Mở bài
Trong kỷ nguyên số hiện nay, mạng xã hội đã trở thành một công cụ định hình dư luận mạnh mẽ, tác động sâu rộng đến cách chúng ta tiếp nhận thông tin và hình thành quan điểm. Chủ đề “The Impact Of Social Media On Public Opinion” xuất hiện ngày càng thường xuyên trong bài thi IELTS Reading, đặc biệt từ Cambridge IELTS 14 trở đi, phản ánh tầm quan trọng và tính thời sự của vấn đề này trong xã hội đương đại.
Bài viết này cung cấp cho bạn một đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với 3 passages được thiết kế tăng dần độ khó từ Easy đến Hard, bao gồm 40 câu hỏi đa dạng giống như thi thật. Bạn sẽ được học cách xử lý các dạng câu hỏi phổ biến như Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, và Summary Completion. Đặc biệt, đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích sẽ giúp bạn hiểu rõ cách paraphrase và định vị thông tin một cách chính xác.
Đề thi này phù hợp cho học viên có trình độ từ band 5.0 trở lên, giúp bạn làm quen với văn phong học thuật, mở rộng vốn từ vựng về công nghệ và truyền thông, đồng thời rèn luyện kỹ năng quản lý thời gian hiệu quả. Hãy coi đây như một bài thi thật và phân bổ 60 phút để hoàn thành toàn bộ 3 passages.
1. Hướng Dẫn Làm Bài IELTS Reading
Tổng Quan Về IELTS Reading Test
IELTS Reading Test là phần thi kéo dài 60 phút với 3 passages và tổng cộng 40 câu hỏi. Mỗi câu trả lời đúng được tính 1 điểm, và số điểm thô sẽ được quy đổi thành band score từ 0-9. Đặc biệt, không có thời gian chuyển đáp án riêng như phần Listening, vì vậy bạn cần quản lý thời gian một cách khôn ngoan.
Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:
- Passage 1 (Easy): 15-17 phút – Bài đọc dễ nhất với câu hỏi trực tiếp
- Passage 2 (Medium): 18-20 phút – Độ khó trung bình, cần paraphrase nhiều hơn
- Passage 3 (Hard): 23-25 phút – Bài khó nhất với nội dung học thuật và câu hỏi phức tạp
Lưu ý dành 2-3 phút cuối để kiểm tra và chuyển đáp án vào answer sheet một cách cẩn thận. Viết sai chính tả hoặc vượt quá số từ quy định sẽ bị tính là sai.
Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này
Đề thi mẫu này bao gồm 7 dạng câu hỏi phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Reading:
- Multiple Choice – Chọn đáp án đúng từ 3-4 phương án
- True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng, sai hay không được đề cập
- Matching Information – Ghép thông tin với đoạn văn tương ứng
- Yes/No/Not Given – Xác định quan điểm của tác giả
- Matching Headings – Chọn tiêu đề phù hợp cho mỗi đoạn
- Summary Completion – Điền từ vào bản tóm tắt
- Matching Features – Ghép đặc điểm với danh sách cho sẵn
Mỗi dạng câu hỏi yêu cầu kỹ năng đọc khác nhau: scanning (quét thông tin), skimming (đọc lướt), và careful reading (đọc kỹ). Việc thành thạo cả 3 kỹ năng này sẽ giúp bạn đạt band điểm cao.
2. IELTS Reading Practice Test
PASSAGE 1 – The Rise of Social Media Platforms
Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút
Social media has revolutionised the way people communicate and share information in the 21st century. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become integral parts of daily life for billions of users worldwide. These digital networks enable individuals to connect with friends and family, share personal experiences, and engage with content ranging from entertainment to news and political discourse.
The first recognisable social media platform, Six Degrees, was launched in 1997 and allowed users to create profiles and connect with others. However, it was not until the early 2000s that social media truly began to gain traction. Friendster, launched in 2002, attracted millions of users before being overtaken by MySpace in 2003. MySpace became the most visited website in the United States in 2006, demonstrating the growing appetite for online social interaction. The landscape shifted dramatically when Facebook opened its platform to the general public in 2006, having previously been restricted to university students. Facebook’s user-friendly interface and innovative features helped it become the dominant social media platform globally.
Twitter, founded in 2006, introduced a new concept: microblogging. The platform’s 140-character limit (later expanded to 280 characters) forced users to convey messages concisely, creating a unique style of communication. Twitter became particularly influential in real-time news sharing and has been used to coordinate social movements and political campaigns worldwide. The platform’s hashtag system allows users to follow specific topics and participate in global conversations, making it a powerful tool for grassroots organisation and public discourse.
The rise of smartphone technology between 2007 and 2010 further accelerated the growth of social media. Instagram, launched in 2010, capitalised on the improving quality of smartphone cameras by focusing on photo and video sharing. The platform’s emphasis on visual content and its integration with other social networks helped it reach one billion users by 2018. Meanwhile, YouTube, which had been acquired by Google in 2006, evolved into the world’s largest video-sharing platform, with users uploading over 500 hours of video content every minute.
More recently, TikTok has emerged as a phenomenon, particularly among younger users. Launched internationally in 2018, the short-form video platform uses sophisticated algorithms to personalise content feeds, creating a highly engaging user experience. By 2021, TikTok had been downloaded over 3 billion times, making it one of the most successful social media launches in history. The platform’s success has forced established competitors to adopt similar features, with Instagram introducing Reels and YouTube launching Shorts.
Social media platforms have also become crucial channels for businesses and organisations. Companies use these networks for marketing campaigns, customer service, and brand building. Influencer marketing, where individuals with large followings promote products and services, has become a multi-billion dollar industry. This commercial dimension has transformed social media from simple communication tools into complex ecosystems that intersect with various aspects of modern life.
However, the rapid growth of social media has not been without challenges. Concerns about data privacy, misinformation, and the psychological impact of constant connectivity have led to increased scrutiny from regulators and researchers. Despite these concerns, social media platforms continue to evolve and expand their influence, shaping not only how people communicate but also how they form opinions, make decisions, and engage with the world around them.
Questions 1-6: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
1. According to the passage, Six Degrees was
A. the most successful social media platform
B. launched in the early 2000s
C. the first recognisable social media platform
D. more popular than MySpace
2. What made Facebook become dominant compared to previous platforms?
A. It was restricted to university students
B. It had a user-friendly interface and innovative features
C. It was launched before MySpace
D. It had more than one billion users
3. Twitter’s character limit was designed to
A. prevent spam messages
B. make the platform faster
C. encourage users to convey messages concisely
D. differentiate it from Facebook
4. Instagram’s success was largely due to
A. its acquisition by Facebook
B. smartphone camera improvements and visual content focus
C. its sophisticated algorithms
D. its integration with Twitter
5. What has TikTok forced other platforms to do?
A. Reduce their user base
B. Focus on older demographics
C. Adopt similar short-form video features
D. Improve their data privacy policies
6. The passage suggests that social media platforms have become
A. less important for businesses
B. simple communication tools
C. complex ecosystems intersecting with modern life
D. focused only on entertainment
Questions 7-13: 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
7. MySpace was the most visited website in the United States before Facebook became popular.
8. Twitter’s hashtag system was the first of its kind on the internet.
9. Instagram reached one billion users within eight years of its launch.
10. YouTube was created by Google in 2006.
11. TikTok was initially only available in Asian markets.
12. Influencer marketing has become worth billions of dollars.
13. All social media companies have solved their data privacy issues.
PASSAGE 2 – How Social Media Shapes Public Opinion
Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút
The relationship between social media and public opinion formation has become one of the most scrutinised phenomena in contemporary society. Unlike traditional media channels, which operate through gatekeeping processes where editors and journalists filter and contextualise information, social media platforms enable direct dissemination of content from sources to audiences. This fundamental shift in information flow has profound implications for how individuals develop perspectives on social, political, and economic issues.
A. The Mechanisms of Influence
Social media platforms employ sophisticated algorithmic systems that curate content based on user behaviour, preferences, and engagement patterns. These algorithms prioritise content that is likely to generate interaction, often amplifying emotionally charged or controversial material. Research conducted by the MIT Media Lab found that false information spreads six times faster than true information on social media platforms, primarily because sensational content generates more engagement. This algorithmic amplification creates what scholars call “echo chambers” or “filter bubbles” – environments where users are predominantly exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs.
B. The Speed and Reach of Information
The velocity at which information travels through social networks represents a paradigm shift from traditional media cycles. A single post can reach millions of users within hours, bypassing traditional fact-checking mechanisms and editorial oversight. During the Arab Spring uprisings of 2010-2012, social media platforms played a pivotal role in organising protests and disseminating information that mainstream media could not access. Similarly, movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter leveraged social media to mobilise support and shape public discourse on systemic issues, demonstrating the platforms’ capacity to amplify marginalised voices and challenge established narratives.
C. The Role of Influencers and Opinion Leaders
Social media has created a new class of opinion leaders whose influence often rivals that of traditional journalists and public figures. These influencers, who may have expertise in specific domains or simply possess large followings, can sway public opinion on matters ranging from consumer choices to political preferences. A 2019 study by the Pew Research Center found that 72% of American adults who use social media have changed their opinion about a political or social issue based on content they encountered on these platforms. This phenomenon has commodified influence, creating an economy where popularity translates into persuasive power.
D. Misinformation and Disinformation
The proliferation of misinformation (false information shared without malicious intent) and disinformation (deliberately false information) poses significant challenges to informed public discourse. Social media’s decentralised nature makes it difficult to combat false narratives once they gain traction. During the COVID-19 pandemic, health misinformation spread rapidly across social platforms, undermining public health efforts and fuelling vaccine hesitancy. The World Health Organisation coined the term “infodemic” to describe the overwhelming amount of information – both accurate and misleading – circulating on social media during the crisis.
E. Political Polarisation and Social Division
Scholars have identified a correlation between increased social media use and growing political polarisation in many democracies. The platforms’ tendency to promote content that generates strong reactions can exacerbate divisions by emphasising extreme viewpoints. A longitudinal study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that exposure to opposing views on social media often reinforces rather than moderates political opinions, contrary to the optimistic assumption that increased connectivity would foster understanding across ideological divides. This “backfire effect” occurs because users typically engage with opposing viewpoints in an adversarial context rather than through constructive dialogue.
F. Commercial and Political Manipulation
The persuasive potential of social media has not been lost on commercial and political actors. Sophisticated campaigns employing microtargeting techniques can deliver tailored messages to specific demographic groups with unprecedented precision. The Cambridge Analytica scandal of 2018 revealed how personal data harvested from social media could be used to construct detailed psychological profiles and influence electoral outcomes. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of democratic processes to manipulation through social media platforms and sparked global debates about data privacy and platform accountability.
G. Platform Responses and Future Directions
In response to growing concerns, social media companies have implemented various measures, including fact-checking partnerships, content moderation policies, and algorithm adjustments to reduce the spread of misinformation. However, critics argue these efforts are insufficient and often inconsistently applied. The tension between preserving free expression and preventing harm remains unresolved, with different jurisdictions adopting divergent regulatory approaches. As social media continues to evolve, understanding its impact on public opinion formation will be crucial for maintaining informed democratic discourse and protecting citizens from manipulation.
Tác động của mạng xã hội lên dư luận và cách thức định hình quan điểm công chúng trong kỷ nguyên số
Questions 14-19: 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
14. Social media algorithms intentionally prioritise false information over true information.
15. The Arab Spring uprisings demonstrated social media’s ability to facilitate political mobilisation.
16. Influencers should be regulated in the same way as traditional journalists.
17. Exposure to opposing political views on social media typically leads to moderation of opinions.
18. The Cambridge Analytica scandal proved that democratic processes are vulnerable to social media manipulation.
19. Current efforts by social media companies to combat misinformation are completely adequate.
Questions 20-23: Matching Headings
The passage has seven sections, A-G. Choose the correct heading for sections D-G from the list of headings below.
List of Headings:
i. The emergence of digital opinion leaders
ii. False information challenges on social networks
iii. How algorithms control what users see
iv. Increasing political division linked to platform design
v. Corporate exploitation of user data for influence
vi. Company actions and regulatory challenges
vii. The transformation of information distribution
viii. Traditional media versus social media
20. Section D
21. Section E
22. Section F
23. Section G
Questions 24-26: Summary Completion
Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Social media algorithms create what researchers call (24) ____ where users mainly see content that confirms their existing views. This is particularly problematic because false information spreads much faster than true information, especially when the content is (25) ____. The World Health Organisation created the term (26) ____ to describe the overwhelming amount of both accurate and misleading information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PASSAGE 3 – Theoretical Frameworks for Understanding Social Media’s Impact on Public Opinion
Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút
The unprecedented penetration of social media into the fabric of contemporary society has necessitated the development of novel theoretical frameworks to comprehend its influence on public opinion formation. Traditional communication theories, while foundational, prove inadequate in fully explaining the multifaceted dynamics that characterise social media environments. This theoretical inadequacy has prompted scholars to either adapt existing paradigms or construct entirely new models that account for the unique affordances and constraints of digital platforms.
The Two-Step Flow Theory, originally postulated by Paul Lazarsfeld and Elihu Katz in the 1940s, suggested that information flows from mass media to opinion leaders, who then disseminate and interpret it for their respective communities. While this model retains relevance in the social media era, it requires substantial modification. Contemporary research indicates that social media has flattened hierarchies of influence, creating what communication scholars term a “multi-step flow” where information circulates through complex networks rather than following linear pathways. The democratisation of content creation means that virtually anyone can become an opinion leader within their niche community, though traditional gatekeepers still retain considerable influence in shaping broader narratives.
Agenda-Setting Theory, which posits that media doesn’t tell people what to think but what to think about, has evolved into “Network Agenda Setting” in the social media context. Professor Dietram Scheufele of the University of Wisconsin-Madison argues that social media platforms don’t merely set agendas but create “interconnected issue networks” where topics become linked through algorithmic associations and user behaviour patterns. This networked approach to agenda-setting explains why certain issues gain prominence while others remain peripheral, despite their objective importance. The algorithmic curation of content based on engagement metrics means that topics generating emotional resonance or controversy are disproportionately represented in users’ feeds, effectively shaping collective attention in ways that may diverge from traditional news values.
The concept of “Selective Exposure“, which describes individuals’ tendency to seek information that confirms pre-existing beliefs, has been amplified in social media environments through algorithmic personalisation. However, recent scholarship suggests a more nuanced picture. Research by Professor Yochai Benkler at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center indicates that algorithmic filter bubbles may be less deterministic than initially theorised. While algorithms do contribute to selective exposure, users also actively curate their information environments through choices about whom to follow, which groups to join, and how to engage with content. This interplay between algorithmic sorting and user agency creates what media theorist Tarleton Gillespie calls “calculated publics” – audiences that are simultaneously produced by platform algorithms and constituted through user practices.
The Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), developed by Richard Petty and John Cacioppo, distinguishes between central and peripheral routes to persuasion. In the central route, individuals carefully scrutinise arguments and evidence; in the peripheral route, they rely on superficial cues such as source credibility or emotional appeals. Social media environments appear to privilege peripheral processing due to the sheer volume of information, the brevity of content, and the rapid pace of interaction. The cognitive load imposed by continuous information streams makes effortful evaluation of every piece of content impractical, leading users to rely more heavily on heuristics and social proof mechanisms such as like counts, share numbers, and follower metrics.
Structural theories emphasising network topology offer another lens through which to understand social media’s influence. Professor Duncan Watts’s research on “small-world networks” reveals how information can propagate rapidly through social networks due to clustering and short path lengths between nodes. This structural characteristic explains the potential for viral spread but also highlights network vulnerabilities to coordinated manipulation. State actors and malicious entities can exploit these structural properties through bot networks and coordinated inauthentic behaviour to artificially amplify certain narratives, a phenomenon that has garnered significant attention following revelations of foreign interference in democratic processes.
The Spiral of Silence theory, formulated by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, suggests that individuals are less likely to express opinions they perceive as minority viewpoints due to fear of social isolation. Social media appears to both reinforce and complicate this dynamic. On one hand, the visibility of like counts and engagement metrics provides explicit signals about which opinions are popular, potentially intensifying the spiral of silence effect. On the other hand, social media enables individuals to find like-minded communities regardless of geographic location, providing supportive environments where minority opinions can be expressed without fear of local social sanctions. This paradox has led to what scholar danah boyd terms “context collapse” – the flattening of multiple audiences into one, creating complex dynamics around self-expression and identity presentation.
Emerging theoretical frameworks increasingly emphasise the materiality of platforms – the specific technical architectures, business models, and governance structures that shape possible interactions. The “Platform Studies” approach, championed by scholars like Tarleton Gillespie and José van Dijck, examines how platform design choices – such as the prominence of like buttons, the implementation of character limits, or the visibility of user metrics – constrain and enable certain forms of communication and opinion formation. This infrastructural perspective shifts attention from users’ psychological processes to the sociotechnical systems that mediate their experiences, highlighting how seemingly neutral technical decisions can have profound social implications.
The interdisciplinary synthesis of these theoretical approaches provides a comprehensive framework for understanding social media’s impact on public opinion. Rather than viewing any single theory as definitive, scholars increasingly advocate for integrative models that acknowledge the complex interplay of individual psychology, social dynamics, algorithmic processes, and platform architectures. Such holistic perspectives are essential for developing effective interventions – whether educational programmes promoting media literacy, regulatory frameworks ensuring platform accountability, or design modifications that mitigate harmful effects while preserving the democratising potential of these transformative technologies.
Các lý thuyết truyền thông giải thích ảnh hưởng của mạng xã hội đến việc hình thành dư luận công chúng
Questions 27-31: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
27. According to the passage, traditional communication theories are
A. completely irrelevant to social media
B. still foundational but need adaptation
C. more accurate than new theories
D. rejected by all contemporary scholars
28. The “multi-step flow” model differs from the Two-Step Flow Theory by
A. eliminating opinion leaders entirely
B. suggesting information flows through complex networks
C. focusing only on traditional media
D. increasing the power of gatekeepers
29. Network Agenda Setting suggests that social media platforms
A. tell people what to think directly
B. have no influence on public discourse
C. create interconnected issue networks
D. follow traditional news values
30. Research by Professor Yochai Benkler indicates that filter bubbles are
A. completely fictitious
B. entirely created by algorithms
C. less deterministic than initially thought
D. the most important factor in opinion formation
31. The Elaboration Likelihood Model suggests that social media users
A. always carefully evaluate information
B. never use peripheral processing
C. rely more on superficial cues due to information overload
D. have unlimited cognitive capacity
Questions 32-36: Matching Features
Match each theory (A-G) with the correct description (32-36). You may use any letter more than once.
A. Two-Step Flow Theory
B. Agenda-Setting Theory
C. Selective Exposure
D. Elaboration Likelihood Model
E. Spiral of Silence
F. Small-World Networks
G. Platform Studies
32. Explains how network structure enables rapid information spread and viral content
33. Describes tendency to seek information confirming existing beliefs, amplified by algorithms
34. Focuses on how platform design choices shape communication possibilities
35. Suggests people avoid expressing opinions they believe are unpopular
36. Distinguishes between careful evaluation and reliance on superficial cues in persuasion
Questions 37-40: Summary Completion
Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Social media has created what scholars call (37) ____ – audiences that result from both algorithmic processes and user choices. The Elaboration Likelihood Model helps explain why users often rely on (38) ____ such as like counts and follower numbers rather than carefully evaluating content. The concept of (39) ____ describes how social media combines multiple audiences into one, creating challenges for self-expression. Modern scholars recommend (40) ____ that combine multiple theories to understand social media’s complex effects on public opinion.
3. Answer Keys – Đáp Án
PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13
- C
- B
- C
- B
- C
- C
- TRUE
- NOT GIVEN
- TRUE
- FALSE
- NOT GIVEN
- TRUE
- FALSE
PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26
- NO
- YES
- NOT GIVEN
- NO
- YES
- NO
- ii
- iv
- v
- vi
- echo chambers / filter bubbles
- emotionally charged / controversial
- infodemic
PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40
- B
- B
- C
- C
- C
- F
- C
- G
- E
- D
- calculated publics
- superficial cues / social proof
- context collapse
- integrative models / holistic perspectives
4. Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết
Passage 1 – Giải Thích
Câu 1: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Six Degrees, first
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1
- Giải thích: Câu đầu đoạn 2 nói rõ “The first recognisable social media platform, Six Degrees, was launched in 1997”. Đây là paraphrase trực tiếp của đáp án C. Các đáp án khác không được đề cập: A sai vì không nói Six Degrees là “most successful”, B sai vì nó được ra mắt năm 1997 chứ không phải early 2000s, D không được so sánh với MySpace.
Câu 2: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Facebook, dominant
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 8-10
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “Facebook’s user-friendly interface and innovative features helped it become the dominant social media platform globally.” Đây chính xác là đáp án B. Đáp án A sai vì việc restricted to university students là trước đó, không phải lý do thành công. C và D không được đề cập như lý do dominant.
Câu 5: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: TikTok, forced, other platforms
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5, dòng 5-7
- Giải thích: Câu “The platform’s success has forced established competitors to adopt similar features, with Instagram introducing Reels and YouTube launching Shorts” cho thấy TikTok đã buộc các nền tảng khác phải áp dụng tính năng video ngắn tương tự. Đáp án C paraphrase “adopt similar features” thành “Adopt similar short-form video features”.
Câu 7: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: MySpace, most visited website
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 5-6
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “MySpace became the most visited website in the United States in 2006” và sau đó “Facebook opened its platform to the general public in 2006”. Điều này xác nhận MySpace là most visited trước khi Facebook trở nên phổ biến.
Câu 8: NOT GIVEN
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Twitter, hashtag, first
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3
- Giải thích: Đoạn 3 chỉ đề cập “The platform’s hashtag system allows users to follow specific topics” nhưng không nói rằng đây là “first of its kind on the internet”. Không có thông tin so sánh với các hệ thống hashtag khác.
Câu 10: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: YouTube, created by Google
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 5-6
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “YouTube, which had been acquired by Google in 2006”, nghĩa là YouTube được Google mua lại chứ không phải do Google tạo ra. “Acquired” (mua lại) khác với “created” (tạo ra).
Câu 12: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Influencer marketing, billions
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: Câu “Influencer marketing, where individuals with large followings promote products and services, has become a multi-billion dollar industry” xác nhận rõ ràng influencer marketing đã trở thành ngành trị giá hàng tỷ đô la.
Passage 2 – Giải Thích
Câu 14: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: algorithms, intentionally prioritise, false information
- Vị trí trong bài: Section A, đoạn 2
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “These algorithms prioritise content that is likely to generate interaction, often amplifying emotionally charged or controversial material” và “false information spreads six times faster… primarily because sensational content generates more engagement”. Điều này cho thấy thuật toán ưu tiên nội dung gây tương tác, chứ không “intentionally” ưu tiên thông tin sai. Thông tin sai lan nhanh là do nó sensational, không phải do thuật toán cố ý.
Câu 15: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Arab Spring, political mobilisation
- Vị trí trong bài: Section B, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói rõ “During the Arab Spring uprisings of 2010-2012, social media platforms played a pivotal role in organising protests and disseminating information”. “Organising protests” chính là political mobilisation.
Câu 17: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: opposing views, moderation
- Vị trí trong bài: Section E, dòng 4-7
- Giải thích: Bài viết nêu rõ “exposure to opposing views on social media often reinforces rather than moderates political opinions, contrary to the optimistic assumption”. Từ “contrary to” cho thấy tác giả phủ định ý kiến rằng tiếp xúc với quan điểm đối lập dẫn đến moderation.
Câu 18: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Cambridge Analytica, democratic processes, vulnerable
- Vị trí trong bài: Section F, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “This incident highlighted the vulnerability of democratic processes to manipulation through social media platforms”. “Highlighted” cho thấy tác giả đồng ý rằng vụ việc này đã chứng minh (proved) tính dễ bị tổn thương của quy trình dân chủ.
Câu 20: ii (Section D)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Từ khóa: misinformation, disinformation, false narratives
- Vị trí trong bài: Section D
- Giải thích: Toàn bộ Section D thảo luận về “The proliferation of misinformation… and disinformation”, “false narratives”, “health misinformation” và “infodemic”. Heading ii “False information challenges on social networks” phù hợp nhất.
Câu 21: iv (Section E)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Từ khóa: political polarisation, divisions
- Vị trí trong bài: Section E
- Giải thích: Section E bắt đầu với “Scholars have identified a correlation between increased social media use and growing political polarisation” và thảo luận về “exacerbate divisions”. Heading iv “Increasing political division linked to platform design” khớp với nội dung này.
Câu 24: echo chambers / filter bubbles
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: algorithms create, users mainly see content, confirms existing views
- Vị trí trong bài: Section A, dòng 4-5
- Giải thích: Câu trong bài: “This algorithmic amplification creates what scholars call ‘echo chambers’ or ‘filter bubbles’ – environments where users are predominantly exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs.” Cả hai từ đều chấp nhận được.
Câu 26: infodemic
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: World Health Organisation, term, COVID-19, overwhelming amount
- Vị trí trong bài: Section D, dòng cuối
- Giải thích: Câu cuối Section D: “The World Health Organisation coined the term ‘infodemic’ to describe the overwhelming amount of information – both accurate and misleading – circulating on social media during the crisis.”
Passage 3 – Giải Thích
Câu 27: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: traditional communication theories
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “Traditional communication theories, while foundational, prove inadequate in fully explaining the multifaceted dynamics”. “While foundational” = “still foundational”, “prove inadequate” = “need adaptation”. Đáp án B paraphrase chính xác ý này.
Câu 28: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: multi-step flow, differs, Two-Step Flow
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 4-7
- Giải thích: “Contemporary research indicates that social media has flattened hierarchies of influence, creating what communication scholars term a ‘multi-step flow’ where information circulates through complex networks rather than following linear pathways.” Đáp án B “suggesting information flows through complex networks” là paraphrase chính xác.
Câu 29: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Network Agenda Setting
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: “Professor Dietram Scheufele… argues that social media platforms don’t merely set agendas but create ‘interconnected issue networks'”. Đáp án C paraphrase trực tiếp câu này.
Câu 30: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Yochai Benkler, filter bubbles
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 3-4
- Giải thích: “Research by Professor Yochai Benkler at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center indicates that algorithmic filter bubbles may be less deterministic than initially theorised.” Đáp án C “less deterministic than initially thought” paraphrase chính xác.
Câu 33: C (Selective Exposure)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Từ khóa: seek information, confirming beliefs, algorithms
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: “The concept of ‘Selective Exposure’, which describes individuals’ tendency to seek information that confirms pre-existing beliefs, has been amplified in social media environments through algorithmic personalisation.” Mô tả 33 khớp chính xác với định nghĩa này.
Câu 35: E (Spiral of Silence)
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Features
- Từ khóa: avoid expressing, unpopular opinions
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 1-2
- Giải thích: “The Spiral of Silence theory… suggests that individuals are less likely to express opinions they perceive as minority viewpoints due to fear of social isolation.” Mô tả 35 paraphrase “minority viewpoints” thành “unpopular opinions”.
Câu 37: calculated publics
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: audiences, algorithmic processes, user choices
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 7-9
- Giải thích: “This interplay between algorithmic sorting and user agency creates what media theorist Tarleton Gillespie calls ‘calculated publics’ – audiences that are simultaneously produced by platform algorithms and constituted through user practices.”
Câu 40: integrative models / holistic perspectives
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: modern scholars, recommend, combine multiple theories
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn cuối, dòng 1-3
- Giải thích: “Rather than viewing any single theory as definitive, scholars increasingly advocate for integrative models that acknowledge the complex interplay” và “Such holistic perspectives are essential”. Cả hai đáp án đều được chấp nhận.
5. Từ Vựng Quan Trọng Theo Passage
Passage 1 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| revolutionise | v | /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ | Cách mạng hóa, thay đổi căn bản | Social media has revolutionised the way people communicate | revolutionise the industry/way/method |
| integral | adj | /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/ | Không thể thiếu, quan trọng | Platforms have become integral parts of daily life | integral part/component of |
| gain traction | phrase | /ɡeɪn ˈtrækʃn/ | Trở nên phổ biến, được chấp nhận | Social media began to gain traction in early 2000s | gain/lose/build traction |
| overtake | v | /ˌəʊvəˈteɪk/ | Vượt qua, chiếm ưu thế | MySpace was overtaken by Facebook | overtake competitors/rivals |
| landscape | n | /ˈlændskeɪp/ | Bối cảnh, tình hình | The landscape shifted dramatically | digital/political/competitive landscape |
| microblogging | n | /ˈmaɪkrəʊˌblɒɡɪŋ/ | Vi blog (đăng nội dung ngắn) | Twitter introduced microblogging concept | microblogging platform/service |
| convey | v | /kənˈveɪ/ | Truyền đạt, diễn đạt | Character limit forced users to convey messages concisely | convey message/information/meaning |
| grassroots | adj | /ˈɡrɑːsruːts/ | Cơ sở, từ dưới lên | A powerful tool for grassroots organisation | grassroots movement/campaign/level |
| capitalise on | phrase | /ˈkæpɪtəlaɪz ɒn/ | Tận dụng, khai thác lợi thế | Instagram capitalised on smartphone cameras | capitalise on opportunity/trend |
| emerge | v | /ɪˈmɜːdʒ/ | Nổi lên, xuất hiện | TikTok emerged as a phenomenon | emerge as/from |
| sophisticated | adj | /səˈfɪstɪkeɪtɪd/ | Tinh vi, phức tạp | Uses sophisticated algorithms | sophisticated system/technology/approach |
| scrutiny | n | /ˈskruːtəni/ | Sự xem xét kỹ lưỡng | Led to increased scrutiny from regulators | under scrutiny, close/careful scrutiny |
Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| scrutinised | adj | /ˈskruːtənaɪzd/ | Được xem xét kỹ lưỡng | One of the most scrutinised phenomena | heavily/closely scrutinised |
| gatekeeping | n | /ˈɡeɪtkiːpɪŋ/ | Kiểm soát thông tin | Operate through gatekeeping processes | gatekeeping role/function |
| dissemination | n | /dɪˌsemɪˈneɪʃn/ | Sự phổ biến, truyền bá | Enable direct dissemination of content | information/knowledge dissemination |
| profound | adj | /prəˈfaʊnd/ | Sâu sắc, to lớn | Profound implications for opinion formation | profound impact/effect/influence |
| curate | v | /kjʊəˈreɪt/ | Tuyển chọn, sắp xếp nội dung | Algorithms curate content based on behaviour | curate content/information |
| amplify | v | /ˈæmplɪfaɪ/ | Khuếch đại, gia tăng | Often amplifying emotionally charged material | amplify voices/message/effects |
| echo chamber | n | /ˈekəʊ ˌtʃeɪmbə/ | Buồng vang (môi trường một chiều) | Creates echo chambers or filter bubbles | echo chamber effect/mentality |
| predominantly | adv | /prɪˈdɒmɪnəntli/ | Chủ yếu, phần lớn | Users predominantly exposed to similar views | predominantly used/composed of |
| velocity | n | /vəˈlɒsəti/ | Tốc độ, vận tốc | The velocity at which information travels | velocity of change/information |
| paradigm shift | n | /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ | Sự thay đổi mô hình căn bản | Represents a paradigm shift | paradigm shift in/from |
| bypass | v | /ˈbaɪpɑːs/ | Bỏ qua, vượt qua | Bypassing fact-checking mechanisms | bypass security/restrictions/systems |
| pivotal | adj | /ˈpɪvətl/ | Quan trọng quyết định | Played a pivotal role | pivotal role/moment/figure |
| leverage | v | /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ | Tận dụng, khai thác | Movements leveraged social media | leverage resources/technology/power |
| proliferation | n | /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn/ | Sự gia tăng nhanh chóng | Proliferation of misinformation | proliferation of weapons/information |
| undermine | v | /ˌʌndəˈmaɪn/ | Phá hoại, làm suy yếu | Undermining public health efforts | undermine authority/confidence/efforts |
| correlation | n | /ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃn/ | Mối tương quan | Identified a correlation between | correlation between/with |
| exacerbate | v | /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ | Làm trầm trọng hơn | Can exacerbate divisions | exacerbate problem/situation/tension |
| adversarial | adj | /ˌædvəˈseəriəl/ | Thù địch, đối kháng | In an adversarial context | adversarial relationship/system |
| microtargeting | n | /ˈmaɪkrəʊˌtɑːɡɪtɪŋ/ | Nhắm mục tiêu vi mô | Campaigns employing microtargeting | microtargeting techniques/strategies |
| vulnerability | n | /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti/ | Tính dễ bị tổn thương | Highlighted the vulnerability | vulnerability to/of attack/exploitation |
Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| unprecedented | adj | /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ | Chưa từng có | Unprecedented penetration of social media | unprecedented scale/level/growth |
| necessitate | v | /nəˈsesɪteɪt/ | Đòi hỏi, cần thiết | Has necessitated development of frameworks | necessitate change/action |
| comprehend | v | /ˌkɒmprɪˈhend/ | Hiểu, lĩnh hội | To comprehend its influence | comprehend complexity/significance |
| multifaceted | adj | /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ | Nhiều mặt, đa chiều | Multifaceted dynamics of platforms | multifaceted approach/problem/nature |
| inadequacy | n | /ɪnˈædɪkwəsi/ | Sự không đầy đủ | Theoretical inadequacy | inadequacy of resources/systems |
| paradigm | n | /ˈpærədaɪm/ | Mô hình, khuôn mẫu | Adapt existing paradigms | paradigm shift/change |
| affordance | n | /əˈfɔːdəns/ | Khả năng chức năng | Unique affordances of digital platforms | technological affordances |
| postulate | v | /ˈpɒstjʊleɪt/ | Đưa ra giả thuyết | Originally postulated by Lazarsfeld | postulate theory/hypothesis |
| retain | v | /rɪˈteɪn/ | Giữ lại, duy trì | Model retains relevance | retain control/power/position |
| flatten | v | /ˈflætn/ | Làm phẳng, san bằng | Social media has flattened hierarchies | flatten structure/hierarchy |
| posit | v | /ˈpɒzɪt/ | Đưa ra giả định | Theory posits that media influences | posit argument/theory/idea |
| prominence | n | /ˈprɒmɪnəns/ | Sự nổi bật, quan trọng | Why issues gain prominence | gain/achieve prominence |
| peripheral | adj | /pəˈrɪfərəl/ | Thuộc ngoại vi, phụ | Others remain peripheral | peripheral vision/role/importance |
| disproportionately | adv | /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/ | Không cân xứng, quá mức | Disproportionately represented in feeds | disproportionately affected/high |
| deterministic | adj | /dɪˌtɜːmɪˈnɪstɪk/ | Tất định, đã định trước | Less deterministic than theorised | deterministic approach/view |
| interplay | n | /ˈɪntəpleɪ/ | Sự tương tác | Interplay between algorithms and users | interplay between/of factors |
| distinguish | v | /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/ | Phân biệt | Model distinguishes between routes | distinguish between/from |
| scrutinise | v | /ˈskruːtənaɪz/ | Xem xét kỹ lưỡng | Individuals scrutinise arguments | scrutinise details/evidence/claims |
| heuristic | n | /hjʊəˈrɪstɪk/ | Phương pháp phát hiện | Leading users to rely on heuristics | heuristic method/approach |
| topology | n | /təˈpɒlədʒi/ | Cấu trúc liên kết | Network topology offers perspective | network topology |
| propagate | v | /ˈprɒpəɡeɪt/ | Lan truyền, phát tán | How information can propagate rapidly | propagate ideas/information/signals |
| garnered | v | /ˈɡɑːnəd/ | Thu thập, giành được | Has garnered significant attention | garner support/attention/praise |
| formulate | v | /ˈfɔːmjʊleɪt/ | Hình thành, xây dựng | Theory formulated by Noelle-Neumann | formulate plan/theory/policy |
| intensify | v | /ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/ | Tăng cường, làm mạnh thêm | Potentially intensifying the spiral effect | intensify pressure/efforts/competition |
| paradox | n | /ˈpærədɒks/ | Nghịch lý | This paradox has led to | paradox of choice/situation |
| materiality | n | /məˌtɪəriˈæləti/ | Tính vật chất, cụ thể | Emphasise materiality of platforms | materiality of data/infrastructure |
| architecture | n | /ˈɑːkɪtektʃə/ | Kiến trúc, cấu trúc | Technical architectures of platforms | system/network/software architecture |
| constrain | v | /kənˈstreɪn/ | Hạn chế, ràng buộc | Design choices constrain interactions | constrain ability/freedom/growth |
| mediate | v | /ˈmiːdieɪt/ | Trung gian, điều hòa | Systems that mediate experiences | mediate conflict/dispute/relationship |
| synthesis | n | /ˈsɪnθəsɪs/ | Sự tổng hợp | Interdisciplinary synthesis of approaches | synthesis of ideas/information |
| definitive | adj | /dɪˈfɪnətɪv/ | Dứt khoát, chắc chắn | Viewing any theory as definitive | definitive answer/proof/version |
| holistic | adj | /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ | Toàn diện, tổng thể | Holistic perspectives are essential | holistic approach/view/understanding |
Kết bài
Chủ đề “The impact of social media on public opinion” không chỉ xuất hiện thường xuyên trong IELTS Reading mà còn phản ánh một hiện tượng quan trọng của xã hội hiện đại. Đề thi mẫu này đã cung cấp cho bạn trải nghiệm hoàn chỉnh với 3 passages tăng dần độ khó, từ việc giới thiệu lịch sử và sự phát triển của mạng xã hội (Passage 1), qua phân tích các cơ chế ảnh hưởng đến dư luận (Passage 2), đến các khung lý thuyết học thuật phức tạp (Passage 3).
Với tổng cộng 40 câu hỏi đa dạng 7 dạng khác nhau, bạn đã được thực hành với những kỹ năng quan trọng nhất trong IELTS Reading: scanning để tìm thông tin cụ thể, skimming để nắm ý chính, paraphrasing để nhận diện cách diễn đạt khác nhau, và critical reading để phân biệt giữa thông tin được nêu rõ và không được đề cập. Phần đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích đã chỉ ra cách định vị thông tin chính xác và hiểu rõ logic đằng sau mỗi câu trả lời.
Đặc biệt, bộ từ vựng được tổng hợp theo từng passage sẽ giúp bạn mở rộng vốn từ học thuật về công nghệ, truyền thông và khoa học xã hội – những chủ đề xuất hiện thường xuyên trong IELTS. Hãy chú ý đến các collocations và cách sử dụng từ trong ngữ cảnh cụ thể để nâng cao khả năng hiểu đọc của mình.
Để đạt kết quả tốt nhất, bạn nên làm lại đề thi này ít nhất 2-3 lần, mỗi lần tập trung vào một khía cạnh khác nhau: lần đầu làm trong điều kiện thi thật, lần sau phân tích kỹ thuật paraphrase, và lần cuối học thuộc từ vựng. Hãy nhớ rằng, IELTS Reading không chỉ kiểm tra khả năng hiểu tiếng Anh mà còn đánh giá kỹ năng quản lý thời gian và chiến lược làm bài. Chúc bạn ôn tập hiệu quả và đạt band điểm mong muốn!
