IELTS Reading: Giảm Thiểu Sử Dụng Nhựa Trong Cuộc Sống – Đề Thi Mẫu Có Đáp Án

Mở Bài

Chủ đề giảm thiểu sử dụng nhựa trong đời sống hàng ngày đã trở thành một trong những vấn đề môi trường được quan tâm hàng đầu và thường xuyên xuất hiện trong các đề thi IELTS Reading gần đây. Với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm giảng dạy, tôi nhận thấy chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất cao, đặc biệt trong giai đoạn 2018-2024, khi nhận thức về bảo vệ môi trường ngày càng được chú trọng.

Bài viết này cung cấp một bộ đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với 3 passages có độ khó tăng dần (Easy → Medium → Hard), bao gồm 40 câu hỏi đa dạng giống thi thật. Bạn sẽ được luyện tập với các dạng câu hỏi phổ biến như Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, Summary Completion và nhiều dạng khác. Mỗi câu hỏi đều có đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích, giúp bạn hiểu rõ phương pháp làm bài và kỹ thuật paraphrase.

Đề thi này phù hợp cho học viên từ band 5.0 trở lên, giúp bạn làm quen với format thi thật, rèn luyện kỹ năng quản lý thời gian và xây dựng chiến lược làm bài hiệu quả.

Hướng Dẫn Làm Bài IELTS Reading

Tổng Quan Về IELTS Reading Test

IELTS Reading Test kéo dài 60 phút với 3 passages và tổng cộng 40 câu hỏi. Độ khó của các passages tăng dần, yêu cầu thí sinh có khả năng quản lý thời gian và áp dụng các kỹ thuật đọc khác nhau.

Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:

• Passage 1: 15-17 phút (câu hỏi 1-13)
• Passage 2: 18-20 phút (câu hỏi 14-26)
• Passage 3: 23-25 phút (câu hỏi 27-40)

Lưu ý quan trọng: Không có thời gian riêng để chép đáp án sang phiếu trả lời, vì vậy bạn cần ghi đáp án trực tiếp trong khi làm bài.

Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này

Đề thi mẫu này bao gồm 7 dạng câu hỏi phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Reading:

1. Multiple Choice – Chọn đáp án đúng từ các phương án cho sẵn
2. True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng, sai hoặc không được đề cập
3. Matching Information – Nối thông tin với đoạn văn tương ứng
4. Sentence Completion – Hoàn thành câu với từ trong bài đọc
5. Matching Headings – Nối tiêu đề với đoạn văn phù hợp
6. Summary Completion – Hoàn thành đoạn tóm tắt
7. Short-answer Questions – Trả lời câu hỏi ngắn

Kỹ thuật làm bài IELTS Reading hiệu quả giúp tăng band điểm

IELTS Reading Practice Test

PASSAGE 1 – The Plastic Problem in Modern Life

Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)

Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút

Plastic has become an integral part of our daily lives since its mass production began in the 1950s. From food packaging to electronics, clothing to construction materials, synthetic polymers have transformed how we live, work, and consume. However, this convenience comes at a significant environmental cost. Every year, approximately eight million tonnes of plastic waste enter our oceans, threatening marine life and ecosystems. The persistence of plastic in the environment, taking hundreds of years to decompose, has created what scientists call a “plastic pollution crisis”.

The journey of plastic waste is complex and often invisible to consumers. When we discard a plastic bottle, it may end up in one of several places: a landfill, an incinerator, a recycling facility, or unfortunately, in natural environments. Recycling rates remain disappointingly low globally, with only about 9% of all plastic ever produced having been recycled. The remaining 91% has either been incinerated, releasing harmful emissions, or accumulated in landfills and natural habitats. This accumulation creates long-term environmental hazards, as plastic breaks down into smaller particles called microplastics, which contaminate soil, water, and even the air we breathe.

Understanding why plastic reduction matters begins with recognizing its impact on wildlife and ecosystems. Marine animals often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion that can cause starvation, internal injuries, or death. Sea turtles confuse plastic bags with jellyfish, their natural prey, while seabirds feed plastic fragments to their chicks. Beyond individual animals, entire ecosystems suffer when plastic waste disrupts natural processes. Coral reefs, already threatened by climate change, face additional stress from plastic pollution that can smother coral structures and introduce harmful bacteria.

The good news is that individual actions can make a meaningful difference. Reducing plastic consumption doesn’t require dramatic lifestyle changes; rather, it involves making conscious choices in everyday situations. Many people begin their plastic reduction journey by identifying their main sources of plastic waste. For most households, single-use items in the kitchen and bathroom represent the largest category. Plastic bags, food wrapping, disposable utensils, and personal care product containers quickly accumulate and are typically used once before disposal.

One of the most effective strategies is adopting reusable alternatives. Canvas shopping bags, stainless steel water bottles, and glass food containers offer durable replacements for their plastic counterparts. While the initial investment may be higher, these items last for years and ultimately save money. Similarly, choosing products with minimal or recyclable packaging sends a message to manufacturers about consumer preferences. Many grocery stores now offer bulk sections where customers can purchase grains, nuts, and other dry goods using their own containers, eliminating unnecessary packaging entirely.

The bathroom presents another opportunity for plastic reduction. Traditional personal care products come in plastic bottles that are difficult to recycle due to contamination from product residue. Solid alternatives such as bar soap, shampoo bars, and toothpaste tablets eliminate plastic packaging while often using fewer chemicals and lasting longer than liquid versions. These products have improved significantly in recent years, with many options now matching or exceeding the quality of conventional products. Additionally, switching to bamboo toothbrushes and reusable cotton pads further reduces bathroom plastic waste.

Food shopping habits significantly influence plastic consumption. Planning meals in advance and preparing a detailed shopping list helps avoid impulse purchases that often come with excessive packaging. Choosing fresh produce over pre-packaged items not only reduces plastic waste but typically provides healthier, more economical options. When packaged items are necessary, selecting products in glass, metal, or cardboard containers makes recycling easier and more effective. Some communities have established zero-waste stores where all products are package-free, though these remain less common in many areas.

Dining out and takeaway food present particular challenges for plastic reduction. However, more restaurants now accommodate customers who bring their own containers for takeaway orders. Carrying a reusable container set in your bag ensures you’re prepared for unexpected takeaway situations. For beverages, a reusable coffee cup or water bottle eliminates the need for disposable cups and reduces costs, as many cafes offer discounts for customers using their own cups. These small preparations become habitual with practice, requiring minimal effort once established as routine.

Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

1. According to the passage, what percentage of all plastic ever produced has been recycled?
A. 8%
B. 9%
C. 19%
D. 91%

2. Why do sea turtles consume plastic bags?
A. They are attracted to the smell
B. They mistake them for jellyfish
C. They use them for nest building
D. They are forced by food scarcity

3. What does the passage suggest about solid personal care products?
A. They are more expensive but lower quality
B. They are difficult to find in stores
C. They have improved and can match conventional products
D. They contain more chemicals than liquid versions

4. According to the passage, how long does plastic take to decompose?
A. Decades
B. Fifty years
C. One hundred years
D. Hundreds of years

5. What benefit does the passage mention about bringing your own coffee cup?
A. Better tasting coffee
B. Environmental benefits only
C. Cost reduction through discounts
D. Larger serving sizes

Questions 6-9: True/False/Not Given

Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information, FALSE if the statement contradicts the information, or NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this.

6. Microplastics only contaminate water sources, not soil or air.

7. Most household plastic waste comes from kitchen and bathroom items.

8. Zero-waste stores are widely available in all communities.

9. Reusable alternatives cost more initially but save money over time.

Questions 10-13: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

10. Plastic waste that enters oceans is described by scientists as a __ crisis.

11. When plastic breaks down into smaller pieces, these particles are called __.

12. Grocery stores with __ allow customers to use their own containers for dry goods.

13. Planning meals and making a __ helps reduce impulse purchases with excess packaging.

---

PASSAGE 2 – The Psychology Behind Plastic Consumption

Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)

Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút

Understanding why individuals find it challenging to reduce plastic consumption requires examining the psychological and social factors that influence consumer behavior. Despite widespread awareness of environmental issues, the gap between environmental concern and actual behavior remains significant. This phenomenon, known as the “value-action gap”, reveals that knowledge alone is insufficient to drive behavioral change. Research in environmental psychology demonstrates that habit formation, convenience prioritization, and social norms play crucial roles in determining whether individuals adopt sustainable practices.

The convenience of plastic products represents perhaps the most significant barrier to reduction efforts. Modern consumer culture has been built around immediate gratification and minimal effort, with plastic products perfectly embodying these values. Single-use plastics eliminate the need for planning, carrying reusable items, or dealing with cleaning and maintenance. This convenience creates what behavioral economists call a “status quo bias”—a preference for current habits over alternatives that require initial effort, even when those alternatives offer long-term benefits. For busy individuals juggling multiple responsibilities, the cognitive load of remembering reusable bags or containers can seem overwhelming, leading them to default to familiar plastic options despite their environmental intentions.

Habit psychology further illuminates why plastic reduction proves difficult. Habits form through repeated behavior in consistent contexts, creating automatic responses that require minimal conscious thought. When someone regularly shops at the same supermarket and automatically accepts plastic bags, this behavior becomes deeply ingrained in their routine neural pathways. Breaking such habits requires not only conscious effort but also environmental restructuring—changing the cues and contexts that trigger habitual behaviors. Research suggests that successful habit change often involves creating new routines rather than simply trying to eliminate old ones, such as placing reusable bags next to house keys or in the car to establish new automatic associations.

Social influence significantly impacts plastic consumption patterns through multiple mechanisms. Social norms—the perceived expectations about appropriate behavior within a group—powerfully shape individual choices. When plastic use is normalized within one’s social circle, family, or workplace, reducing consumption can feel socially awkward or inconvenient. Conversely, when individuals observe peers adopting sustainable practices, they become more likely to follow suit through a process called social modeling. This explains why community-based initiatives often prove more effective than individual efforts; collective action creates new social norms that support behavioral change while reducing the perceived effort required.

The concept of “psychological distance” helps explain why people struggle to connect their daily plastic use with environmental consequences. When environmental impacts feel temporally distant (affecting future generations), geographically remote (occurring in oceans far away), or socially distant (impacting other species or communities), individuals struggle to feel personally responsible or motivated to act. This disconnect is reinforced by the “single-action bias”, whereby people perform one symbolic environmental action and feel they’ve done enough, rather than making comprehensive lifestyle changes. For instance, someone might diligently recycle but continue purchasing heavily packaged products, believing their recycling efforts compensate for their consumption patterns.

Corporate marketing strategies have also shaped consumer perceptions of plastic in ways that complicate reduction efforts. For decades, companies have promoted disposability as modern and hygienic while positioning reusable alternatives as outdated or unhygienic. The “transfer of responsibility” from producers to consumers represents another strategic framing, with companies emphasizing individual recycling responsibility while continuing to produce non-recyclable packaging. This narrative obscures the reality that systemic change in manufacturing and retail practices would have far greater impact than individual consumer actions alone, though both remain necessary.

Interestingly, research into behavioral interventions reveals several strategies that successfully overcome these psychological barriers. Implementation intentions—specific plans detailing when, where, and how one will perform a behavior—significantly increase follow-through compared to general goals. For example, forming the intention “I will place my reusable bags in the car every Sunday evening” proves more effective than simply intending to “use fewer plastic bags.” Similarly, commitment devices—mechanisms that lock in future behavior—can counter status quo bias. Publicly announcing goals, joining challenges with friends, or using apps that track progress creates accountability that supports sustained behavior change.

The role of identity and self-perception in plastic reduction deserves particular attention. When individuals begin to view themselves as “environmentally conscious” or adopt a “green identity”, this self-concept becomes self-reinforcing, motivating continued sustainable choices to maintain cognitive consistency. This explains why starting with small, achievable changes often leads to broader lifestyle modifications; initial successes strengthen environmental identity, which then motivates more significant actions. Organizations promoting plastic reduction can leverage this by helping individuals recognize their actions as expressions of their values rather than burdensome obligations.

Emotional responses to environmental information also influence behavior, though not always in predicted ways. While moderate concern can motivate action, excessive “eco-anxiety” or feelings of being overwhelmed may lead to disengagement and helplessness. This suggests that effective communication about plastic pollution should balance problem awareness with solution-focused messaging that emphasizes individual agency and collective efficacy. Positive emotions associated with sustainable choices—pride in contributing to solutions, satisfaction from aligning behavior with values, or enjoyment of simpler living—can create intrinsic motivation that sustains long-term change more effectively than guilt or fear.

Một ví dụ chi tiết về the role of education in fostering cultural empathy là việc các chương trình giáo dục môi trường tích hợp hiểu biết về các nền văn hóa khác nhau có thể giúp người học nhận thức rõ hơn về tác động toàn cầu của ô nhiễm nhựa, từ đó thúc đẩy hành động bảo vệ môi trường mang tính cộng đồng và bền vững hơn.

Questions 14-18: Yes/No/Not Given

Write YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer, NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer, or NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this.

14. Environmental knowledge alone is sufficient to change people’s plastic consumption behavior.

15. Breaking plastic-related habits requires changing the contexts that trigger those behaviors.

16. Individual actions are more effective than community-based initiatives in reducing plastic use.

17. Companies have historically promoted reusable products as more modern than disposable ones.

18. Excessive environmental anxiety can lead people to disengage rather than take action.

Questions 19-23: Matching Headings

Choose the correct heading for paragraphs B-F from the list of headings below.

List of Headings:
i. The disconnect between awareness and environmental impact
ii. How companies influence consumer perception
iii. The power of convenience in consumer choices
iv. Identity formation through sustainable practices
v. The role of automatic behavior patterns
vi. Social pressure and collective behavior change
vii. Emotional factors in environmental action
viii. Financial barriers to plastic reduction

19. Paragraph B
20. Paragraph C
21. Paragraph D
22. Paragraph E
23. Paragraph F

Questions 24-26: Summary Completion

Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Research shows that implementation intentions work better than general goals. These are (24) __ that detail exactly when and how to perform a behavior. Additionally, (25) __ such as making public announcements help maintain commitment. When people develop a (26) __, they become more motivated to continue sustainable behaviors to maintain consistency with this self-view.

---

PASSAGE 3 – Systemic Approaches to Plastic Reduction

Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)

Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút

While individual behavioral modifications constitute an essential component of addressing plastic pollution, contemporary environmental scholars increasingly emphasize the necessity of systemic interventions that operate at institutional, corporate, and governmental levels. The prevailing narrative that positions environmental responsibility primarily as a matter of consumer choice has been critiqued as an instance of “individualization of responsibility”, a discourse that obscures the disproportionate role of industrial actors in generating plastic waste while potentially absolving these entities of accountability. A comprehensive approach to plastic reduction must therefore integrate multi-scalar strategies that address production systems, regulatory frameworks, economic incentives, and technological innovation alongside consumer behavior modification.

The Linear Economy Model that has dominated industrial production since the mid-twentieth century operates on a “take-make-dispose” principle, wherein raw materials are extracted, transformed into products, and ultimately discarded. This paradigm is fundamentally incompatible with ecological sustainability, as it treats the Earth’s finite resources as infinite inputs and environmental systems as unlimited waste receptacles. Transitioning toward a Circular Economy represents a paradigmatic shift that reconceptualizes waste as a design flaw rather than an inevitable byproduct. In circular systems, products are designed for durability, reusability, and recyclability, with materials flowing in closed loops that minimize resource extraction and waste generation. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has been instrumental in promoting circular economy principles, demonstrating that such systems can generate economic value while dramatically reducing environmental impact.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes exemplify regulatory approaches that redistribute accountability for plastic waste. Under EPR frameworks, manufacturers bear financial and operational responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products and packaging. This creates direct economic incentives for companies to minimize packaging, choose recyclable materials, and design for circularity. Germany’s packaging ordinance, implemented in 1991, pioneered this approach and has since influenced legislation across Europe and beyond. Empirical evidence suggests that EPR schemes can significantly increase recycling rates while stimulating innovation in sustainable packaging design, though effectiveness varies based on specific policy design, enforcement mechanisms, and stakeholder cooperation.

The efficacy of recycling as a waste management strategy merits critical examination. While often promoted as a comprehensive solution to plastic pollution, recycling confronts numerous technical and economic constraints that limit its scope and impact. Many plastic polymers experience quality degradation through recycling processes, restricting the number of times material can be reprocessed. Furthermore, the economic viability of recycling depends on volatile commodity markets; when virgin plastic prices drop due to cheap fossil fuels, recycled plastic becomes economically uncompetitive, leading to stockpiling or disposal of collected recyclables. The contamination problem—whereby non-recyclable materials or food residue compromises recycling streams—further undermines system efficiency. These realities underscore that recycling, while valuable, cannot substitute for source reduction and reuse strategies.

Deposit-return schemes (DRS) represent a policy mechanism that addresses some recycling limitations by creating direct financial incentives for consumers to return containers. Under DRS, consumers pay a small deposit on beverage containers that is refunded upon return to collection points. Norway’s beverage container deposit system achieves a 97% return rate, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of properly designed schemes. The economic incentive fundamentally alters consumer behavior, transforming disposal into a minor financial loss and return into a tangible benefit. Moreover, DRS typically yields higher-quality recyclate compared to curbside collection, as materials are source-separated and less contaminated, thereby maintaining greater economic value in secondary markets.

Đối với những ai quan tâm đến how to support mental health for working parents, nội dung này sẽ hữu ích vì áp lực từ các thay đổi lối sống như giảm sử dụng nhựa có thể tạo thêm căng thẳng tinh thần cho cha mẹ đang làm việc, do đó cần có các chiến lược hỗ trợ phù hợp.

Bioplastics and alternative materials are often presented as technological solutions to petroleum-based plastic pollution. However, the sustainability of these alternatives requires nuanced evaluation. While bioplastics derived from renewable biomass reduce fossil fuel dependence, they introduce different environmental considerations. Land-use change for feedstock cultivation can generate greenhouse gas emissions, reduce biodiversity, and compete with food production—consequences that may offset benefits from reduced fossil fuel use. Additionally, many bioplastics require industrial composting facilities to decompose, which remain scarce in many regions, meaning these materials often end up in landfills where they behave similarly to conventional plastics. Biodegradable claims can also mislead consumers into believing improper disposal is environmentally benign, potentially exacerbating littering behavior.

The concept of “producer intention” in design philosophy offers a more fundamental approach to plastic reduction. Rather than developing end-of-pipe solutions to manage waste, this perspective argues for “designing out” waste through intentional material selection and product architecture. The Cradle to Cradle design framework, developed by William McDonough and Michael Braungart, advocates for products composed entirely of materials that can be safely returned to either biological or technical cycles. This requires deep consideration of material chemistry, supply chains, and recovery systems during the design phase rather than as afterthoughts. Companies such as Interface, a commercial flooring manufacturer, have demonstrated that such approaches can be commercially viable while dramatically reducing environmental footprints.

Policy instruments beyond EPR and DRS include single-use plastic bans, procurement standards, and tax mechanisms. Over sixty countries have implemented bans or restrictions on specific plastic items such as bags, straws, or polystyrene food containers. While these measures can achieve rapid reductions in targeted items, their effectiveness depends on enforcement capacity, availability of alternatives, and public acceptance. Green public procurement policies, wherein government agencies prioritize purchasing products with minimal plastic packaging, leverage substantial public spending to create markets for sustainable alternatives. Tax approaches, such as Ireland’s plastic bag levy introduced in 2002, use price signals to discourage consumption; Ireland’s 15 cent charge reduced plastic bag use by over 90% within months of implementation, demonstrating the power of economic disincentives.

The “technological solutionism” perspective—the belief that technological innovation alone can resolve plastic pollution without requiring behavioral or systemic changes—has been critiqued as both unrealistic and potentially counterproductive. While technologies such as advanced recycling processes, ocean cleanup systems, and plastic-eating enzymes merit development, relying exclusively on such innovations risks delaying more immediate actions. Furthermore, some proposed technologies may introduce unintended consequences or prove economically unscalable. A more prudent approach integrates technological development with policy reform, business model innovation, and cultural shifts toward sufficiency and dematerialization—concepts that question the growth-dependent economic paradigm underlying excessive resource consumption.

Tương tự như how to foster a learning culture in organizations, hiện tượng thay đổi văn hóa tiêu dùng hướng tới giảm nhựa cần được phát triển thông qua các chương trình học tập liên tục, chia sẻ kiến thức và xây dựng môi trường khuyến khích thử nghiệm các giải pháp bền vững mới.

Ultimately, effective plastic reduction requires integrated governance approaches that coordinate actions across scales and sectors. The United Nations Environment Programme’s efforts toward a global plastics treaty reflect recognition that plastic pollution transcends national boundaries and demands international cooperation. Such frameworks can establish common standards, facilitate technology transfer, mobilize financial resources, and create accountability mechanisms. However, global agreements must be accompanied by context-appropriate implementation that recognizes varying capacities, priorities, and cultural contexts across nations. The challenge lies in developing systems that are both universally applicable in principle and locally adaptable in practice, ensuring that solutions address diverse realities while maintaining coherence toward shared goals.

Hệ thống quản lý nhựa tuần hoàn và giải pháp giảm thiểu ô nhiễm môi trường toàn cầu

Questions 27-31: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

27. According to the passage, what is the main criticism of the “individualization of responsibility” discourse?
A. It makes consumers feel too guilty
B. It hides the role of industrial producers in creating waste
C. It is too expensive to implement
D. It focuses too much on recycling

28. What does the passage state about the Circular Economy model?
A. It has been rejected by major corporations
B. It treats waste as an unavoidable consequence
C. It views waste as a design failure
D. It requires more natural resources than linear models

29. What problem with recycling does the passage identify?
A. Consumers refuse to participate
B. Plastic quality decreases through recycling processes
C. It costs too much money
D. There are not enough recycling facilities

30. According to the passage, what return rate does Norway’s deposit-return scheme achieve?
A. 87%
B. 90%
C. 95%
D. 97%

31. What criticism is made of bioplastics in the passage?
A. They are more expensive than petroleum plastics
B. They may require land that competes with food production
C. They are not truly biodegradable
D. They cause more pollution than conventional plastics

Questions 32-36: Matching Features

Match each policy approach (Questions 32-36) with the correct outcome or characteristic (A-H) from the list below.

Policy Approaches:
32. Extended Producer Responsibility
33. Deposit-return schemes
34. Single-use plastic bans
35. Green public procurement
36. Plastic bag levy (Ireland)

Outcomes/Characteristics:
A. Reduced usage by over 90% rapidly
B. Achieved 97% container return rates
C. Creates markets for sustainable alternatives through government spending
D. Makes manufacturers financially responsible for end-of-life product management
E. Eliminates all plastic from circulation
F. Requires international treaties to implement
G. Can achieve rapid reductions in targeted items
H. Focuses on technological solutions only

Questions 37-40: Short-answer Questions

Answer the questions below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.

37. What type of economy operates on a “take-make-dispose” principle?

38. What framework, developed by McDonough and Braungart, advocates for products that can return to biological or technical cycles?

39. What term describes the belief that technology alone can solve plastic pollution?

40. What does the UN Environment Programme’s efforts aim to create regarding plastic pollution?

---

Answer Keys – Đáp Án

PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13

1. B
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. C
6. FALSE
7. TRUE
8. FALSE
9. TRUE
10. plastic pollution
11. microplastics
12. bulk sections
13. shopping list

PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26

14. NO
15. YES
16. NO
17. NO
18. YES
19. iii
20. v
21. vi
22. i
23. ii
24. specific plans
25. commitment devices
26. green identity

PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40

27. B
28. C
29. B
30. D
31. B
32. D
33. B
34. G
35. C
36. A
37. Linear Economy Model
38. Cradle to Cradle
39. technological solutionism
40. global plastics treaty

---

Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Passage 1 – Giải Thích

Câu 1: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: percentage, plastic, recycled
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 4-5
• Giải thích: Bài đọc nói rõ “Recycling rates remain disappointingly low globally, with only about 9% of all plastic ever produced having been recycled.” Đây là thông tin trực tiếp không cần paraphrase phức tạp.

Câu 2: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: sea turtles, plastic bags
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 3-4
• Giải thích: Passage chỉ ra “Sea turtles confuse plastic bags with jellyfish, their natural prey”. Từ “confuse…with” được paraphrase thành “mistake…for” trong câu hỏi.

Câu 3: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: solid personal care products
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 3-5
• Giải thích: Bài viết khẳng định “These products have improved significantly in recent years, with many options now matching or exceeding the quality of conventional products”, tương ứng với đáp án C.

Câu 4: D

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: plastic, decompose
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 6-7
• Giải thích: “The persistence of plastic in the environment, taking hundreds of years to decompose” cung cấp thông tin rõ ràng cho câu trả lời.

Câu 5: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: coffee cup, benefit
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 4-5
• Giải thích: Passage đề cập “reduces costs, as many cafes offer discounts for customers using their own cups”, đây là lợi ích về chi phí thông qua giảm giá.

Câu 6: FALSE

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: microplastics, contaminate
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 8-9
• Giải thích: Bài viết nói microplastics “contaminate soil, water, and even the air we breathe”, vậy nên việc chỉ ô nhiễm nước là sai.

Câu 7: TRUE

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: household plastic waste, kitchen, bathroom
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 4-5
• Giải thích: “For most households, single-use items in the kitchen and bathroom represent the largest category” xác nhận câu phát biểu này đúng.

Câu 8: FALSE

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: zero-waste stores, widely available
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 6-7
• Giải thích: Passage nói “though these remain less common in many areas”, điều này mâu thuẫn với “widely available”.

Câu 9: TRUE

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: reusable alternatives, cost, save money
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 2-3
• Giải thích: “While the initial investment may be higher, these items last for years and ultimately save money” khớp chính xác với phát biểu.

Câu 10: plastic pollution

• Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
• Từ khóa: scientists, crisis
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 8
• Giải thích: “Scientists call a ‘plastic pollution crisis'” – cần điền cụm từ này theo đúng từ trong bài.

Câu 11: microplastics

• Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
• Từ khóa: breaks down, smaller pieces
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 8
• Giải thích: “Plastic breaks down into smaller particles called microplastics” – từ microplastics là đáp án chính xác.

Câu 12: bulk sections

• Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
• Từ khóa: grocery stores, own containers
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 6
• Giải thích: “Many grocery stores now offer bulk sections where customers can purchase… using their own containers”.

Câu 13: shopping list

• Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
• Từ khóa: planning meals, impulse purchases
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 1-2
• Giải thích: “Planning meals in advance and preparing a detailed shopping list helps avoid impulse purchases”.

Passage 2 – Giải Thích

Câu 14: NO

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: environmental knowledge, sufficient, change behavior
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 3-4
• Giải thích: Passage rõ ràng nói “knowledge alone is insufficient to drive behavioral change”, mâu thuẫn trực tiếp với phát biểu.

Câu 15: YES

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: breaking habits, changing contexts
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 5-6
• Giải thích: “Breaking such habits requires… environmental restructuring—changing the cues and contexts that trigger habitual behaviors” khẳng định điều này.

Câu 16: NO

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: individual actions, community-based initiatives, more effective
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 6-7
• Giải thích: Bài viết nói “community-based initiatives often prove more effective than individual efforts”, ngược với phát biểu.

Câu 17: NO

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: companies, promoted reusable products, modern
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 2-3
• Giải thích: Passage nói companies “promoted disposability as modern… while positioning reusable alternatives as outdated”, ngược lại hoàn toàn.

Câu 18: YES

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: excessive environmental anxiety, disengage
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 9, dòng 2-3
• Giải thích: “Excessive eco-anxiety… may lead to disengagement and helplessness” xác nhận phát biểu này.

Câu 19: iii (The power of convenience in consumer choices)

• Vị trí: Đoạn B
• Giải thích: Đoạn này tập trung vào “convenience of plastic products” và “convenience prioritization”, thảo luận về “status quo bias” và tại sao mọi người chọn giải pháp tiện lợi.

Câu 20: v (The role of automatic behavior patterns)

• Vị trí: Đoạn C
• Giải thích: Đoạn này nói về “habit psychology”, “automatic responses”, “routine neural pathways” – tất cả liên quan đến các mô hình hành vi tự động.

Câu 21: vi (Social pressure and collective behavior change)

• Vị trí: Đoạn D
• Giải thích: Đoạn này tập trung vào “social influence”, “social norms”, “social modeling” và “community-based initiatives”.

Câu 22: i (The disconnect between awareness and environmental impact)

• Vị trí: Đoạn E
• Giải thích: Đoạn này thảo luận về “psychological distance” – khoảng cách giữa nhận thức và tác động môi trường, “single-action bias”.

Câu 23: ii (How companies influence consumer perception)

• Vị trí: Đoạn F
• Giải thích: Đoạn này tập trung vào “corporate marketing strategies”, cách công ty định hình nhận thức người tiêu dùng về nhựa.

Câu 24: specific plans

• Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 2
• Giải thích: “Implementation intentions—specific plans detailing when, where, and how…” cung cấp đáp án trực tiếp.

Câu 25: commitment devices

• Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 4-5
• Giải thích: “Similarly, commitment devices—mechanisms that lock in future behavior” là cụm từ cần tìm.

Câu 26: green identity

• Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 1-2
• Giải thích: “When individuals… adopt a ‘green identity’, this self-concept becomes self-reinforcing”.

Passage 3 – Giải Thích

Câu 27: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: individualization of responsibility, criticism
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 3-5
• Giải thích: Passage nói discourse này “obscures the disproportionate role of industrial actors in generating plastic waste”, tương ứng với việc che giấu vai trò của nhà sản xuất công nghiệp.

Câu 28: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: Circular Economy model
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 4-5
• Giải thích: “Circular Economy… reconceptualizes waste as a design flaw rather than an inevitable byproduct” – waste được xem là lỗi thiết kế.

Câu 29: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: recycling, problem
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 3-4
• Giải thích: “Many plastic polymers experience quality degradation through recycling processes” là vấn đề được xác định rõ ràng.

Câu 30: D

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: Norway, deposit-return scheme, return rate
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 3-4
• Giải thích: “Norway’s beverage container deposit system achieves a 97% return rate” cung cấp con số cụ thể.

Câu 31: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: bioplastics, criticism
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 4-5
• Giải thích: “Land-use change for feedstock cultivation… compete with food production” là phê bình được nêu ra.

Câu 32: D

• Giải thích: Đoạn 3 nói rõ EPR “manufacturers bear financial and operational responsibility for the end-of-life management”.

Câu 33: B

• Giải thích: Đoạn 5 chỉ ra Norway’s DRS “achieves a 97% return rate”.

Câu 34: G

• Giải thích: Đoạn 8 đề cập bans “can achieve rapid reductions in targeted items”.

Câu 35: C

• Giải thích: Đoạn 8 nói green public procurement “create markets for sustainable alternatives” thông qua chi tiêu công.

Câu 36: A

• Giải thích: Đoạn 8 nói Ireland’s levy “reduced plastic bag use by over 90%”.

Câu 37: Linear Economy Model

• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1
• Giải thích: “The Linear Economy Model… operates on a ‘take-make-dispose’ principle” – đáp án trực tiếp.

Câu 38: Cradle to Cradle

• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 4-5
• Giải thích: “The Cradle to Cradle design framework, developed by William McDonough and Michael Braungart” là framework được hỏi.

Câu 39: technological solutionism

• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 9, dòng 1
• Giải thích: “The ‘technological solutionism’ perspective—the belief that technological innovation alone can resolve plastic pollution” định nghĩa thuật ngữ này.

Câu 40: global plastics treaty

• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 10, dòng 2
• Giải thích: “The United Nations Environment Programme’s efforts toward a global plastics treaty” chỉ ra mục tiêu 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
integral	adj	/ˈɪntɪɡrəl/	không thể thiếu, quan trọng	Plastic has become an integral part of our daily lives	integral part of
synthetic polymers	n	/sɪnˈθetɪk ˈpɒlɪməz/	polyme tổng hợp	synthetic polymers have transformed how we live	synthetic materials
accumulation	n	/əˌkjuːmjəˈleɪʃn/	sự tích tụ, tích lũy	This accumulation creates long-term environmental hazards	accumulation of waste
microplastics	n	/ˈmaɪkrəʊˌplæstɪks/	vi nhựa	plastic breaks down into smaller particles called microplastics	microplastic pollution
ecosystems	n	/ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəmz/	hệ sinh thái	entire ecosystems suffer when plastic waste disrupts natural processes	marine ecosystems
wildlife	n	/ˈwaɪldlaɪf/	động vật hoang dã	impact on wildlife and ecosystems	wildlife conservation
coral reefs	n	/ˈkɒrəl riːfs/	rạn san hô	Coral reefs face additional stress from plastic pollution	coral reef damage
single-use	adj	/ˈsɪŋɡl juːs/	dùng một lần	single-use items in the kitchen and bathroom	single-use plastics
reusable alternatives	n	/riːˈjuːzəbl ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪvz/	các lựa chọn thay thế có thể tái sử dụng	adopting reusable alternatives	reusable containers
bulk sections	n	/bʌlk ˈsekʃnz/	khu vực bán hàng rời	grocery stores now offer bulk sections	buy in bulk
solid alternatives	n	/ˈsɒlɪd ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪvz/	các sản phẩm thay thế dạng rắn	Solid alternatives such as bar soap	solid products
zero-waste stores	n	/ˈzɪərəʊ weɪst stɔːz/	cửa hàng không rác thải	communities have established zero-waste stores	zero-waste lifestyle

Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary

Từ vựng	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ từ bài	Collocation
value-action gap	n	/ˈvæljuː ˈækʃn ɡæp/	khoảng cách giữa giá trị và hành động	This phenomenon, known as the “value-action gap”	bridge the gap
habit formation	n	/ˈhæbɪt fɔːˈmeɪʃn/	sự hình thành thói quen	habit formation… play crucial roles	habit formation process
immediate gratification	n	/ɪˈmiːdiət ˌɡrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/	sự thỏa mãn tức thì	built around immediate gratification	seek immediate gratification
status quo bias	n	/ˈsteɪtəs kwəʊ ˈbaɪəs/	thiên kiến hiện trạng	This convenience creates what behavioral economists call a “status quo bias”	maintain status quo
cognitive load	n	/ˈkɒɡnətɪv ləʊd/	tải nhận thức	the cognitive load of remembering reusable bags	reduce cognitive load
automatic responses	n	/ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk rɪˈspɒnsɪz/	phản ứng tự động	creating automatic responses	trigger automatic responses
environmental restructuring	n	/ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌriːˈstrʌktʃərɪŋ/	tái cấu trúc môi trường	requires… environmental restructuring	environmental changes
social norms	n	/ˈsəʊʃl nɔːmz/	chuẩn mực xã hội	Social norms… powerfully shape individual choices	establish social norms
social modeling	n	/ˈsəʊʃl ˈmɒdlɪŋ/	mô hình hóa xã hội	through a process called social modeling	social learning
psychological distance	n	/ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈdɪstəns/	khoảng cách tâm lý	The concept of “psychological distance”	reduce psychological distance
single-action bias	n	/ˈsɪŋɡl ˈækʃn ˈbaɪəs/	thiên kiến hành động đơn lẻ	reinforced by the “single-action bias”	overcome single-action bias
implementation intentions	n	/ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn ɪnˈtenʃnz/	ý định thực hiện cụ thể	Implementation intentions… increase follow-through	form implementation intentions
commitment devices	n	/kəˈmɪtmənt dɪˈvaɪsɪz/	công cụ cam kết	commitment devices… can counter status quo bias	use commitment devices
green identity	n	/ɡriːn aɪˈdentəti/	bản sắc xanh	adopt a “green identity”	develop green identity
eco-anxiety	n	/ˈiːkəʊ æŋˈzaɪəti/	lo âu sinh thái	excessive “eco-anxiety”… may lead to disengagement	climate eco-anxiety

Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary

Từ vựng	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ từ bài	Collocation
systemic interventions	n	/sɪˈstemɪk ˌɪntəˈvenʃnz/	can thiệp hệ thống	necessity of systemic interventions	systemic approach
individualization of responsibility	n	/ˌɪndɪˌvɪdʒuəlaɪˈzeɪʃn ɒv rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/	cá nhân hóa trách nhiệm	an instance of “individualization of responsibility”	shift responsibility
multi-scalar strategies	n	/ˈmʌlti ˈskeɪlə ˈstrætədʒiz/	chiến lược đa quy mô	integrate multi-scalar strategies	multi-level approach
Linear Economy Model	n	/ˈlɪniə iˈkɒnəmi ˈmɒdl/	mô hình kinh tế tuyến tính	The Linear Economy Model… operates on a “take-make-dispose” principle	linear production
Circular Economy	n	/ˈsɜːkjələr iˈkɒnəmi/	kinh tế tuần hoàn	Transitioning toward a Circular Economy	circular economy principles
paradigmatic shift	n	/ˌpærədɪɡˈmætɪk ʃɪft/	chuyển đổi mô hình	represents a paradigmatic shift	paradigm shift
Extended Producer Responsibility	n	/ɪkˈstendɪd prəˈdjuːsə rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/	trách nhiệm mở rộng của nhà sản xuất	Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes	EPR legislation
end-of-life management	n	/end ɒv laɪf ˈmænɪdʒmənt/	quản lý cuối vòng đời	responsibility for the end-of-life management	product lifecycle
circularity	n	/ˌsɜːkjəˈlærəti/	tính tuần hoàn	design for circularity	circular design
quality degradation	n	/ˈkwɒləti ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/	suy giảm chất lượng	experience quality degradation through recycling	material degradation
economic viability	n	/ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˌvaɪəˈbɪləti/	tính khả thi về kinh tế	the economic viability of recycling	economic feasibility
contamination problem	n	/kənˌtæmɪˈneɪʃn ˈprɒbləm/	vấn đề ô nhiễm	The contamination problem… undermines system efficiency	waste contamination
source reduction	n	/sɔːs rɪˈdʌkʃn/	giảm thiểu từ nguồn	recycling… cannot substitute for source reduction	reduce at source
deposit-return schemes	n	/dɪˈpɒzɪt rɪˈtɜːn skiːmz/	chương trình đặt cọc hoàn trả	Deposit-return schemes (DRS)	DRS implementation
bioplastics	n	/ˌbaɪəʊˈplæstɪks/	nhựa sinh học	Bioplastics… are often presented as technological solutions	bioplastic alternatives
land-use change	n	/lænd juːs tʃeɪndʒ/	thay đổi sử dụng đất	Land-use change for feedstock cultivation	land conversion
producer intention	n	/prəˈdjuːsə ɪnˈtenʃn/	ý định của nhà sản xuất	The concept of “producer intention” in design philosophy	intentional design
technological solutionism	n	/ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkl səˈluːʃənɪzəm/	chủ nghĩa giải pháp công nghệ	The “technological solutionism” perspective	technology-first approach
integrated governance approaches	n	/ˈɪntɪɡreɪtɪd ˈɡʌvənəns əˈprəʊtʃɪz/	phương pháp quản trị tích hợp	effective plastic reduction requires integrated governance approaches	governance framework

Luyện tập IELTS Reading tại nhà hiệu quả với đề thi mẫu và chiến lược làm bài

Kết Bài

Chủ đề giảm thiểu sử dụng nhựa trong cuộc sống hàng ngày không chỉ là một vấn đề môi trường cấp thiết mà còn là một chủ đề phổ biến và quan trọng trong kỳ thi IELTS Reading. Qua bài viết này, bạn đã được tiếp cận với một bộ đề thi hoàn chỉnh bao gồm 3 passages với độ khó tăng dần từ Easy đến Hard, mô phỏng chính xác cấu trúc và yêu cầu của đề thi thực tế.

Ba passages đã cung cấp đầy đủ các góc độ về vấn đề nhựa: từ tác động môi trường cơ bản và các giải pháp cá nhân (Passage 1), đến các yếu tố tâm lý và xã hội ảnh hưởng đến hành vi tiêu dùng (Passage 2), và cuối cùng là các phương pháp can thiệp hệ thống ở cấp độ chính sách và doanh nghiệp (Passage 3). Điều này không chỉ giúp bạn luyện tập kỹ năng đọc mà còn mở rộng kiến thức về một chủ đề toàn cầu quan trọng.

Hệ thống 40 câu hỏi đa dạng với 7 dạng câu hỏi khác nhau đã giúp bạn làm quen với format thi thực tế, từ Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given, đến Matching Headings và Summary Completion. Đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích cụ thể về vị trí thông tin và kỹ thuật paraphrase sẽ giúp bạn tự đánh giá năng lực, nhận biết điểm mạnh và điểm cần cải thiện trong phương pháp làm bài của mình.

Điều này có điểm tương đồng với how to develop leadership skills khi cả hai đều yêu cầu sự kiên trì, thực hành đều đặn và khả năng tự đánh giá để cải thiện. Bộ từ vựng được tổng hợp theo từng passage với phiên âm, nghĩa và collocation sẽ là tài liệu quý giá cho việc nâng cao vốn từ học thuật của bạn, đặc biệt trong các chủ đề môi trường và khoa học xã hội.

Hãy sử dụng đề thi này như một công cụ thực chiến, áp dụng các kỹ thuật quản lý thời gian đã được đề xuất và phân tích kỹ lưỡng từng câu trả lời sai để hiểu rõ nguyên nhân. Việc lặp lại quá trình này với nhiều đề thi khác nhau sẽ giúp bạn xây dựng sự tự tin và kỹ năng cần thiết để đạt band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS Reading. Chúc bạn học tập hiệu quả và thành công!