Mở bài
Chủ đề về gig economy (nền kinh tế công việc tự do) đã trở thành một hiện tượng toàn cầu và xuất hiện ngày càng thường xuyên trong các đề thi IELTS Reading. Với sự phát triển mạnh mẽ của công nghệ số và nền tảng kết nối lao động, hình thức việc làm này đang thay đổi căn bản cách con người làm việc và kiếm sống. Chủ đề này không chỉ phản ánh xu hướng việc làm đương đại mà còn liên quan đến nhiều khía cạnh xã hội, kinh tế mà các nhà ra đề IELTS rất quan tâm.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ được trải nghiệm một bộ đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với ba passages có độ khó tăng dần từ Easy đến Hard, bao gồm tổng cộng 40 câu hỏi đa dạng giống như thi thật. Mỗi passage được thiết kế dựa trên cấu trúc và độ khó của các đề thi Cambridge IELTS chính thức, giúp bạn làm quen với format và rèn luyện kỹ năng làm bài một cách bài bản.
Sau phần đề thi, bạn sẽ tìm thấy đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích cụ thể về cách xác định thông tin trong bài, các từ khóa paraphrase, cùng với một bộ từ vựng quan trọng được phân loại theo từng passage. Bộ đề này phù hợp cho học viên từ band 5.0 trở lên, đặc biệt hữu ích cho những bạn đang hướng đến band điểm 6.5-8.0.
Hướng dẫn làm bài IELTS Reading
Tổng Quan Về IELTS Reading Test
IELTS Reading Test là bài kiểm tra kéo dài 60 phút với 3 passages và tổng cộng 40 câu hỏi. Độ khó của các passages tăng dần, trong đó Passage 1 là dễ nhất và Passage 3 là khó nhất. Mỗi câu trả lời đúng được tính là 1 điểm, không có điểm âm khi trả lời sai.
Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:
- Passage 1: 15-17 phút (độ khó Easy)
- Passage 2: 18-20 phút (độ khó Medium)
- Passage 3: 23-25 phút (độ khó Hard)
Lưu ý rằng bạn cần chuyển đáp án vào answer sheet trong khoảng thời gian 60 phút này. Không có thời gian bổ sung để chuyển đáp án như phần Listening.
Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này
Bộ đề thi mẫu này bao gồm đầy đủ các dạng câu hỏi phổ biến trong IELTS Reading:
- Multiple Choice – Câu hỏi trắc nghiệm
- True/False/Not Given – Xác định tính đúng sai của thông tin
- Yes/No/Not Given – Xác định quan điểm của tác giả
- Matching Headings – Nối tiêu đề với đoạn văn
- Sentence Completion – Hoàn thành câu
- Summary Completion – Hoàn thành đoạn tóm tắt
- Matching Features – Nối thông tin với đặc điểm
- Short-answer Questions – Câu hỏi trả lời ngắn
IELTS Reading Practice Test
PASSAGE 1 – The Rise of Flexible Work in the Digital Age
Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút
The concept of the gig economy has transformed the traditional employment landscape over the past two decades. Unlike conventional full-time positions where workers are tied to a single employer, the gig economy consists of short-term contracts or freelance work instead of permanent jobs. This fundamental shift in how people earn their living has been primarily driven by technological advances and changing attitudes toward work-life balance.
The term “gig” originally comes from the music industry, where musicians would perform individual shows or “gigs” rather than having permanent positions in orchestras. Today, this concept has expanded far beyond entertainment to encompass a wide range of professions. Ride-sharing drivers, food delivery couriers, freelance graphic designers, and independent consultants are all part of this growing workforce. According to recent studies, approximately 36% of workers in developed countries now participate in some form of gig work, either as their primary income source or as a supplementary activity alongside traditional employment.
Several factors have contributed to the explosive growth of the gig economy. First and foremost, digital platforms have made it remarkably easy to connect workers with clients or customers. Companies like Uber, Upwork, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit have created user-friendly interfaces that allow anyone with a smartphone or computer to find work opportunities within minutes. These platforms handle many administrative tasks such as payment processing, customer reviews, and dispute resolution, reducing the barriers to entry for independent workers.
Secondly, the flexibility offered by gig work appeals to a diverse range of people. Young professionals seeking to build their portfolios, parents wanting to balance childcare with income generation, and retirees looking to supplement their pensions all find value in the ability to choose when, where, and how much they work. This autonomy represents a significant departure from the rigid schedules of traditional employment. A survey conducted in 2022 revealed that 79% of gig workers cited flexibility as their primary reason for choosing this type of work arrangement.
Economic factors have also played a crucial role. The 2008 financial crisis left many workers unemployed or underemployed, prompting them to seek alternative income sources. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend as millions of people lost traditional jobs and turned to gig platforms to make ends meet. Additionally, the rising cost of living in many urban centers has made supplementary income increasingly necessary for many households.
However, the gig economy is not without its challenges and controversies. One of the most significant concerns revolves around worker classification. Most gig workers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees, which means they typically do not receive traditional employment benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, retirement contributions, or unemployment protection. This classification also means that companies are not required to pay minimum wage or provide overtime compensation, leading to concerns about worker exploitation.
The issue of income stability is another major challenge. Unlike salaried employees who receive predictable paychecks, gig workers face fluctuating income that can vary dramatically from week to week. During slow periods or economic downturns, gig workers may struggle to earn sufficient income to meet their basic needs. Furthermore, the lack of sick pay means that illness can directly translate to lost income, creating financial vulnerability for many workers.
Despite these challenges, many experts believe that the gig economy will continue to expand in the coming years. Some economists predict that gig workers could comprise up to half of the workforce in developed nations by 2030. This projection is based on continued technological advancement, generational shifts in attitudes toward traditional employment, and the increasing specialization of skills in the modern economy. As younger generations enter the workforce with different expectations about career progression and work-life integration, the appeal of flexible, project-based work is likely to grow.
The regulatory landscape surrounding gig work is also evolving. Various governments and jurisdictions are grappling with how to protect gig workers while not stifling innovation or economic growth. Some regions have introduced new classifications that fall between traditional employee and independent contractor status, attempting to provide certain protections while maintaining flexibility. This ongoing debate about worker rights, corporate responsibility, and economic efficiency will likely shape the future development of the gig economy.
Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, the term “gig” originally referred to work in
A. the transportation industry
B. the music sector
C. the technology field
D. the hospitality business -
What percentage of workers in developed countries participate in gig work?
A. 26%
B. 36%
C. 46%
D. 56% -
Digital platforms have made gig work easier by
A. increasing wages for workers
B. providing office spaces
C. handling administrative tasks
D. offering full-time contracts -
According to the 2022 survey mentioned, most gig workers choose this work arrangement because of
A. higher pay
B. job security
C. career advancement
D. flexibility -
Some economists predict that by 2030, gig workers could represent
A. one quarter of the workforce
B. one third of the workforce
C. half of the workforce
D. three quarters of the workforce
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
- The gig economy only became possible after the invention of smartphones.
- The 2008 financial crisis encouraged some people to seek alternative employment.
- Most gig workers are classified as independent contractors.
- All gig workers earn less than traditional employees in similar roles.
Questions 10-13: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- Gig workers often face __ that can change significantly from one week to another.
- Unlike regular employees, gig workers typically do not receive benefits such as __ or paid vacation.
- The lack of __ means that when gig workers are ill, they lose income immediately.
- Governments are developing new __ that attempt to balance worker protection with workplace flexibility.
PASSAGE 2 – Economic Impacts and Social Implications of Gig Work
Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút
The proliferation of the gig economy has generated considerable debate among economists, policymakers, and social scientists regarding its broader macroeconomic effects and societal ramifications. While proponents argue that this model fosters entrepreneurial spirit and economic dynamism, critics contend that it undermines traditional employment protections and exacerbates income inequality. Understanding these multifaceted impacts requires examining both quantitative economic data and qualitative assessments of worker experiences.
From an economic perspective, the gig economy has introduced notable efficiencies into labor markets. The algorithmic matching of workers to tasks has reduced frictional unemployment—the time gap between jobs—and allowed for more optimal allocation of human resources. Traditional employment often involves significant downtime during which workers are paid despite not actively producing value. In contrast, gig platforms enable workers to monetize previously unproductive hours, whether that involves driving passengers during evening commutes or completing graphic design projects during weekends. This utilization optimization theoretically enhances overall economic productivity.
Moreover, the gig economy has facilitated what economists term labor market liquidity. Workers can more easily transition between different types of work, industries, and income-generating activities without the constraints of long-term contracts or geographical limitations. This occupational mobility can be particularly beneficial during economic transitions, allowing workers to quickly adapt to changing market demands. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals whose primary industries were affected transitioned to delivery services or online freelancing, demonstrating the resilience that gig work can provide during economic shocks.
The impact on business operations has been equally significant. Companies can now access specialized talent on an as-needed basis without maintaining large permanent workforces. This arrangement reduces fixed labor costs and provides businesses with greater flexibility to scale operations up or down according to demand fluctuations. For startups and small enterprises with limited capital, the ability to hire specialized contractors for specific projects rather than committing to full-time salaries represents a crucial competitive advantage. This operational agility has been credited with fostering innovation and enabling new business models that might not have been viable under traditional employment structures.
However, these economic benefits must be weighed against significant concerns about economic precarity and social welfare. The shift from permanent employment to gig work transfers substantial risk from employers to workers. Traditional employment relationships included an implicit social contract where employers bore responsibility for worker welfare during economic downturns, providing stability in exchange for loyalty and commitment. The gig economy fundamentally alters this arrangement, creating a workforce that bears individual responsibility for income volatility, lack of benefits, and employment uncertainty.
Research into income patterns reveals troubling disparities. While a minority of highly skilled gig workers—such as specialized consultants, software developers, or creative professionals—can command premium rates and achieve substantial incomes, the majority of gig workers, particularly those in transportation and delivery services, earn modest wages. A comprehensive study conducted across multiple platforms found that after accounting for expenses such as vehicle maintenance, fuel, and platform fees, median hourly earnings for ride-share drivers were frequently below local minimum wages. This earnings inequality within the gig economy mirrors and potentially intensifies broader societal wealth gaps.
The psychological and social dimensions of gig work present additional complexities. Traditional employment provides more than just income; it offers social connection, professional identity, and psychological structure. Many full-time employees develop meaningful relationships with colleagues, derive self-worth from their professional roles, and benefit from the routine and purpose that regular employment provides. Gig work, being largely solitary and transactional, may not fulfill these deeper human needs. Some researchers have documented increased rates of social isolation and professional alienation among long-term gig workers, particularly those lacking strong social networks outside their work.
Furthermore, the gig economy’s growth raises significant questions about the future of social safety nets designed around traditional employment. Most developed nations’ welfare systems—including unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and pension schemes—were built on the assumption of stable, long-term employer-employee relationships. As an increasing proportion of the workforce operates outside these traditional structures, funding and eligibility for such programs become problematic. If current trends continue, societies may need to fundamentally redesign social protection systems to accommodate the realities of gig work, possibly through mechanisms such as portable benefits that follow workers regardless of their employment classification.
The environmental implications represent another dimension worth considering. On one hand, the gig economy has enabled more efficient resource utilization—for example, ride-sharing reduces the number of personal vehicles needed. On the other hand, the proliferation of delivery services has increased urban traffic congestion and carbon emissions, as numerous vehicles traverse cities to deliver individual meals and small packages. The net environmental impact remains subject to ongoing research and varies considerably across different sectors of the gig economy.
Looking forward, the trajectory of the gig economy will likely be shaped by regulatory interventions, technological developments, and evolving social norms. Several jurisdictions have begun experimenting with new legal frameworks that attempt to preserve the flexibility valued by both workers and businesses while ensuring basic protections and benefits. The outcome of these policy experiments will prove instructive for other regions grappling with similar challenges. Meanwhile, emerging technologies such as blockchain-based platforms and decentralized autonomous organizations may offer alternative models that redistribute power and profits more equitably among participants. Whether these innovations can address the fundamental tensions inherent in gig work remains to be seen.
Questions 14-17: 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
- The gig economy has made labor markets more efficient by reducing the time workers spend between jobs.
- All gig workers earn less per hour than they would in traditional employment.
- Traditional employment provides important social and psychological benefits beyond income.
- Blockchain technology will definitely solve the problems of the gig economy.
Questions 18-22: Matching Headings
The passage has nine paragraphs. Choose the correct heading for paragraphs B-F from the list of headings below.
List of Headings:
i. Environmental concerns related to gig work
ii. Economic efficiency gains from algorithmic matching
iii. The future regulatory and technological landscape
iv. Income disparities among different gig workers
v. Benefits for businesses using gig workers
vi. Psychological effects of gig employment
vii. Challenges to existing social welfare systems
viii. Increased worker mobility during economic changes
ix. Arguments from supporters and critics of gig work
Paragraph A – ix (Example answer given)
- Paragraph B
- Paragraph C
- Paragraph D
- Paragraph E
- Paragraph F
Questions 23-26: Summary Completion
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
The gig economy has transformed traditional employment by introducing greater flexibility for both workers and businesses. While it enables better 23. __ of human resources and allows companies to access 24. __ when needed, it also creates 25. __ for workers who must bear individual responsibility for income uncertainty. Research shows significant 26. __ in earnings, with highly skilled professionals earning much more than those in transportation and delivery roles.
PASSAGE 3 – The Gig Economy: Paradigm Shift or Precarious Regression?
Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút
The ascendance of the gig economy represents what some scholars characterize as a fundamental ontological transformation in the nature of work itself, while others interpret it as a retrogression to pre-industrial labor arrangements cloaked in technological novelty. This dichotomy in interpretation reflects deeper ideological divisions about capitalism, labor rights, and social progress. Resolving these competing narratives requires rigorous analysis of historical precedents, empirical evidence, and theoretical frameworks from multiple disciplines including economics, sociology, legal studies, and organizational behavior.
Historical contextualization reveals that the standard employment relationship—characterized by indefinite duration, full-time hours, employer-provided benefits, and regulatory protections—is actually a relatively recent phenomenon, emerging primarily in the post-World War II era in industrialized nations. Prior to this period, more precarious and contingent forms of labor predominated, from agricultural day laborers to piecework manufacturing. The mid-twentieth century saw the consolidation of what labor historians call the “Fordist compromise“—a tacit agreement whereby workers accepted managerial authority and labor discipline in exchange for job security, rising real wages, and comprehensive benefits. This arrangement, which many now consider the normative employment model, actually represented a specific historical configuration facilitated by particular economic conditions, strong labor unions, and supportive regulatory frameworks.
The gig economy’s emergence can thus be understood not merely as technological innovation but as part of a broader neoliberal restructuring of labor markets that began in the 1970s. This restructuring involved deregulation, union suppression, outsourcing, and the ideological elevation of market flexibility over employment stability. From this perspective, digital platforms represent contemporary mechanisms for achieving longstanding employer objectives: externalizing risk, minimizing labor costs, and circumventing regulatory obligations. The algorithmic management systems employed by gig platforms—which determine task allocation, monitor performance, and enforce compliance through rating systems—exercise control comparable to traditional supervisory hierarchies while maintaining the legal fiction of worker independence.
Proponents of the gig economy counter this critical interpretation by emphasizing genuine innovations and benefits. They argue that digital platforms have democratized access to income-generating opportunities, particularly for individuals facing barriers to traditional employment such as discrimination, credentials gaps, or caregiving responsibilities. The ability to work according to one’s own schedule, accepting or rejecting tasks at will, represents a qualitative improvement over rigid employment structures. Furthermore, some gig platforms facilitate entrepreneurial ventures that would have been economically unfeasible under previous technological regimes. A freelance graphic designer, for instance, can now access a global client base and manage all aspects of their business using integrated digital tools, achieving professional autonomy that previous generations could rarely attain.
Empirical research into worker satisfaction yields surprisingly complex and sometimes contradictory findings. Survey data consistently shows that many gig workers value their autonomy and flexibility highly, even when facing income volatility. However, deeper qualitative studies reveal significant variation in experiences based on skill level, platform type, and individual circumstances. High-skilled knowledge workers operating on professional platforms generally report positive experiences, appreciating the ability to curate their client base and command premium compensation. Conversely, workers in commodified labor markets such as ride-sharing or delivery services often describe experiences of algorithmic surveillance, precarity, and limited actual autonomy, as declining piece rates and platform policies constrain their choices. This segmentation within the gig economy challenges simplistic generalizations about whether this employment model is inherently beneficial or exploitative.
The legal and regulatory challenges posed by gig work have proved particularly vexing for policymakers. The binary classification of workers as either employees or independent contractors, established in an industrial-era context, maps poorly onto contemporary gig arrangements. Workers classified as independent contractors lack numerous statutory protections including minimum wage guarantees, overtime pay, anti-discrimination provisions, collective bargaining rights, and social insurance coverage. Yet gig platforms exert substantial control over these ostensible “independent” workers through algorithmic management, unilateral policy changes, and power asymmetries inherent in their platform monopolies.
Various jurisdictions have attempted different regulatory approaches to address these challenges. California’s Assembly Bill 5, which codified an ABC test for employment classification, represented an ambitious attempt to reclassify many gig workers as employees. However, intense corporate lobbying led to Proposition 22, a ballot initiative that created a special exemption for transportation and delivery companies while providing limited benefits. This outcome illustrates the formidable political power that platform companies wield and the difficulties in reforming labor classification through conventional legislative processes.
European jurisdictions have pursued alternative approaches. The European Union’s proposed directive on platform work would establish a rebuttable presumption of employment when platforms exercise certain forms of control, shifting the burden of proof to companies. The United Kingdom’s Employment Tribunal ruled that Uber drivers should be classified as “workers”—an intermediate category between employees and independent contractors—entitling them to certain protections while maintaining some flexibility. These varied regulatory experiments reflect different cultural attitudes toward labor protection, different legal traditions, and different political economic configurations.
Beyond regulatory approaches, some scholars and practitioners advocate for more fundamental restructuring of platform businesses through platform cooperativism—models where workers collectively own and govern the platforms through which they work. Proponents argue that democratic ownership structures could align platform incentives with worker welfare while maintaining technological efficiencies. Several pilot projects have demonstrated the feasibility of cooperative platforms in sectors ranging from home care to professional services. However, platform cooperatives face substantial challenges in achieving scale, securing capital, and competing with well-funded venture-backed competitors. Whether this alternative model can move from niche experiments to significant market presence remains uncertain.
The gig economy’s implications extend beyond employment relations to fundamental questions about social organization and economic distribution. The concentration of value and power in platform companies—which capture substantial economic rents through their intermediary position while bearing minimal risk and responsibility for actual service provision—exemplifies broader trends toward asset-light capitalism and monopolistic platform power. Some economists argue that addressing gig economy challenges requires not merely refining employment classification but fundamentally questioning whether current antitrust frameworks, corporate governance structures, and tax regimes are adequate for an increasingly platformized economy.
As artificial intelligence and automation technologies continue advancing, questions about the gig economy intersect with broader concerns about the future of work itself. Some analysts predict that AI will automate many tasks currently performed by gig workers, from driving to data entry, potentially displacing millions. Others envision AI creating new categories of gig work, such as training algorithms or performing tasks requiring human judgment that remain beyond machine capabilities. How societies choose to address gig economy challenges today—whether prioritizing flexibility or security, corporate autonomy or worker protection—will likely establish precedents that shape responses to future labor market transformations.
Questions 27-30: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, the standard employment relationship with full-time hours and benefits
A. has existed throughout human history
B. emerged mainly after World War II
C. began during the Industrial Revolution
D. started in the early 20th century -
The term “Fordist compromise” refers to
A. a manufacturing technique
B. an agreement about automobile production
C. an exchange of labor discipline for job security
D. a government regulation -
High-skilled knowledge workers in the gig economy generally
A. earn less than traditional employees
B. report negative experiences
C. lack professional autonomy
D. appreciate their ability to choose clients -
The passage suggests that platform cooperativism
A. has already replaced traditional platform companies
B. faces difficulties in competing at scale
C. is impossible to implement
D. has been rejected by workers
Questions 31-35: Matching Features
Match each regulatory approach (A-E) with the correct jurisdiction.
Write the correct letter, A-E.
Regulatory Approaches:
A. Created a special category called “workers” between employees and contractors
B. Established an ABC test for employment classification
C. Proposed establishing a rebuttable presumption of employment
D. Completely banned gig work platforms
E. Created an exemption for transportation companies through a ballot initiative
Jurisdictions:
31. California (initial attempt)
32. California (following corporate lobbying)
33. The European Union
34. The United Kingdom
35. Australia
Questions 36-40: Short-answer Questions
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- What type of management systems do gig platforms use to allocate tasks and monitor performance?
- According to the passage, what barriers to traditional employment do digital platforms help overcome?
- What economic position allows platform companies to capture substantial economic rents?
- What kind of capitalism is exemplified by platform companies bearing minimal risk?
- What technology might automate many tasks currently performed by gig workers in the future?
Answer Keys – Đáp Án
PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13
- B
- B
- C
- D
- C
- FALSE
- TRUE
- TRUE
- NOT GIVEN
- fluctuating income
- health insurance
- sick pay
- classifications
PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26
- YES
- NO
- YES
- NOT GIVEN
- ii
- viii
- v
- iv
- vi
- utilization optimization / allocation
- specialized talent
- economic precarity
- earnings inequality
PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40
- B
- C
- D
- B
- B
- E
- C
- A
- NOT GIVEN (This jurisdiction is not mentioned in the passage)
- algorithmic management (systems)
- discrimination / credentials gaps / caregiving responsibilities (any one or combination)
- intermediary position
- asset-light (capitalism)
- artificial intelligence / AI
Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết
Passage 1 – Giải Thích
Câu 1: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: term “gig” originally referred to
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói rõ “The term ‘gig’ originally comes from the music industry, where musicians would perform individual shows or ‘gigs’ rather than having permanent positions in orchestras.” Đây là paraphrase trực tiếp của “music sector”.
Câu 2: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: percentage of workers in developed countries
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng cuối
- Giải thích: Câu văn chính xác là “approximately 36% of workers in developed countries now participate in some form of gig work”. Đáp án B là 36%.
Câu 3: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Digital platforms, made gig work easier
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 4-6
- Giải thích: “These platforms handle many administrative tasks such as payment processing, customer reviews, and dispute resolution” – đây chính là đáp án C.
Câu 4: D
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: 2022 survey, most gig workers choose
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng cuối
- Giải thích: “79% of gig workers cited flexibility as their primary reason for choosing this type of work arrangement.”
Câu 5: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: economists predict, by 2030
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 8, dòng 2
- Giải thích: “Some economists predict that gig workers could comprise up to half of the workforce in developed nations by 2030.”
Câu 6: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: gig economy, only became possible, smartphones
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “digital platforms” và “smartphone or computer”, không khẳng định rằng chỉ có smartphone mới có thể tạo ra gig economy. Hơn nữa, gig economy đã tồn tại trước khi smartphone phổ biến.
Câu 7: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: 2008 financial crisis, alternative employment
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “The 2008 financial crisis left many workers unemployed or underemployed, prompting them to seek alternative income sources.”
Câu 8: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Most gig workers, independent contractors
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “Most gig workers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees.”
Câu 9: NOT GIVEN
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: All gig workers, earn less than traditional employees
- Vị trí trong bài: Không có thông tin cụ thể
- Giải thích: Bài viết không so sánh thu nhập của TẤT CẢ gig workers với traditional employees.
Câu 10: fluctuating income
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: face, change significantly week to week
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 2
- Giải thích: “gig workers face fluctuating income that can vary dramatically from week to week.”
Câu 11: health insurance
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: do not receive benefits, paid vacation
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: “they typically do not receive traditional employment benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, retirement contributions.”
Câu 12: sick pay
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: lack of, illness, lose income
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng cuối
- Giải thích: “Furthermore, the lack of sick pay means that illness can directly translate to lost income.”
Câu 13: classifications
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: Governments, developing new, balance worker protection, flexibility
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 9, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: “Some regions have introduced new classifications that fall between traditional employee and independent contractor status.”
Nền kinh tế công việc tự do và vai trò của công nghệ số trong việc làm hiện đại IELTS Reading
Passage 2 – Giải Thích
Câu 14: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: labor markets more efficient, reducing time between jobs
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn B, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: Tác giả khẳng định “The algorithmic matching of workers to tasks has reduced frictional unemployment—the time gap between jobs”. Đây là quan điểm của tác giả, không phải chỉ trích dẫn.
Câu 15: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: All gig workers earn less per hour
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn F, dòng 2-4
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “a minority of highly skilled gig workers…can command premium rates and achieve substantial incomes” – điều này mâu thuẫn với “all gig workers earn less”.
Câu 16: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Traditional employment, social and psychological benefits
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn G, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: Tác giả viết “Traditional employment provides more than just income; it offers social connection, professional identity, and psychological structure.” Đây là quan điểm rõ ràng của tác giả.
Câu 17: NOT GIVEN
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Blockchain technology, definitely solve problems
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn J, dòng cuối
- Giải thích: Bài viết chỉ nói “Whether these innovations can address the fundamental tensions inherent in gig work remains to be seen” – tác giả không khẳng định chắc chắn.
Câu 18: ii
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Đoạn B: Nói về “algorithmic matching”, “reduced frictional unemployment”, “optimal allocation”
- Giải thích: Đoạn này tập trung vào lợi ích về hiệu quả kinh tế từ việc kết nối thuật toán.
Câu 19: viii
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Đoạn C: Nói về “labor market liquidity”, “occupational mobility”, “transition between different types of work”
- Giải thích: Chủ đề chính là khả năng di chuyển của người lao động trong thời kỳ kinh tế thay đổi.
Câu 20: v
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Đoạn D: Nói về “impact on business operations”, “access specialized talent”, “operational agility”
- Giải thích: Đoạn này tập trung vào lợi ích cho doanh nghiệp khi sử dụng gig workers.
Câu 21: iv
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Đoạn E: Đưa ra nghiên cứu về “income patterns”, “earnings inequality”, phân biệt giữa highly skilled workers và majority of gig workers
- Giải thích: Chủ đề chính là sự chênh lệch thu nhập giữa các loại gig workers.
Câu 22: vi
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Đoạn F: Nói về “psychological and social dimensions”, “self-worth”, “social isolation”, “professional alienation”
- Giải thích: Đoạn này tập trung vào tác động tâm lý của gig employment.
Câu 23: utilization optimization / allocation
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: better ___ of human resources
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn B, “utilization optimization” hoặc “optimal allocation of human resources”
- Giải thích: Cả hai từ đều đúng theo ngữ cảnh.
Câu 24: specialized talent
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: companies to access ___ when needed
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn D, dòng 2
- Giải thích: “Companies can now access specialized talent on an as-needed basis.”
Câu 25: economic precarity
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: creates ___ for workers
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn E, dòng 1
- Giải thích: “significant concerns about economic precarity and social welfare.”
Câu 26: earnings inequality
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: Research shows significant ___ in earnings
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn F, gần cuối
- Giải thích: “This earnings inequality within the gig economy mirrors and potentially intensifies broader societal wealth gaps.”
Passage 3 – Giải Thích
Câu 27: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: standard employment relationship, full-time hours and benefits
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn B, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “the standard employment relationship…is actually a relatively recent phenomenon, emerging primarily in the post-World War II era.”
Câu 28: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Fordist compromise refers to
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn B, giữa đoạn
- Giải thích: “a tacit agreement whereby workers accepted managerial authority and labor discipline in exchange for job security, rising real wages, and comprehensive benefits.”
Câu 29: D
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: High-skilled knowledge workers, generally
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn E, dòng 4-5
- Giải thích: “High-skilled knowledge workers operating on professional platforms generally report positive experiences, appreciating the ability to curate their client base.”
Câu 30: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: platform cooperativism
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn I, cuối đoạn
- Giải thích: “platform cooperatives face substantial challenges in achieving scale, securing capital, and competing with well-funded venture-backed competitors.”
Câu 31: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Jurisdiction: California (initial attempt)
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn G, dòng 1
- Giải thích: “California’s Assembly Bill 5, which codified an ABC test for employment classification.”
Câu 32: E
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Jurisdiction: California (following corporate lobbying)
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn G, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “Proposition 22, a ballot initiative that created a special exemption for transportation and delivery companies.”
Câu 33: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Jurisdiction: European Union
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn H, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “The European Union’s proposed directive on platform work would establish a rebuttable presumption of employment.”
Câu 34: A
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn H, giữa đoạn
- Giải thích: “The United Kingdom’s Employment Tribunal ruled that Uber drivers should be classified as ‘workers’—an intermediate category.”
Câu 35: NOT GIVEN
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Jurisdiction: Australia
- Vị trí trong bài: Không được đề cập
- Giải thích: Australia không được nhắc đến trong passage này.
Câu 36: algorithmic management (systems)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: management systems, allocate tasks, monitor performance
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn C, giữa đoạn
- Giải thích: “The algorithmic management systems employed by gig platforms—which determine task allocation, monitor performance, and enforce compliance.”
Câu 37: discrimination / credentials gaps / caregiving responsibilities
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: barriers to traditional employment, platforms help overcome
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn D, dòng 2
- Giải thích: “particularly for individuals facing barriers to traditional employment such as discrimination, credentials gaps, or caregiving responsibilities.” (Chọn một trong ba đều được)
Câu 38: intermediary position
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: economic position, capture economic rents
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn J, dòng 2
- Giải thích: “platform companies—which capture substantial economic rents through their intermediary position.”
Câu 39: asset-light (capitalism)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: capitalism, bearing minimal risk
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn J, dòng 3
- Giải thích: “exemplifies broader trends toward asset-light capitalism.”
Câu 40: artificial intelligence / AI
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: technology, automate tasks, gig workers
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn K, dòng 2
- Giải thích: “Some analysts predict that AI will automate many tasks currently performed by gig workers.”
Từ Vựng Quan Trọng Theo Passage
Passage 1 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| gig economy | n | /ɡɪɡ ɪˈkɒnəmi/ | nền kinh tế công việc tự do | The concept of the gig economy has transformed traditional employment | join/enter the gig economy |
| short-term contracts | n | /ʃɔːt tɜːm ˈkɒntrækt/ | hợp đồng ngắn hạn | consists of short-term contracts or freelance work | sign short-term contracts |
| freelance work | n | /ˈfriːlɑːns wɜːk/ | công việc tự do | short-term contracts or freelance work | do freelance work |
| explosive growth | n | /ɪkˈspləʊsɪv ɡrəʊθ/ | tăng trưởng bùng nổ | Several factors have contributed to the explosive growth | experience explosive growth |
| digital platforms | n | /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈplætfɔːmz/ | nền tảng số | digital platforms have made it remarkably easy | operate on digital platforms |
| user-friendly interfaces | n | /ˈjuːzə ˈfrendli ˈɪntəfeɪsɪz/ | giao diện thân thiện | have created user-friendly interfaces | design user-friendly interfaces |
| autonomy | n | /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ | quyền tự chủ | This autonomy represents a significant departure | enjoy/have autonomy |
| independent contractors | n | /ˌɪndɪˈpendənt ˈkɒntræktəz/ | nhà thầu độc lập | classified as independent contractors | work as independent contractors |
| minimum wage | n | /ˈmɪnɪməm weɪdʒ/ | lương tối thiểu | not required to pay minimum wage | earn minimum wage |
| fluctuating income | n | /ˈflʌktʃueɪtɪŋ ˈɪnkʌm/ | thu nhập không ổn định | gig workers face fluctuating income | cope with fluctuating income |
| income stability | n | /ˈɪnkʌm stəˈbɪləti/ | sự ổn định thu nhập | The issue of income stability is another major challenge | lack income stability |
| worker exploitation | n | /ˈwɜːkə ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃn/ | bóc lột người lao động | leading to concerns about worker exploitation | prevent worker exploitation |
Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| macroeconomic effects | n | /ˌmækrəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɪˈfekts/ | tác động kinh tế vĩ mô | regarding its broader macroeconomic effects | study macroeconomic effects |
| societal ramifications | n | /səˈsaɪətl ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃnz/ | hệ quả xã hội | macroeconomic effects and societal ramifications | consider societal ramifications |
| entrepreneurial spirit | n | /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːriəl ˈspɪrɪt/ | tinh thần khởi nghiệp | fosters entrepreneurial spirit | demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit |
| algorithmic matching | n | /ˌælɡəˈrɪðmɪk ˈmætʃɪŋ/ | kết nối bằng thuật toán | The algorithmic matching of workers to tasks | use algorithmic matching |
| frictional unemployment | n | /ˈfrɪkʃənl ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/ | thất nghiệp ma sát | has reduced frictional unemployment | reduce frictional unemployment |
| utilization optimization | n | /ˌjuːtɪlaɪˈzeɪʃn ˌɒptɪmaɪˈzeɪʃn/ | tối ưu hóa việc sử dụng | This utilization optimization theoretically enhances | achieve utilization optimization |
| labor market liquidity | n | /ˈleɪbə ˈmɑːkɪt lɪˈkwɪdəti/ | tính thanh khoản thị trường lao động | facilitated what economists term labor market liquidity | improve labor market liquidity |
| occupational mobility | n | /ˌɒkjuˈpeɪʃənl məʊˈbɪləti/ | khả năng di chuyển nghề nghiệp | This occupational mobility can be particularly beneficial | enhance occupational mobility |
| specialized talent | n | /ˈspeʃəlaɪzd ˈtælənt/ | nhân tài chuyên môn | can now access specialized talent | attract specialized talent |
| operational agility | n | /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənl əˈdʒɪləti/ | sự linh hoạt hoạt động | This operational agility has been credited | maintain operational agility |
| economic precarity | n | /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk prɪˈkeərəti/ | tính bấp bênh về kinh tế | significant concerns about economic precarity | experience economic precarity |
| premium rates | n | /ˈpriːmiəm reɪts/ | mức giá cao | can command premium rates | charge premium rates |
| earnings inequality | n | /ˈɜːnɪŋz ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/ | bất bình đẳng thu nhập | This earnings inequality within the gig economy | address earnings inequality |
| social isolation | n | /ˈsəʊʃl ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃn/ | sự cô lập xã hội | increased rates of social isolation | suffer from social isolation |
| professional alienation | n | /prəˈfeʃənl ˌeɪliəˈneɪʃn/ | sự xa lánh nghề nghiệp | social isolation and professional alienation | feel professional alienation |
| portable benefits | n | /ˈpɔːtəbl ˈbenɪfɪts/ | quyền lợi di chuyển được | through mechanisms such as portable benefits | provide portable benefits |
Thách thức và lợi ích của nền kinh tế gig trong IELTS Reading practice test
Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ontological transformation | n | /ˌɒntəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˌtrænsfəˈmeɪʃn/ | sự chuyển đổi bản thể | a fundamental ontological transformation | undergo ontological transformation |
| retrogression | n | /ˌretrəˈɡreʃn/ | sự thoái bộ | interpret it as a retrogression | represent a retrogression |
| precarious | adj | /prɪˈkeəriəs/ | bấp bênh, không ổn định | more precarious and contingent forms of labor | live in precarious conditions |
| contingent | adj | /kənˈtɪndʒənt/ | có điều kiện, tùy thuộc | precarious and contingent forms of labor | contingent employment |
| piecework | n | /ˈpiːswɜːk/ | công việc tính theo sản phẩm | from agricultural day laborers to piecework manufacturing | do piecework |
| Fordist compromise | n | /ˈfɔːdɪst ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/ | thỏa hiệp Fordist | what labor historians call the Fordist compromise | reach a Fordist compromise |
| neoliberal restructuring | n | /ˌniːəʊˈlɪbərəl ˌriːˈstrʌktʃərɪŋ/ | tái cấu trúc tự do mới | part of a broader neoliberal restructuring | implement neoliberal restructuring |
| externalizing risk | v phrase | /ɪkˈstɜːnəlaɪzɪŋ rɪsk/ | chuyển giao rủi ro ra ngoài | mechanisms for achieving longstanding employer objectives: externalizing risk | focus on externalizing risk |
| circumventing regulatory obligations | v phrase | /ˌsɜːkəmˈventɪŋ ˌreɡjuˈleɪtəri ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃnz/ | lách luật | externalizing risk, minimizing labor costs, and circumventing regulatory obligations | accused of circumventing regulatory obligations |
| democratized access | v phrase | /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪzd ˈækses/ | dân chủ hóa quyền tiếp cận | platforms have democratized access to income-generating opportunities | successfully democratized access |
| commodified | adj | /kəˈmɒdɪfaɪd/ | được hàng hóa hóa | workers in commodified labor markets | commodified services |
| algorithmic surveillance | n | /ˌælɡəˈrɪðmɪk səˈveɪləns/ | giám sát bằng thuật toán | experiences of algorithmic surveillance | subject to algorithmic surveillance |
| segmentation | n | /ˌseɡmenˈteɪʃn/ | sự phân khúc | This segmentation within the gig economy | market segmentation |
| ABC test | n | /ˌeɪ biː ˈsiː test/ | bài kiểm tra ABC | which codified an ABC test for employment classification | apply the ABC test |
| rebuttable presumption | n | /rɪˈbʌtəbl prɪˈzʌmpʃn/ | giả định có thể bác bỏ | establish a rebuttable presumption of employment | create a rebuttable presumption |
| platform cooperativism | n | /ˈplætfɔːm kəʊˌɒpərətɪvɪzəm/ | chủ nghĩa hợp tác xã nền tảng | advocate for more fundamental restructuring through platform cooperativism | promote platform cooperativism |
| intermediary position | n | /ˌɪntəˈmiːdiəri pəˈzɪʃn/ | vị trí trung gian | capture substantial economic rents through their intermediary position | occupy an intermediary position |
| asset-light capitalism | n | /ˈæset laɪt ˈkæpɪtəlɪzəm/ | chủ nghĩa tư bản ít tài sản | broader trends toward asset-light capitalism | transition to asset-light capitalism |
| monopolistic platform power | n | /məˌnɒpəˈlɪstɪk ˈplætfɔːm ˈpaʊə/ | quyền lực nền tảng độc quyền | asset-light capitalism and monopolistic platform power | challenge monopolistic platform power |
| antitrust frameworks | n | /ˌæntiˈtrʌst ˈfreɪmwɜːks/ | khung chống độc quyền | whether current antitrust frameworks are adequate | strengthen antitrust frameworks |
| platformized | adj | /ˈplætfɔːmaɪzd/ | được nền tảng hóa | for an increasingly platformized economy | operate in a platformized economy |
Kết bài
Chủ đề về vai trò của nền kinh tế công việc tự do trong việc làm hiện đại là một trong những nội dung quan trọng và thường xuyên xuất hiện trong IELTS Reading. Sự phát triển của gig economy không chỉ phản ánh xu hướng toàn cầu về cách thức làm việc mà còn liên quan đến nhiều khía cạnh xã hội, kinh tế và công nghệ – những yếu tố mà Cambridge IELTS và các tổ chức ra đề thường ưu tiên.
Bộ đề thi mẫu này đã cung cấp cho bạn ba passages với độ khó tăng dần, từ Easy (Band 5.0-6.5) đến Hard (Band 7.0-9.0), bao gồm đầy đủ 40 câu hỏi với các dạng bài đa dạng giống như thi thật. Passage 1 giúp bạn làm quen với khái niệm cơ bản và các thông tin dễ xác định. Passage 2 yêu cầu khả năng hiểu sâu hơn về các tác động kinh tế và xã hội. Passage 3 thách thức bạn với nội dung học thuật phức tạp, yêu cầu kỹ năng phân tích và suy luận cao.
Phần đáp án chi tiết đã giải thích cụ thể cách xác định thông tin, các từ khóa paraphrase, và vị trí chính xác của câu trả lời trong bài. Hãy tận dụng những giải thích này để rèn luyện kỹ thuật skimming, scanning và xác định từ khóa – những kỹ năng thiết yếu để đạt band điểm cao.
Bộ từ vựng được phân loại theo từng passage sẽ giúp bạn mở rộng vốn từ học thuật và hiểu cách sử dụng chúng trong ngữ cảnh thực tế. Hãy chú ý đến các collocations và cách paraphrase, vì đây là những yếu tố quan trọng trong IELTS Reading.
Để tìm hiểu sâu hơn về các chủ đề liên quan đến kinh tế và công nghệ, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm các bài viết về What are the effects of automation on job markets? hoặc How automation is changing job market dynamics để hiểu rõ hơn về những chuyển đổi trong thị trường lao động hiện đại.
Chúc bạn luyện tập hiệu quả và đạt được band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới!
