based systems could enable more transparent tracking of transactions for tax purposes” – khớp với ending A.
Câu 37: ABC test
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Question
- Từ khóa: California, Assembly Bill 5, test, determine worker status
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 2
- Giải thích: “applying a stringent ‘ABC test’ to determine worker status” – đáp án là “ABC test”.
Câu 38: low-tax jurisdictions
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Question
- Từ khóa: platform companies, locate headquarters, reduce taxes
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 4-5
- Giải thích: “by locating their corporate headquarters in low-tax jurisdictions” – đáp án là “low-tax jurisdictions”.
Câu 39: caps (on nights)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Question
- Từ khóa: cities limit, short-term rentals
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, câu cuối
- Giải thích: “including caps on the number of nights properties can be rented” – đáp án là “caps” (không có số cụ thể trong passage).
Câu 40: regulatory evolution, technological advancement, societal adaptation
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Question
- Từ khóa: three factors, shape future, sharing economy
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 9, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “the trajectory of the sharing economy will likely be shaped by three intersecting factors: regulatory evolution, technological advancement, and societal adaptation” – đáp án gồm cả 3 yếu tố này.
Từ Vựng Quan Trọng Theo Passage
Passage 1 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sharing economy | n | /ˈʃeərɪŋ ɪˈkɒnəmi/ | nền kinh tế chia sẻ | The sharing economy has transformed from a niche market | sharing economy platform, sharing economy model |
| collaborative consumption | n | /kəˈlæbərətɪv kənˈsʌmpʃən/ | tiêu dùng cộng tác | The core principle is collaborative consumption | promote collaborative consumption |
| disrupt | v | /dɪsˈrʌpt/ | làm gián đoạn, phá vỡ | Ride-sharing platforms have disrupted the traditional taxi industry | disrupt the market, disrupt traditional business |
| peer-to-peer | adj | /pɪər tə pɪər/ | ngang hàng, người với người | This peer-to-peer model has created alternatives | peer-to-peer platform, peer-to-peer lending |
| underutilised | adj | /ˌʌndərˈjuːtɪlaɪzd/ | chưa được tận dụng hết | Generate income from underutilised space | underutilised resources, underutilised assets |
| facilitate | v | /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/ | tạo điều kiện thuận lợi | This model has been facilitated by technological advances | facilitate transactions, facilitate communication |
| transparency | n | /trænsˈpærənsi/ | tính minh bạch | These services provide transparency through driver ratings | ensure transparency, improve transparency |
| regulatory | adj | /ˈreɡjələtəri/ | thuộc về quy định | Companies operate in regulatory grey areas | regulatory framework, regulatory barriers |
| independent contractor | n | /ˌɪndɪˈpendənt ˈkɒntræktə/ | nhà thầu độc lập | Many are treated as independent contractors | classify as independent contractor |
| stifle innovation | v phrase | /ˈstaɪfəl ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ | kìm hãm sự đổi mới | Regulations should not stifle innovation | avoid stifling innovation |
| exponentially | adv | /ˌekspəˈnenʃəli/ | theo cấp số nhân | The model has grown exponentially | grow exponentially, increase exponentially |
| mainstream | adj | /ˈmeɪnstriːm/ | chủ đạo, phổ biến | It has become a mainstream phenomenon | mainstream adoption, mainstream acceptance |
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 chóng | The proliferation of sharing economy platforms | proliferation of technology, rapid proliferation |
| unprecedented | adj | /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ | chưa từng có | Created unprecedented disruption | unprecedented growth, unprecedented challenges |
| paradigm shift | n | /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ | sự thay đổi mô hình | It represents a paradigm shift | major paradigm shift, paradigm shift in thinking |
| incumbent | n | /ɪnˈkʌmbənt/ | người/công ty đương nhiệm | These incumbents initially resisted | market incumbent, industry incumbent |
| erode | v | /ɪˈrəʊd/ | làm xói mòn | Market share has been eroded | erode confidence, erode profits |
| leverage | v | /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ | tận dụng | Leveraging their licensed status | leverage technology, leverage existing resources |
| compelling | adj | /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ | hấp dẫn, thuyết phục | Offers a compelling case study | compelling evidence, compelling argument |
| cater to | v phrase | /ˈkeɪtə tuː/ | phục vụ, đáp ứng | Catering to budget-conscious travellers | cater to needs, cater to customers |
| differentiation | n | /ˌdɪfərenʃiˈeɪʃən/ | sự khác biệt hóa | Hotels use differentiation strategies | product differentiation, brand differentiation |
| replicate | v | /ˈreplɪkeɪt/ | sao chép, tái tạo | Amenities that cannot be replicated | replicate success, difficult to replicate |
| omnichannel | adj | /ˈɒmnɪtʃænəl/ | đa kênh tích hợp | Omnichannel strategies have become important | omnichannel approach, omnichannel retail |
| grapple with | v phrase | /ˈɡræpəl wɪð/ | vật lộn với, đối mặt | Policymakers are grappling with regulations | grapple with challenges, grapple with issues |
| trajectory | n | /trəˈdʒektəri/ | quỹ đạo phát triển | The trajectory of the sharing economy | growth trajectory, future trajectory |
| albeit | conj | /ɔːlˈbiːɪt/ | mặc dù | Will continue to grow, albeit with regulation | small albeit significant, slowly albeit surely |
| blur | v | /blɜː/ | làm mờ ranh giới | The distinction may become blurred | blur the lines, blur boundaries |
Đối với học viên quan tâm đến Impact of renewable energy on policy-making, các khái niệm về thay đổi chính sách và điều chỉnh quy định trong bài này cũng rất hữu ích để hiểu cách các ngành công nghiệp thích nghi với xu hướng mới.
Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ascendancy | n | /əˈsendənsi/ | sự vượt trội, thống trị | The ascendancy of the sharing economy | achieve ascendancy, political ascendancy |
| precipitate | v | /prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/ | gây ra đột ngột | Has precipitated a regulatory dilemma | precipitate a crisis, precipitate change |
| multifaceted | adj | /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ | nhiều mặt, đa diện | This challenge is multifaceted | multifaceted problem, multifaceted approach |
| epitomise | v | /ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/ | tượng trưng cho | It epitomises the tension | epitomise excellence, epitomise the problem |
| contentious | adj | /kənˈtenʃəs/ | gây tranh cãi | The most contentious regulatory issue | contentious issue, contentious debate |
| substantial | adj | /səbˈstænʃəl/ | đáng kể, quan trọng | Carries substantial implications | substantial evidence, substantial investment |
| foundational | adj | /faʊnˈdeɪʃənəl/ | nền tảng, cơ bản | Have been foundational to labour relations | foundational principles, foundational elements |
| divergent | adj | /daɪˈvɜːdʒənt/ | khác biệt, phân kỳ | Adopted divergent approaches | divergent views, divergent paths |
| prescriptive | adj | /prɪˈskrɪptɪv/ | mang tính quy định | European approaches are more prescriptive | prescriptive regulations, prescriptive approach |
| exacerbate | v | /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ | làm trầm trọng thêm | Has exacerbated concerns | exacerbate problems, exacerbate tensions |
| implicate | v | /ˈɪmplɪkeɪt/ | làm liên lụy | Has been implicated in housing crises | implicate someone in, be implicated in |
| constrain | v | /kənˈstreɪn/ | hạn chế, ràng buộc | Constraining supply and driving up prices | constrain growth, constrain resources |
| catalyst | n | /ˈkætəlɪst/ | chất xúc tác | A potential catalyst for reimagining | catalyst for change, act as a catalyst |
| render | v | /ˈrendə/ | khiến cho, làm cho | May render current debates obsolete | render useless, render ineffective |
| envision | v | /ɪnˈvɪʒən/ | hình dung, tưởng tượng | Frameworks we are only beginning to envision | envision the future, envision a world |
| normalisation | n | /ˌnɔːməlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ | sự bình thường hóa | The normalisation of flexible work | normalisation process, lead to normalisation |
Tương lai của nền kinh tế chia sẻ với công nghệ blockchain và trí tuệ nhân tạo
Kết Bài
Chủ đề “How the sharing economy is reshaping traditional industries” không chỉ là một nội dung học thuật hấp dẫn mà còn phản ánh chính xác những thay đổi đang diễn ra trong thế giới thực. Qua ba passages với độ khó tăng dần, bạn đã được thực hành với nhiều dạng câu hỏi khác nhau – từ True/False/Not Given, Multiple Choice, đến Matching và Summary Completion – tất cả đều được thiết kế theo đúng format của kỳ thi IELTS chính thức.
Passage 1 giới thiệu các khái niệm cơ bản về nền kinh tế chia sẻ với ngôn ngữ dễ hiểu, giúp bạn làm quen với chủ đề. Passage 2 đi sâu vào cách các ngành truyền thống phản ứng với sự thay đổi này, yêu cầu khả năng paraphrase và hiểu ngầm cao hơn. Passage 3 mang tính học thuật cao với từ vựng chuyên ngành và cấu trúc câu phức tạp, thử thách kỹ năng phân tích và suy luận của bạn.
Những chiến lược quan trọng cần ghi nhớ từ bài thi này:
- Quản lý thời gian: Tuân thủ thời gian khuyến nghị cho mỗi passage
- Đọc kỹ instructions: Chú ý giới hạn số từ trong câu trả lời
- Xác định từ khóa: Paraphrase là chìa khóa để tìm đáp án chính xác
- Đọc theo thứ tự: Câu hỏi thường xuất hiện theo thứ tự thông tin trong bài
- Không để trống: Luôn điền đáp án cho mọi câu hỏi
Tương tự như cách the impact of automation on service industries đang thay đổi nhiều lĩnh vực việc làm, nền kinh tế chia sẻ cũng đại diện cho một làn sóng đổi mới lớn trong thế kỷ 21.
Từ vựng và collocations trong bài này có thể được sử dụng cho nhiều chủ đề khác trong IELTS Writing và Speaking, đặc biệt là các topic về technology, business, và social changes. Hãy ôn tập kỹ phần từ vựng và thử áp dụng chúng vào các bài tập khác.
Việc luyện tập với các đề thi mẫu như thế này là cách hiệu quả nhất để chuẩn bị cho IELTS Reading. Đừng chỉ làm bài một lần – hãy quay lại, phân tích các câu trả lời sai, và học cách cải thiện kỹ thuật làm bài của mình. Đối với những ai đang tìm hiểu về how does the growth of e-commerce affect traditional retail, nhiều khái niệm trong bài này sẽ giúp bạn hiểu sâu hơn về sự chuyển đổi kỹ thuật số trong kinh doanh.
Chúc bạn luyện tập hiệu quả và đạt band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới!
