Bài viết này cung cấp cho bạn một đề thi IELTS Reading hoàn chỉnh với ba passages theo đúng format thi thật, bao gồm đầy đủ các dạng câu hỏi từ dễ đến khó. Bạn sẽ được luyện tập với 40 câu hỏi đa dạng, kèm theo đáp án chi tiết và giải thích cụ thể. Ngoài ra, bài viết còn tổng hợp từ vựng quan trọng và các kỹ thuật làm bài hiệu quả.
Đề thi này phù hợp cho học viên từ band 5.0 trở lên, giúp bạn làm quen với độ khó thực tế của kỳ thi IELTS và nâng cao kỹ năng đọc hiểu một cách bài bản.
Hướng dẫn làm bài IELTS Reading
Tổng Quan Về IELTS Reading Test
IELTS Reading Test bao gồm 3 passages với tổng cộng 40 câu hỏi phải hoàn thành trong 60 phút. Đây là bài thi đòi hỏi kỹ năng quản lý thời gian và chiến lược làm bài rõ ràng.
Phân bổ thời gian khuyến nghị:
- Passage 1 (Easy): 15-17 phút – Đây là passage dễ nhất, giúp bạn khởi động tốt
- Passage 2 (Medium): 18-20 phút – Độ khó tăng lên, cần đọc kỹ hơn
- Passage 3 (Hard): 23-25 phút – Passage khó nhất, dành nhiều thời gian nhất
Lưu ý quan trọng: Dành 2-3 phút cuối để chuyển đáp án vào Answer Sheet và kiểm tra lại.
Các Dạng Câu Hỏi Trong Đề Này
Đề thi mẫu này bao gồm đầy đủ các dạng câu hỏi phổ biến trong IELTS Reading:
- Multiple Choice – Câu hỏi trắc nghiệm nhiều lựa chọn
- True/False/Not Given – Xác định thông tin đúng, sai hay không được đề cập
- Matching Headings – Ghép tiêu đề phù hợp với đoạn văn
- Sentence Completion – Hoàn thành câu
- Summary Completion – Hoàn thành đoạn tóm tắt
- Matching Features – Ghép đặc điểm với thông tin
- Short-answer Questions – Câu hỏi trả lời ngắn
Mỗi dạng câu hỏi yêu cầu kỹ năng đọc và chiến lược khác nhau. Hãy đọc kỹ instructions trước khi làm bài.
IELTS Reading Practice Test
PASSAGE 1 – Simple Steps to Boost Your Immunity During Cold Season
Độ khó: Easy (Band 5.0-6.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 15-17 phút
As the temperature drops and cold weather arrives, many people find themselves fighting off seasonal illnesses such as colds and flu. The autumn and winter months bring with them an increased risk of infection, as viruses thrive in cooler conditions and people spend more time indoors in close contact with others. However, there are numerous simple yet effective strategies that individuals can adopt to strengthen their immune system and reduce their chances of falling ill during this challenging time of year.
One of the most fundamental ways to protect yourself during flu season is through proper hand hygiene. Research has consistently shown that regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can significantly reduce the transmission of infectious diseases. Health experts recommend washing your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, and whenever you return home from public places. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol can serve as an effective alternative. This simple practice creates a physical barrier against germs that commonly spread through touching contaminated surfaces such as door handles, shopping carts, and elevator buttons.
Adequate sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining a robust immune system. During sleep, the body produces and releases cytokines, proteins that help fight infection and inflammation. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night, while teenagers need even more. Sleep deprivation not only makes you more susceptible to viruses but can also slow down your recovery if you do become ill. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding screens before bedtime, and creating a cool, dark sleeping environment can all contribute to better sleep quality and, consequently, stronger immunity.
Nutrition is another cornerstone of immune health. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune function. Vitamin C, found abundantly in citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers, helps stimulate the production of white blood cells that fight infections. Vitamin D, which many people lack during winter months due to reduced sunlight exposure, can be obtained through fortified foods, supplements, or safe sun exposure. Zinc, selenium, and vitamin E are other nutrients that play important roles in immune defense. Rather than relying on supplements alone, health professionals emphasize the importance of obtaining these nutrients through a balanced, varied diet that includes whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Regular physical activity is proven to enhance immune function, though moderation is key. Moderate-intensity exercise such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming for 30 minutes most days of the week can improve circulation, allowing immune cells to move through the body more effectively. Exercise also helps reduce stress hormones that can suppress immune function. However, it is important not to overdo it, as excessive intense exercise can temporarily weaken immunity, creating a window of opportunity for infections. Finding the right balance and listening to your body is essential.
Stress management should not be overlooked when considering immune health. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can suppress immune function over time. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature can help maintain emotional well-being and support physical health. Even simple activities like reading, listening to music, or engaging in hobbies can provide important mental breaks and contribute to overall wellness during the demanding flu season.
Staying hydrated is often underestimated but plays a vital role in maintaining health during flu season. Water helps carry nutrients to cells, flush out toxins, and keep mucous membranes moist, which provides a first line of defense against respiratory infections. The general recommendation is to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, though individual needs may vary based on activity level, climate, and overall health. Herbal teas and warm broths can be particularly comforting during cold weather while contributing to daily fluid intake.
Finally, avoiding close contact with people who are obviously sick and staying home when you are unwell yourself are important community health practices. Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a tissue or your elbow rather than your hands, helps prevent the spread of germs. In crowded public spaces during peak flu season, some people choose to wear masks as an additional preventive measure.
By implementing these straightforward strategies consistently throughout the fall and winter months, individuals can significantly improve their chances of staying healthy and avoiding the disruption that seasonal illnesses bring to daily life. While no method offers absolute protection, combining multiple approaches creates layers of defense that work together to support the body’s natural immune responses.
Questions 1-5
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
- Cold and flu viruses spread more easily in winter because people are indoors more often.
- Hand sanitizers are more effective than washing hands with soap and water.
- Adults need more sleep than teenagers to maintain a healthy immune system.
- Vitamin C helps increase the number of white blood cells in the body.
- Taking vitamin supplements is more beneficial than getting nutrients from food.
Questions 6-9
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- During sleep, the body produces proteins called __ that help combat infections.
- A __ should include whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support immunity.
- Chronic stress increases __ levels, which can weaken the immune system.
- Drinking water helps keep __ moist, providing protection against respiratory infections.
Questions 10-13
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
- According to the passage, handwashing is most effective when done:
- A. for exactly 20 seconds
- B. only before meals
- C. with cold water
- D. at least five times daily
- The passage suggests that exercise during flu season should be:
- A. avoided completely
- B. very intense to boost immunity
- C. moderate and regular
- D. limited to indoor activities only
- Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a stress-reduction technique?
- A. meditation
- B. yoga
- C. gardening
- D. listening to music
- The main purpose of the passage is to:
- A. explain why people get sick in winter
- B. provide practical advice for staying healthy during flu season
- C. compare different medical treatments for flu
- D. criticize people who do not take health seriously
PASSAGE 2 – The Science Behind Seasonal Influenza Prevention
Độ khó: Medium (Band 6.0-7.5)
Thời gian đề xuất: 18-20 phút
The annual recurrence of influenza, commonly known as flu, presents a significant public health challenge worldwide. Unlike the common cold, which is caused by numerous different viruses and typically results in milder symptoms, influenza is caused by specific influenza viruses that can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Understanding the scientific principles underlying flu transmission and prevention can empower individuals to make informed decisions about protecting themselves and their communities during the peak season, which typically occurs between October and March in the Northern Hemisphere.
The influenza virus is remarkably sophisticated in its ability to evade the human immune system. One of its most challenging characteristics is its capacity for antigenic variation, the process by which the virus changes its surface proteins. There are two main types of changes: antigenic drift and antigenic shift. Antigenic drift involves small, gradual mutations in the virus’s genetic material that occur continuously over time. These minor changes are sufficient to make the virus unrecognizable to antibodies produced during previous infections or vaccinations, which explains why people can contract flu multiple times throughout their lives and why annual vaccination is necessary. Antigenic shift, by contrast, represents a more dramatic and sudden change that occurs when two different influenza viruses infect the same cell and exchange genetic material, potentially creating a completely new virus subtype to which the human population has little or no immunity. Such events have historically resulted in pandemic outbreaks with devastating consequences.
Vaccination remains the most effective medical intervention for preventing influenza infection and its complications. Modern flu vaccines work by introducing weakened or inactivated viral components into the body, stimulating the immune system to produce specific antibodies without causing the disease itself. The World Health Organization, in collaboration with national health agencies and research institutions worldwide, monitors circulating influenza strains throughout the year and makes recommendations each February and September regarding which viral strains should be included in vaccines for the upcoming flu season. This complex epidemiological surveillance system attempts to predict which strains are most likely to circulate based on patterns observed in different parts of the world, though the predictions are not always perfectly accurate due to the virus’s unpredictable nature.
The effectiveness of flu vaccination varies from year to year, typically ranging from 40% to 60% when the vaccine strains are well-matched to circulating viruses. While this may seem modest compared to vaccines for other diseases, even partial protection offers substantial benefits. Vaccinated individuals who do contract flu typically experience milder symptoms, shorter illness duration, and significantly reduced risk of serious complications such as pneumonia, myocarditis, and encephalitis. Furthermore, widespread vaccination creates herd immunity, indirectly protecting those who cannot be vaccinated themselves, including infants under six months of age and individuals with certain medical conditions. Public health experts emphasize that achieving high vaccination rates within a community provides collective protection that extends beyond individual benefit.
Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) complement vaccination as important components of a comprehensive flu prevention strategy. These behavioral and environmental measures include respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes), social distancing during peak transmission periods, enhanced cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, and improved ventilation in indoor spaces. Research has demonstrated that influenza viruses can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours and in the air for several hours, making environmental contamination a significant transmission pathway. The relative humidity of indoor environments also affects viral transmission, with research suggesting that maintaining indoor humidity levels between 40% and 60% may reduce virus survival and transmission rates. During winter months, when heating systems reduce indoor humidity to levels often below 30%, using humidifiers can potentially create less favorable conditions for viral spread.
The role of nutritional immunology in influenza prevention has gained increasing scientific attention in recent years. Beyond basic nutritional adequacy, certain dietary components have been identified as having specific immunomodulatory effects. Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods and supplements, have shown promise in enhancing immune responses and reducing the incidence and severity of respiratory infections. Omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help regulate immune function. Polyphenols, found in tea, berries, and dark chocolate, exhibit antioxidant and antiviral activities in laboratory studies, though more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in preventing human influenza infections.
Chronobiology, the study of biological rhythms, has revealed important connections between circadian rhythms and immune function that have implications for flu prevention. Research indicates that immune responses follow daily patterns, with certain immune activities peaking at specific times. Disruption of circadian rhythms through irregular sleep schedules, shift work, or jet lag can dysregulate immune function, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections. Furthermore, studies have found that the timing of vaccination may influence its effectiveness, with some evidence suggesting that morning vaccinations may produce stronger immune responses than those administered later in the day, though this remains an area of ongoing investigation.
The psychological dimension of health during flu season deserves consideration as well. The relationship between psychological stress and immune function is bidirectional and complex. While acute stress can temporarily enhance certain immune responses as part of the body’s fight-or-flight mechanism, chronic stress suppresses multiple aspects of immunity, including the production and function of natural killer cells, T cells, and antibody responses to vaccination. Interventions that promote psychological well-being, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, adequate social support, and regular physical activity, may therefore contribute to flu prevention not merely through direct physiological effects but also by mitigating the immunosuppressive effects of stress.
Looking forward, advances in vaccine technology promise more effective and broadly protective influenza vaccines. Scientists are working to develop universal flu vaccines that would provide long-lasting protection against multiple influenza strains, potentially eliminating the need for annual vaccination. Approaches under investigation include vaccines targeting more stable viral components that do not undergo frequent mutation and vaccines that stimulate broader, more durable immune responses. Until such breakthroughs are achieved, however, the combination of annual vaccination, evidence-based non-pharmaceutical interventions, and attention to the multiple lifestyle factors that influence immune function remains the most prudent approach to minimizing the impact of seasonal influenza.
Questions 14-18
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
- According to the passage, antigenic shift is particularly dangerous because:
- A. it happens every year during flu season
- B. it creates completely new virus types that people have no immunity against
- C. it only affects elderly people
- D. it cannot be prevented by any means
- The World Health Organization makes vaccine recommendations:
- A. once every five years
- B. only when a pandemic occurs
- C. twice annually
- D. every month throughout the year
- What does the passage say about flu vaccine effectiveness?
- A. It provides complete protection against all flu strains
- B. It is consistently 40-60% effective regardless of strain matching
- C. It typically provides 40-60% protection when well-matched to circulating viruses
- D. It is less effective than vaccines for any other disease
- According to the passage, maintaining indoor humidity between 40% and 60%:
- A. completely eliminates flu virus transmission
- B. may help reduce viral survival and spread
- C. is impossible during winter months
- D. has no effect on respiratory infections
- Research on vaccination timing suggests that:
- A. vaccines should never be given in the morning
- B. timing has no impact on vaccine effectiveness
- C. evening vaccinations are definitely more effective
- D. morning vaccinations might produce better immune responses
Questions 19-23
Complete the summary using the list of words/phrases, A-K, below.
Influenza viruses are challenging to combat because of their ability to undergo 19 __, which allows them to change their surface proteins. Two types of changes occur: antigenic drift involves small, continuous mutations, while antigenic shift involves 20 __ between different viruses, creating new subtypes.
Despite varying effectiveness, flu vaccination offers important benefits. Even when protection is partial, vaccinated people who get sick experience 21 __ and are less likely to develop serious complications. High vaccination rates in a community create 22 __, protecting vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated.
Research into nutritional immunology has identified several dietary components with potential benefits. Probiotics may 23 __ and reduce respiratory infections, while omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.
A. genetic exchange
B. antigenic variation
C. complete immunity
D. milder symptoms
E. herd immunity
F. enhance immune responses
G. bacterial resistance
H. worsen symptoms
I. antigenic stability
J. individual protection
K. suppress immune function
Questions 24-26
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in the passage?
Write:
- YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
- NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
- NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
-
Universal flu vaccines that provide long-term protection against multiple strains are currently available to the public.
-
Chronic stress has a negative impact on various aspects of immune function.
-
Influenza viruses can remain infectious on hard surfaces for up to one week.
PASSAGE 3 – Integrative Approaches to Respiratory Health Optimization During Endemic Viral Periods
Độ khó: Hard (Band 7.0-9.0)
Thời gian đề xuất: 23-25 phút
The contemporary understanding of respiratory health during periods of elevated viral circulation has evolved considerably from simplistic notions of pathogen avoidance toward a more nuanced appreciation of the complex interplay between host susceptibility, environmental factors, and microbial ecology. This paradigm shift reflects broader transformations within immunological research, which increasingly recognizes the immune system not as a static defensive barrier but as a dynamic, adaptive network whose functionality is contingent upon multiple physiological, psychological, and environmental determinants. The implications of this reconceptualization extend beyond individual health behaviors to encompass public health policy, urban planning, and even socioeconomic considerations that shape population-level vulnerability to seasonal respiratory infections.
Central to current scientific discourse is the recognition that immune competence exists along a continuum rather than as a binary state of adequacy or deficiency. This continuum is influenced by what researchers term the exposome—the totality of environmental exposures across an individual’s lifespan, including not only infectious agents but also air quality, dietary patterns, psychosocial stressors, and even the composition of the gut microbiome. Recent advances in systems biology and high-throughput analytical techniques have enabled researchers to map the intricate relationships between these factors with unprecedented resolution. For instance, metagenomic analyses have revealed that the diversity and composition of the nasopharyngeal microbiota—the community of microorganisms residing in the upper respiratory tract—significantly influence susceptibility to viral infections. Individuals with more diverse microbial communities appear to experience enhanced colonization resistance, whereby beneficial commensal organisms compete with potential pathogens for nutrients and binding sites, produce antimicrobial compounds, and stimulate local immune responses that create an inhospitable environment for invading viruses.
The concept of immunological fitness, analogous to cardiovascular or metabolic fitness, has emerged as a useful framework for conceptualizing the modifiable determinants of infection risk. Unlike genetic factors, which represent largely fixed contributions to immune variance, immunological fitness encompasses the functional capacity of immune responses as shaped by lifestyle and environmental factors. Longitudinal epidemiological studies have identified several key determinants of immunological fitness, with sleep architecture emerging as particularly consequential. Beyond mere sleep duration, research utilizing polysomnography and immune monitoring has demonstrated that the quality of sleep—specifically, the proportion of time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep—correlates with both baseline immune parameters and the magnitude of immune responses to vaccination. The mechanisms underlying this relationship involve the neuroendocrine regulation of immunity, wherein sleep deprivation elevates sympathetic nervous system activity and disrupts the circadian orchestration of immune cell trafficking and function.
Nutritional epidemiology has similarly advanced beyond cataloging individual micronutrient deficiencies toward examining dietary patterns and their cumulative effects on immune function. The Mediterranean dietary pattern, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and moderate intake of fish, has demonstrated associations with reduced respiratory infection incidence in several observational studies. Mechanistic research suggests multiple pathways through which this dietary approach might confer protection, including its anti-inflammatory effects mediated by polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids, its influence on gut microbial composition and metabolite production, and its provision of diverse micronutrients that serve as cofactors in immune signaling pathways. Of particular interest is the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), metabolites produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber in the colon, which have been shown to modulate immune function not only locally in the gut but also systemically, including effects on respiratory immunity through poorly understood gut-lung axis mechanisms.
The built environment—the human-made surroundings in which people live and work—represents another dimension of respiratory health that has received insufficient attention until relatively recently. Indoor air quality, determined by factors including ventilation rates, filtration systems, humidity levels, and sources of pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and particulate matter, profoundly influences respiratory health and infection risk. The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed renewed interest in engineering controls for airborne pathogen transmission, including enhanced ventilation standards, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, and high-efficiency particulate air filtration. However, these technological interventions must be balanced against energy consumption considerations and the recognition that excessively sanitized environments may have unintended consequences. The hygiene hypothesis, originally formulated to explain the rising prevalence of allergic diseases, posits that reduced microbial exposure during early life impairs the normal development and calibration of immune responses, potentially increasing susceptibility to both allergic and infectious diseases. This hypothesis has been refined into the “old friends” mechanism, which suggests that humans evolved in the presence of certain microorganisms that helped train immune systems to respond appropriately, and that reduced exposure to these organisms in modern, sanitized environments may contribute to immune dysregulation.
The temporal dynamics of infection risk represent an underappreciated dimension of respiratory health management. Beyond the well-recognized seasonal patterns in influenza incidence, research has identified shorter-term fluctuations in vulnerability associated with circaseptan (weekly) and circadian (daily) rhythms. Workplace and school schedules that concentrate large numbers of individuals in enclosed spaces during weekdays create predictable transmission dynamics, while the circadian variation in immune function means that exposure risk may vary depending on time of day. Some researchers have proposed that public health recommendations could be refined to account for these temporal patterns, for example by suggesting that high-risk individuals minimize exposure during peak transmission times or optimize the timing of preventive interventions to align with periods of enhanced immune responsiveness.
The psychoneuroimmunological framework, which examines the bidirectional communication between psychological processes, the nervous system, and immune function, has matured considerably in recent decades. Sophisticated research designs employing experimental stress induction, prospective monitoring of naturalistic stressors, and careful characterization of immune endpoints have established that psychological factors influence not only susceptibility to infection but also the course and severity of illness. The mechanisms involve both direct effects—stress hormones such as cortisol and catecholamines bind to receptors on immune cells and modulate their function—and indirect pathways mediated by stress-related health behaviors such as poor sleep, inadequate nutrition, and reduced physical activity. Importantly, research has demonstrated that the relationship between stress and immunity is not uniformly suppressive; acute stress can enhance certain immune responses as part of adaptive preparation for potential injury, whereas chronic, uncontrollable stress exerts predominantly immunosuppressive effects. This nuance suggests that stress management interventions should focus not on eliminating stress entirely but rather on promoting psychological resilience and adaptive coping strategies.
Precision public health, an emerging approach that applies principles of precision medicine to population health, holds promise for more effectively targeting prevention efforts during respiratory virus seasons. Rather than uniform recommendations applied to all individuals, precision public health uses data analytics, risk stratification algorithms, and personalized health technologies to identify individuals at elevated risk and tailor interventions accordingly. For example, wearable sensors that continuously monitor parameters such as heart rate variability, sleep patterns, and physical activity could potentially detect early signs of immune system stress or infection before symptoms appear, enabling preemptive behavioral modifications. Similarly, integration of individual health data with geospatial information systems tracking local disease activity could generate personalized risk assessments and recommendations. However, implementation of such approaches raises important questions regarding privacy, equity of access to monitoring technologies, and the risk of exacerbating health disparities if benefits accrue primarily to privileged populations with resources to act on personalized recommendations.
The trajectory of scientific understanding points toward increasingly sophisticated, multifactorial approaches to optimizing respiratory health during endemic viral periods. Rather than searching for single, dominant interventions, the evidence supports a synergistic model in which multiple modest influences combine to meaningfully shift population risk distributions. This perspective has important implications for public health communication, suggesting the value of emphasizing the cumulative benefits of multiple health behaviors rather than promoting any single intervention as a panacea. It also highlights the importance of addressing structural determinants of health—such as occupational policies that permit sick workers to stay home, housing quality that ensures adequate ventilation, and food systems that make nutritious foods accessible—that shape individual capacity to engage in health-promoting behaviors. Ultimately, the goal extends beyond merely avoiding infection to cultivating resilient health characterized by robust adaptive capacity in the face of inevitable microbial exposures.
Sơ đồ các yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến hệ miễn dịch trong mùa cúm bao gồm dinh dưỡng, giấc ngủ, stress và môi trường
Questions 27-31
Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A-H, below.
- The exposome concept encompasses
- Metagenomic analyses have shown that
- The Mediterranean dietary pattern may provide protection through
- The hygiene hypothesis suggests that
- Precision public health aims to
A. multiple pathways including anti-inflammatory effects and gut microbial changes.
B. all environmental exposures throughout a person’s lifetime.
C. promoting psychological resilience rather than eliminating all stress.
D. only focusing on pathogen avoidance strategies.
E. diverse nasopharyngeal microbiota correlates with better resistance to infections.
F. applying uniform health recommendations to entire populations.
G. reduced microbial exposure may impair normal immune development.
H. tailor prevention efforts based on individual risk factors and data.
Questions 32-36
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in the passage?
Write:
- YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
- NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
- NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
-
Immune competence should be understood as existing on a continuum rather than being simply adequate or inadequate.
-
Sleep duration is more important than sleep quality for immune function.
-
Short-chain fatty acids produced in the gut can affect respiratory immunity.
-
The COVID-19 pandemic decreased interest in improving indoor air quality systems.
-
Acute stress always suppresses immune function in harmful ways.
Questions 37-40
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
-
What term describes the community of microorganisms living in the upper respiratory tract?
-
What analytical technique has allowed researchers to study relationships between environmental factors with unprecedented detail?
-
According to the passage, what type of sleep correlates most strongly with immune function?
-
What phrase does the writer use to describe the ultimate health goal that goes beyond merely avoiding infection?
Answer Keys – Đáp Án
PASSAGE 1: Questions 1-13
- TRUE
- FALSE
- FALSE
- TRUE
- NOT GIVEN
- cytokines
- balanced/varied diet
- cortisol
- mucous membranes
- A
- C
- C
- B
PASSAGE 2: Questions 14-26
- B
- C
- C
- B
- D
- B
- A
- D
- E
- F
- NO
- YES
- NO
PASSAGE 3: Questions 27-40
- B
- E
- A
- G
- H
- YES
- NO
- YES
- NO
- NO
- nasopharyngeal microbiota
- high-throughput analytical techniques
- slow-wave sleep
- resilient health
Giải Thích Đáp Án Chi Tiết
Passage 1 – Giải Thích
Câu 1: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: cold and flu viruses, spread more easily, winter, people indoors
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 1, câu 2-3
- Giải thích: Bài đọc nói rõ “viruses thrive in cooler conditions and people spend more time indoors in close contact with others” – virus phát triển trong điều kiện lạnh hơn và người ta dành nhiều thời gian hơn trong nhà tiếp xúc gần với nhau. Câu hỏi paraphrase “spread more easily” = “thrive” và “increased risk of infection”.
Câu 2: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: hand sanitizers, more effective, soap and water
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, câu 3
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers… can serve as an effective alternative” – sanitizer là phương án thay thế khi không có xà phòng, không phải hiệu quả hơn.
Câu 3: FALSE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: adults, more sleep, teenagers
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, câu 3
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “Adults should aim for seven to nine hours… while teenagers need even more” – thanh thiếu niên cần nhiều giấc ngủ hơn người lớn, ngược lại với câu hỏi.
Câu 4: TRUE
- Dạng câu hỏi: True/False/Not Given
- Từ khóa: Vitamin C, increase, white blood cells
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 4, câu 3
- Giải thích: Bài viết nói “Vitamin C… helps stimulate the production of white blood cells” – kích thích sản xuất bạch cầu = tăng số lượng bạch cầu.
Câu 6: cytokines
- Dạng câu hỏi: Sentence Completion
- Từ khóa: sleep, produces proteins, combat infections
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, câu 2
- Giải thích: “During sleep, the body produces and releases cytokines, proteins that help fight infection”
Câu 10: A
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: handwashing, most effective
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, câu 2
- Giải thích: “regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds” – ít nhất 20 giây, đáp án A “for exactly 20 seconds” là chính xác nhất trong các lựa chọn.
Câu 13: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice – main purpose
- Giải thích: Toàn bộ bài viết liệt kê các phương pháp đơn giản để tăng cường miễn dịch: rửa tay, ngủ đủ giấc, dinh dưỡng, tập thể dục, quản lý stress, uống nước. Đây là lời khuyên thực tế, không phải giải thích lý do bị bệnh (A), so sánh điều trị (C), hay phê bình (D).
Hướng dẫn kỹ thuật rửa tay đúng cách với 6 bước cơ bản để phòng ngừa cúm hiệu quả
Passage 2 – Giải Thích
Câu 14: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: antigenic shift, particularly dangerous
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, câu cuối
- Giải thích: “Antigenic shift… creating a completely new virus subtype to which the human population has little or no immunity. Such events have historically resulted in pandemic outbreaks” – tạo ra virus hoàn toàn mới mà con người không có miễn dịch.
Câu 15: C
- Dạng câu hỏi: Multiple Choice
- Từ khóa: WHO, vaccine recommendations
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3, câu 3
- Giải thích: “makes recommendations each February and September” – hai lần mỗi năm = twice annually.
Câu 19-23: Summary Completion
- Câu 19: B (antigenic variation) – “ability to undergo antigenic variation, which allows them to change their surface proteins”
- Câu 20: A (genetic exchange) – “antigenic shift involves genetic exchange between different viruses”
- Câu 21: D (milder symptoms) – “Vaccinated individuals… typically experience milder symptoms”
- Câu 22: E (herd immunity) – “widespread vaccination creates herd immunity”
- Câu 23: F (enhance immune responses) – “Probiotics… have shown promise in enhancing immune responses”
Câu 24: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: universal flu vaccines, currently available
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn cuối
- Giải thích: “Scientists are working to develop universal flu vaccines… Until such breakthroughs are achieved” – họ đang nghiên cứu, chưa có sẵn.
Câu 26: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: influenza viruses, hard surfaces, one week
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 5
- Giải thích: “influenza viruses can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours” – 48 giờ, không phải một tuần.
Passage 3 – Giải Thích
Câu 27: B
- Dạng câu hỏi: Matching sentence endings
- Từ khóa: exposome concept
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, câu 2
- Giải thích: “the exposome—the totality of environmental exposures across an individual’s lifespan”
Câu 32: YES
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: immune competence, continuum
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2, câu 1
- Giải thích: “immune competence exists along a continuum rather than as a binary state” – writer đồng ý với quan điểm này.
Câu 33: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: sleep duration, more important, sleep quality
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 3
- Giải thích: “Beyond mere sleep duration… the quality of sleep—specifically, the proportion of time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep—correlates with both baseline immune parameters” – chất lượng quan trọng hơn thời lượng.
Câu 36: NO
- Dạng câu hỏi: Yes/No/Not Given
- Từ khóa: acute stress, always suppresses
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 7
- Giải thích: “acute stress can enhance certain immune responses as part of adaptive preparation… whereas chronic, uncontrollable stress exerts predominantly immunosuppressive effects” – stress cấp tính có thể tăng cường phản ứng miễn dịch, không phải luôn ức chế.
Câu 37: nasopharyngeal microbiota
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer
- Từ khóa: community of microorganisms, upper respiratory tract
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn 2
- Giải thích: “the nasopharyngeal microbiota—the community of microorganisms residing in the upper respiratory tract”
Câu 40: resilient health
- Dạng câu hỏi: Short-answer
- Từ khóa: ultimate health goal, beyond avoiding infection
- Vị trí trong bài: Đoạn cuối, câu cuối
- Giải thích: “the goal extends beyond merely avoiding infection to cultivating resilient health”
Từ Vựng Quan Trọng Theo Passage
Passage 1 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| seasonal illnesses | n | /ˈsiːzənəl ˈɪlnəsɪz/ | các bệnh theo mùa | fighting off seasonal illnesses such as colds and flu | prevent seasonal illnesses |
| immune system | n | /ɪˈmjuːn ˈsɪstəm/ | hệ miễn dịch | strengthen their immune system | boost/weaken immune system |
| hand hygiene | n | /hænd ˈhaɪdʒiːn/ | vệ sinh tay | proper hand hygiene | maintain hand hygiene |
| hand sanitizer | n | /hænd ˈsænɪtaɪzər/ | nước rửa tay khô | alcohol-based hand sanitizers | use hand sanitizer |
| cytokines | n | /ˈsaɪtəkaɪnz/ | cytokine (protein miễn dịch) | produces and releases cytokines | release cytokines |
| sleep deprivation | n | /sliːp ˌdeprɪˈveɪʃən/ | thiếu ngủ | Sleep deprivation makes you more susceptible | suffer from sleep deprivation |
| balanced diet | n | /ˈbælənst ˈdaɪət/ | chế độ ăn cân đối | obtaining nutrients through a balanced, varied diet | maintain a balanced diet |
| physical activity | n | /ˈfɪzɪkəl ækˈtɪvəti/ | hoạt động thể chất | Regular physical activity enhances immune function | engage in physical activity |
| stress management | n | /stres ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ | quản lý căng thẳng | Stress management should not be overlooked | practice stress management |
| preventive measure | n | /prɪˈventɪv ˈmeʒər/ | biện pháp phòng ngừa | wearing masks as an additional preventive measure | take preventive measures |
Passage 2 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| compromised immune system | n | /ˈkɒmprəmaɪzd ɪˈmjuːn ˈsɪstəm/ | hệ miễn dịch suy yếu | individuals with compromised immune systems | have a compromised immune system |
| antigenic variation | n | /ˌæntɪˈdʒenɪk ˌveəriˈeɪʃən/ | biến đổi kháng nguyên | its capacity for antigenic variation | undergo antigenic variation |
| antigenic drift | n | /ˌæntɪˈdʒenɪk drɪft/ | trôi kháng nguyên | Antigenic drift involves small mutations | antigenic drift occurs |
| pandemic outbreak | n | /pænˈdemɪk ˈaʊtbreɪk/ | bùng phát đại dịch | resulted in pandemic outbreaks | cause a pandemic outbreak |
| epidemiological surveillance | n | /ˌepɪˌdiːmiəˈlɒdʒɪkəl sərˈveɪləns/ | giám sát dịch tễ học | complex epidemiological surveillance system | conduct epidemiological surveillance |
| herd immunity | n | /hɜːd ɪˈmjuːnəti/ | miễn dịch cộng đồng | creates herd immunity | achieve herd immunity |
| non-pharmaceutical interventions | n | /nɒn-ˌfɑːməˈsjuːtɪkəl ˌɪntərˈvenʃənz/ | biện pháp phi dược phẩm | Non-pharmaceutical interventions complement vaccination | implement non-pharmaceutical interventions |
| relative humidity | n | /ˈrelətɪv hjuːˈmɪdəti/ | độ ẩm tương đối | The relative humidity of indoor environments | maintain relative humidity |
| immunomodulatory effects | n | /ˌɪmjʊnəʊˈmɒdjʊlətəri ɪˈfekts/ | tác động điều hòa miễn dịch | having specific immunomodulatory effects | produce immunomodulatory effects |
| circadian rhythms | n | /sɜːˈkeɪdiən ˈrɪðəmz/ | nhịp sinh học | connections between circadian rhythms and immune function | disrupt circadian rhythms |
| natural killer cells | n | /ˈnætʃərəl ˈkɪlər selz/ | tế bào diệt tự nhiên | production and function of natural killer cells | activate natural killer cells |
| universal flu vaccine | n | /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəl fluː vækˈsiːn/ | vắc-xin cúm phổ quát | develop universal flu vaccines | create a universal flu vaccine |
Passage 3 – Essential Vocabulary
| Từ vựng | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ từ bài | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pathogen avoidance | n | /ˈpæθədʒən əˈvɔɪdəns/ | tránh mầm bệnh | simplistic notions of pathogen avoidance | practice pathogen avoidance |
| host susceptibility | n | /həʊst səˌseptəˈbɪləti/ | tính nhạy cảm của vật chủ | interplay between host susceptibility | increase host susceptibility |
| microbial ecology | n | /maɪˈkrəʊbiəl iˈkɒlədʒi/ | sinh thái vi sinh | microbial ecology | study microbial ecology |
| immune competence | n | /ɪˈmjuːn ˈkɒmpɪtəns/ | năng lực miễn dịch | immune competence exists along a continuum | assess immune competence |
| exposome | n | /ɪkˈspəʊzəʊm/ | tổng thể phơi nhiễm | influenced by the exposome | measure the exposome |
| gut microbiome | n | /ɡʌt ˈmaɪkrəʊbaɪəʊm/ | hệ vi sinh đường ruột | composition of the gut microbiome | alter the gut microbiome |
| nasopharyngeal microbiota | n | /ˌneɪzəʊfəˈrɪndʒiəl ˌmaɪkrəʊbaɪˈəʊtə/ | hệ vi sinh vùng mũi họng | diversity of the nasopharyngeal microbiota | analyze nasopharyngeal microbiota |
| colonization resistance | n | /ˌkɒlənaɪˈzeɪʃən rɪˈzɪstəns/ | kháng định cư | enhanced colonization resistance | provide colonization resistance |
| immunological fitness | n | /ˌɪmjʊnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈfɪtnəs/ | thể lực miễn dịch | concept of immunological fitness | improve immunological fitness |
| polysomnography | n | /ˌpɒlisɒmˈnɒɡrəfi/ | đo đa ký giấc ngủ | research utilizing polysomnography | conduct polysomnography |
| neuroendocrine regulation | n | /ˌnjʊərəʊˈendəkrɪn ˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃən/ | điều hòa thần kinh nội tiết | neuroendocrine regulation of immunity | study neuroendocrine regulation |
| short-chain fatty acids | n | /ʃɔːt tʃeɪn ˈfæti ˈæsɪdz/ | axit béo chuỗi ngắn | role of short-chain fatty acids | produce short-chain fatty acids |
| built environment | n | /bɪlt ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ | môi trường xây dựng | The built environment represents another dimension | design the built environment |
| hygiene hypothesis | n | /ˈhaɪdʒiːn haɪˈpɒθəsɪs/ | giả thuyết vệ sinh | The hygiene hypothesis posits that | test the hygiene hypothesis |
| immune dysregulation | n | /ɪˈmjuːn ˌdɪsˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃən/ | rối loạn điều hòa miễn dịch | contribute to immune dysregulation | cause immune dysregulation |
| psychoneuroimmunological | adj | /ˌsaɪkəʊˌnjʊərəʊˌɪmjʊnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/ | thuộc tâm lý thần kinh miễn dịch | psychoneuroimmunological framework | adopt psychoneuroimmunological approach |
| precision public health | n | /prɪˈsɪʒən ˈpʌblɪk helθ/ | y tế công cộng chính xác | Precision public health holds promise | implement precision public health |
| resilient health | n | /rɪˈzɪliənt helθ/ | sức khỏe đàn hồi | cultivating resilient health | achieve resilient health |
Bảng tổng hợp các chiến lược phòng chống cúm hiệu quả từ cơ bản đến nâng cao
Kết bài
Chủ đề “Tips for staying healthy during flu season” là một trong những chủ đề quan trọng và thường xuyên xuất hiện trong IELTS Reading, phản ánh sự quan tâm toàn cầu về sức khỏe cộng đồng. Qua bộ đề thi mẫu này, bạn đã được luyện tập với ba passages đầy đủ các mức độ khó, từ Easy đến Hard, hoàn toàn giống với cấu trúc thi thật.
Ba passages đã cung cấp cho bạn góc nhìn toàn diện về chủ đề: từ những lời khuyên đơn giản, dễ áp dụng trong Passage 1, đến kiến thức khoa học sâu hơn về virus cúm và phòng ngừa trong Passage 2, và cuối cùng là những hiểu biết học thuật phức tạp về hệ miễn dịch trong Passage 3. Sự tăng dần về độ khó này giúp bạn xây dựng kỹ năng đọc hiểu một cách bài bản và toàn diện.
Đáp án chi tiết kèm giải thích đã chỉ ra chính xác vị trí thông tin trong bài, cách paraphrase của đề thi, và lý do tại sao các đáp án khác không đúng. Việc tự đánh giá kết quả của mình sẽ giúp bạn nhận ra điểm mạnh, điểm yếu và những dạng câu hỏi cần luyện tập thêm.
Bộ từ vựng được tổng hợp theo từng passage không chỉ giúp bạn mở rộng vốn từ về chủ đề y tế – sức khỏe mà còn cung cấp các collocations hữu ích cho cả Writing và Speaking. Hãy dành thời gian học kỹ những từ vựng này và thử áp dụng chúng trong các bài viết hoặc bài nói của bạn.
Hãy nhớ rằng, để đạt band điểm cao trong IELTS Reading, bạn cần luyện tập thường xuyên với các đề thi chất lượng, phân tích kỹ đáp án, và không ngừng mở rộng vốn từ vựng. Chúc bạn ôn tập hiệu quả và đạt kết quả cao trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới!
