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Đọc thêm: IELTS Reading 11 dạng bài phần 9.
PASSAGE 1: THE HISTORY OF ELECTRICITY
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–14, which are based on the reading passage below.
Electricity is a form of energy that has revolutionized human society. Its discovery and application are attributed to various scientists over centuries. In ancient Greece, philosophers noticed that rubbing amber with fur could attract light objects—a phenomenon we now know as static electricity. However, it wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that electricity began to be understood more systematically.
Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite experiment in 1752 demonstrated that lightning was electrical in nature. Later, Alessandro Volta invented the first chemical battery in 1800, paving the way for portable energy sources. Michael Faraday’s work on electromagnetic induction in 1831 led to the creation of the first electric generator, making it possible to produce electricity on a large scale.
The late 19th century witnessed what is often called the “War of Currents” between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. Edison championed direct current (DC), while Tesla, working with George Westinghouse, advocated alternating current (AC). Eventually, AC won due to its efficiency over long distances.
Today, electricity powers nearly every aspect of modern life—from lighting and heating to complex computer systems and transport. However, its generation still relies heavily on non-renewable resources such as coal and natural gas, raising concerns about environmental sustainability. Renewable sources like solar and wind are increasingly contributing to the grid, but challenges remain in storage and consistency.
QUESTIONS 1–14
Choose the correct answer A, B, C, or D.
1. What phenomenon did ancient Greeks discover when rubbing amber with fur?
A. Electric circuits
B. Magnetic induction
C. Static electricity
D. Electromagnetic waves
2. Benjamin Franklin’s kite experiment proved that:
A. Lightning can be prevented
B. Electricity can power homes
C. Lightning is a form of electricity
D. Amber can store electricity
3. What was Volta’s key contribution to electricity?
A. Invention of AC current
B. Development of electric circuits
C. Discovery of the electron
D. Invention of the battery
4. What did Faraday’s discovery of electromagnetic induction lead to?
A. Solar panel development
B. Creation of electric heaters
C. First electric generator
D. Direct current systems
5. The “War of Currents” refers to a disagreement about:
A. Electricity pricing
B. Electrical safety
C. Best method of electricity distribution
D. Ownership of patents
6. Why did alternating current (AC) become more popular than direct current (DC)?
A. AC was safer
B. It was easier to generate
C. Edison supported AC
D. It could travel long distances efficiently
7. What is one environmental concern mentioned in the passage?
A. Solar energy is too expensive
B. Wind energy is ineffective
C. Over-reliance on non-renewable sources
D. Electricity causes pollution directly
8. Which of the following is a renewable energy source?
A. Natural gas
B. Wind
C. Coal
D. Uranium
9. What challenge do renewable energy sources face?
A. They are too powerful
B. They damage electric grids
C. Storage and consistency issues
D. Incompatibility with modern devices
10. How did Faraday’s invention impact society?
A. It made coal unnecessary
B. It allowed electricity to be generated in homes
C. It laid the foundation for large-scale electricity production
D. It reduced energy consumption
11. What does the term “grid” in the passage refer to?
A. A battery pack
B. The national power supply system
C. A transport map
D. A data network
12. What is implied about Tesla’s approach to electricity?
A. It was impractical
B. It was initially unpopular
C. It gained support from a partner
D. It replaced batteries entirely
13. The passage mainly discusses:
A. Modern use of electricity
B. History and evolution of electricity
C. Safety concerns in electrical systems
D. Future of renewable energy
14. What tone does the author use in the last paragraph?
A. Optimistic
B. Critical
C. Neutral with concern
D. Dismissive
PASSAGE 2: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DECISION MAKING
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15–28, which are based on the reading passage below.
Every day, individuals make hundreds of decisions—from minor choices like what to eat for breakfast to life-altering ones such as changing careers. But how do people make decisions, and what factors influence them?
Psychologists have long studied decision-making, identifying two primary systems of thought. Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist, refers to these as System 1 and System 2. System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional. It’s the automatic pilot that allows us to make snap judgments. System 2, by contrast, is slow, analytical, and deliberate, reserved for more complex decisions.
Cognitive biases often influence decision-making. For example, the confirmation bias leads individuals to favor information that supports their existing beliefs, while ignoring contradictory evidence. The availability heuristic causes people to assess the likelihood of events based on how easily examples come to mind, rather than actual probabilities.
Another factor is choice overload, which occurs when individuals are presented with too many options, leading to decision paralysis. Studies have shown that people are often more satisfied with their choices when presented with fewer alternatives.
In group settings, phenomena such as groupthink can result in poor decision-making. In these cases, the desire for harmony or conformity leads groups to suppress dissenting opinions, potentially leading to suboptimal outcomes.
Despite the complexities, understanding these influences can improve individual and organizational decisions. Increasing awareness of cognitive biases and encouraging diverse perspectives in group settings are among the strategies recommended by experts.
QUESTIONS 15–28
Choose the correct answer A, B, C, or D.
15. What is System 1 in Kahneman’s theory?
A. Logical and slow
B. Intuitive and quick
C. Analytical and data-driven
D. Learned through experience
16. System 2 is mainly used when:
A. Time is limited
B. Emotions are involved
C. Situations require careful thought
D. Decisions are habitual
17. What does the confirmation bias lead people to do?
A. Rely on others’ opinions
B. Avoid making decisions
C. Ignore supporting evidence
D. Focus on information they already agree with
18. The availability heuristic affects people’s decisions by:
A. Using complex calculations
B. Estimating based on vivid or recent examples
C. Prioritizing long-term outcomes
D. Asking experts for help
19. What is one result of choice overload?
A. Increased satisfaction
B. Better decision accuracy
C. Decision paralysis
D. Faster choices
20. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a decision-making influence?
A. Emotional intelligence
B. Cognitive bias
C. Choice overload
D. Group dynamics
21. Groupthink can lead to poor decisions because:
A. Experts are not involved
B. It slows down the process
C. Dissent is discouraged
D. Too much information is analyzed
22. How can individuals improve their decision-making?
A. Limiting emotional influence
B. Learning more biases
C. Ignoring intuition
D. Being more aware of cognitive traps
23. What helps groups avoid groupthink?
A. Appointing a leader
B. Encouraging diverse viewpoints
C. Making faster decisions
D. Avoiding confrontation
24. What is the author’s attitude toward decision-making?
A. It is always rational
B. It is flawed but improvable
C. It cannot be explained
D. It should be avoided
25. Why might fewer options lead to better satisfaction?
A. It saves time
B. People feel more in control
C. There’s less pressure
D. Less comparison leads to greater contentment
26. The passage is mainly about:
A. Types of decisions people face
B. How psychology influences decision-making
C. The impact of emotion on choices
D. Differences between individuals in groups
27. According to the passage, System 1 thinking is most helpful when:
A. Facing a moral dilemma
B. Making quick judgments
C. Reviewing data
D. Solving complex problems
28. What strategy is recommended to improve group decision-making?
A. Consensus voting
B. Speeding up the process
C. Avoiding meetings
D. Embracing different perspectives
PASSAGE 3: CLIMATE MIGRATION – A GROWING PHENOMENON
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 29–42, which are based on the reading passage below.
Climate migration refers to the movement of people caused, directly or indirectly, by climate-related factors such as rising sea levels, droughts, and extreme weather events. While migration is not new, its increasing linkage with environmental changes marks a concerning global trend.
In countries such as Bangladesh, repeated flooding has forced entire communities to relocate. In the Sahel region of Africa, desertification has made traditional farming practices nearly impossible, pushing people toward urban centers or across borders in search of viable livelihoods. These movements are often not categorized as refugee flows, since current international law does not recognize climate migrants under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Developed nations are not immune. In the United States, for instance, coastal cities like Miami face long-term threats from sea level rise. Managed retreat—strategically relocating populations from high-risk areas—is increasingly considered, though politically sensitive.
Climate migration raises numerous challenges. From legal status and human rights protections to infrastructure and planning, governments are struggling to adapt. Some experts argue for the creation of a new legal framework to recognize and protect climate-displaced populations. Others emphasize the need for preventive adaptation—investing in local resilience before migration becomes the only option.
Yet, not all migration is negative. It can be a form of adaptation, helping families diversify income sources or escape unsafe environments. The challenge lies in making migration safe, legal, and voluntary rather than forced and chaotic.
QUESTIONS 29–42
Choose the correct answer A, B, C, or D.
29. What is the main cause of climate migration?
A. Political instability
B. Economic disparity
C. Environmental changes
D. Religious conflicts
30. Why are some people not legally recognized as refugees despite being displaced?
A. They have temporary visas
B. Climate migrants are not covered by existing laws
C. They return to their homes later
D. They travel voluntarily
31. Which region is affected by desertification, prompting migration?
A. South America
B. South Asia
C. The Sahel in Africa
D. Eastern Europe
32. What does “managed retreat” refer to?
A. Retreating from climate policy
B. Evacuating during emergencies
C. Relocating people from vulnerable areas
D. Returning to rural life
33. Why is managed retreat controversial?
A. It is expensive
B. It lacks public support
C. It’s seen as surrender
D. It is politically sensitive
34. What is one issue with current refugee law regarding climate migrants?
A. It is too flexible
B. It excludes non-political reasons
C. It only applies to war zones
D. It prioritizes economic migrants
35. What do some experts recommend for addressing legal gaps?
A. Ignoring the issue
B. Deporting migrants
C. Creating a new legal framework
D. Allowing self-regulation
36. What is meant by “preventive adaptation”?
A. Stopping people from moving
B. Investing in infrastructure before crises
C. Relocating people permanently
D. Educating people about climate change
37. What is a potential positive aspect of climate migration?
A. Population reduction
B. Political reform
C. Income diversification
D. Economic collapse
38. What is implied about the current government response?
A. It is proactive and effective
B. It is disorganized and insufficient
C. It prioritizes migration over adaptation
D. It is fully funded by the UN
39. What challenge does climate migration present?
A. Increased birth rates
B. Migration by choice
C. Legal recognition
D. Lack of interest
40. Why might voluntary migration be better than forced migration?
A. It is faster
B. It is cheaper
C. It ensures dignity and planning
D. It reduces political debate
41. What does the author suggest is needed most?
A. Abandoning coastal cities
B. Better fences at borders
C. Long-term planning and policy
D. Climate denial action
42. The tone of the passage is:
A. Desperate
B. Persuasive with concern
C. Informal and humorous
D. Aggressive
ĐÁP ÁN & GIẢI THÍCH
PASSAGE 1: THE HISTORY OF ELECTRICITY
| Câu hỏi | Đáp án | Giải thích |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Static electricity là hiện tượng được phát hiện khi người Hy Lạp cổ đại chà hổ phách với lông thú. |
| 2 | C | Thí nghiệm của Benjamin Franklin cho thấy sét là một dạng điện. |
| 3 | D | Volta phát minh ra pin hóa học đầu tiên. |
| 4 | C | Khám phá của Faraday dẫn đến sự ra đời của máy phát điện đầu tiên. |
| 5 | C | “War of Currents” là tranh luận về cách truyền tải điện tốt nhất. |
| 6 | D | AC hiệu quả hơn khi truyền đi xa, nên được ưa chuộng hơn DC. |
| 7 | C | Đoạn cuối nói về lo ngại việc phụ thuộc vào nguồn năng lượng không tái tạo. |
| 8 | B | Wind (gió) là nguồn năng lượng tái tạo. |
| 9 | C | Renewable energy gặp khó khăn về lưu trữ và tính ổn định. |
| 10 | C | Công trình của Faraday mở đường cho sản xuất điện quy mô lớn. |
| 11 | B | “Grid” đề cập đến hệ thống phân phối điện quốc gia. |
| 12 | C | Tesla được hỗ trợ bởi Westinghouse – thông tin từ đoạn 3. |
| 13 | B | Cả bài là tóm lược lịch sử và sự phát triển của điện. |
| 14 | C | Giọng điệu trung lập nhưng có lo ngại về môi trường. |
PASSAGE 2: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DECISION MAKING
| Câu hỏi | Đáp án | Giải thích |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | B | System 1 là nhanh, trực giác, cảm tính. |
| 16 | C | System 2 được dùng cho các quyết định phức tạp, cần suy nghĩ. |
| 17 | D | Confirmation bias là thiên lệch ưa thông tin phù hợp niềm tin sẵn có. |
| 18 | B | Availability heuristic dựa vào ví dụ dễ nhớ hoặc gần đây. |
| 19 | C | Quá nhiều lựa chọn gây “decision paralysis” – tê liệt lựa chọn. |
| 20 | A | Emotional intelligence không được đề cập. |
| 21 | C | Groupthink gây ra bởi việc tránh ý kiến trái chiều. |
| 22 | D | Nhận biết các thiên lệch là cách cải thiện ra quyết định. |
| 23 | B | Đa dạng quan điểm giúp tránh groupthink. |
| 24 | B | Tác giả tin rằng dù có khuyết điểm, quyết định vẫn có thể cải thiện. |
| 25 | D | Ít lựa chọn khiến người ta ít so sánh => hài lòng hơn. |
| 26 | B | Cả bài nói về ảnh hưởng của tâm lý học đến quá trình quyết định. |
| 27 | B | System 1 phù hợp với quyết định nhanh, đơn giản. |
| 28 | D | Nhóm nên khuyến khích ý kiến đa chiều để ra quyết định tốt hơn. |
PASSAGE 3: CLIMATE MIGRATION – A GROWING PHENOMENON
| Câu hỏi | Đáp án | Giải thích |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | C | Câu mở đầu khẳng định nguyên nhân chính là thay đổi môi trường. |
| 30 | B | Climate migrants chưa được công nhận trong luật tị nạn hiện hành. |
| 31 | C | Sahel – khu vực bị sa mạc hóa nghiêm trọng. |
| 32 | C | “Managed retreat” là di dời người khỏi khu vực dễ bị tổn thương. |
| 33 | D | Việc di dời mang tính chính trị nhạy cảm, nên gây tranh cãi. |
| 34 | B | Luật hiện tại loại trừ lý do không mang tính chính trị (như khí hậu). |
| 35 | C | Một số chuyên gia đề xuất xây dựng khung pháp lý mới. |
| 36 | B | “Preventive adaptation” là đầu tư trước khi khủng hoảng xảy ra. |
| 37 | C | Di cư giúp gia đình phân tán rủi ro thu nhập – một lợi ích. |
| 38 | B | Chính phủ hiện tại đang vật lộn, chưa đủ hiệu quả. |
| 39 | C | Thách thức chính là chưa có sự công nhận pháp lý rõ ràng. |
| 40 | C | Di cư tự nguyện giúp đảm bảo nhân phẩm và có kế hoạch. |
| 41 | C | Tác giả nhấn mạnh sự cần thiết của hoạch định dài hạn và chính sách. |
| 42 | B | Giọng điệu thuyết phục, đầy lo ngại nhưng có hướng giải pháp. |
