IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST 4 – BAND 7.0+

Để đạt điểm cao trong kỳ thi IELTS, kỹ năng đọc hiểu luôn là một thách thức đòi hỏi sự chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng. IELTS Reading yêu cầu thí sinh không chỉ hiểu nội dung mà còn phải phân tích, tổng hợp thông tin từ các văn bản học thuật phức tạp trong thời gian giới hạn. Việc thành thạo các kỹ thuật như skimming, scanning và quản lý thời gian là yếu tố then chốt giúp người học từ band 5 đến 8+ tối ưu hóa kết quả.

Đọc thêm: IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST 3 – BAND 7.0+

PASSAGE 1: THE BIOLOGY OF SLEEP

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–14, which are based on the reading passage below.

Sleep is a universal and essential process across the animal kingdom. Though it may seem like a period of inactivity, sleep is a highly active state that supports critical physiological and neurological functions.

Humans typically cycle through two major sleep types: REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep includes three stages, from light to deep sleep. REM sleep, often associated with vivid dreaming, involves heightened brain activity and plays a key role in memory consolidation and emotional regulation.

One of the primary functions of sleep is cellular repair. During deep sleep, the body produces growth hormone, helping tissues regenerate. The brain also undergoes a process known as glymphatic clearance, flushing out toxins that accumulate during waking hours, including beta-amyloid—a substance linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Lack of sleep, whether chronic or acute, has significant health implications. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, weakens the immune system, and increases the risk of conditions like obesity, heart disease, and depression.

Circadian rhythms—internal clocks regulated by light and hormones like melatonin—govern sleep timing. Disruptions to these rhythms, such as from jet lag or night shifts, can affect sleep quality and overall health.

Despite the known importance of sleep, many modern lifestyles undervalue it. Sleep scientists advocate for better education, workplace policies, and personal habits to promote healthy sleep hygiene.

QUESTIONS 1–14

Choose the correct answer A, B, C, or D.

1. What does REM sleep typically involve?
A. No brain activity
B. Vivid dreams and brain activation
C. Physical healing
D. Complete muscle rest

2. What function does deep sleep serve?
A. Reducing memory
B. Halting growth
C. Cellular repair and hormone release
D. Increasing REM cycles

3. What is glymphatic clearance responsible for?
A. Enhancing digestion
B. Reducing REM duration
C. Removing brain toxins
D. Controlling circadian rhythm

4. What disease is beta-amyloid linked to?
A. Diabetes
B. Alzheimer’s
C. Heart disease
D. Insomnia

5. What is a major consequence of sleep deprivation?
A. Stronger bones
B. Lower blood pressure
C. Cognitive and immune impairment
D. Improved metabolism

6. What regulates the circadian rhythm?
A. Nutrient intake
B. Body weight
C. Light and melatonin
D. Blood pressure

7. Which of the following disrupts circadian rhythms?
A. Drinking milk
B. Exposure to loud sounds
C. Jet lag or night work
D. Exercising in the morning

8. Why is sleep described as “highly active”?
A. Because people often move in bed
B. Because the brain and body undergo restoration processes
C. Because dreams require energy
D. Because the heart rate rises

9. What hormone is released during deep sleep?
A. Melatonin
B. Cortisol
C. Growth hormone
D. Adrenaline

10. What does REM sleep contribute to?
A. Cellular division
B. Memory and emotional processing
C. Weight loss
D. Eye health

11. What is melatonin’s primary role?
A. Wake the body up
B. Control immune response
C. Signal the body to sleep
D. Aid digestion

12. What have modern lifestyles done to sleep, according to the passage?
A. Prioritized it
B. Ignored it
C. Made it more efficient
D. Replaced it with medication

13. What solution do scientists recommend to improve sleep?
A. Artificial intelligence
B. Pharmaceutical treatments
C. Better policies and habits
D. Genetic engineering

14. The tone of the passage is:
A. Dismissive
B. Critical
C. Informative and concerned
D. Casual and humorous

PASSAGE 2: SPACE TOURISM – FROM FICTION TO REALITY

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15–28, which are based on the reading passage below.

For decades, space travel was confined to astronauts and cosmonauts—individuals meticulously trained by government space agencies. But in recent years, private companies have begun making space tourism a reality for non-professionals.

Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are competing to make spaceflight commercially viable. Their approaches differ: Blue Origin offers brief suborbital hops, while SpaceX aims for multi-day orbital missions. Virgin Galactic’s spacecraft are launched from a carrier plane, reaching the edge of space before gliding back.

A major milestone occurred in 2021 when civilians without formal astronaut training orbited Earth aboard a SpaceX capsule. This event demonstrated that, with the right systems, space could be accessible to the general public—at least those who can afford it.

Yet, challenges abound. Safety remains paramount, with concerns about rocket reliability, emergency systems, and human physiology in microgravity. Moreover, the environmental cost of rocket launches is under scrutiny, as emissions from certain fuels contribute to atmospheric pollution.

Another concern is inequality. At present, space tourism is accessible only to the ultra-wealthy. Critics argue that billions spent on these ventures could be better used to address pressing issues on Earth, such as poverty or climate change.

Proponents counter that space tourism drives innovation, creates jobs, and inspires a new generation of scientists and engineers. They also argue that commercial interest may help lower costs over time, just as air travel became more affordable during the 20th century.

The space tourism industry is still in its infancy, and its future remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: humanity’s relationship with space is no longer limited to a handful of elite explorers.

QUESTIONS 15–28

Choose the correct answer A, B, C, or D.

15. What is the main change described in the passage?
A. Space agencies have banned tourists
B. Civilians can now participate in space travel
C. Planes are faster than rockets
D. Space exploration has ended

16. What differentiates Virgin Galactic’s approach?
A. It uses satellites
B. It goes to the Moon
C. It launches from a plane
D. It doesn’t return to Earth

17. What event in 2021 proved a major shift?
A. Launch of a new space station
B. Spacewalk by a tourist
C. Civilian orbital mission with no professional astronauts
D. Government ban on tourism

18. What safety concerns are associated with space tourism?
A. Airport security
B. Solar panel damage
C. Rocket reliability and human health in space
D. Passport control

19. What environmental concern is raised?
A. Ocean pollution
B. Noise in urban areas
C. Rocket fuel emissions
D. Land destruction

20. What is one criticism of space tourism?
A. It harms agriculture
B. It distracts from science
C. It serves only the rich while Earth faces bigger problems
D. It causes alien invasions

21. What do supporters claim about space tourism?
A. It’s a financial burden
B. It’s likely to fail
C. It drives technological progress
D. It pollutes the ocean

22. What historical parallel is drawn in the passage?
A. Sea voyages in the 1800s
B. The invention of the car
C. How air travel became affordable over time
D. Trains replacing horses

23. What does the author suggest about the future of space tourism?
A. It’s guaranteed to become common
B. It will be banned soon
C. It’s uncertain but growing
D. It will cause economic collapse

24. Who mainly has access to space tourism now?
A. Government officials
B. All airline passengers
C. Extremely wealthy individuals
D. University students

25. What is implied about commercial interest in space?
A. It slows innovation
B. It may help reduce prices
C. It creates fewer jobs
D. It limits research

26. What aspect of space tourism is compared to traditional aviation?
A. Ticketing systems
B. Cost evolution and accessibility
C. In-flight meals
D. Luggage policies

27. Which of the following is NOT a challenge mentioned?
A. Safety
B. Fuel efficiency
C. Inequality
D. Environmental impact

28. The tone of the author is:
A. Humorous
B. Balanced and reflective
C. Oppositional
D. Dismissive

PASSAGE 3: THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 29–42, which are based on the reading passage below.

What makes people truly happy? While happiness has long been the subject of philosophy and religion, modern science—particularly positive psychology—has begun to systematically study the components of well-being.

One common misconception is that happiness depends mainly on external factors like wealth or status. While such factors matter to a degree, research shows that happiness is largely influenced by internal factors: mindset, social relationships, and purposeful activity.

Martin Seligman, a founder of positive psychology, proposed a model known as PERMA: Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement. According to this framework, cultivating these five areas leads to a more fulfilling life.

Another key insight is the hedonic treadmill—the idea that people quickly adapt to positive or negative events and return to a baseline level of happiness. For example, lottery winners may initially feel euphoric, but their happiness levels often revert after some time.

Furthermore, gratitude practices, such as journaling things one is thankful for, have been shown to increase happiness and reduce depression. Similarly, acts of kindness—even small ones—enhance emotional well-being for both giver and receiver.

Cultural differences also shape how happiness is experienced. In Western societies, happiness is often equated with personal success or excitement. In contrast, many Eastern cultures emphasize harmony, balance, and contentment over intense emotion.

While there is no universal formula for happiness, research increasingly suggests that intentional actions and mental habits can have a significant and lasting impact on emotional well-being.

QUESTIONS 29–42

Choose the correct answer A, B, C, or D.

29. What field is now scientifically studying happiness?
A. Economics
B. Positive psychology
C. Neurology
D. Environmental science

30. What is a common misconception about happiness?
A. It is genetic
B. It is influenced by diet
C. It depends mostly on external conditions
D. It can’t be measured

31. According to research, what influences happiness most?
A. Job type
B. Internal traits and behaviors
C. Winning the lottery
D. Physical strength

32. What does the PERMA model include?
A. Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement
B. Power, Energy, Reason, Money, Ambition
C. Popularity, Excitement, Relationships, Mood, Activity
D. Planning, Emotion, Risk, Motivation, Action

33. What does the hedonic treadmill suggest?
A. People always remain unhappy
B. Happiness depends on travel
C. People adapt to changes in happiness
D. Exercise causes happiness

34. What is one result of gratitude practices?
A. Higher blood pressure
B. Less memory retention
C. Increased happiness
D. Increased risk of sadness

35. Acts of kindness affect:
A. Only the giver
B. Only the receiver
C. Neither party
D. Both giver and receiver positively

36. How do Western and Eastern views of happiness differ?
A. Western focuses on excitement, Eastern on balance
B. Eastern on money, Western on religion
C. Western on relaxation, Eastern on risk
D. They are exactly the same

37. What do Eastern cultures emphasize in happiness?
A. Winning and wealth
B. Adventure and emotion
C. Harmony and contentment
D. Personal ambition

38. What is implied about lasting happiness?
A. It cannot be changed
B. It depends on education
C. It comes from intentional behaviors
D. It only exists in some cultures

39. Why might lottery winners return to previous happiness levels?
A. They lose all their money
B. They move too often
C. Emotional adaptation over time
D. Legal issues

40. Which practice is linked to reduced depression?
A. Travel planning
B. Public speaking
C. Gratitude journaling
D. Time management apps

41. Which of the following is NOT part of PERMA?
A. Meaning
B. Excitement
C. Relationships
D. Achievement

42. The overall tone of the passage is:
A. Informative and optimistic
B. Humorous
C. Critical of science
D. Ambiguous and negative

ĐÁP ÁN & GIẢI THÍCH – IELTS READING TEST 4

PASSAGE 1: THE BIOLOGY OF SLEEP

PASSAGE 2: SPACE TOURISM

PASSAGE 3: THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS