Mở bài
Chủ đề về vai trò của công nghệ trong việc nâng cao năng suất lao động là một trong những đề tài xuất hiện thường xuyên trong kỳ thi IELTS Reading, đặc biệt ở các bài thi gần đây. Với sự phát triển không ngừng của công nghệ số, trí tuệ nhân tạo và tự động hóa, chủ đề này không chỉ mang tính thời sự cao mà còn liên quan đến nhiều lĩnh vực từ kinh tế, giáo dục đến đời sống xã hội.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ được trải nghiệm một đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh gồm 3 passages với độ khó tăng dần từ Easy đến Hard, hoàn toàn giống với format thi thật. Cụ thể, bạn sẽ nhận được đầy đủ 40 câu hỏi với 8 dạng bài khác nhau, đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích cụ thể về vị trí thông tin và kỹ thuật paraphrase, cùng với bộ từ vựng học thuật được phân loại theo từng passage.
Đề thi này phù hợp cho học viên có mục tiêu từ band 5.0 trở lên, giúp bạn làm quen với cấu trúc đề thi thực tế, rèn luyện kỹ năng đọc hiểu và quản lý thời gian hiệu quả. Hãy chuẩn bị sẵn 60 phút để hoàn thành bài thi trong điều kiện tương tự như phòng thi thật nhé.
Hướng dẫn làm bài IELTS Reading
Tổng Quan Về IELTS Reading Test
IELTS Reading Test là bài thi kéo dài 60 phút với 3 passages và tổng cộng 40 câu hỏi. Mỗi câu trả lời đúng được tính 1 điểm, và tổng điểm sẽ được quy đổi thành band score từ 1-9.
Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị cho đề thi này:
- Passage 1: 15-17 phút (độ khó Easy, band 5.0-6.5)
- Passage 2: 18-20 phút (độ khó Medium, band 6.0-7.5)
- Passage 3: 23-25 phút (độ khó Hard, band 7.0-9.0)
Lưu ý quan trọng: Không có thời gian riêng để chép đáp án, vì vậy bạn cần ghi đáp án trực tiếp vào answer sheet trong khi làm bài. Hãy đảm bảo viết đúng chính tả và tuân thủ số từ quy định trong từng câu hỏi.
Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này
Đề thi này bao gồm 8 dạng câu hỏi phổ biến trong IELTS Reading:
- Multiple Choice – Câu hỏi trắc nghiệm
- True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng/sai/không có
- Matching Information – Nối thông tin với đoạn văn
- Sentence Completion – Hoàn thành câu
- Matching Headings – Nối tiêu đề với đoạn văn
- Summary Completion – Hoàn thành đoạn tóm tắt
- Matching Features – Nối đặc điểm
- Short-answer Questions – Câu hỏi trả lời ngắn
IELTS Reading Practice Test
PASSAGE 1 – Technology in Modern Workplaces
Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút
The implementation of technology in workplace settings has fundamentally transformed how businesses operate and how employees perform their daily tasks. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed an unprecedented shift from traditional paper-based systems to digital platforms that enable faster communication, improved data management, and enhanced collaboration among team members.
Basic productivity tools such as email, instant messaging applications, and video conferencing software have become indispensable components of modern work environments. These technologies allow employees to communicate with colleagues across different time zones and geographical locations without the need for physical travel. For instance, a marketing team in London can easily coordinate with developers in Singapore through platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams, sharing files, exchanging ideas, and making decisions in real-time.
Cloud computing has emerged as one of the most significant technological advances affecting workplace productivity. By storing documents and data on remote servers accessible via the internet, cloud services enable employees to access their work from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility has given rise to remote working arrangements, which have become increasingly popular, especially following the global pandemic. Companies like Google and Dropbox provide cloud storage solutions that not only save physical space but also ensure that important data is backed up and protected from loss.
The adoption of project management software has revolutionized how teams organize and track their work. Tools such as Trello, Asana, and Monday.com allow managers to assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress without constant email exchanges or meetings. These platforms provide visual representations of workflows, making it easier for team members to understand their responsibilities and prioritize their workload effectively. According to a 2022 survey by the Project Management Institute, organizations using dedicated project management tools reported a 28% increase in project success rates.
Automation technology has also played a crucial role in enhancing productivity by handling repetitive tasks that previously consumed significant employee time. Simple automation tools can schedule social media posts, generate regular reports, process invoices, and respond to common customer inquiries without human intervention. This allows employees to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their roles, leading to greater job satisfaction and better overall outcomes for the organization.
However, the integration of technology in workplaces is not without challenges. Many employees, particularly those from older generations, may experience difficulties adapting to new systems and software. Organizations must invest in proper training programs to ensure all staff members can use technological tools effectively. Additionally, the constant availability enabled by mobile devices and communication apps can lead to work-life balance issues, with employees feeling pressured to respond to messages outside regular working hours.
Cybersecurity concerns represent another significant challenge associated with workplace technology. As more business processes move online and sensitive data is stored digitally, companies become vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and information theft. Organizations must implement robust security measures, including firewalls, encryption, and regular security audits, to protect their digital assets and maintain customer trust.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of workplace technology far outweigh the drawbacks. Studies consistently show that companies embracing digital transformation experience higher productivity levels, reduced operational costs, and improved employee engagement. The key to successful technology implementation lies in choosing appropriate tools that align with organizational needs, providing adequate training, and creating policies that promote healthy technology use. As technology continues to evolve, workplaces must remain adaptable and open to innovation while addressing the human factors that determine whether technological investments truly enhance productivity.
Công nghệ hiện đại tăng năng suất làm việc với máy tính xách tay và ứng dụng quản lý dự án
Questions 1-13
Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
1. According to the passage, what is one main advantage of communication technology in workplaces?
A. It reduces the need for employees to have technical skills
B. It eliminates the necessity of face-to-face meetings entirely
C. It allows collaboration between people in different locations
D. It makes traditional email systems obsolete
2. Cloud computing primarily helps workplace productivity by:
A. reducing the cost of computer hardware
B. enabling access to work files from various locations
C. improving internet connection speeds
D. training employees in new technologies
3. The survey mentioned in the passage found that project management tools:
A. were used by 28% of successful organizations
B. increased project success rates by over a quarter
C. were adopted by companies in 2022
D. replaced the need for managers in organizations
4. What does the passage suggest about automation technology?
A. It eliminates the need for human employees
B. It can only handle simple customer service tasks
C. It frees up time for employees to do more meaningful work
D. It is too expensive for most small businesses
5. According to the passage, older employees:
A. refuse to use any new technology
B. are always less productive than younger workers
C. may find it harder to adjust to new technological systems
D. should not be given access to advanced software
Questions 6-9: True/False/Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
Write:
- TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
- FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
- NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
6. Remote working became more common after the global pandemic.
7. All companies now use cloud storage for their important documents.
8. Employees who use automation tools report higher job satisfaction.
9. Cybersecurity training is mandatory in most modern workplaces.
Questions 10-13: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
10. Project management platforms provide __ of workflows to help team members understand their tasks.
11. The constant connectivity through mobile devices can create problems with __.
12. Companies need to implement __ to protect against cyberattacks and data breaches.
13. Successful technology implementation requires choosing tools that match __.
PASSAGE 2 – The Evolution of Productivity Technologies
Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút
The relationship between technological advancement and productivity enhancement has been a subject of intense academic scrutiny for decades. While the correlation between technology adoption and improved output seems intuitive, the mechanisms through which technology actually increases productivity are multifaceted and context-dependent. Understanding this relationship requires examining not just the tools themselves, but the organizational ecosystems in which they operate.
A. The concept of productivity technology has evolved considerably since the industrial revolution. Early productivity tools were primarily mechanical devices designed to augment human physical capabilities – from the steam engine to the assembly line. The digital revolution, however, introduced a fundamentally different paradigm: technologies that extend cognitive capabilities rather than merely physical ones. Software systems, data analytics platforms, and artificial intelligence applications now enable workers to process information, make decisions, and solve problems at speeds and scales that would have been unimaginable just a generation ago.
B. One particularly significant development has been the emergence of integrated productivity suites that combine multiple functionalities within unified platforms. Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace exemplify this trend, offering seamless integration between word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email, and collaborative tools. This integration eliminates the friction that previously existed when transferring data between different applications, thereby reducing time wastage and minimizing errors. Research conducted by McKinsey Global Institute suggests that employees spend approximately 28% of their workweek managing emails and nearly 20% searching for internal information or tracking down colleagues; integrated platforms significantly reduce these inefficiencies.
C. The impact of technology on productivity, however, is not uniformly positive across all contexts. The concept of the “productivity paradox”, first identified by economist Robert Solow in the 1980s, refers to the observation that despite massive investments in information technology, productivity growth in many sectors remained disappointingly slow. This paradox highlights an important truth: technology alone does not guarantee productivity improvements. The organizational culture, employee training, workflow redesign, and change management strategies all play crucial roles in determining whether technological investments translate into measurable productivity gains.
D. Contemporary research has identified several factors that moderate the technology-productivity relationship. First, the complementarity between technology and human skills is critical. Advanced technologies are most effective when combined with workers who possess the skills to leverage them fully. Organizations that invest in technology without corresponding investments in training and skill development often experience suboptimal outcomes. Second, the pace of technological change matters significantly. When new technologies are introduced too rapidly or too frequently, employees may struggle to achieve proficiency with one system before being required to learn another, leading to disruption rather than enhancement of productivity.
E. The rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications represents the current frontier in productivity technology. These systems can analyze vast datasets, identify patterns invisible to human observers, and make predictions that inform business decisions. In customer service, AI-powered chatbots handle routine inquiries, allowing human representatives to focus on complex cases requiring empathy and nuanced judgment. In manufacturing, predictive maintenance algorithms analyze equipment data to anticipate failures before they occur, minimizing costly downtime. In knowledge work, AI writing assistants help professionals draft documents more efficiently, while data visualization tools transform complex datasets into comprehensible insights.
F. Nevertheless, the implementation of AI technologies raises important questions about the future of work and the nature of human productivity itself. As machines become capable of performing tasks previously requiring human intelligence, the definition of productive human work continues to shift. Some researchers argue that the true productivity benefit of AI lies not in replacing human workers but in augmenting human capabilities, enabling professionals to make better decisions, work more creatively, and focus on tasks that require uniquely human attributes such as emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and innovative thinking.
G. The measurement of productivity in technology-enabled workplaces also presents methodological challenges. Traditional productivity metrics, such as output per hour worked, may not adequately capture the value created in knowledge-based industries where output quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction are often more important than sheer quantity. Furthermore, technology enables new forms of work that defy conventional measurement approaches. How should organizations quantify the productivity gains from improved collaboration, faster access to information, or enhanced decision-making quality? These questions remain areas of active research and debate among economists and organizational scholars.
H. Looking forward, the trajectory of productivity technology appears poised to continue along several key dimensions. Hyper-personalization – systems that adapt to individual user preferences and work styles – promises to make tools more intuitive and efficient. Predictive analytics will increasingly anticipate user needs and automate preparatory tasks. The continued convergence of technologies, such as the integration of AI with Internet of Things devices, will create new possibilities for productivity enhancement across diverse sectors. However, realizing these benefits will require thoughtful implementation strategies that address not only technical considerations but also the human, organizational, and ethical dimensions of technological change.
Tương tự như How global warming is changing agricultural practices, những thay đổi trong công nghệ năng suất đòi hỏi sự thích nghi liên tục từ cả tổ chức và người lao động để đạt được hiệu quả tối ưu.
Questions 14-26
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
14. Digital technologies fundamentally differ from mechanical tools because they enhance mental rather than physical abilities.
15. Microsoft Office 365 is more effective than Google Workspace for improving productivity.
16. The productivity paradox demonstrates that technology investments always lead to increased productivity.
17. Organizations achieve better results when technology implementation is accompanied by appropriate training.
18. AI technologies will eventually replace most human workers in knowledge-based industries.
Questions 19-23: Matching Headings
The passage has eight paragraphs, A-H.
Choose the correct heading for paragraphs D-H from the list of headings below.
List of Headings:
i. The limitations of current productivity measurement approaches
ii. The historical development of productivity-enhancing tools
iii. Future directions for productivity technology development
iv. Factors influencing the effectiveness of technology in workplaces
v. The integration of multiple tools into single platforms
vi. Applications and implications of artificial intelligence
vii. The challenge of maintaining work-life boundaries
viii. Training requirements for new technology systems
19. Paragraph D
20. Paragraph E
21. Paragraph F
22. Paragraph G
23. Paragraph H
Questions 24-26: Summary Completion
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
The McKinsey Global Institute found that workers waste significant time on activities like managing emails and searching for information. Modern productivity platforms reduce these problems by providing 24. __ between different applications. However, the 25. __ identified by Robert Solow shows that technology investment does not automatically improve productivity. Organizations must also consider factors such as company culture and 26. __ strategies to achieve real productivity improvements.
PASSAGE 3 – Productivity Technology and Socioeconomic Transformation
Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút
The discourse surrounding technology’s role in productivity enhancement has traditionally focused on organizational-level outcomes and individual efficiency gains. However, a growing body of scholarship examines the broader socioeconomic ramifications of productivity technologies, interrogating how these tools reshape labor markets, influence income distribution, and reconfigure the fundamental relationship between work and human flourishing. This macro-level analysis reveals that productivity technologies generate complex, sometimes contradictory effects that extend far beyond the immediate workplace context.
From an economic perspective, productivity growth serves as the primary engine of long-term prosperity and rising living standards. Classical economic theory posits that technological improvements enabling workers to produce more output with the same input of labor and capital create surplus value that can be distributed as higher wages, lower prices, or increased profits. Historically, major productivity-enhancing technologies – from mechanized agriculture to electrification to computerization – have indeed correlated with substantial improvements in material well-being across industrialized societies. The optimistic narrative suggests that contemporary productivity technologies, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence and automation, will continue this trajectory, generating abundance that raises living standards globally.
However, this sanguine view confronts significant empirical challenges. Despite remarkable technological advances over the past two decades, productivity growth in many advanced economies has been tepid rather than robust. This phenomenon, sometimes termed “secular stagnation,” has puzzled economists and sparked debate about whether current technologies genuinely enhance productivity or merely create the illusion of progress through novel but ultimately superficial innovations. Some scholars argue that truly transformative technologies – those that fundamentally reshape production processes across multiple sectors – emerge rarely, and that recent decades have produced primarily incremental improvements rather than revolutionary breakthroughs comparable to electricity or the internal combustion engine.
More troubling still is the evidence that productivity gains from technology increasingly accrue disproportionately to capital owners and highly skilled workers, while providing limited benefits to middle and lower-income workers. This phenomenon of “skill-biased technological change” suggests that modern productivity technologies complement high-skill labor while substituting for routine cognitive and manual tasks typically performed by middle-skill workers. The result has been labor market polarization, with employment growth concentrated in high-skill, high-wage positions and low-skill, low-wage service jobs, while middle-skill opportunities contract. This trend has contributed to rising income inequality in many developed nations, raising profound questions about the distributional justice of productivity gains.
The concept of “technological unemployment” – the notion that productivity improvements might permanently displace workers – has periodically surfaced throughout industrial history, from the Luddite movement to contemporary anxieties about artificial intelligence. While past predictions of widespread technological unemployment proved unfounded, as displaced workers eventually found employment in newly created sectors, several factors distinguish the current technological moment. First, the pace and scope of automation have accelerated dramatically, with AI systems demonstrating capabilities in domains previously considered immune to mechanization, including creative work, professional judgment, and interpersonal interaction. Second, the lag time between job displacement and the emergence of new employment opportunities may be lengthening, creating prolonged transition periods during which workers experience unemployment or underemployment. Third, the cognitive and educational requirements of newly created jobs may exceed the capacity of many displaced workers to retrain, particularly older workers facing obsolescence of skills developed over decades.
These labor market dynamics intersect with demographic trends to create particularly acute challenges in certain contexts. Developing nations, which have historically relied on manufacturing-based industrialization as a pathway to prosperity, may find this route foreclosed as automation reduces the labor-cost advantages that previously attracted manufacturing investment. Simultaneously, aging populations in developed nations face the prospect of insufficient fiscal resources to support growing retiree populations if productivity gains fail to generate corresponding wage growth and tax revenues. These intersecting challenges underscore how productivity technology operates not merely as a tool for organizational efficiency but as a force reshaping global economic geography and intergenerational equity.
The philosophical dimensions of productivity technology warrant consideration alongside economic analyses. The modern emphasis on productivity reflects particular cultural values that prioritize efficiency, output maximization, and economic growth. However, critics question whether these values adequately capture human flourishing or whether the relentless pursuit of productivity might actually diminish quality of life, foster chronic stress, and erode social bonds. The quantification and surveillance capabilities of digital productivity technologies enable unprecedented monitoring of worker behavior, raising concerns about workplace autonomy, privacy, and dignity. When algorithms dictate work pace, evaluate performance based on narrow metrics, and optimize human behavior for organizational goals, workers may experience alienation despite – or perhaps because of – enhanced productivity.
For those interested in understanding how technological changes affect different sectors, Impact of automation on the global construction industry provides valuable insights into industry-specific transformation patterns that mirror broader productivity trends.
Furthermore, the environmental implications of productivity technology present paradoxical considerations. On one hand, efficiency improvements theoretically reduce resource consumption per unit of output, suggesting ecological benefits. On the other hand, productivity gains that lower production costs may stimulate increased consumption through rebound effects, ultimately increasing total environmental impact. The data centers, electronic devices, and infrastructure supporting digital productivity technologies themselves consume vast amounts of energy and generate significant electronic waste, raising questions about the sustainability of technology-driven productivity models.
Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires holistic policy frameworks that extend beyond technological development to encompass education systems, social safety nets, labor regulations, and distributional mechanisms. Some proposals include universal basic income schemes to ensure broad sharing of productivity gains, lifelong learning initiatives to enable workforce adaptation, progressive taxation to address concentration of technology-driven wealth, and work-time reduction to distribute employment opportunities more equitably. The objective is not to resist technological progress but to ensure that productivity enhancements serve genuinely humanistic ends rather than narrow economic metrics.
Ultimately, the relationship between technology and productivity must be understood not as a purely technical matter but as profoundly political and normative, involving collective choices about what we value, how we organize society, and what constitutes a life well-lived. The technologies we develop, the contexts in which we deploy them, and the institutional frameworks governing their use all reflect and reinforce particular visions of human purpose and social organization. Recognizing this complexity is essential for ensuring that productivity technologies contribute to genuine human advancement rather than merely the acceleration of output divorced from consideration of its ultimate purposes and consequences. As we navigate the coming decades of technological change, maintaining this broader perspective will be crucial for crafting policies and practices that harness productivity technologies for collective benefit while mitigating their potential harms.
Công nghệ năng suất tác động đến xã hội và nền kinh tế toàn cầu
Questions 27-40
Questions 27-31: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
27. According to the passage, classical economic theory suggests that productivity improvements:
A. always benefit workers more than business owners
B. create additional value that can be distributed in various ways
C. primarily reduce product prices rather than increasing wages
D. only benefit highly educated workers in advanced economies
28. The term “secular stagnation” refers to:
A. the rapid advancement of technology in recent years
B. the historical pattern of productivity growth
C. disappointingly slow productivity growth despite technological progress
D. the decline of traditional manufacturing industries
29. What does the passage suggest about skill-biased technological change?
A. It provides equal benefits to all workers regardless of skill level
B. It primarily helps workers with routine manual jobs
C. It advantages highly skilled workers while reducing middle-skill opportunities
D. It has no significant effect on income distribution
30. According to the passage, why might current technological unemployment differ from past patterns?
A. Previous technologies were more advanced than current ones
B. Workers today are less willing to learn new skills
C. AI can now perform tasks in areas previously thought immune to automation
D. There are fewer workers available in the modern economy
31. The passage suggests that developing nations face challenges because:
A. they lack access to modern productivity technologies
B. automation may eliminate the manufacturing pathway to prosperity
C. their populations are aging faster than developed nations
D. they prioritize efficiency over other cultural values
Questions 32-36: Matching Features
Match each statement (Questions 32-36) with the correct perspective or concept (A-G) from the passage.
A. Optimistic narrative
B. Secular stagnation
C. Technological unemployment
D. Skill-biased technological change
E. Philosophical critique
F. Environmental paradox
G. Holistic policy frameworks
32. Questions whether emphasis on productivity actually improves human well-being
33. Suggests AI and automation will continue historical trends of improving living standards
34. Proposes comprehensive approaches including education reform and social safety nets
35. Notes that efficiency improvements might ultimately increase resource consumption
36. Explains why employment opportunities for middle-income workers are decreasing
Questions 37-40: Short-answer Questions
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
37. What two things does the passage say productivity technologies enable employers to do regarding worker behavior?
38. What type of income scheme is mentioned as a possible way to distribute productivity gains more broadly?
39. According to the passage, what must the relationship between technology and productivity be understood as, rather than just a technical matter?
40. What does the passage say productivity technologies should contribute to, rather than just accelerating output?
Answer Keys – Đáp Án
PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13
- C
- B
- B
- C
- C
- TRUE
- NOT GIVEN
- NOT GIVEN
- NOT GIVEN
- visual representations
- work-life balance
- robust security measures / security measures
- organizational needs
PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26
- YES
- NOT GIVEN
- NO
- YES
- NO
- iv
- vi
- vi
- i
- iii
- seamless integration
- productivity paradox
- change management
PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40
- B
- C
- C
- C
- B
- E
- A
- G
- F
- D
- quantification and surveillance / monitoring and evaluation
- universal basic income
- political and normative
- genuine human advancement
Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết
Passage 1 – Giải Thích
Câu 1: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: main advantage, communication technology
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 1-4
- Giải thích: Bài đọc nói rõ “These technologies allow employees to communicate with colleagues across different time zones and geographical locations without the need for physical travel.” Đây là paraphrase của đáp án C “allows collaboration between people in different locations”. Các đáp án khác không được đề cập hoặc không phải là lợi ích chính.
Câu 2: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: Cloud computing, primarily helps
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “By storing documents and data on remote servers accessible via the internet, cloud services enable employees to access their work from anywhere with an internet connection.” Đây chính xác là đáp án B với cách diễn đạt khác.
Câu 3: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: survey, project management tools
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng cuối
- Giải thích: “organizations using dedicated project management tools reported a 28% increase in project success rates” – tăng 28% tức là “over a quarter” như đáp án B nêu.
Câu 6: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Remote working, global pandemic
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 4-5
- Giải thích: “This flexibility has given rise to remote working arrangements, which have become increasingly popular, especially following the global pandemic.” Câu này xác nhận rằng remote working trở nên phổ biến hơn sau đại dịch.
Câu 10: visual representations
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: project management platforms, workflows
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 4-5
- Giải thích: “These platforms provide visual representations of workflows, making it easier for team members to understand their responsibilities”
Câu 11: work-life balance
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: constant connectivity, mobile devices
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 6, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “the constant availability enabled by mobile devices and communication apps can lead to work-life balance issues”
Passage 2 – Giải Thích
Câu 14: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Digital technologies, enhance mental abilities
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn A, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: “The digital revolution, however, introduced a fundamentally different paradigm: technologies that extend cognitive capabilities rather than merely physical ones.” Đây chính xác khớp với quan điểm trong câu hỏi.
Câu 16: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: productivity paradox, technology investments
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn C
- Giải thích: Productivity paradox chỉ ra rằng “despite massive investments in information technology, productivity growth in many sectors remained disappointingly slow” và “technology alone does not guarantee productivity improvements”. Điều này mâu thuẫn với câu hỏi nên đáp án là NO.
Câu 19: iv
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching Headings
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn D
- Giải thích: Đoạn D thảo luận về “factors that moderate the technology-productivity relationship” bao gồm complementarity, pace of change, và organizational factors. Tiêu đề phù hợp nhất là “Factors influencing the effectiveness of technology in workplaces”.
Câu 24: seamless integration
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: platforms, reduce problems
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn B
- Giải thích: “offering seamless integration between word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email, and collaborative tools”
Câu 25: productivity paradox
- Dạng câu hỏi: Summary Completion
- Từ khóa: Robert Solow, technology investment
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn C
- Giải thích: “The concept of the productivity paradox, first identified by economist Robert Solow”
Passage 3 – Giải Thích
Câu 27: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: classical economic theory, productivity improvements
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, dòng 2-4
- Giải thích: “technological improvements enabling workers to produce more output with the same input of labor and capital create surplus value that can be distributed as higher wages, lower prices, or increased profits.” Đây chính xác là đáp án B – tạo ra giá trị có thể phân phối theo nhiều cách khác nhau.
Câu 28: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: secular stagnation
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, dòng 2-3
- Giải thích: “Despite remarkable technological advances over the past two decades, productivity growth in many advanced economies has been tepid rather than robust. This phenomenon, sometimes termed secular stagnation”
Câu 29: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: skill-biased technological change
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, dòng 2-5
- Giải thích: “modern productivity technologies complement high-skill labor while substituting for routine cognitive and manual tasks typically performed by middle-skill workers. The result has been labor market polarization, with employment growth concentrated in high-skill, high-wage positions”
Câu 37: quantification and surveillance / monitoring and evaluation
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: enable employers, worker behavior
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7, dòng 3-5
- Giải thích: “The quantification and surveillance capabilities of digital productivity technologies enable unprecedented monitoring of worker behavior”
Câu 40: genuine human advancement
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer Questions
- Từ khóa: productivity technologies, contribute to
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn cuối, dòng 6-7
- Giải thích: “ensuring that productivity technologies contribute to genuine human advancement rather than merely the acceleration of output”
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 | /ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/ | chưa từng có, không có tiền lệ | unprecedented shift | unprecedented change/growth |
| indispensable | adj | /ˌɪn.dɪˈspen.sə.bəl/ | không thể thiếu | indispensable components | indispensable tool/part |
| flexibility | n | /ˌflek.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/ | tính linh hoạt | This flexibility has given rise to | workplace flexibility |
| visual representations | n phrase | /ˈvɪʒ.u.əl ˌrep.rɪ.zenˈteɪ.ʃən/ | hình ảnh minh họa, biểu diễn trực quan | visual representations of workflows | provide visual representations |
| automation | n | /ˌɔː.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/ | tự động hóa | Automation technology | business automation |
| repetitive tasks | n phrase | /rɪˈpet.ɪ.tɪv tɑːsks/ | nhiệm vụ lặp đi lặp lại | handling repetitive tasks | perform repetitive tasks |
| difficulties adapting | n phrase | /ˈdɪf.ɪ.kəl.tiz əˈdæp.tɪŋ/ | khó khăn trong việc thích nghi | experience difficulties adapting | face difficulties adapting |
| work-life balance | n phrase | /wɜːk laɪf ˈbæl.əns/ | cân bằng công việc-cuộc sống | work-life balance issues | maintain work-life balance |
| cybersecurity | n | /ˈsaɪ.bə.sɪˌkjʊə.rə.ti/ | an ninh mạng | Cybersecurity concerns | cybersecurity measures/threats |
| robust | adj | /rəʊˈbʌst/ | mạnh mẽ, vững chắc | robust security measures | robust system/framework |
| operational costs | n phrase | /ˌɒp.əˈreɪ.ʃən.əl kɒsts/ | chi phí hoạt động | reduced operational costs | reduce operational costs |
| digital transformation | n phrase | /ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl ˌtræns.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən/ | chuyển đổi số | embracing digital transformation | undergo digital transformation |
Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| correlation | n | /ˌkɒr.əˈleɪ.ʃən/ | mối tương quan | correlation between technology adoption | positive/negative correlation |
| multifaceted | adj | /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ | nhiều mặt, đa chiều | mechanisms are multifaceted | multifaceted problem/approach |
| cognitive capabilities | n phrase | /ˈkɒɡ.nə.tɪv ˌkeɪ.pəˈbɪl.ə.tiz/ | khả năng nhận thức | extend cognitive capabilities | enhance cognitive capabilities |
| seamless integration | n phrase | /ˈsiːm.ləs ˌɪn.tɪˈɡreɪ.ʃən/ | tích hợp liền mạch | offering seamless integration | provide seamless integration |
| friction | n | /ˈfrɪk.ʃən/ | ma sát, trở ngại | eliminates the friction | reduce friction |
| inefficiencies | n | /ˌɪn.ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.siz/ | sự kém hiệu quả | reduce these inefficiencies | eliminate inefficiencies |
| productivity paradox | n phrase | /ˌprɒd.ʌkˈtɪv.ə.ti ˈpær.ə.dɒks/ | nghịch lý năng suất | concept of the productivity paradox | identify productivity paradox |
| organizational culture | n phrase | /ˌɔː.ɡən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən.əl ˈkʌl.tʃər/ | văn hóa tổ chức | organizational culture plays crucial roles | shape organizational culture |
| complementarity | n | /ˌkɒm.plɪ.menˈtær.ə.ti/ | tính bổ sung | complementarity between technology and skills | achieve complementarity |
| suboptimal outcomes | n phrase | /sʌbˈɒp.tɪ.məl ˈaʊt.kʌmz/ | kết quả dưới mức tối ưu | experience suboptimal outcomes | lead to suboptimal outcomes |
| artificial intelligence | n phrase | /ˌɑː.tɪˈfɪʃ.əl ɪnˈtel.ɪ.dʒəns/ | trí tuệ nhân tạo | rise of artificial intelligence | develop artificial intelligence |
| machine learning | n phrase | /məˈʃiːn ˈlɜː.nɪŋ/ | học máy | machine learning applications | apply machine learning |
| augmenting | v | /ɔːɡˈment/ | tăng cường, bổ sung | augmenting human capabilities | augment productivity |
| hyper-personalization | n | /ˈhaɪ.pə ˌpɜː.sən.əl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ | cá nhân hóa siêu cao | Hyper-personalization systems | achieve hyper-personalization |
| convergence | n | /kənˈvɜː.dʒəns/ | sự hội tụ | continued convergence of technologies | technological convergence |
Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| socioeconomic ramifications | n phrase | /ˌsəʊ.si.əʊˌiː.kəˈnɒm.ɪk ˌræm.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃənz/ | hệ quả kinh tế xã hội | broader socioeconomic ramifications | examine socioeconomic ramifications |
| macro-level analysis | n phrase | /ˈmæk.rəʊ ˈlev.əl əˈnæl.ə.sɪs/ | phân tích cấp vĩ mô | macro-level analysis reveals | conduct macro-level analysis |
| surplus value | n phrase | /ˈsɜː.pləs ˈvæl.juː/ | giá trị thặng dư | create surplus value | generate surplus value |
| optimistic narrative | n phrase | /ˌɒp.tɪˈmɪs.tɪk ˈnær.ə.tɪv/ | tường thuật lạc quan | The optimistic narrative | challenge optimistic narrative |
| tepid | adj | /ˈtep.ɪd/ | không nhiệt tình, tẻ nhạt | productivity growth has been tepid | tepid response/growth |
| secular stagnation | n phrase | /ˈsek.jə.lər stæɡˈneɪ.ʃən/ | đình trệ trường kỳ | termed secular stagnation | experience secular stagnation |
| incremental improvements | n phrase | /ˌɪŋ.krəˈmen.təl ɪmˈpruːv.mənts/ | cải tiến từng bước | produced incremental improvements | achieve incremental improvements |
| accrue disproportionately | v phrase | /əˈkruː ˌdɪs.prəˈpɔː.ʃən.ət.li/ | tích lũy không cân đối | gains accrue disproportionately | benefits accrue disproportionately |
| skill-biased technological change | n phrase | /skɪl baɪəst ˌtek.nəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl tʃeɪndʒ/ | thay đổi công nghệ thiên về kỹ năng | phenomenon of skill-biased technological change | study skill-biased technological change |
| labor market polarization | n phrase | /ˈleɪ.bər ˈmɑː.kɪt ˌpəʊ.lər.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ | phân cực thị trường lao động | result has been labor market polarization | experience labor market polarization |
| distributional justice | n phrase | /ˌdɪs.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən.əl ˈdʒʌs.tɪs/ | công bằng phân phối | questions about distributional justice | ensure distributional justice |
| technological unemployment | n phrase | /ˌtek.nəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl ˌʌn.ɪmˈplɔɪ.mənt/ | thất nghiệp do công nghệ | concept of technological unemployment | address technological unemployment |
| underemployment | n | /ˌʌn.dər.ɪmˈplɔɪ.mənt/ | thiếu việc làm, làm dưới trình độ | experience underemployment | reduce underemployment |
| obsolescence | n | /ˌɒb.səˈles.əns/ | sự lỗi thời | facing obsolescence of skills | planned obsolescence |
| foreclosed | adj | /fɔːˈkləʊzd/ | bị ngăn chặn, bị loại trừ | may find this route foreclosed | opportunities foreclosed |
| fiscal resources | n phrase | /ˈfɪs.kəl rɪˈzɔː.sɪz/ | nguồn lực tài chính | insufficient fiscal resources | allocate fiscal resources |
| intergenerational equity | n phrase | /ˌɪn.təˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən.əl ˈek.wə.ti/ | công bằng giữa các thế hệ | questions of intergenerational equity | ensure intergenerational equity |
| alienation | n | /ˌeɪ.li.əˈneɪ.ʃən/ | sự xa lánh, cảm giác bị cô lập | workers may experience alienation | social alienation |
| rebound effects | n phrase | /rɪˈbaʊnd ɪˈfekts/ | hiệu ứng phản hồi | through rebound effects | mitigate rebound effects |
| universal basic income | n phrase | /ˌjuː.nɪˈvɜː.səl ˈbeɪ.sɪk ˈɪn.kʌm/ | thu nhập cơ bản phổ quát | universal basic income schemes | implement universal basic income |
Kết bài
Qua bài thi IELTS Reading mẫu về chủ đề “The Role Of Technology In Enhancing Productivity”, bạn đã được trải nghiệm một đề thi hoàn chỉnh với cấu trúc và độ khó tăng dần từ Easy đến Hard, hoàn toàn giống với format thi thật. Ba passages đã cung cấp góc nhìn đa chiều về vai trò của công nghệ: từ ứng dụng cơ bản tại nơi làm việc, đến sự phát triển của các công nghệ năng suất qua thời gian, và cuối cùng là những tác động sâu rộng đến kinh tế xã hội.
Đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích vị trí và phương pháp paraphrase sẽ giúp bạn hiểu rõ cách các câu hỏi được thiết kế và làm thế nào để tìm thông tin chính xác trong bài đọc. Đặc biệt, phần từ vựng được phân loại theo từng passage cung cấp những collocations và cụm từ học thuật quan trọng mà bạn có thể áp dụng không chỉ trong Reading mà cả Writing và Speaking.
Đối với những ai đang hướng tới band điểm cao, việc hiểu sâu về các dạng câu hỏi như Matching Headings, Yes/No/Not Given và Short-answer Questions là then chốt. Những dạng bài này đòi hỏi không chỉ khả năng đọc hiểu mà còn kỹ năng phân tích, suy luận và xác định paraphrase chính xác.
Hãy luyện tập đề thi này nhiều lần, chú ý đến thời gian làm bài và phát triển chiến lược riêng phù hợp với điểm mạnh của bạn. Chúc bạn đạt được band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới!
