IELTS Reading: Tác Động của Tự Động Hóa Đối Với Ngành Xây Dựng Toàn Cầu – Đề Thi Mẫu Có Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Mở Bài

Chủ đề công nghệ và tự động hóa trong ngành công nghiệp đã trở thành một trong những topic phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Reading những năm gần đây. Đặc biệt, Impact Of Automation On The Global Construction Industry (Tác động của tự động hóa đối với ngành xây dựng toàn cầu) là một chủ đề xuất hiện thường xuyên với tần suất khoảng 15-20% trong các đề thi IELTS Reading thực tế, đặc biệt ở dạng bài Academic.

Bài viết này cung cấp cho bạn một bộ đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với 3 passages từ dễ đến khó, được thiết kế dựa trên cấu trúc của Cambridge IELTS và các đề thi thực tế. Bạn sẽ được trải nghiệm:

• Đề thi đầy đủ 3 passages với độ khó tăng dần từ Easy (Band 5.0-6.5), Medium (Band 6.0-7.5) đến Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
• 40 câu hỏi đa dạng bao gồm tất cả các dạng câu hỏi phổ biến: Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given, Yes/No/Not Given, Matching Headings, Summary Completion, và Short-answer Questions
• Đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích cụ thể về vị trí thông tin, kỹ thuật paraphrase và chiến lược làm bài
• Từ vựng chuyên ngành về công nghệ, xây dựng và tự động hóa với phiên âm, nghĩa và collocation thực tế

Bộ đề này phù hợp cho học viên từ band 5.0 trở lên, đặc biệt hữu ích cho những bạn đang nhắm đến band điểm 6.5-7.5 trong phần Reading.

Hướng Dẫn Làm Bài IELTS Reading

Tổng Quan Về IELTS Reading Test

IELTS Reading Test là một trong bốn phần thi chính của kỳ thi IELTS, đòi hỏi thí sinh hoàn thành trong 60 phút với 3 passages và tổng cộng 40 câu hỏi. Mỗi câu trả lời đúng được tính là 1 điểm, không có điểm âm cho câu trả lời sai.

Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:

• Passage 1 (Easy): 15-17 phút – Đây là passage dễ nhất, bạn cần tận dụng để ghi điểm tối đa
• Passage 2 (Medium): 18-20 phút – Độ khó trung bình, cần đọc kỹ hơn và chú ý paraphrase
• Passage 3 (Hard): 23-25 phút – Passage khó nhất với từ vựng học thuật và cấu trúc phức tạp

Lưu ý quan trọng: Hãy dành 2-3 phút cuối để chuyển đáp án vào answer sheet và kiểm tra lỗi chính tả, đặc biệt với các câu điền từ.

Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này

Bộ đề thi này bao gồm 7 dạng câu hỏi phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Reading:

1. Multiple Choice – Chọn đáp án đúng từ 3-4 lựa chọn
2. True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng, sai hoặc không được đề cập
3. Yes/No/Not Given – Xác định ý kiến của tác giả
4. Matching Headings – Ghép tiêu đề phù hợp với các đoạn văn
5. Summary Completion – Hoàn thành đoạn tóm tắt
6. Matching Features – Ghép thông tin với các đối tượng được liệt kê
7. Short-answer Questions – Trả lời câu hỏi ngắn với số từ giới hạn

IELTS Reading Practice Test

PASSAGE 1 – The Dawn of Construction Automation

Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)

Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút

The construction industry has long been known as one of the least automated sectors of the global economy. Unlike manufacturing, where robots and automated systems have been commonplace for decades, construction sites have remained heavily dependent on manual labor. However, this situation is rapidly changing as new technologies begin to transform how buildings and infrastructure are created.

Automation in construction refers to the use of machines, robots, and computer systems to perform tasks that were traditionally done by human workers. This can include everything from 3D printing of building components to the use of autonomous vehicles for moving materials around construction sites. The primary drivers behind this shift are the need to improve productivity, safety, and quality while reducing costs and construction time.

One of the most visible examples of automation in construction is the use of drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles can survey construction sites, create detailed 3D maps, and monitor progress much faster and more accurately than traditional methods. A drone can survey a large construction site in just a few hours, a task that might take human surveyors several days to complete. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of accidents, as workers no longer need to access dangerous or hard-to-reach areas for surveying purposes.

Robotic bricklayers represent another significant advancement. These machines can lay bricks up to five times faster than human workers while maintaining consistent quality. The SAM (Semi-Automated Mason) system, developed in the United States, works alongside human workers. While the robot handles the repetitive task of placing bricks, human workers focus on more skilled activities such as setting up the machine, quality control, and finishing work. This collaborative approach demonstrates how automation doesn’t necessarily replace workers but can enhance their productivity and reduce physical strain.

3D printing technology is perhaps the most revolutionary development in construction automation. Several companies have successfully printed entire houses using large-scale 3D printers that deposit layers of concrete or other materials. In 2018, a company in Austin, Texas, printed a small house in less than 24 hours at a cost of approximately $10,000. Traditional construction of a similar house would have taken several weeks and cost significantly more. The technology is particularly promising for addressing housing shortages in developing countries, where speed and affordability are crucial.

Autonomous construction vehicles are also making their mark on the industry. Self-driving bulldozers, excavators, and trucks can work around the clock without fatigue, operating with precision guided by GPS and sensors. Japanese construction giant Komatsu has developed autonomous dump trucks that can navigate construction sites, avoid obstacles, and dump materials at designated locations without human operators. These vehicles are particularly useful for large infrastructure projects such as highways and dams, where massive amounts of earth need to be moved.

The economic benefits of construction automation are substantial. Studies suggest that widespread adoption of automated technologies could increase productivity in the construction sector by 40-50% over the next decade. This improvement would translate into lower costs for building projects, faster completion times, and potentially more affordable housing for consumers. Additionally, automation can help address the skilled labor shortage that many countries are experiencing. As experienced construction workers retire and fewer young people enter the trade, robots and automated systems can help fill the gap.

However, the transition to automated construction is not without challenges. The high initial investment required for automated equipment can be a barrier for smaller construction companies. A single robotic bricklaying system can cost over $400,000, which is beyond the reach of many small and medium-sized firms. There are also concerns about job displacement, although proponents of automation argue that it will create new jobs in areas such as robot operation, maintenance, and programming, even as it eliminates some traditional roles.

Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice

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

1. According to the passage, what is the main reason construction has been slow to adopt automation?
A. Construction workers have resisted technological change
B. The industry has traditionally relied heavily on manual work
C. Automated equipment is too expensive for all companies
D. Building codes prevent the use of robots

2. What advantage do drones offer in construction site surveying?
A. They completely eliminate the need for human surveyors
B. They are cheaper than all other surveying methods
C. They can access dangerous areas safely
D. They can work in all weather conditions

3. The SAM robotic bricklaying system is described as:
A. Completely replacing human bricklayers
B. Working independently without human supervision
C. Collaborating with human workers on construction sites
D. Being slower but more accurate than human workers

4. The house printed in Austin, Texas, demonstrates that 3D printing:
A. Can only be used for small structures
B. Is faster and cheaper than traditional construction
C. Produces better quality houses than conventional methods
D. Will completely replace all traditional building methods

5. According to the passage, autonomous construction vehicles are especially useful for:
A. Residential housing projects
B. Small-scale renovation work
C. Large infrastructure projects
D. Indoor construction activities

Questions 6-9: True/False/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?

Write:

• TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
• FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
• NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

6. Manufacturing industries adopted automation earlier than the construction sector.

7. Robotic bricklayers can lay bricks at the same speed as experienced human workers.

8. 3D printing technology is currently being used in most construction projects worldwide.

9. Komatsu’s autonomous dump trucks require human operators to control steering.

Questions 10-13: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences below.

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

10. Studies indicate that automation could increase construction productivity by __ in the next ten years.

11. One significant obstacle to adopting automation is the high __ needed for automated equipment.

12. Automation may help solve the problem of __ in many countries.

13. Supporters of automation believe it will generate new employment opportunities in robot __, maintenance, and programming.

Robot tự động hóa trong ngành xây dựng toàn cầu đang thay đổi phương thức xây dựng công trình hiện đại

---

PASSAGE 2 – Transforming Construction Economics Through Technology

Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)

Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút

The integration of automation into the construction industry represents more than merely a technological upgrade; it signifies a fundamental restructuring of how the sector operates economically. While the immediate benefits of increased speed and efficiency are evident, the long-term economic implications are far more profound and complex, touching upon labor markets, supply chains, investment patterns, and the very nature of competitive advantage in the industry.

A. The Productivity Paradox

Despite the obvious potential of automation technologies, the construction industry has historically exhibited what economists call a “productivity paradox.” While other sectors have experienced substantial productivity gains through technological adoption, construction productivity has remained relatively stagnant or has even declined in some markets over the past four decades. This anomaly exists partly because construction projects are inherently site-specific and unique, making it challenging to achieve the economies of scale that automation typically provides in manufacturing environments. Each building project faces different soil conditions, regulatory requirements, weather patterns, and design specifications, creating what industry experts term “one-off production problems.”

Automation advocates argue that new technologies are finally positioned to break this pattern. By standardizing certain processes and utilizing modular construction techniques – where building components are manufactured off-site in controlled environments and then assembled on location – the industry can begin to realize the efficiency gains long enjoyed by other sectors. Companies like Katerra in the United States and TopHat in the United Kingdom have built business models around this approach, essentially treating buildings as manufactured products rather than unique creations.

B. Labor Market Disruptions and Adaptations

The socioeconomic impact of construction automation on labor markets presents a particularly contentious issue. The construction sector employs approximately 7% of the global workforce, with many workers in developing economies depending on construction jobs as entry points into formal employment. The prospect of widespread automation thus raises significant concerns about job displacement and social inequality.

Research from the McKinsey Global Institute suggests a more nuanced picture, however. While certain tasks within construction – particularly those that are repetitive, predictable, and physically demanding – are highly susceptible to automation, many aspects of construction work require human judgment, adaptability, and creativity that remain difficult for machines to replicate. Complex problem-solving, custom finishing work, and client interaction are examples of activities where human workers maintain clear advantages.

Furthermore, the transition to automated construction is creating demand for new skill sets. Workers who can operate, program, and maintain sophisticated machinery are increasingly valuable. Several countries have recognized this shift and are implementing training programs to help traditional construction workers acquire digital skills. Germany’s dual education system, which combines apprenticeships with formal education, has been particularly effective in preparing workers for the evolving construction landscape. The program emphasizes not only traditional craftsmanship but also robotics operation, data analysis, and building information modeling (BIM).

C. Investment Dynamics and Market Concentration

The capital-intensive nature of construction automation is reshaping the industry’s competitive landscape. The substantial upfront investments required for automated equipment, software systems, and worker training create barriers to entry that favor larger firms with deeper financial resources. This trend toward market concentration could have mixed implications for the industry.

On one hand, larger firms with automated capabilities may achieve greater efficiency and quality consistency, potentially leading to lower costs for clients. These companies can also afford to invest in research and development, driving further innovation. On the other hand, the consolidation of the industry could reduce competition and limit opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have traditionally formed the backbone of the construction sector in many countries.

Some industry analysts predict the emergence of a two-tier system: large, technologically advanced firms handling major projects, while smaller companies focus on renovation work, custom builds, and projects in remote areas where automation is less economically viable. Others foresee the development of “automation-as-a-service” business models, where specialized companies provide robotic equipment and operators on a rental basis, allowing smaller firms to access advanced technology without prohibitive capital investments.

D. Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

An often-overlooked economic aspect of construction automation relates to its environmental impact and potential for enhancing sustainability. Automated systems can optimize material usage, reducing waste that typically accounts for 10-15% of construction materials in traditional projects. Precision cutting, measurement, and assembly performed by robots minimize errors and overproduction.

Additionally, some automated construction methods enable the use of alternative materials with lower environmental footprints. 3D printing, for instance, can work with recycled plastics, hempcrete, and other sustainable materials that are difficult to use in conventional construction. The long-term economic value of these sustainability improvements extends beyond immediate cost savings to include reduced carbon taxes, enhanced building certifications, and improved corporate reputations in an era of increasing environmental consciousness.

E. Regulatory Challenges and Standardization

The economic adoption of construction automation is heavily influenced by regulatory frameworks, which vary significantly across jurisdictions. Building codes, safety regulations, and certification requirements were largely developed with traditional construction methods in mind, and many are poorly suited to automated and innovative building techniques. This regulatory uncertainty creates risks that can deter investment in new technologies.

However, several countries and international organizations are working to develop standards and guidelines for automated construction. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has established working groups focused on construction automation, while countries like Singapore have created regulatory sandboxes where companies can test innovative building methods under supervised conditions before broader implementation. These efforts to create predictable regulatory environments are essential for encouraging the substantial investments required for widespread automation adoption.

Questions 14-18: Matching Headings

The passage has five sections, A-E.

Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.

List of Headings:
i. The role of government in promoting automation
ii. Why construction has lagged behind other industries
iii. Environmental benefits of automated building methods
iv. Changes in workforce requirements and skills
v. How automation affects company size and competition
vi. The cost of implementing new technologies
vii. Safety improvements through robotic systems
viii. Future predictions for the construction sector

14. Section A
15. Section B
16. Section C
17. Section D
18. Section E

Questions 19-23: Yes/No/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer in the passage?

Write:

• YES if the statement agrees with the views of the writer
• NO if the statement contradicts the views of the writer
• NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

19. The unique nature of each construction project makes it difficult to achieve efficiency gains through automation.

20. All construction workers will eventually lose their jobs due to automation.

21. Germany’s education system has been effective in preparing workers for automated construction.

22. Market concentration resulting from automation will definitely benefit consumers.

23. Current building regulations are well-suited for automated construction methods.

Questions 24-26: Summary Completion

Complete the summary below.

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

Construction automation is changing the industry’s economic structure in multiple ways. While automation requires substantial 24. __, which favors larger companies, some analysts predict smaller firms might access technology through 25. __ business models. From an environmental perspective, automated systems can reduce waste through precise operations and enable the use of 26. __ with lower environmental impact.

Công nghệ tự động hóa nâng cao năng suất và hiệu quả kinh tế trong ngành xây dựng hiện đại

---

PASSAGE 3 – Sociocultural Ramifications and Philosophical Dimensions of Automated Construction

Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)

Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút

The inexorable march toward automation in the construction industry transcends mere technical or economic considerations, penetrating deeply into the sociocultural fabric of communities and raising profound philosophical questions about the nature of work, craftsmanship, and human agency in the built environment. As we stand at this technological inflection point, it becomes imperative to examine not only what we are gaining through automation but also what we might be relinquishing in the process – a calculus that extends far beyond conventional cost-benefit analysis into the realm of cultural values, professional identity, and the existential meaning that humans derive from creative labor.

The construction trades have historically occupied a distinctive position in the socioeconomic hierarchy, representing a pathway through which individuals, particularly those from working-class backgrounds, could achieve economic stability and social respect through the mastery of tangible skills. The apprenticeship system, which dates back to medieval guilds, has long served not merely as a training mechanism but as a rite of passage that conferred identity and community belonging. Master craftspeople took considerable pride in their work, viewing each structure not as a commoditized product but as a testament to their expertise and a lasting contribution to the physical landscape.

This artisanal tradition stands in marked contrast to the mechanized uniformity that automation potentially introduces. When a robot lays bricks or a 3D printer extrudes walls, the personal signature of the craftsperson – the slight variations, the adaptive solutions to site-specific challenges, the accumulated wisdom of years of experience – becomes attenuated or entirely absent. Critics of automation argue that this homogenization represents a cultural loss, a diminishment of the human element in our built environment that cannot be captured in efficiency metrics or productivity statistics. The philosopher Matthew Crawford, in his work on manual labor and cognitive engagement, contends that skilled trades provide a form of intellectual fulfillment and connection to material reality that increasingly rarefied knowledge work cannot replicate. From this perspective, the wholesale automation of construction risks impoverishing not only workers but society as a whole by severing this tangible connection between human effort and physical creation.

However, proponents of automation offer a fundamentally different philosophical framing. They argue that the romanticization of manual construction labor often overlooks the harsh realities of the work: the debilitating physical strain, the high injury rates, the exposure to hazardous materials and conditions, and the economic precarity that many construction workers face. From this utilitarian perspective, automation represents not a loss but a liberation – freeing humans from dangerous, repetitive tasks while elevating their roles to more cognitively engaging activities such as design, problem-solving, and system optimization. The transhumanist perspective extends this argument further, suggesting that the integration of human intelligence with machine capabilities represents an evolutionary advancement rather than a replacement dynamic. In this view, construction automation exemplifies human-machine collaboration, where each entity contributes what it does best: machines providing precision, consistency, and tireless operation, while humans offer creativity, contextual judgment, and aesthetic sensibility.

The spatial and aesthetic dimensions of automated construction merit particular scrutiny. Architecture has always existed at the intersection of functional necessity and artistic expression, with buildings serving not only as utilitarian structures but as cultural artifacts that reflect and shape societal values. The modernist movement of the early 20th century, with its emphasis on functionalism and industrial production methods, demonstrated how construction technology influences architectural philosophy. Today’s construction automation is similarly poised to impact architectural discourse.

Some architects and theorists celebrate the design freedom that technologies like 3D printing enable, allowing for organic forms and complex geometries that would be prohibitively expensive or technically impossible with conventional construction methods. The work of firms like Zaha Hadid Architects and BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) suggests that computational design paired with automated fabrication can produce buildings of extraordinary beauty and innovation, challenging the notion that automation necessarily leads to aesthetic impoverishment. The parametric design approach, where algorithms generate forms based on specified criteria, represents a new kind of design authorship that neither purely human nor purely machine but a synthesis of both.

Conversely, critics worry about the potential for automation to facilitate architectural mediocrity on a vast scale. If developers can rapidly and cheaply produce buildings using automated systems and templated designs, what incentive exists for architectural innovation or contextual sensitivity? The suburban sprawl that characterizes much of the post-war built environment in countries like the United States demonstrates how industrialized construction methods can produce efficient but aesthetically monotonous landscapes. The question becomes whether automated construction will represent merely an acceleration of these tendencies or whether appropriate regulatory frameworks and design standards can channel the technology toward more humane and beautiful outcomes.

The issue of agency and responsibility in automated construction also raises perplexing questions. When a traditionally constructed building fails or exhibits defects, clear chains of responsibility exist: the architect’s design, the engineer’s calculations, the contractor’s execution, the individual tradesperson’s workmanship. This accountability structure becomes considerably murkier with automated systems. If a robotic system makes an error or an algorithm produces a flawed design, who bears responsibility? The software developer, the machine operator, the construction manager, or the client who chose to employ automated methods? As legal scholars and insurance companies grapple with these questions, they reveal deeper philosophical uncertainties about causation and culpability in an age of increasingly autonomous systems.

Some ethicists argue for a precautionary approach to construction automation, suggesting that we should proceed slowly and cautiously, ensuring that adequate safeguards, training, and regulatory oversight are in place before widespread adoption. Others adopt what might be termed an inevitability framework, contending that technological change cannot and should not be impeded, and that our focus should be on managing and directing the transition rather than resisting it. This philosophical divergence reflects broader societal debates about technological determinism versus human agency in shaping our collective future.

Ultimately, the automation of the construction industry presents a microcosm of the larger questions facing post-industrial societies: How do we balance efficiency with meaning? How do we ensure that technological progress serves human flourishing rather than merely economic optimization? What obligations do we have to workers whose skills and livelihoods are disrupted by technological change? And how do we preserve cultural values and aesthetic quality in an increasingly mechanized world? These questions admit no easy answers, but their very complexity suggests that the impact of automation on construction will be measured not only in productivity gains and cost reductions but in subtler, more profound ways that shape the character of our societies and the quality of our lives.

Questions 27-31: Multiple Choice

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

27. According to the passage, the apprenticeship system in construction historically served as:
A. Only a method for teaching technical skills
B. A way to maintain high standards in building quality
C. Both a training mechanism and a means of social integration
D. A system that prevented technological innovation

28. Matthew Crawford’s perspective on manual labor suggests that:
A. Automation will improve working conditions for all construction workers
B. Skilled trades provide intellectual and material fulfillment
C. Construction work should be entirely mechanized
D. Knowledge work is superior to manual work

29. The transhumanist perspective on construction automation views it as:
A. A complete replacement of human workers
B. An unnecessary risk to traditional jobs
C. An evolutionary advancement in human-machine collaboration
D. A temporary trend that will soon reverse

30. The passage suggests that 3D printing in construction can:
A. Only produce simple, basic structures
B. Create complex forms that would otherwise be impossible
C. Never match the quality of traditional construction
D. Completely eliminate the need for architects

31. According to the passage, determining responsibility for errors in automated construction is:
A. Simple because software developers are always responsible
B. Straightforward using existing legal frameworks
C. Complicated due to unclear accountability chains
D. Unnecessary since automated systems never make mistakes

Questions 32-36: Matching Features

Match each statement (32-36) with the correct perspective (A-E).

Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 32-36 on your answer sheet.

Perspectives:
A. Critics of automation
B. Proponents of automation
C. Modernist architects
D. Legal scholars
E. Precautionary ethicists

32. Automation removes the dangerous and physically demanding aspects of construction work.

33. The personal craftsmanship evident in traditional construction represents cultural value.

34. Technological implementation should proceed slowly with proper safeguards.

35. The lack of clear responsibility chains in automated construction creates legal challenges.

36. Industrial production methods should influence architectural design philosophy.

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 analysis does the passage suggest is insufficient for evaluating the impact of construction automation?

38. What two qualities does the passage say machines provide in human-machine collaboration?

39. What design approach uses algorithms to generate architectural forms?

40. According to the passage, what broader concept does construction automation exemplify in post-industrial societies?

Khía cạnh triết lý và văn hóa của tự động hóa trong ngành xây dựng toàn cầu hiện đại

---

Answer Keys – Đáp Án

PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13

1. B
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. C
6. TRUE
7. FALSE
8. NOT GIVEN
9. FALSE
10. 40-50% / 40-50 percent
11. initial investment
12. skilled labor shortage
13. operation

PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26

14. ii
15. iv
16. v
17. iii
18. i
19. YES
20. NO
21. YES
22. NOT GIVEN
23. NO
24. upfront investments / capital investments
25. automation-as-a-service
26. alternative materials

PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40

27. C
28. B
29. C
30. B
31. C
32. B
33. A
34. E
35. D
36. C
37. cost-benefit analysis
38. precision, consistency / precision and consistency
39. parametric design
40. technological change

---

Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Passage 1 – Giải Thích

Câu 1: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: main reason, slow to adopt automation
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 1-3
• Giải thích: Câu hỏi hỏi lý do chính khiến ngành xây dựng chậm áp dụng tự động hóa. Đoạn văn đầu tiên nói rõ: “construction sites have remained heavily dependent on manual labor” (công trường xây dựng vẫn phụ thuộc nhiều vào lao động thủ công). Đây chính là paraphrase của đáp án B “The industry has traditionally relied heavily on manual work”. Các đáp án khác không được nhắc đến như là lý do chính.

Câu 2: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: advantage, drones, construction site surveying
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 4-6
• Giải thích: Đoạn văn nói: “This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of accidents, as workers no longer need to access dangerous or hard-to-reach areas for surveying purposes” (Điều này không chỉ tiết kiệm thời gian mà còn giảm nguy cơ tai nạn vì công nhân không cần phải tiếp cận các khu vực nguy hiểm hoặc khó tiếp cận). Đáp án C “They can access dangerous areas safely” là paraphrase chính xác nhất.

Câu 3: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: SAM, robotic bricklaying system
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 3-6
• Giải thích: Bài đọc mô tả rõ: “works alongside human workers. While the robot handles the repetitive task of placing bricks, human workers focus on more skilled activities”. Đây chính xác là “collaborative approach” (phương pháp hợp tác), tương ứng với đáp án C.

Câu 4: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: Austin Texas, 3D printing, demonstrates
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 3-5
• Giải thích: Đoạn văn nói: “printed a small house in less than 24 hours at a cost of approximately $10,000. Traditional construction of a similar house would have taken several weeks and cost significantly more”. Điều này chứng minh rằng in 3D nhanh hơn và rẻ hơn (đáp án B).

Câu 5: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: autonomous construction vehicles, especially useful
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 5-7
• Giải thích: Bài đọc nói rõ: “These vehicles are particularly useful for large infrastructure projects such as highways and dams”. Đáp án C “Large infrastructure projects” là paraphrase trực tiếp.

Câu 6: TRUE

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: Manufacturing, adopted automation earlier, construction
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 2-3
• Giải thích: Bài viết nói: “Unlike manufacturing, where robots and automated systems have been commonplace for decades, construction sites have remained heavily dependent on manual labor”. Điều này xác nhận ngành sản xuất đã áp dụng tự động hóa sớm hơn.

Câu 7: FALSE

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: Robotic bricklayers, same speed
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 1-2
• Giải thích: Bài viết nói: “These machines can lay bricks up to five times faster than human workers”. Nhanh gấp 5 lần nên không phải cùng tốc độ (same speed).

Câu 8: NOT GIVEN

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: 3D printing, most construction projects, worldwide
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5
• Giải thích: Mặc dù bài viết nói về công nghệ in 3D và ví dụ ở Texas, nhưng không có thông tin nào về việc nó đang được sử dụng trong hầu hết các dự án trên toàn thế giới.

Câu 9: FALSE

• Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
• Từ khóa: Komatsu, autonomous dump trucks, human operators, steering
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 3-5
• Giải thích: Bài viết nói: “autonomous dump trucks that can navigate construction sites, avoid obstacles, and dump materials at designated locations without human operators”. “Without human operators” mâu thuẫn với câu hỏi nói cần người điều khiển.

Câu 10: 40-50%

• Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
• Từ khóa: productivity, next ten years
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 2
• Giải thích: “Studies suggest that widespread adoption of automated technologies could increase productivity in the construction sector by 40-50% over the next decade.”

Câu 11: initial investment

• Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
• Từ khóa: obstacle, high, automated equipment
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 1-2
• Giải thích: “The high initial investment required for automated equipment can be a barrier for smaller construction companies.”

Câu 12: skilled labor shortage

• Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
• Từ khóa: automation, help solve, problem, many countries
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 5-6
• Giải thích: “Additionally, automation can help address the skilled labor shortage that many countries are experiencing.”

Câu 13: operation

• Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
• Từ khóa: new employment, robot, maintenance, programming
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 5-6
• Giải thích: “…it will create new jobs in areas such as robot operation, maintenance, and programming.”

Passage 2 – Giải Thích

Câu 14: ii (Why construction has lagged behind other industries)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
• Vị trí trong bài: Section A
• Giải thích: Section A thảo luận về “productivity paradox” và giải thích tại sao ngành xây dựng tụt hậu so với các ngành khác về năng suất: “construction productivity has remained relatively stagnant or has even declined in some markets over the past four decades”. Đây chính xác là nội dung của heading ii.

Câu 15: iv (Changes in workforce requirements and skills)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
• Vị trí trong bài: Section B
• Giải thích: Section B tập trung vào “Labor Market Disruptions and Adaptations”, thảo luận về tác động đến lao động và nhu cầu kỹ năng mới: “the transition to automated construction is creating demand for new skill sets” và “training programs to help traditional construction workers acquire digital skills”.

Câu 16: v (How automation affects company size and competition)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
• Vị trí trong bài: Section C
• Giải thích: Section C có tiêu đề “Investment Dynamics and Market Concentration” và nói về cách tự động hóa tác động đến quy mô công ty và cạnh tranh: “capital-intensive nature…reshaping the industry’s competitive landscape” và “trend toward market concentration”.

Câu 17: iii (Environmental benefits of automated building methods)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
• Vị trí trong bài: Section D
• Giải thích: Section D có tiêu đề “Environmental and Sustainability Considerations” và thảo luận về lợi ích môi trường: “optimize material usage, reducing waste” và “alternative materials with lower environmental footprints”.

Câu 18: i (The role of government in promoting automation)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
• Vị trí trong bài: Section E
• Giải thích: Section E “Regulatory Challenges and Standardization” thảo luận về vai trò của các tổ chức và chính phủ: “countries and international organizations are working to develop standards” và “Singapore have created regulatory sandboxes”.

Câu 19: YES

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: unique nature, construction project, difficult, efficiency gains
• Vị trí trong bài: Section A, đoạn 1
• Giải thích: Tác giả nói: “construction projects are inherently site-specific and unique, making it challenging to achieve the economies of scale that automation typically provides”. Đây là quan điểm của tác giả, đồng ý với câu hỏi.

Câu 20: NO

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: all construction workers, lose jobs, automation
• Vị trí trong bài: Section B, đoạn 2
• Giải thích: Tác giả nói: “many aspects of construction work require human judgment, adaptability, and creativity that remain difficult for machines to replicate”. Điều này mâu thuẫn với ý “tất cả công nhân sẽ mất việc”.

Câu 21: YES

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: Germany, education system, effective, preparing workers
• Vị trí trong bài: Section B, đoạn 3
• Giải thích: Tác giả nói: “Germany’s dual education system…has been particularly effective in preparing workers for the evolving construction landscape”. Đây là quan điểm rõ ràng của tác giả.

Câu 22: NOT GIVEN

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: market concentration, definitely benefit, consumers
• Vị trí trong bài: Section C
• Giải thích: Tác giả nói “mixed implications” và “On one hand…On the other hand”, thể hiện không chắc chắn, không có quan điểm rằng sẽ “definitely benefit” (chắc chắn có lợi).

Câu 23: NO

• Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
• Từ khóa: current building regulations, well-suited, automated construction
• Vị trí trong bài: Section E, đoạn 1
• Giải thích: Tác giả nói: “Building codes, safety regulations, and certification requirements were largely developed with traditional construction methods in mind, and many are poorly suited to automated and innovative building techniques”. Điều này rõ ràng mâu thuẫn với “well-suited”.

Câu 24: upfront investments / capital investments

• Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
• Từ khóa: substantial, favors larger companies
• Vị trí trong bài: Section C, đoạn 1
• Giải thích: “The substantial upfront investments required for automated equipment…create barriers to entry that favor larger firms”.

Câu 25: automation-as-a-service

• Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
• Từ khóa: smaller firms, access technology, business models
• Vị trí trong bài: Section C, đoạn 3
• Giải thích: “Others foresee the development of ‘automation-as-a-service’ business models, where specialized companies provide robotic equipment…allowing smaller firms to access advanced technology”.

Câu 26: alternative materials

• Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
• Từ khóa: environmental perspective, use of, lower environmental impact
• Vị trí trong bài: Section D, đoạn 2
• Giải thích: “Additionally, some automated construction methods enable the use of alternative materials with lower environmental footprints”.

Passage 3 – Giải Thích

Câu 27: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: apprenticeship system, historically served
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 4-6
• Giải thích: “The apprenticeship system…has long served not merely as a training mechanism but as a rite of passage that conferred identity and community belonging”. Đây chính xác là “both a training mechanism and a means of social integration” (đáp án C).

Câu 28: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: Matthew Crawford, perspective, manual labor
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 6-8
• Giải thích: “Matthew Crawford…contends that skilled trades provide a form of intellectual fulfillment and connection to material reality”. Đáp án B “Skilled trades provide intellectual and material fulfillment” paraphrase chính xác quan điểm này.

Câu 29: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: transhumanist perspective, construction automation
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 5-7
• Giải thích: “The transhumanist perspective…suggesting that the integration of human intelligence with machine capabilities represents an evolutionary advancement”. Đáp án C “An evolutionary advancement in human-machine collaboration” là paraphrase chính xác.

Câu 30: B

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: 3D printing, construction, can
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 1-3
• Giải thích: “Some architects and theorists celebrate the design freedom that technologies like 3D printing enable, allowing for organic forms and complex geometries that would be prohibitively expensive or technically impossible with conventional construction methods”. Đáp án B chính xác.

Câu 31: C

• Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
• Từ khóa: responsibility, errors, automated construction
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 1-4
• Giải thích: “When a traditionally constructed building fails…clear chains of responsibility exist…This accountability structure becomes considerably murkier with automated systems”. Đáp án C “Complicated due to unclear accountability chains” paraphrase chính xác.

Câu 32: B (Proponents of automation)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 2-4
• Giải thích: “proponents of automation…argue that the romanticization of manual construction labor often overlooks the harsh realities of the work: the debilitating physical strain, the high injury rates…automation represents…a liberation”.

Câu 33: A (Critics of automation)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 1-5
• Giải thích: “Critics of automation argue that this homogenization represents a cultural loss, a diminishment of the human element…the personal signature of the craftsperson”.

Câu 34: E (Precautionary ethicists)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 9, dòng 1-2
• Giải thích: “Some ethicists argue for a precautionary approach to construction automation, suggesting that we should proceed slowly and cautiously, ensuring that adequate safeguards…are in place”.

Câu 35: D (Legal scholars)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 5-7
• Giải thích: “As legal scholars and insurance companies grapple with these questions, they reveal deeper philosophical uncertainties about causation and culpability”.

Câu 36: C (Modernist architects)

• Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 3-4
• Giải thích: “The modernist movement of the early 20th century, with its emphasis on functionalism and industrial production methods, demonstrated how construction technology influences architectural philosophy”.

Câu 37: cost-benefit analysis

• Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
• Từ khóa: insufficient, evaluating impact
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 4-5
• Giải thích: “a calculus that extends far beyond conventional cost-benefit analysis into the realm of cultural values”.

Câu 38: precision, consistency / precision and consistency

• Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
• Từ khóa: machines provide, human-machine collaboration
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 8-9
• Giải thích: “machines providing precision, consistency, and tireless operation”.

Câu 39: parametric design

• Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
• Từ khóa: design approach, algorithms, generate forms
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 5-6
• Giải thích: “The parametric design approach, where algorithms generate forms based on specified criteria”.

Câu 40: technological change

• Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
• Từ khóa: construction automation, exemplify, post-industrial societies
• Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 10, dòng 1
• Giải thích: “Ultimately, the automation of the construction industry presents a microcosm of the larger questions facing post-industrial societies” – referring to technological change discussed throughout.

---

Từ Vựng Quan Trọng Theo Passage

Passage 1 – Essential Vocabulary

Từ vựng	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ từ bài	Collocation
automation	n	/ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/	tự động hóa	automation in construction	construction automation, factory automation
autonomous	adj	/ɔːˈtɒnəməs/	tự động, tự trị	autonomous vehicles	autonomous systems, autonomous operation
drone	n	/drəʊn/	máy bay không người lái	drones can survey sites	commercial drone, surveillance drone
precision	n	/prɪˈsɪʒn/	độ chính xác	operating with precision	high precision, precision engineering
productivity	n	/ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/	năng suất	increase productivity	improve productivity, boost productivity
repetitive	adj	/rɪˈpetətɪv/	lặp đi lặp lại	repetitive task	repetitive work, repetitive motion
strain	n	/streɪn/	sự căng thẳng, mệt mỏi	reduce physical strain	physical strain, mental strain
substantial	adj	/səbˈstænʃl/	đáng kể, to lớn	substantial benefits	substantial evidence, substantial investment
designated	adj	/ˈdezɪɡneɪtɪd/	được chỉ định	designated locations	designated area, designated representative
barrier	n	/ˈbæriə(r)/	rào cản	barrier for companies	trade barrier, language barrier
adoption	n	/əˈdɒpʃn/	sự áp dụng	widespread adoption	technology adoption, rapid adoption
proponent	n	/prəˈpəʊnənt/	người ủng hộ	proponents of automation	strong proponent, key proponent

Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary

Từ vựng	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ từ bài	Collocation
integration	n	/ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/	sự tích hợp	integration of automation	full integration, seamless integration
paradox	n	/ˈpærədɒks/	nghịch lý	productivity paradox	central paradox, apparent paradox
stagnant	adj	/ˈstæɡnənt/	trì trệ, đình trệ	remained stagnant	stagnant economy, stagnant growth
inherently	adv	/ɪnˈherəntli/	vốn dĩ, về bản chất	inherently site-specific	inherently difficult, inherently risky
modular	adj	/ˈmɒdjʊlə(r)/	theo mô-đun	modular construction	modular design, modular system
contentious	adj	/kənˈtenʃəs/	gây tranh cãi	contentious issue	contentious debate, contentious topic
susceptible	adj	/səˈseptəbl/	dễ bị ảnh hưởng	susceptible to automation	susceptible to change, highly susceptible
capital-intensive	adj	/ˈkæpɪtl ɪnˈtensɪv/	nhiều vốn	capital-intensive nature	capital-intensive industry
consolidation	n	/kənˌsɒlɪˈdeɪʃn/	sự hợp nhất	consolidation of industry	market consolidation, consolidation process
optimize	v	/ˈɒptɪmaɪz/	tối ưu hóa	optimize material usage	optimize performance, optimize efficiency
jurisdiction	n	/ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃn/	quyền tài phán	across jurisdictions	legal jurisdiction, under jurisdiction
deter	v	/dɪˈtɜː(r)/	ngăn cản, làm nản lòng	deter investment	deter crime, deter development

Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary

Từ vựng	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ từ bài	Collocation
inexorable	adj	/ɪnˈeksərəbl/	không thể cưỡng lại	inexorable march	inexorable decline, inexorable force
ramification	n	/ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/	hệ quả, hậu quả	sociocultural ramifications	legal ramifications, political ramifications
inflection point	n	/ɪnˈflekʃn pɔɪnt/	điểm uốn, bước ngoặt	technological inflection point	critical inflection point, major inflection point
relinquishing	v	/rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃɪŋ/	từ bỏ, buông bỏ	what we might be relinquishing	relinquish control, relinquish power
artisanal	adj	/ˌɑːtɪˈzænl/	thủ công	artisanal tradition	artisanal craft, artisanal product
attenuated	adj	/əˈtenjueɪtɪd/	suy yếu, giảm đi	becomes attenuated	attenuated connection, attenuated signal
homogenization	n	/həˌmɒdʒənaɪˈzeɪʃn/	sự đồng nhất hóa	homogenization represents loss	cultural homogenization, market homogenization
romanticization	n	/rəʊˌmæntɪsaɪˈzeɪʃn/	sự lãng mạn hóa	romanticization of labor	romanticization of the past
utilitarian	adj	/ˌjuːtɪlɪˈteəriən/	thực dụng	utilitarian perspective	utilitarian approach, utilitarian value
transhumanist	adj	/trænzˈhjuːmənɪst/	siêu nhân	transhumanist perspective	transhumanist philosophy, transhumanist movement
aesthetic	adj	/iːsˈθetɪk/	thẩm mỹ	aesthetic dimensions	aesthetic appeal, aesthetic value
parametric	adj	/ˌpærəˈmetrɪk/	tham số	parametric design	parametric modeling, parametric equation
monotonous	adj	/məˈnɒtənəs/	đơn điệu	aesthetically monotonous	monotonous landscape, monotonous routine
perplexing	adj	/pəˈpleksɪŋ/	khó hiểu, rắc rối	perplexing questions	perplexing problem, perplexing situation
culpability	n	/ˌkʌlpəˈbɪləti/	lỗi lầm, trách nhiệm	culpability in autonomous systems	legal culpability, moral culpability
precautionary	adj	/prɪˈkɔːʃənəri/	phòng ngừa	precautionary approach	precautionary measure, precautionary principle
microcosm	n	/ˈmaɪkrəʊkɒzəm/	thu nhỏ, mô hình	presents a microcosm	microcosm of society, perfect microcosm
determinism	n	/dɪˈtɜːmɪnɪzəm/	chủ nghĩa định mệnh	technological determinism	economic determinism, genetic determinism

---

Kết Bài

Chủ đề Impact of automation on the global construction industry không chỉ là một topic phổ biến trong IELTS Reading mà còn phản ánh xu hướng phát triển quan trọng của thời đại. Qua bộ đề thi mẫu này, bạn đã được trải nghiệm một bài thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với:

Ba passages đa dạng độ khó:

• Passage 1 cung cấp kiến thức cơ bản về tự động hóa trong xây dựng với ngôn ngữ dễ hiểu
• Passage 2 đi sâu vào các khía cạnh kinh tế và thị trường với từ vựng học thuật hơn
• Passage 3 thách thức bạn với các vấn đề triết học và văn hóa phức tạp

40 câu hỏi đa dạng dạng bao gồm tất cả các question types phổ biến trong IELTS, giúp bạn làm quen với mọi tình huống có thể gặp trong phòng thi thực tế. Mỗi dạng câu hỏi đòi hỏi kỹ năng đọc hiểu khác nhau: scanning cho câu hỏi điền từ, skimming cho matching headings, và close reading cho True/False/Not Given.

Đáp án chi tiết với giải thích cụ thể về vị trí thông tin và kỹ thuật paraphrase sẽ giúp bạn hiểu rõ tại sao một đáp án đúng và học cách nhận diện thông tin trong các bài đọc phức tạp. Đây là chìa khóa để cải thiện band điểm Reading.

Từ vựng chuyên ngành về công nghệ, xây dựng, kinh tế và triết học được tổng hợp kỹ lưỡng sẽ giúp bạn không chỉ cho bài thi này mà còn cho nhiều chủ đề tương tự trong IELTS.

Hãy làm bài thi này trong điều kiện tương tự như thi thật (60 phút, không tra từ điển), sau đó đối chiếu đáp án và đọc kỹ phần giải thích. Lặp lại quá trình này với các chủ đề khác nhau sẽ giúp bạn xây dựng kỹ năng làm bài vững chắc và tự tin bước vào phòng thi IELTS.

Chúc bạn học tập hiệu quả và đạt band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới!