Mở bài
Chủ đề về tác động của mạng xã hội đến ngành công nghiệp làm đẹp và mỹ phẩm đang trở thành một trong những đề tài phổ biến trong kỳ thi IELTS Reading những năm gần đây. Sự kết hợp giữa công nghệ, truyền thông và kinh doanh khiến chủ đề này xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các bài thi thực tế, đặc biệt là ở Passage 2 và Passage 3 với độ khó từ trung bình đến cao.
Bài viết này cung cấp một bộ đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với 3 passages được thiết kế theo đúng chuẩn Cambridge, bao gồm 40 câu hỏi đa dạng dạng như Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, Summary Completion và nhiều dạng khác. Mỗi passage được xây dựng với độ khó tăng dần từ Easy (Band 5.0-6.5) đến Hard (Band 7.0-9.0), giúp bạn làm quen với cấu trúc thi thật và phát triển kỹ năng đọc hiểu một cách bài bản.
Bạn sẽ nhận được đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích cụ thể về vị trí thông tin, cách paraphrase và chiến lược làm bài cho từng câu hỏi. Ngoài ra, bộ từ vựng chuyên ngành được tổng hợp theo từng passage sẽ giúp bạn mở rộng vốn từ học thuật và nâng cao band điểm Reading. Đề thi này phù hợp cho học viên từ band 5.0 trở lên, đặc biệt là những ai đang nhắm mục tiêu band 6.5-7.5.
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, với Passage 1 thường dễ nhất và Passage 3 khó nhất. Mỗi câu trả lời đúng được tính một điểm, và tổng điểm sẽ được quy đổi thành band score từ 0-9.
Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:
- Passage 1: 15-17 phút (13 câu hỏi)
- Passage 2: 18-20 phút (13 câu hỏi)
- Passage 3: 23-25 phút (14 câu hỏi)
Lưu ý rằng bạn cần tự quản lý thời gian và chuyển đáp án vào answer sheet trong cùng 60 phút đó, không có thời gian bổ sung như phần Listening.
Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này
Đề thi mẫu này bao gồm 7 dạng câu hỏi phổ biến trong IELTS Reading:
- Multiple Choice – Chọn đáp án đúng từ các phương án cho sẵn
- True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng, sai hoặc không được đề cập
- Matching Information – Nối thông tin với đoạn văn tương ứng
- Matching Headings – Chọn tiêu đề phù hợp cho từng đoạn
- Summary Completion – Điền từ vào chỗ trống để hoàn thành đoạn tóm tắt
- Matching Features – Nối các đặc điểm với nhóm/người được đề cập
- Short-answer Questions – Trả lời câu hỏi ngắn với số từ giới hạn
IELTS Reading Practice Test
PASSAGE 1 – The Rise of Social Media Influencers in Beauty Marketing
Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút
The beauty and cosmetics industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, largely due to the emergence of social media platforms. Traditional advertising methods, such as television commercials and magazine spreads featuring celebrity endorsements, have been supplemented—and in some cases replaced—by a new form of marketing centered around social media influencers. These individuals, who have built substantial followings on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, have become the new faces of beauty brands worldwide.
The shift began around 2010 when beauty enthusiasts started creating content on YouTube, sharing makeup tutorials, product reviews, and skincare routines. Unlike traditional celebrities, these content creators were perceived as more authentic and relatable by their audiences. They spoke directly to the camera from their bedrooms or bathrooms, creating an intimate connection that resonated with viewers. This authenticity became their greatest asset, as consumers increasingly sought genuine recommendations rather than polished corporate advertisements.
Cosmetics companies quickly recognized the potential of this new marketing channel. Major brands like L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, and MAC Cosmetics began partnering with popular beauty influencers, sending them free products and paying them to create sponsored content. The return on investment proved to be exceptional. A single post from a well-known influencer could generate thousands of sales within hours, and the cost-effectiveness compared to traditional advertising was remarkable. For instance, a television commercial during prime time might cost millions of dollars to produce and air, while an influencer collaboration could cost a fraction of that amount and reach a highly targeted audience.
The impact on consumer behavior has been profound. Research conducted by the beauty industry analyst group NPD found that 70% of millennials were influenced by social media when making beauty purchases. Consumers began trusting peer recommendations from influencers they followed more than traditional advertisements. This trust was built on the perceived honesty of influencers, who would often share both positive and negative opinions about products. When an influencer genuinely loved a product, their enthusiasm was contagious, leading to what industry insiders call “the influencer effect“—a sudden surge in demand for specific products that could sell out within minutes.
This phenomenon has also democratized the beauty industry in unexpected ways. Previously, becoming the face of a beauty brand required being a famous actress, model, or musician. Now, anyone with a smartphone and creative skills could build an audience and collaborate with brands. This opened opportunities for diverse voices that had been underrepresented in traditional beauty marketing. Influencers of different ethnicities, body types, and gender identities found their audiences, and brands began to recognize the importance of inclusive marketing.
However, the rise of influencer marketing has not been without controversy. Issues of transparency emerged when influencers failed to disclose paid partnerships, leading regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission in the United States to establish stricter guidelines. Influencers are now required to clearly label sponsored content with tags like “#ad” or “#sponsored.” Additionally, concerns about unrealistic beauty standards have intensified, as influencers often use filters and photo-editing software to enhance their appearance, potentially impacting the self-esteem of young followers.
Despite these challenges, the symbiotic relationship between social media and the beauty industry continues to strengthen. Brands have invested in developing long-term partnerships with influencers rather than one-off collaborations, recognizing that consistent messaging and authentic relationships yield better results. Some influencers have even launched their own beauty lines, leveraging their personal brands and loyal followings to create successful businesses. The success stories of influencers-turned-entrepreneurs like Huda Kattan and Jeffree Star demonstrate how social media has not only changed beauty marketing but has also created entirely new business models within the industry.
Questions 1-6
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
Write:
- TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
- FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
- NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
- Traditional celebrity endorsements have completely disappeared from beauty marketing.
- Beauty influencers started creating content on social media around 2010.
- Influencer marketing is more cost-effective than traditional television advertising.
- All beauty influencers use filters to enhance their appearance in photos.
- The Federal Trade Commission requires influencers to disclose paid partnerships.
- Beauty brands prefer one-time collaborations with influencers over long-term partnerships.
Questions 7-10
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- Beauty influencers created an __ with their audiences by speaking directly to the camera from personal spaces.
- According to NPD research, __ of millennials were influenced by social media when buying beauty products.
- The __ refers to the sudden increase in demand for products recommended by influencers.
- The rise of social media has __ the beauty industry by allowing diverse voices to participate.
Questions 11-13
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
What made early beauty influencers different from traditional celebrities?
- A) They were more famous
- B) They appeared more authentic and relatable
- C) They charged less for endorsements
- D) They had professional makeup training
-
According to the passage, what was a major concern about influencer marketing?
- A) It was too expensive for small brands
- B) Influencers lacked transparency about paid partnerships
- C) Consumers did not trust influencer recommendations
- D) Traditional celebrities refused to work with influencers
-
The passage suggests that successful influencers like Huda Kattan have:
- A) Returned to traditional modeling careers
- B) Stopped using social media platforms
- C) Created their own beauty businesses
- D) Only worked with major cosmetics companies
PASSAGE 2 – The Psychological Impact of Social Media on Beauty Perceptions
Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút
The proliferation of social media has fundamentally altered how individuals perceive beauty standards, creating a complex psychological landscape that researchers are only beginning to understand. While these platforms have facilitated unprecedented access to beauty content and democratized certain aspects of the industry, they have simultaneously contributed to the rise of appearance-related anxiety and a phenomenon psychologists term “comparative beauty culture.” This dual nature of social media’s impact presents both opportunities and challenges for the cosmetics industry and society at large.
A. The Filter Effect
The widespread use of photo-editing applications and augmented reality filters has created what experts call “Snapchat dysmorphia“—a condition where individuals seek cosmetic procedures to replicate their filtered selfies. Dr. Neelam Vashi, a dermatologist at Boston University, has documented a significant increase in patients requesting treatments to achieve the flawless complexions and sculpted features they see in filtered images. This trend represents a troubling reversal of traditional cosmetic medicine, where patients once brought photos of celebrities as inspiration; now they bring edited photos of themselves. The psychological ramifications are concerning, as these unrealistic standards are internalized as achievable norms rather than recognized as digital fabrications.
B. The Democratization Paradox
Paradoxically, while social media has broadened the definition of beauty by giving voice to previously marginalized groups, it has also intensified beauty-related pressures. The constant stream of curated images creates an omnipresent beauty standard that follows users throughout their day. Research published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found a direct correlation between time spent on social media and decreased body satisfaction, particularly among young women aged 18-25. The study, which tracked 143 participants over three weeks, revealed that those who reduced their social media usage to 30 minutes per day reported significant improvements in self-image and reduced anxiety about appearance.
C. The Economics of Insecurity
The beauty industry has become adept at leveraging these insecurities for commercial gain. Microtargeted advertising uses sophisticated algorithms to identify individuals who may be susceptible to appearance-related marketing. These advertisements often appear strategically in social media feeds immediately after users have viewed beauty content, capitalizing on momentary feelings of inadequacy. The industry has also mastered the art of creating perceived needs through aspirational marketing—presenting products not merely as cosmetics but as solutions to socially constructed problems. Terms like “anti-aging,” “flawless skin,” and “perfect complexion” suggest that natural variations in appearance are deficiencies requiring correction.
D. Cultural Variations in Beauty Standards
The globalization of beauty standards through social media has created intriguing cultural dynamics. While Western beauty ideals—characterized by features such as large eyes, full lips, and contoured facial structures—have permeated many markets, localized preferences persist. In South Korea, the beauty standard emphasizes dewy, youthful skin and a “glass skin” appearance, driving massive growth in the K-beauty sector. Meanwhile, in Brazil, there is greater emphasis on body-positive movements that celebrate diverse body types, although contradictions exist as the country also has one of the highest rates of cosmetic surgery globally. These regional variations demonstrate that social media does not simply impose a monolithic beauty standard but rather creates a complex interplay between global trends and local cultural values.
E. The Wellness Shift
Recently, there has been a notable shift toward wellness-oriented beauty narratives on social media. Influencers and brands increasingly promote holistic approaches that emphasize mental health, self-care, and sustainable beauty practices. This movement, often labeled “clean beauty” or “conscious beauty,” represents a counterpoint to the hyper-polished aesthetics that previously dominated these platforms. Brands like Glossier and The Ordinary have capitalized on this trend by marketing minimalist products with transparent ingredient lists and affordable price points. Their success suggests a growing consumer desire for authenticity and substance over the superficiality that characterized earlier social media beauty culture.
F. The Role of Algorithms
The algorithmic curation of content on social media platforms plays a crucial role in perpetuating beauty standards. These algorithms prioritize content that generates high engagement, which typically includes images featuring conventionally attractive individuals. This creates a feedback loop where certain types of beauty content receive disproportionate visibility, reinforcing existing biases and making it difficult for alternative representations to gain traction. Research from the MIT Media Lab has shown that Instagram’s algorithm tends to amplify posts featuring faces that conform to Western beauty standards, regardless of the user’s geographic location or cultural background. This algorithmic bias has profound implications for how diverse beauty is represented and consumed across different communities.
G. Future Implications
Looking forward, the relationship between social media and beauty perceptions will likely continue to evolve. The emergence of virtual influencers—computer-generated characters with millions of followers—adds another layer of complexity to discussions about authenticity and realistic beauty standards. Additionally, growing awareness of the mental health impacts of social media is prompting calls for greater regulation and platform accountability. Some jurisdictions, including France and the United Kingdom, have proposed legislation requiring disclosure when images have been digitally altered for commercial purposes. These regulatory efforts, combined with grassroots movements promoting body positivity and diverse representation, may counterbalance some of social media’s more deleterious effects on beauty perceptions.
Ảnh hưởng của mạng xã hội đến tiêu chuẩn sắc đẹp và tâm lý người tiêu dùng mỹ phẩm hiện đại
Questions 14-20
The passage has seven sections, A-G.
Which section contains the following information?
Write the correct letter, A-G.
- A description of how social media algorithms favor certain types of beauty content
- Evidence of a direct link between social media use and body satisfaction issues
- Information about regional differences in beauty preferences despite global trends
- An explanation of how the beauty industry uses targeted advertising strategies
- A discussion of new trends emphasizing natural and sustainable beauty approaches
- The concept of people wanting cosmetic surgery to look like their edited photos
- Mention of potential legal measures to regulate digitally altered images
Questions 21-24
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Social media has created a 21. __ where individuals constantly compare their appearance to others. While these platforms have helped 22. __ by including diverse voices, they have also increased anxiety about appearance. The beauty industry uses 23. __ to identify vulnerable consumers and show them targeted ads. Recently, there has been a shift toward 24. __ beauty that promotes mental health and sustainable practices.
Questions 25-26
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
Which TWO statements are true according to the passage?
A. Social media has completely eliminated traditional beauty standards
B. Reducing social media usage improved participants’ self-image in a research study
C. All countries have adopted identical beauty standards due to social media
D. Virtual influencers are computer-generated characters with large followings
E. The beauty industry discourages the use of photo-editing filters
PASSAGE 3 – The Business Transformation of the Cosmetics Industry Through Digital Platforms
Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút
The convergence of social media and the cosmetics industry has precipitated a fundamental restructuring of business models, supply chains, and consumer-brand relationships that extends far beyond mere marketing innovation. This transformation represents what business scholars term a “disruptive innovation“—one that has reconfigured not only how products are promoted and sold but also how they are conceived, developed, and distributed. The implications of this shift are profound, affecting everything from product development cycles to retail infrastructure, and challenging the hegemony of legacy brands that dominated the industry for decades.
The traditional cosmetics industry operated on a model characterized by lengthy product development cycles, substantial capital investment in research and development, and heavy reliance on brick-and-mortar retail distribution. A major brand might spend 18-24 months developing a new product line, conducting extensive laboratory testing, focus group research, and market analysis before launch. The manufacturing process required significant economies of scale to justify the investment, leading to large production runs and considerable inventory risk. Distribution was controlled through carefully managed relationships with department stores and specialty retailers, who commanded premium shelf space and wielded considerable influence over which products reached consumers.
Social media has systematically dismantled this model. The rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, enabled by social media marketing and e-commerce platforms, has circumvented traditional distribution channels entirely. Companies like Glossier, which launched in 2014 with a cult following generated through a beauty blog, have demonstrated that brands can achieve remarkable growth without securing a single department store placement. Glossier’s founder, Emily Weiss, leveraged her blog’s community to co-create products with consumers, using social media to gather real-time feedback on everything from product formulations to packaging design. This participatory approach to product development represents a radical departure from the top-down model that previously prevailed, where brands dictated trends and consumers passively accepted them.
The data analytics capabilities inherent to social media platforms have provided cosmetics companies with unprecedented insights into consumer preferences and behaviors. Traditional market research relied on periodic surveys, focus groups, and point-of-sale data—methods that were both expensive and temporally delayed. Social media generates continuous streams of granular data about consumer sentiment, emerging trends, and product performance. Natural language processing algorithms can analyze millions of social media posts to identify nascent beauty trends before they permeate the mainstream market. This predictive capability allows agile brands to develop and launch products in response to emerging demand far more rapidly than traditional competitors, compressing development cycles from months to weeks.
The democratization of product creation has also fostered an environment of intense innovation in niche markets that were previously underserved by major brands. Social media has enabled small, independent brands to identify and cultivate highly specific customer segments—from vegan cosmetics enthusiasts to individuals seeking products for specific skin conditions—and build profitable businesses serving these specialized needs. This phenomenon, known as “long tail marketing,” has fragmented the market in ways that challenge the mass-market orientation of established players. The proliferation of niche brands has made it increasingly difficult for major corporations to maintain market share through traditional strategies of broad appeal and extensive distribution.
Furthermore, social media has fundamentally altered the economics of customer acquisition in the cosmetics industry. Traditional marketing relied on expensive mass media campaigns with uncertain return on investment. The cost per acquisition (CPA) through social media marketing, particularly influencer collaborations, is often substantially lower and more measurable. However, this advantage is eroding as social media platforms have become saturated with beauty content and algorithm changes have reduced organic reach. Brands now face escalating costs for social media advertising, with some reports suggesting that customer acquisition costs have increased by over 50% in recent years as competition for consumer attention intensifies.
The shift toward social media-driven commerce has also raised significant questions about brand sustainability and customer loyalty. While social media enables rapid brand building, it also facilitates equally rapid brand obsolescence. The viral nature of social media means that products can achieve extraordinary popularity almost overnight, but this success is often ephemeral. The phenomenon of “Instagram brands“—companies that achieve meteoric rises through social media buzz but fail to establish lasting market positions—has become increasingly common. These brands often struggle to transition from initial hype to sustained profitability, lacking the operational infrastructure, product depth, and brand equity to compete once the novelty fades.
The environmental implications of social media-driven consumption patterns in the beauty industry warrant particular attention. The accelerated product cycles and trend-driven consumption encouraged by social media have contributed to increased waste and resource depletion. The industry’s embrace of single-use packaging, limited-edition releases, and constant product innovation to maintain social media relevance has exacerbated environmental concerns. Some forward-thinking brands have begun addressing these issues by promoting sustainable packaging, refillable products, and circular economy principles, using social media not just to sell products but to educate consumers about environmental responsibility. Whether these efforts represent genuine commitment or merely “greenwashing” to capitalize on consumer environmental consciousness remains a subject of considerable debate among sustainability advocates and industry critics.
The regulatory landscape surrounding social media and cosmetics is also evolving in response to these transformations. Beyond disclosure requirements for paid endorsements, regulators are increasingly scrutinizing unsubstantiated claims made in social media marketing, data privacy practices, and the psychological impacts of beauty-related content on vulnerable populations, particularly adolescents. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has imposed stringent requirements on how brands collect and use consumer data from social media interactions, potentially limiting some of the data-driven strategies that have powered personalized marketing efforts. Similar regulatory frameworks are being considered in other jurisdictions, which could fundamentally reshape how brands leverage social media for commercial purposes.
Looking forward, the continued integration of emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and blockchain—with social media platforms promises to further transform the cosmetics industry. AI-powered virtual try-on tools allow consumers to visualize products on their own faces before purchasing, potentially reducing return rates and increasing conversion efficiency. Blockchain technology offers possibilities for enhanced supply chain transparency and product authentication, addressing concerns about counterfeit products that proliferate through social commerce channels. These technological advances will likely accelerate the ongoing disruption, creating both opportunities and challenges for brands navigating this dynamic landscape.
Questions 27-31
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, traditional cosmetics companies typically required:
- A) Social media approval before launching products
- B) 18-24 months to develop new product lines
- C) Direct consumer feedback during development
- D) Small production runs to minimize risk
-
Glossier’s success demonstrated that:
- A) Department stores are essential for brand growth
- B) Traditional marketing is more effective than social media
- C) Brands can grow significantly without traditional retail placement
- D) Product development should remain top-down
-
The term “long tail marketing” refers to:
- A) The extended time required for product development
- B) Serving specific customer segments with specialized products
- C) The decline of major cosmetics brands
- D) Traditional mass-market strategies
-
What challenge do “Instagram brands” commonly face?
- A) Gaining initial social media attention
- B) Attracting influencer partnerships
- C) Transitioning from viral success to sustained profitability
- D) Complying with advertising regulations
-
The passage suggests that increased environmental concerns in the industry are partly due to:
- A) Government regulations on packaging
- B) Consumer boycotts of major brands
- C) Accelerated product cycles driven by social media trends
- D) The high cost of sustainable materials
Questions 32-36
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- Social media platforms provide __ about consumer behaviors that were previously unavailable through traditional research methods.
- Companies can now use __ to analyze millions of social media posts and identify emerging beauty trends.
- The __ of social media-driven success means that popular products can quickly become forgotten.
- Critics question whether brands’ sustainability efforts represent genuine commitment or merely __ to exploit consumer consciousness.
- The __ has imposed strict requirements on how brands collect consumer data in Europe.
Questions 37-40
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in the passage?
Write:
- YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
- NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
- NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
- Direct-to-consumer brands have completely eliminated the need for traditional retail stores in the cosmetics industry.
- Customer acquisition costs through social media have been increasing in recent years due to market saturation.
- All cosmetics brands that use sustainable packaging are genuinely committed to environmental responsibility.
- Emerging technologies like AI and blockchain will create both opportunities and challenges for cosmetics brands.
Answer Keys – Đáp Án
PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13
- FALSE
- TRUE
- TRUE
- NOT GIVEN
- TRUE
- FALSE
- intimate connection
- 70% / seventy percent
- influencer effect
- democratized
- B
- B
- C
PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26
- F
- B
- D
- C
- E
- A
- G
- comparative beauty culture
- democratized / broadened the definition
- microtargeted advertising
- wellness-oriented
25-26. B, D (in any order)
PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40
- B
- C
- B
- C
- C
- unprecedented insights
- natural language processing algorithms
- ephemeral nature / viral nature
- greenwashing
- General Data Protection Regulation / GDPR
- NOT GIVEN
- YES
- NOT GIVEN
- YES
Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết
Passage 1 – Giải Thích
Câu 1: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Traditional celebrity endorsements, completely disappeared
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 2-4
- Giải thích: Passage nói rằng traditional advertising methods have been “supplemented—and in some cases replaced” (được bổ sung và trong một số trường hợp được thay thế), không phải “completely disappeared” (hoàn toàn biến mất). Từ “supplemented” chỉ ra rằng chúng vẫn tồn tại cùng với phương thức mới.
Câu 2: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Beauty influencers, started creating content, around 2010
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1
- Giải thích: Câu đầu tiên của đoạn 2 nói rõ “The shift began around 2010 when beauty enthusiasts started creating content on YouTube” – thông tin khớp chính xác với câu hỏi.
Câu 3: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Influencer marketing, more cost-effective, television advertising
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 5-8
- Giải thích: Passage nói rõ “the cost-effectiveness compared to traditional advertising was remarkable” và đưa ra ví dụ về television commercial costing millions while influencer collaboration costs “a fraction of that amount” – chứng minh influencer marketing cost-effective hơn.
Câu 5: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Federal Trade Commission, requires, disclose paid partnerships
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 2-4
- Giải thích: Passage nói “regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission in the United States to establish stricter guidelines. Influencers are now required to clearly label sponsored content” – khớp chính xác với câu hỏi.
Câu 7: intimate connection
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: speaking directly to the camera, personal spaces
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 4-5
- Giải thích: Passage nói “They spoke directly to the camera from their bedrooms or bathrooms, creating an intimate connection” – đây là cụm từ chính xác cần điền.
Câu 8: 70% / seventy percent
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: NPD research, millennials, influenced by social media
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: Passage nói “Research conducted by the beauty industry analyst group NPD found that 70% of millennials were influenced by social media” – số liệu cụ thể cần điền.
Câu 11: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: early beauty influencers, different from traditional celebrities
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: Passage nói “Unlike traditional celebrities, these content creators were perceived as more authentic and relatable by their audiences” – đáp án B là paraphrase chính xác của thông tin này.
Câu 12: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: major concern, influencer marketing
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: Passage nói “Issues of transparency emerged when influencers failed to disclose paid partnerships” – đây chính là concern chính được đề cập, tương ứng với đáp án B.
Passage 2 – Giải Thích
Câu 14: F
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Information
- Từ khóa: social media algorithms, favor certain types of beauty content
- Vị trí trong bài: Section F, toàn bộ section
- Giải thích: Section F với tiêu đề “The Role of Algorithms” thảo luận về cách algorithms prioritize content và amplify posts featuring certain beauty standards.
Câu 15: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Information
- Từ khóa: direct link, social media use, body satisfaction issues
- Vị trí trong bài: Section B, đoạn giữa
- Giải thích: Section B đề cập đến research showing “direct correlation between time spent on social media and decreased body satisfaction” với dữ liệu cụ thể từ study tracking 143 participants.
Câu 19: A
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Information
- Từ khóa: cosmetic surgery, look like edited photos
- Vị trí trong bài: Section A, toàn bộ section
- Giải thích: Section A thảo luận về “Snapchat dysmorphia” – condition where people seek cosmetic procedures to replicate their filtered selfies.
Câu 21: comparative beauty culture
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: individuals constantly compare their appearance
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn đầu tiên
- Giải thích: Passage mentions “a phenomenon psychologists term ‘comparative beauty culture'” – đây là thuật ngữ chính xác mô tả hiện tượng so sánh ngoại hình liên tục.
Câu 25-26: B, D
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice (chọn 2 đáp án)
- Giải thích cho B: Section B nói “those who reduced their social media usage to 30 minutes per day reported significant improvements in self-image” – khớp với đáp án B.
- Giải thích cho D: Section G nói “The emergence of virtual influencers—computer-generated characters with millions of followers” – khớp chính xác với đáp án D.
Passage 3 – Giải Thích
Câu 27: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: traditional cosmetics companies, required
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: Passage nói rõ “A major brand might spend 18-24 months developing a new product line” – đáp án B chính xác.
Câu 28: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Glossier’s success, demonstrated
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: Passage nói “brands can achieve remarkable growth without securing a single department store placement” khi nói về Glossier – đây chính là demonstration mà câu hỏi đề cập.
Câu 30: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Instagram brands, commonly face
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 4-6
- Giải thích: Passage nói “These brands often struggle to transition from initial hype to sustained profitability” – chính xác là challenge được đề cập trong đáp án C.
Câu 32: unprecedented insights
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: social media platforms provide, consumer behaviors
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: Passage nói “data analytics capabilities inherent to social media platforms have provided cosmetics companies with unprecedented insights into consumer preferences and behaviors.”
Câu 38: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Customer acquisition costs, increasing, market saturation
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng cuối
- Giải thích: Writer claims “customer acquisition costs have increased by over 50% in recent years as competition for consumer attention intensifies” – statement agrees với claims của writer.
Câu 40: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: AI, blockchain, opportunities and challenges
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn cuối, câu cuối cùng
- Giải thích: Writer nói “These technological advances will likely accelerate the ongoing disruption, creating both opportunities and challenges” – statement hoàn toàn agrees với writer’s claims.
Từ Vựng Quan Trọng Theo Passage
Passage 1 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| emergence | n | /ɪˈmɜːdʒəns/ | Sự xuất hiện, nổi lên | the emergence of social media platforms | the emergence of new trends |
| endorsement | n | /ɪnˈdɔːsmənt/ | Sự ủng hộ, quảng cáo | celebrity endorsements | brand endorsement, product endorsement |
| authentic | adj | /ɔːˈθentɪk/ | Chân thực, xác thực | perceived as more authentic | authentic experience, authentic content |
| substantial | adj | /səbˈstænʃəl/ | Đáng kể, lớn | substantial followings | substantial impact, substantial growth |
| return on investment | n phrase | /rɪˈtɜːn ɒn ɪnˈvestmənt/ | Lợi tức đầu tư | The return on investment proved exceptional | maximize ROI, measure ROI |
| targeted | adj | /ˈtɑːɡɪtɪd/ | Được nhắm mục tiêu | highly targeted audience | targeted advertising, targeted marketing |
| profound | adj | /prəˈfaʊnd/ | Sâu sắc, to lớn | The impact has been profound | profound effect, profound influence |
| contagious | adj | /kənˈteɪdʒəs/ | Lan toa, dễ lây | their enthusiasm was contagious | contagious energy, contagious excitement |
| democratized | v | /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪzd/ | Dân chủ hóa, phổ cập | democratized the beauty industry | democratize access, democratize information |
| underrepresented | adj | /ˌʌndəˌreprɪˈzentɪd/ | Thiếu đại diện | voices that had been underrepresented | underrepresented groups, underrepresented communities |
| transparency | n | /trænsˈpærənsi/ | Sự minh bạch | Issues of transparency emerged | lack of transparency, transparency requirements |
| symbiotic | adj | /ˌsɪmbaɪˈɒtɪk/ | Cộng sinh, hỗ trợ lẫn nhau | symbiotic relationship | symbiotic partnership, symbiotic nature |
Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| proliferation | n | /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/ | Sự gia tăng nhanh chóng | The proliferation of social media | proliferation of content, rapid proliferation |
| augmented reality | n phrase | /ɔːɡˈmentɪd riˈæləti/ | Thực tế tăng cường | augmented reality filters | AR technology, AR applications |
| dysmorphia | n | /dɪsˈmɔːfiə/ | Rối loạn hình thể | Snapchat dysmorphia | body dysmorphia, facial dysmorphia |
| ramifications | n | /ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz/ | Hệ quả, tác động | psychological ramifications | serious ramifications, far-reaching ramifications |
| marginalized | adj | /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪzd/ | Bị gạt ra lề | previously marginalized groups | marginalized communities, marginalized voices |
| omnipresent | adj | /ˌɒmnɪˈprezənt/ | Có mặt khắp nơi | omnipresent beauty standard | omnipresent threat, omnipresent influence |
| correlation | n | /ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃən/ | Mối tương quan | direct correlation between | positive correlation, strong correlation |
| susceptible | adj | /səˈseptəbəl/ | Dễ bị tác động | susceptible to marketing | susceptible to influence, highly susceptible |
| aspirational | adj | /ˌæspəˈreɪʃənəl/ | Khát vọng, ước mơ | aspirational marketing | aspirational lifestyle, aspirational brands |
| permeated | v | /ˈpɜːmieɪtɪd/ | Thấm, lan tỏa | Western beauty ideals have permeated | permeate society, permeate culture |
| counterpoint | n | /ˈkaʊntəpɔɪnt/ | Điểm đối lập | represents a counterpoint | provide a counterpoint, serve as counterpoint |
| algorithmic | adj | /ˌælɡəˈrɪðmɪk/ | Thuộc thuật toán | algorithmic curation | algorithmic bias, algorithmic decision |
| perpetuating | v | /pəˈpetʃueɪtɪŋ/ | Duy trì, kéo dài | perpetuating beauty standards | perpetuate stereotypes, perpetuate inequality |
| deleterious | adj | /ˌdeləˈtɪəriəs/ | Có hại | deleterious effects | deleterious impact, deleterious consequences |
Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| convergence | n | /kənˈvɜːdʒəns/ | Sự hội tụ, kết hợp | The convergence of social media | convergence of technologies, digital convergence |
| precipitated | v | /prɪˈsɪpɪteɪtɪd/ | Gây ra, thúc đẩy | has precipitated a transformation | precipitate change, precipitate crisis |
| disruptive innovation | n phrase | /dɪsˈrʌptɪv ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ | Đổi mới đột phá | what business scholars term disruptive innovation | disruptive technology, disruptive business model |
| hegemony | n | /hɪˈɡeməni/ | Sự thống trị, bá quyền | challenging the hegemony of legacy brands | cultural hegemony, market hegemony |
| circumvented | v | /ˌsɜːkəmˈventɪd/ | Vượt qua, lách | has circumvented traditional channels | circumvent regulations, circumvent restrictions |
| participatory | adj | /pɑːˈtɪsɪpətəri/ | Tham gia, hợp tác | participatory approach | participatory culture, participatory design |
| granular | adj | /ˈɡrænjələr/ | Chi tiết, tỉ mỉ | continuous streams of granular data | granular information, granular analysis |
| nascent | adj | /ˈnæsənt/ | Mới nảy sinh, sơ khai | identify nascent beauty trends | nascent industry, nascent technology |
| proliferation | n | /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/ | Sự gia tăng mạnh | The proliferation of niche brands | rapid proliferation, nuclear proliferation |
| ephemeral | adj | /ɪˈfemərəl/ | Ngắn ngủi, thoáng qua | success is often ephemeral | ephemeral nature, ephemeral content |
| meteoric | adj | /ˌmiːtiˈɒrɪk/ | Nhanh chóng như sao băng | achieve meteoric rises | meteoric rise, meteoric success |
| exacerbated | v | /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪtɪd/ | Làm trầm trọng thêm | has exacerbated environmental concerns | exacerbate problems, exacerbate tensions |
| greenwashing | n | /ˈɡriːnwɒʃɪŋ/ | Tẩy xanh (giả vờ thân thiện môi trường) | merely greenwashing to capitalize | corporate greenwashing, marketing greenwashing |
| stringent | adj | /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ | Nghiêm ngặt | imposed stringent requirements | stringent regulations, stringent controls |
| proliferate | v | /prəˈlɪfəreɪt/ | Gia tăng nhanh chóng | counterfeit products that proliferate | proliferate rapidly, problems proliferate |
Kết Bài
Chủ đề về tác động của mạng xã hội đến ngành làm đẹp và mỹ phẩm không chỉ phản ánh xu hướng thời đại mà còn là một trong những đề tài quan trọng thường xuyên xuất hiện trong kỳ thi IELTS Reading. Bộ đề thi mẫu này đã cung cấp cho bạn trải nghiệm hoàn chỉnh với ba passages được thiết kế theo đúng chuẩn Cambridge IELTS, từ độ khó Easy cho đến Hard.
Passage 1 giới thiệu những khái niệm cơ bản về influencer marketing và sự thay đổi trong cách thức quảng bá sản phẩm làm đẹp. Passage 2 đi sâu vào phân tích tâm lý người tiêu dùng và những tác động của tiêu chuẩn sắc đẹp trên mạng xã hội. Passage 3 khám phá sự chuyển đổi toàn diện về mô hình kinh doanh, công nghệ và chiến lược phát triển bền vững trong ngành công nghiệp mỹ phẩm. Ba passages này không chỉ giúp bạn luyện tập kỹ năng đọc hiểu mà còn mở rộng kiến thức về một lĩnh vực đang phát triển mạnh mẽ trong thế giới hiện đại.
Đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích cụ thể về vị trí thông tin, cách paraphrase và chiến lược làm bài sẽ giúp bạn tự đánh giá năng lực và hiểu rõ phương pháp tiếp cận đúng đắn cho từng dạng câu hỏi. Bộ từ vựng chuyên ngành được tổng hợp đầy đủ với phiên âm, nghĩa, ví dụ và collocations sẽ là tài liệu quý giá để bạn nâng cao vốn từ học thuật, không chỉ cho phần Reading mà còn cho cả Writing và Speaking.
Hãy dành thời gian làm bài một cách nghiêm túc theo đúng thời gian quy định, sau đó đối chiếu đáp án và đọc kỹ phần giải thích để rút ra bài học cho bản thân. Việc luyện tập thường xuyên với các đề thi chất lượng cao như thế này sẽ giúp bạn tự tin hơn khi bước vào phòng thi thực sự và đạt được band điểm như mong muốn. Chúc bạn ôn tập hiệu quả và thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới!
