Chủ đề về tác động xã hội của dân số già hóa là một trong những đề tài được xuất hiện thường xuyên trong IELTS Reading, đặc biệt trong các bài thi gần đây. Đây là vấn đề toàn cầu đang ngày càng trở nên cấp bách khi nhiều quốc gia phát triển và đang phát triển đối mặt với sự thay đổi cơ cấu dân số. Hiểu rõ về chủ đề này không chỉ giúp bạn sẵn sàng cho kỳ thi IELTS mà còn cung cấp kiến thức thực tế về một hiện tượng quan trọng của xã hội hiện đại.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ được:
- Luyện tập với đề thi đầy đủ 3 passages từ mức độ Easy đến Hard, hoàn toàn giống cấu trúc thi thật
- Làm quen với 40 câu hỏi đa dạng theo format IELTS chính thức
- Nhận được đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích cụ thể về vị trí thông tin và cách paraphrase
- Học từ vựng chuyên ngành và các kỹ thuật làm bài hiệu quả
Bộ đề này phù hợp cho học viên từ band 5.0 trở lên, với độ khó tăng dần giúp bạn rèn luyện toàn diện kỹ năng đọc hiểu. Hãy dành 60 phút hoàn chỉnh để có trải nghiệm gần nhất với kỳ thi thực tế.
Hướng Dẫn Làm Bài IELTS Reading
Tổng Quan Về IELTS Reading Test
IELTS Reading Test bao gồm 3 passages với độ dài và độ khó tăng dần. Bạn có 60 phút để hoàn thành 40 câu hỏi, không có thời gian chuyển đáp án riêng. Điều này đòi hỏi kỹ năng quản lý thời gian chặt chẽ.
Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:
- Passage 1 (Easy): 15-17 phút
- Passage 2 (Medium): 18-20 phút
- Passage 3 (Hard): 23-25 phút
- Kiểm tra đáp án: 2-3 phút
Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này
Đề thi mẫu này bao gồm 7 dạng câu hỏi phổ biến nhất:
- Multiple Choice – Lựa 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 – Ghép thông tin với đoạn văn tương ứng
- Sentence Completion – Hoàn thành câu với từ trong bài
- Matching Headings – Ghép tiêu đề với các đoạn văn
- Summary Completion – Điền từ vào đoạn tóm tắt
- Short-answer Questions – Trả lời câu hỏi ngắn
IELTS Reading Practice Test
PASSAGE 1 – The Silver Generation: Understanding Population Aging
Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút
The world is experiencing an unprecedented demographic shift as populations in both developed and developing nations grow older. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as population aging, occurs when the median age of a country or region rises due to declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy. Today, there are more people aged 65 and over than children under five years old globally, marking a historic turning point in human civilization.
Population aging is most pronounced in developed countries. Japan leads the world with approximately 28% of its population aged 65 or older, followed closely by Italy and Germany. However, developing nations are experiencing the most rapid rates of aging. Countries such as Thailand, China, and Brazil are aging at unprecedented speeds, often without the economic resources and infrastructure that developed nations built over many decades. This creates unique challenges for these societies as they attempt to adapt to their changing demographic profiles.
Several factors contribute to this global trend. Medical advances have dramatically increased human longevity, with average life expectancy rising from around 47 years in 1950 to over 73 years today. Improved healthcare, better nutrition, and enhanced living conditions mean that people are living longer, healthier lives. Simultaneously, fertility rates have plummeted across the globe. In many countries, the average number of children per woman has fallen below the replacement rate of 2.1, meaning populations are not naturally replenishing themselves.
The implications of an aging population are far-reaching and affect virtually every aspect of society. Economically, there are concerns about supporting larger numbers of retired people with smaller working-age populations. The dependency ratio – the number of people not in the workforce compared to those who are – is increasing in many countries. This puts pressure on pension systems and social security programs that were designed when demographic structures were very different. Many governments are now considering raising retirement ages or reforming their pension systems to ensure sustainability.
Healthcare systems face perhaps the most immediate challenges. Older populations require more medical care and long-term support services. Age-related conditions such as dementia, heart disease, and mobility problems become more prevalent, demanding specialized care and resources. Hospitals and healthcare facilities must adapt to serve patients with more complex, chronic conditions. The demand for geriatric specialists, nurses, and care workers is growing rapidly, yet many countries face significant shortages in these professions.
The labor market is also being transformed by aging populations. As experienced workers retire, companies face knowledge transfer challenges and potential skill shortages. Some industries are particularly vulnerable to these changes, especially those requiring specialized expertise that takes years to develop. On the other hand, many older workers wish to remain employed beyond traditional retirement ages, leading to discussions about age discrimination, workplace flexibility, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Family structures and social dynamics are evolving in response to demographic changes. Traditional multi-generational households, once common in many cultures, are being replaced by nuclear families or individuals living alone. This shift means that adult children, who historically provided care for aging parents, may live far away or face their own work and family pressures. The rise of the sandwich generation – adults caring simultaneously for their children and aging parents – creates new stress points in modern society.
However, population aging also presents opportunities. Older adults represent a significant consumer market with distinct needs and preferences, driving innovation in products and services. The silver economy, encompassing goods and services tailored to older consumers, is becoming a major economic sector. Furthermore, many seniors contribute valuable volunteer work, mentorship, and community leadership. Their experience and wisdom remain important social assets that can benefit younger generations when properly leveraged.
Biểu đồ minh họa xu hướng già hóa dân số toàn cầu và các tác động xã hội chính
Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
-
According to the passage, population aging occurs primarily because of:
A. wars and natural disasters
B. lower birth rates and longer lifespans
C. migration patterns
D. government policies -
Which statement about developing countries is true?
A. They are not experiencing population aging
B. They have more resources to handle aging than developed countries
C. They are aging faster than developed countries did historically
D. They have older populations than Japan -
The dependency ratio refers to:
A. the percentage of elderly people in hospitals
B. the comparison between working and non-working populations
C. the number of children per family
D. retirement age requirements -
The “sandwich generation” describes adults who:
A. work in the food industry
B. live between two major cities
C. care for both children and elderly parents
D. are between two age groups -
The passage suggests that population aging:
A. only creates problems for society
B. mainly affects healthcare systems
C. has both challenges and opportunities
D. will reverse in the near future
Questions 6-10: True/False/Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information 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
- Japan has the highest percentage of elderly citizens in the world.
- Average global life expectancy has increased by more than 25 years since 1950.
- All countries have fertility rates below the replacement level.
- Many governments are considering changes to retirement ages.
- Older workers are less productive than younger employees.
Questions 11-13: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- Countries are experiencing population aging at different speeds, creating unique __ for each society.
- The increasing need for healthcare professionals includes demand for __, nurses, and care workers.
- Older adults can provide __ and mentorship that benefits younger people.
PASSAGE 2 – Economic and Labor Market Transformations
Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút
The macroeconomic ramifications of population aging extend far beyond simple concerns about pension sustainability, fundamentally reshaping labor markets, consumption patterns, and economic growth trajectories. As the demographic dividend that powered economic expansion in many countries throughout the late 20th century reverses, policymakers and economists grapple with unprecedented challenges that demand innovative solutions and paradigm shifts in economic thinking.
Labor force participation rates among older age groups have become critical variables in determining economic outcomes. Contrary to assumptions that aging populations necessarily lead to economic decline, research demonstrates that countries successfully mobilizing older workers can mitigate adverse effects. Nordic countries exemplify this approach, implementing policies that encourage extended working lives through flexible retirement options, workplace adaptations, and incentives for continued employment. Sweden, for instance, has achieved labor force participation rates exceeding 70% among workers aged 55-64, substantially higher than the OECD average. This is accomplished through comprehensive active aging strategies that combine financial incentives, ergonomic workplace improvements, and robust anti-discrimination legislation.
The concept of productive aging has gained traction among policymakers and researchers, challenging traditional notions of retirement as a complete withdrawal from economic activity. Many older individuals seek portfolio careers – combinations of part-time work, consulting, volunteering, and leisure – rather than abrupt retirement. This trend toward phased retirement offers benefits for both individuals and society. Workers can maintain social connections, cognitive stimulation, and supplemental income, while employers retain experienced personnel and facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer. Japan’s silver human resources centers provide a model, connecting older workers with short-term employment opportunities in their communities, thereby addressing both financial needs and social isolation.
However, age-related employment barriers persist in many sectors. Implicit bias and stereotyping often disadvantage older job seekers, who face assumptions about their technological adaptability, learning capacity, and productivity. Research consistently debunks these stereotypes, showing that older workers demonstrate comparable or superior performance in many dimensions, including reliability, problem-solving capabilities, and interpersonal skills. Nevertheless, age discrimination in hiring remains pervasive, with studies using matched résumés revealing significant bias against older applicants even when qualifications are identical.
The skills obsolescence challenge represents a legitimate concern requiring proactive intervention. Rapid technological change means that skills acquired earlier in careers may become outdated, particularly in sectors experiencing digital transformation. Lifelong learning initiatives and reskilling programs tailored to older workers are essential but remain underdeveloped in many countries. Germany’s approach to vocational training includes substantial investment in continuing education for workers of all ages, recognizing that human capital development must be ongoing rather than front-loaded early in careers. Such initiatives not only enhance employability but also contribute to cognitive health and overall well-being among older adults.
Pension system reforms have become imperative as the ratio of workers to retirees declines. Traditional pay-as-you-go systems, where current workers fund current retirees, face actuarial challenges when demographic ratios shift unfavorably. Countries have adopted various reform strategies, including raising retirement ages, adjusting benefit calculations, and encouraging private retirement savings. Chile’s privatized pension system, established in 1981, shifted from collective risk-sharing to individual accounts, though outcomes have proven mixed, with many retirees receiving inadequate benefits. This highlights the complexity of pension reform and the importance of regulatory safeguards and redistribution mechanisms to protect vulnerable populations.
The consumption patterns of aging societies differ markedly from younger populations, with implications for economic structure and growth potential. While older consumers spend proportionally more on healthcare services, leisure travel, and housing maintenance, they typically consume less overall than younger households with children. This shift affects aggregate demand and has deflationary tendencies in some economies, particularly Japan, where demographic aging has coincided with prolonged periods of low inflation and economic stagnation. The age structure of consumption also influences sectoral employment, with growing demand in healthcare, personal services, and leisure industries, while sectors oriented toward younger consumers may contract.
Innovation and entrepreneurship patterns also reflect demographic changes. While popular perception associates innovation with youth, research reveals more nuanced relationships between age and entrepreneurial success. Older entrepreneurs often leverage accumulated expertise, professional networks, and financial capital to create successful ventures, particularly in sectors requiring deep domain knowledge. The average age of successful startup founders in the United States is approximately 45, challenging the youth-centric narrative prevalent in technology sectors. Policies supporting senior entrepreneurship can harness this potential, contributing to economic dynamism in aging societies.
International labor mobility offers partial solutions to demographic imbalances, with migration potentially alleviating labor shortages in aging countries while providing opportunities for workers from younger populations. However, migration policies remain politically contentious, and integration challenges can undermine potential benefits. Furthermore, selective migration of younger, skilled workers can exacerbate demographic challenges in origin countries, creating complex ethical and practical considerations for international policy coordination.
Chuyển đổi thị trường lao động và kinh tế trong bối cảnh già hóa dân số
Questions 14-18: 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
- Population aging inevitably leads to economic decline.
- Nordic countries have successfully implemented policies to keep older workers employed.
- Older workers are generally less technologically skilled than younger workers.
- Germany’s vocational training system includes education for older workers.
- Migration can completely solve labor shortage problems in aging countries.
Questions 19-23: Matching Information
Match the following statements with the correct country (A-E). You may use any letter more than once.
A. Japan
B. Sweden
C. Chile
D. Germany
E. United States
- Has achieved high employment rates among workers aged 55-64.
- Established a privatized pension system in the early 1980s.
- Operates centers that connect older workers with community employment.
- Invests significantly in continuing education for workers of all ages.
- Has an average successful startup founder age of around 45.
Questions 24-26: Summary Completion
Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Many older individuals now prefer (24) __ rather than sudden retirement, combining various activities including part-time work and volunteering. This approach, known as (25) __, benefits both workers and employers by maintaining social connections and enabling (26) __ between generations.
PASSAGE 3 – Social Cohesion, Healthcare Innovation, and Policy Responses
Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút
The multifaceted repercussions of demographic aging transcend economic considerations, profoundly affecting social cohesion, intergenerational relationships, and the fundamental social contract that underpins contemporary welfare states. As societies navigate this demographic transition, questions emerge regarding resource allocation, the sustainability of solidarity mechanisms, and the potential for generational conflict over competing interests. Simultaneously, technological innovations and evolving care models offer promising pathways for addressing the challenges while enhancing quality of life for older populations, though their implementation raises complex ethical and practical considerations.
Intergenerational equity has emerged as a critical concern in aging societies, with debates centering on the distribution of resources and obligations across age cohorts. Some analysts warn of potential generational warfare, arguing that disproportionate public expenditure on older populations through pensions and healthcare creates fiscal imbalances that disadvantage younger cohorts through higher taxation, reduced public investment in education and infrastructure, and mounting public debt. This zero-sum framing, however, has been challenged by researchers who emphasize the interdependence of generational welfare. Strong social protection for the elderly can reduce the financial and caregiving burden on working-age children, enabling them to participate more fully in the labor market and invest in their own children’s development. Moreover, older citizens contribute substantially through unpaid care work, particularly childcare for grandchildren, which facilitates parental employment and generates significant economic value that conventional metrics fail to capture.
The epidemiological transition accompanying population aging, characterized by the predominance of chronic non-communicable diseases over acute infectious conditions, necessitates fundamental healthcare system reorientation. Traditional models organized around episodic acute care prove inadequate for populations living with multiple chronic conditions requiring ongoing management and coordinated care delivery. Integrated care approaches that bridge primary, secondary, and social care services have demonstrated effectiveness in improving outcomes while potentially constraining costs. The Kaiser Permanente model in the United States, with its emphasis on preventive care, care coordination, and population health management, has achieved superior outcomes with lower hospital utilization rates compared to traditional fee-for-service systems. Similarly, the Buurtzorg model pioneered in the Netherlands revolutionized home care delivery by empowering small, self-managing nursing teams to provide holistic care tailored to individual needs, resulting in higher patient and staff satisfaction alongside reduced costs.
Technological innovations hold considerable promise for addressing age-related challenges, though their adoption raises important questions regarding accessibility, digital literacy, and ethical implications. Assistive technologies ranging from simple mobility aids to sophisticated smart home systems can significantly extend functional independence and enable aging in place, which most older adults prefer and which may prove more cost-effective than institutional care. Telehealth and remote monitoring technologies facilitate ongoing health management and early intervention, potentially preventing acute episodes requiring hospitalization. Japan has invested heavily in robotics research aimed at addressing its severe care worker shortage, developing assistive robots for tasks ranging from patient lifting to social companionship. However, concerns persist regarding the psychosocial implications of substituting human contact with technological interfaces, particularly given the importance of social interaction for mental health and cognitive function.
The provision of long-term care represents perhaps the most intractable challenge facing aging societies, involving complex interactions among family obligations, market provision, and state responsibility. Traditional reliance on informal caregiving, predominantly by female family members, becomes untenable as women’s labor force participation increases, family sizes shrink, and geographic mobility separates family members. Yet formal care services remain expensive, often inaccessible, and of variable quality. Different countries have developed distinct approaches to this challenge, reflecting varying cultural values and political priorities. Germany introduced mandatory long-term care insurance in 1995, creating a universal entitlement to care services funded through earmarked payroll contributions. This social insurance model contrasts with the means-tested, residual approach prevalent in countries like the United Kingdom, where public support is reserved for those with limited means, encouraging private provision for others. Nordic countries’ comprehensive public care systems, characterized by generous service availability and professional care workforces, reflect social democratic commitments to universal welfare provision, though even these systems face sustainability pressures from demographic change.
Ageism and age discrimination constitute pervasive yet often overlooked dimensions of social impacts, affecting not only employment prospects but also healthcare delivery, social inclusion, and self-perception among older adults. Negative stereotyping of aging as inevitable decline, dependency, and irrelevance becomes internalized by older individuals, potentially becoming self-fulfilling prophecies that undermine health and functioning. Research in stereotype threat demonstrates that exposure to negative age stereotypes impairs cognitive and physical performance among older adults, while positive aging narratives enhance outcomes. Age-friendly cities initiatives, promoted by the World Health Organization, aim to create built environments and social contexts that enable active aging and full participation regardless of age, addressing barriers in transportation, housing, public spaces, and social inclusion.
The question of assisted dying and end-of-life care has gained prominence as populations age and medical technologies extend life, sometimes beyond points that individuals consider meaningful. Countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, and several U.S. states have legalized physician-assisted dying under specific circumstances, reflecting evolving views regarding personal autonomy and death with dignity. These policy developments remain deeply contentious, involving fundamental questions about the value of life, the bounds of individual choice, and potential risks of coercion or devaluation of older and disabled lives. Simultaneously, the palliative care movement emphasizes quality of life and symptom management for individuals with serious illnesses, offering an alternative paradigm that neither hastens nor artificially prolongs death but focuses on comfort and dignity.
Intergenerational solidarity programs offer promising approaches to strengthening social cohesion and mutual understanding across age groups. Co-housing initiatives that deliberately integrate different generations, mentoring programs connecting older and younger people, and intergenerational volunteering projects create opportunities for relationship-building and reciprocal exchange. Evidence suggests such programs reduce ageism, combat social isolation, and generate psychosocial benefits for participants across age groups. As demographic aging progresses, cultivating intergenerational understanding and cooperative frameworks becomes increasingly essential for maintaining social cohesion and developing policy responses that serve collective rather than competing interests.
Hệ thống chăm sóc sức khỏe và chính sách xã hội cho người cao tuổi
Questions 27-31: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
-
The passage suggests that concerns about generational conflict are:
A. completely justified by economic data
B. overly simplistic as generations are interdependent
C. primarily caused by younger generations
D. irrelevant to policy discussions -
The Kaiser Permanente model is characterized by:
A. high hospitalization rates
B. fee-for-service payments
C. focus on preventive care and coordination
D. exclusive treatment of acute conditions -
According to the passage, Japan’s investment in robotics research is primarily motivated by:
A. desire to lead in technology
B. shortage of care workers
C. preference for robots over humans
D. lower costs of robotic care -
The passage indicates that Germany’s long-term care system:
A. only helps wealthy citizens
B. is funded through mandatory insurance contributions
C. relies entirely on family caregiving
D. has been recently eliminated -
Research on stereotype threat shows that:
A. older adults are naturally less capable
B. negative age stereotypes can impair older adults’ performance
C. stereotypes have no real effects
D. only young people experience stereotype threat
Questions 32-36: Matching Features
Match the following care models or programs with their characteristics (A-H). You may use any letter more than once.
Care Models/Programs:
32. Buurtzorg model
33. Age-friendly cities
34. Intergenerational solidarity programs
35. Assisted dying policies
36. Palliative care movement
Characteristics:
A. Creates opportunities for different age groups to interact
B. Focuses on comfort rather than extending or ending life
C. Allows physician-assisted death under certain conditions
D. Uses small self-managing nursing teams
E. Modifies built environments to support older adults
F. Emphasizes acute episodic treatment
G. Relies primarily on family caregiving
H. Prioritizes cost reduction over quality
Questions 37-40: Short-answer Questions
Answer the questions below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- What type of work do older citizens often provide that helps younger family members work?
- What aspect of many older adults’ abilities does research consistently show is comparable to younger workers?
- What kind of literacy is mentioned as a concern for technology adoption among older adults?
- What does the passage say negative stereotyping can become for older individuals?
Answer Keys – Đáp Án
PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13
- B
- C
- B
- C
- C
- TRUE
- TRUE
- FALSE
- TRUE
- NOT GIVEN
- challenges
- geriatric specialists
- volunteer work / valuable volunteer work
PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26
- NO
- YES
- NO
- YES
- NOT GIVEN
- B
- C
- A
- D
- E
- portfolio careers
- phased retirement
- knowledge transfer / intergenerational knowledge transfer
PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40
- B
- C
- B
- B
- B
- D
- E
- A
- C
- B
- unpaid care work / childcare
- problem-solving capabilities / interpersonal skills
- digital literacy
- self-fulfilling prophecies
Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết
Passage 1 – Giải Thích
Câu 1: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: population aging, primarily, because of
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 2-4
- Giải thích: Bài đọc nói rõ “This phenomenon… occurs when the median age… rises due to declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy.” Đây chính là paraphrase của “lower birth rates and longer lifespans” trong đáp án B.
Câu 2: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: developing countries, true
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 4-7
- Giải thích: Câu “Countries such as Thailand, China, and Brazil are aging at unprecedented speeds, often without the economic resources and infrastructure that developed nations built over many decades” khẳng định rằng các nước đang phát triển đang già hóa nhanh hơn so với tốc độ lịch sử của các nước phát triển.
Câu 3: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: dependency ratio, refers to
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: Định nghĩa rõ ràng: “The dependency ratio – the number of people not in the workforce compared to those who are” tương ứng với “comparison between working and non-working populations.”
Câu 6: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Japan, highest percentage, elderly citizens
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: Câu “Japan leads the world with approximately 28% of its population aged 65 or older” xác nhận thông tin này là đúng.
Câu 7: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: average global life expectancy, increased, 25 years, since 1950
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: Bài viết cho biết “average life expectancy rising from around 47 years in 1950 to over 73 years today”, tức là tăng hơn 26 năm, vượt quá con số 25 năm được đề cập trong câu hỏi.
Câu 8: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: all countries, fertility rates, below replacement level
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 5-6
- Giải thích: Bài đọc chỉ nói “In many countries” chứ không phải “all countries”, do đó thông tin này sai.
Câu 11: challenges
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: countries, different speeds, unique
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 7-8
- Giải thích: Câu “This creates unique challenges for these societies” cung cấp từ cần điền.
Câu 12: geriatric specialists
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: demand, healthcare professionals, nurses, care workers
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 5-6
- Giải thích: Câu văn liệt kê “The demand for geriatric specialists, nurses, and care workers” cung cấp đáp án.
Passage 2 – Giải Thích
Câu 14: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: population aging, inevitably, economic decline
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: Tác giả viết “Contrary to assumptions that aging populations necessarily lead to economic decline, research demonstrates that countries successfully mobilizing older workers can mitigate adverse effects.” Điều này rõ ràng phủ nhận quan điểm trong câu hỏi.
Câu 15: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Nordic countries, successfully implemented policies, older workers employed
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: “Nordic countries exemplify this approach, implementing policies that encourage extended working lives” và ví dụ về Sweden với tỷ lệ tham gia lao động cao khẳng định điều này.
Câu 16: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: older workers, less technologically skilled
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: Tác giả viết “Research consistently debunks these stereotypes” về các giả định tiêu cực về người lao động lớn tuổi, bao gồm cả khả năng công nghệ.
Câu 19: B (Sweden)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Information
- Từ khóa: high employment rates, 55-64
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 5-7
- Giải thích: “Sweden… has achieved labor force participation rates exceeding 70% among workers aged 55-64.”
Câu 20: C (Chile)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Information
- Từ khóa: privatized pension system, early 1980s
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: “Chile’s privatized pension system, established in 1981.”
Câu 24: portfolio careers
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: older individuals, prefer, rather than sudden retirement
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “Many older individuals seek portfolio careers – combinations of part-time work, consulting, volunteering, and leisure – rather than abrupt retirement.”
Passage 3 – Giải Thích
Câu 27: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: generational conflict
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 4-7
- Giải thích: Tác giả chỉ ra “This zero-sum framing, however, has been challenged by researchers who emphasize the interdependence of generational welfare,” cho thấy quan điểm xung đột thế hệ quá đơn giản hóa.
Câu 28: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Kaiser Permanente model, characterized by
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 6-8
- Giải thích: Mô hình này được mô tả với “emphasis on preventive care, care coordination, and population health management.”
Câu 29: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Japan, robotics research, motivated by
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 6-7
- Giải thích: “Japan has invested heavily in robotics research aimed at addressing its severe care worker shortage.”
Câu 32: D (Buurtzorg model)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Từ khóa: small self-managing nursing teams
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 9-10
- Giải thích: “the Buurtzorg model… revolutionized home care delivery by empowering small, self-managing nursing teams.”
Câu 37: unpaid care work / childcare
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: older citizens, provide, helps younger family members work
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 7-8
- Giải thích: “Moreover, older citizens contribute substantially through unpaid care work, particularly childcare for grandchildren, which facilitates parental employment.”
Câu 39: digital literacy
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: literacy, concern, technology adoption
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “Technological innovations… raise important questions regarding accessibility, digital literacy, and ethical implications.”
Câu 40: self-fulfilling prophecies
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: negative stereotyping, become
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: “Negative stereotyping… becomes internalized by older individuals, potentially becoming self-fulfilling prophecies.”
Từ Vựng Quan Trọng Theo Passage
Passage 1 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| unprecedented | adj | /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ | chưa từng có | unprecedented demographic shift | unprecedented speed/level/scale |
| demographic | adj | /ˌdeməˈɡræfɪk/ | thuộc về nhân khẩu học | demographic profiles | demographic change/trend/shift |
| fertility rate | n | /fəˈtɪləti reɪt/ | tỷ lệ sinh | declining fertility rates | low/high fertility rate |
| life expectancy | n | /laɪf ɪkˈspektənsi/ | tuổi thọ trung bình | increasing life expectancy | average/higher life expectancy |
| dependency ratio | n | /dɪˈpendənsi ˈreɪʃiəʊ/ | tỷ lệ phụ thuộc | increasing dependency ratio | high/low dependency ratio |
| replacement rate | n | /rɪˈpleɪsmənt reɪt/ | tỷ lệ thay thế dân số | below the replacement rate | population replacement rate |
| pension system | n | /ˈpenʃn ˈsɪstəm/ | hệ thống lương hưu | pressure on pension systems | sustainable pension system |
| geriatric | adj | /ˌdʒeriˈætrɪk/ | thuộc về người già | geriatric specialists | geriatric care/medicine |
| chronic condition | n | /ˈkrɒnɪk kənˈdɪʃn/ | bệnh mãn tính | more complex chronic conditions | manage chronic conditions |
| sandwich generation | n | /ˈsænwɪdʒ ˌdʒenəˈreɪʃn/ | thế hệ kẹp giữa | rise of the sandwich generation | sandwich generation stress |
| silver economy | n | /ˈsɪlvə ɪˈkɒnəmi/ | nền kinh tế bạc | the silver economy | growing silver economy |
| multi-generational | adj | /ˌmʌlti dʒenəˈreɪʃənl/ | đa thế hệ | multi-generational households | multi-generational living |
Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| macroeconomic | adj | /ˌmækrəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ | thuộc kinh tế vĩ mô | macroeconomic ramifications | macroeconomic policy/stability |
| demographic dividend | n | /ˌdeməˈɡræfɪk ˈdɪvɪdend/ | cổ tức nhân khẩu học | demographic dividend that powered expansion | benefit from demographic dividend |
| labor force participation | n | /ˈleɪbə fɔːs pɑːˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃn/ | tham gia lực lượng lao động | labor force participation rates | increase labor force participation |
| productive aging | n | /prəˈdʌktɪv ˈeɪdʒɪŋ/ | già hóa năng suất | concept of productive aging | promote productive aging |
| phased retirement | n | /feɪzd rɪˈtaɪəmənt/ | nghỉ hưu theo giai đoạn | trend toward phased retirement | phased retirement options |
| intergenerational | adj | /ˌɪntədʒenəˈreɪʃənl/ | liên thế hệ | intergenerational knowledge transfer | intergenerational solidarity |
| implicit bias | n | /ɪmˈplɪsɪt ˈbaɪəs/ | thiên kiến ngầm | implicit bias and stereotyping | unconscious implicit bias |
| skills obsolescence | n | /skɪlz ˌɒbsəˈlesns/ | lỗi thời kỹ năng | skills obsolescence challenge | prevent skills obsolescence |
| reskilling | n | /riːˈskɪlɪŋ/ | đào tạo lại kỹ năng | reskilling programs | reskilling and upskilling |
| actuarial | adj | /ˌæktʃuˈeəriəl/ | thuộc về tính toán bảo hiểm | actuarial challenges | actuarial assumptions |
| pay-as-you-go | adj | /peɪ əz juː ɡəʊ/ | trả theo từng lần | pay-as-you-go systems | pay-as-you-go basis |
| aggregate demand | n | /ˈæɡrɪɡət dɪˈmɑːnd/ | tổng cầu | affects aggregate demand | boost aggregate demand |
| deflationary | adj | /dɪˈfleɪʃənri/ | gây giảm phát | deflationary tendencies | deflationary pressure |
| domain knowledge | n | /dəʊˈmeɪn ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ | kiến thức chuyên sâu | requiring deep domain knowledge | extensive domain knowledge |
| entrepreneurial | adj | /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːriəl/ | thuộc tinh thần kinh doanh | entrepreneurial success | entrepreneurial spirit/activity |
Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| intergenerational equity | n | /ˌɪntədʒenəˈreɪʃənl ˈekwəti/ | công bằng liên thế hệ | intergenerational equity concerns | ensure intergenerational equity |
| fiscal imbalance | n | /ˈfɪskl ɪmˈbæləns/ | mất cân bằng tài khóa | creates fiscal imbalances | address fiscal imbalances |
| zero-sum | adj | /ˈzɪərəʊ sʌm/ | tổng bằng không | zero-sum framing | zero-sum game/thinking |
| epidemiological transition | n | /ˌepɪdiːmiəˈlɒdʒɪkl trænˈzɪʃn/ | chuyển đổi dịch tễ học | epidemiological transition | demographic and epidemiological transition |
| chronic non-communicable diseases | n | /ˈkrɒnɪk nɒn kəˈmjuːnɪkəbl dɪˈziːzɪz/ | bệnh mãn tính không lây | predominance of chronic non-communicable diseases | prevent non-communicable diseases |
| integrated care | n | /ˈɪntɪɡreɪtɪd keə/ | chăm sóc tích hợp | integrated care approaches | integrated care systems |
| care coordination | n | /keə kəʊˌɔːdɪˈneɪʃn/ | phối hợp chăm sóc | emphasis on care coordination | improve care coordination |
| population health management | n | /ˌpɒpjuˈleɪʃn helθ ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ | quản lý sức khỏe dân số | population health management | population health approach |
| holistic care | n | /həʊˈlɪstɪk keə/ | chăm sóc toàn diện | provide holistic care | holistic care approach |
| assistive technology | n | /əˈsɪstɪv tekˈnɒlədʒi/ | công nghệ hỗ trợ | assistive technologies | assistive technology devices |
| functional independence | n | /ˈfʌŋkʃənl ˌɪndɪˈpendəns/ | độc lập chức năng | extend functional independence | maintain functional independence |
| telehealth | n | /ˈtelihelθ/ | chăm sóc sức khỏe từ xa | telehealth and remote monitoring | telehealth services |
| informal caregiving | n | /ɪnˈfɔːml ˈkeəɡɪvɪŋ/ | chăm sóc không chính thức | reliance on informal caregiving | informal caregiving burden |
| social insurance | n | /ˈsəʊʃl ɪnˈʃʊərəns/ | bảo hiểm xã hội | social insurance model | comprehensive social insurance |
| means-tested | adj | /miːnz testɪd/ | kiểm tra điều kiện tài chính | means-tested approach | means-tested benefits |
| ageism | n | /ˈeɪdʒɪzəm/ | phân biệt tuổi tác | ageism and age discrimination | combat ageism |
| stereotype threat | n | /ˈsteriətaɪp θret/ | mối đe dọa khuôn mẫu | research in stereotype threat | stereotype threat effects |
| palliative care | n | /ˈpæliətɪv keə/ | chăm sóc giảm nhẹ | palliative care movement | palliative care services |
| psychosocial | adj | /ˌsaɪkəʊˈsəʊʃl/ | thuộc tâm lý xã hội | psychosocial implications | psychosocial wellbeing/support |
Kết Bài
Chủ đề “Social Impacts Of Aging Populations” không chỉ là một đề tài phổ biến trong IELTS Reading mà còn phản ánh một thực tế quan trọng của xã hội toàn cầu. Bộ đề thi mẫu này đã cung cấp cho bạn trải nghiệm hoàn chỉnh với ba passages có độ khó tăng dần, từ Easy đến Hard, giúp bạn làm quen với cấu trúc đề thi thực tế và rèn luyện kỹ năng làm bài một cách toàn diện.
Qua 40 câu hỏi đa dạng với 7 dạng khác nhau, bạn đã có cơ hội thực hành các kỹ năng quan trọng như skimming, scanning, paraphrasing và suy luận thông tin. Đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích cụ thể về vị trí thông tin và cách paraphrase sẽ giúp bạn tự đánh giá năng lực và hiểu rõ cách tiếp cận từng dạng câu hỏi.
Bộ từ vựng chuyên ngành được trình bày theo từng passage không chỉ giúp bạn mở rộng vốn từ mà còn cung cấp collocations hữu ích cho cả phần Writing và Speaking. Hãy chú ý học những cụm từ này trong ngữ cảnh để sử dụng hiệu quả.
Để đạt band điểm cao trong IELTS Reading, hãy thường xuyên luyện tập với các đề thi mẫu chất lượng như thế này, phân tích kỹ đáp án và liên tục cải thiện tốc độ làm bài. Chúc bạn ôn tập hiệu quả và đạt kết quả như mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới!