IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST 7 – BAND 7.0+

Kỹ năng đọc hiểu là chìa khóa để đạt điểm cao trong kỳ thi IELTS, nơi thời gian và độ chính xác được đặt lên hàng đầu. IELTS Reading thách thức thí sinh với các văn bản học thuật đa dạng, yêu cầu khả năng phân tích nhanh, nắm bắt ý chính và xử lý từ vựng chuyên sâu. Để tiến từ band 5 đến 8+, người học cần rèn luyện kỹ thuật skimming, scanning và quản lý thời gian một cách khoa học và hiệu quả.

Đọc thêm: IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST 6 – BAND 7.0+

PASSAGE 1: THE EVOLUTION OF COFFEE CULTURE

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

Coffee, one of the world’s most consumed beverages, has a rich cultural and economic history. Believed to have originated in Ethiopia, coffee spread through the Arab world before reaching Europe and the Americas.

In 15th-century Yemen, coffee was used by Sufi monks to stay awake during night prayers. By the 17th century, coffee houses, known as qahveh khaneh, became cultural hubs throughout the Ottoman Empire. These venues were often associated with intellectual discussions, music, and poetry.

Europe embraced coffee both as a stimulant and social activity. London’s coffee houses in the 1600s earned the nickname “penny universities” because, for the price of a cup, patrons could engage in lively debates and hear the latest news. These coffee houses played a role in the development of insurance companies, newspapers, and stock exchanges.

In the 20th century, the globalization of coffee was marked by the rise of multinational chains. Brands like Starbucks helped transform coffee into a lifestyle product, emphasizing ambiance, customization, and takeaway culture. However, this commercialization has raised concerns about fair trade, environmental impact, and cultural homogenization.

More recently, the “third wave” coffee movement seeks to return focus to quality, origin, and ethical sourcing. Artisanal cafés emphasize single-origin beans, brewing techniques, and transparency about supply chains.

Coffee culture today reflects a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, deeply embedded in global economic and social life.

QUESTIONS 1–14

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

1. Where is coffee believed to have originated?
A. Yemen
B. Turkey
C. Ethiopia
D. India

2. Why did Sufi monks use coffee?
A. To improve digestion
B. To increase energy during prayer
C. For trade
D. To reduce hunger

3. What were qahveh khaneh known for?
A. Serving food only
B. Religious ceremonies
C. Music, poetry, intellectual exchange
D. Legal meetings

4. Why were London coffee houses called “penny universities”?
A. They served cheap food
B. They provided education at low cost
C. They were located near universities
D. Professors taught there full-time

5. What types of institutions grew out of European coffee houses?
A. Hospitals
B. Banks and newspapers
C. Schools and churches
D. Prisons and factories

6. What company exemplified coffee globalization in the 20th century?
A. Dunkin’ Donuts
B. Nespresso
C. Starbucks
D. Lavazza

7. What aspect of coffee was emphasized by global chains?
A. Farming techniques
B. Health benefits
C. Atmosphere and customization
D. Religious use

8. What concern arose from coffee commercialization?
A. Overuse of tea
B. Lack of sugar
C. Fair trade and environmental impact
D. Decrease in demand

9. What does the “third wave” coffee movement focus on?
A. Large-scale production
B. Low pricing
C. Ethical sourcing and quality
D. Instant coffee

10. What is meant by “single-origin beans”?
A. Beans from multiple farms
B. Beans produced synthetically
C. Beans from one specific region or farm
D. Beans with added flavors

11. What do third-wave cafés value besides flavor?
A. Profit margins
B. Celebrity endorsements
C. Transparency in sourcing
D. Fast service

12. What describes the evolution of coffee culture?
A. From luxury to religious use
B. From African to Japanese consumption
C. From tradition to mass commercialization to artisanal revival
D. From tea to coffee conversion

13. What made coffee popular in European societies?
A. Its sweetness
B. Its rarity
C. Its stimulating effect and social function
D. Its low cost

14. The author’s tone in the passage is:
A. Critical and dismissive
B. Informative and appreciative
C. Sarcastic
D. Cynical about globalization

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, humans make thousands of decisions—from what to wear to how to invest. While many choices seem rational, research in psychology and behavioral economics shows that decision-making is often biased and influenced by emotions.

One major concept is “heuristics”—mental shortcuts people use to simplify complex problems. While often helpful, heuristics can lead to systematic errors. For example, the availability heuristic causes individuals to judge the likelihood of events based on how easily examples come to mind. This is why people may overestimate the risk of airplane crashes after seeing one on the news.

Another bias is loss aversion, where people tend to prefer avoiding losses over acquiring gains. Experiments show that losing $100 feels more painful than the pleasure of gaining the same amount. This principle helps explain behaviors such as holding onto failing investments.

Framing effects also play a role. The way information is presented affects decisions. For example, people are more likely to choose a surgery described as having a “90% survival rate” than one with a “10% mortality rate,” even though both statements are statistically identical.

The anchoring effect is another influence. When making estimates, individuals often rely too heavily on the first piece of information they receive. For example, a suggested retail price can influence how much a consumer is willing to pay, even if the item’s actual value differs.

Understanding these biases is not just academic. Policymakers use insights from “nudge theory” to guide behavior without restricting choice—for instance, by placing healthy foods at eye level or using opt-out systems for organ donation.

While biases can never be fully eliminated, increasing awareness can lead to better decisions in personal, professional, and public life.

QUESTIONS 15–28

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

15. What do heuristics help with?
A. Improving memory
B. Simplifying decision-making
C. Controlling emotions
D. Learning new languages

16. What is a downside of heuristics?
A. They are hard to use
B. They take too long
C. They can lead to systematic errors
D. They are expensive

17. The availability heuristic causes people to:
A. Choose based on logic only
B. Forget common knowledge
C. Overemphasize recent or vivid examples
D. Focus on future outcomes

18. Why might someone overestimate airplane crash risks?
A. They read statistics
B. They enjoy flying
C. Media exposure makes crashes more memorable
D. Plane crashes are more common

19. What does loss aversion suggest?
A. People enjoy risk
B. Gains and losses feel the same
C. Losses feel worse than equivalent gains feel good
D. People ignore losses completely

20. What behavior does loss aversion help explain?
A. Donating to charity
B. Selling winning stocks
C. Holding onto poor investments
D. Switching banks frequently

21. What is framing in decision-making?
A. Judging people by appearance
B. Analyzing economic structures
C. The way information presentation changes perception
D. Using logic instead of emotion

22. What example shows framing bias?
A. Choosing between two types of cars
B. Preferring “90% survival” over “10% mortality” in medical choices
C. Avoiding processed food
D. Watching the news

23. What is anchoring?
A. Rejecting prior information
B. Trusting statistics blindly
C. Relying on the first piece of data too much
D. Changing opinions frequently

24. How can suggested prices influence buying decisions?
A. They make people suspicious
B. They set unrealistic expectations
C. They act as a reference point that affects willingness to pay
D. They prevent sales

25. What is the goal of “nudge theory”?
A. Force people to obey laws
B. Trick consumers into spending
C. Guide decisions while preserving freedom of choice
D. Reduce education funding

26. What is an example of a “nudge”?
A. Banning junk food
B. Offering discounts
C. Placing healthy food at eye level
D. Requiring daily exercise

27. What can help improve decisions according to the passage?
A. More emotions
B. Financial incentives
C. Awareness of biases
D. Strict rules

28. The tone of the author is:
A. Informative and practical
B. Judgemental
C. Confusing and abstract
D. Sarcastic

PASSAGE 3: ARCHITECTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY

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

As the global population grows and environmental concerns intensify, sustainable architecture has emerged as a critical field. Architects now aim to design buildings that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and beneficial to occupant well-being.

One major strategy is passive design, which reduces the need for artificial heating or cooling by using building orientation, insulation, and window placement to optimize natural light and airflow. Green roofs are another innovation, providing insulation and reducing stormwater runoff while creating green space in urban areas.

Materials also play a key role. Sustainable architecture prioritizes low-impact materials, such as bamboo, recycled steel, or locally sourced wood. The concept of “embodied energy”—the total energy required to produce and transport materials—is increasingly considered in evaluating sustainability.

Technology also contributes. Smart buildings use sensors and automation to adjust lighting, temperature, and energy use in real time, increasing efficiency. However, over-reliance on technology can be costly and may reduce long-term flexibility.

Sustainable architecture goes beyond environmental factors. Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements like plants and water features, has been shown to reduce stress and improve productivity and mental health.

Critics argue that some green buildings are more symbolic than functional, prioritizing aesthetics or certifications over real impact. Still, the trend is moving toward holistic design, which considers environment, economy, and human experience together.

As the climate crisis continues, architects are rethinking their role—not just as designers of space, but as stewards of planetary health.

QUESTIONS 29–42

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

29. What is the main goal of sustainable architecture?
A. Lower building prices
B. Artistic innovation
C. Design that benefits environment and human health
D. Building only in rural areas

30. What is passive design?
A. Using loud colors
B. Incorporating artificial lighting
C. Designing to maximize natural light and reduce energy needs
D. Ignoring airflow

31. What benefit do green roofs offer?
A. Reduce insulation
B. Increase building weight
C. Manage stormwater and provide green space
D. Block sunlight

32. What are examples of sustainable materials?
A. Plastic and glass
B. Bamboo and recycled steel
C. Styrofoam and asphalt
D. Imported granite

33. What does “embodied energy” refer to?
A. The energy of people in buildings
B. Energy saved through recycling
C. Energy used to make and transport materials
D. Solar power generation

34. What function do smart buildings serve?
A. Offer entertainment
B. Automate systems for efficiency
C. Replace architects
D. Reduce taxes

35. What is one concern about smart buildings?
A. They are unsafe
B. They lack electricity
C. They may be inflexible and expensive
D. They use only manual systems

36. What is biophilic design?
A. Use of synthetic materials
B. Decorating with technology
C. Integrating nature into the built environment
D. Minimalist interior design

37. What are benefits of biophilic design?
A. Increased taxes
B. Reduced productivity
C. Stress reduction and better mental health
D. Fewer building codes

38. What criticism do some green buildings face?
A. They are dangerous
B. They prioritize looks or certification over true sustainability
C. They are illegal in many places
D. They lack windows

39. What does holistic design include?
A. Only architectural history
B. Beauty and technology
C. Environmental, economic, and human aspects
D. Government regulation only

40. How is the role of the architect changing?
A. Becoming more administrative
B. Focused only on luxury homes
C. More responsibility toward climate and community
D. Less creative

41. Why are locally sourced materials considered sustainable?
A. They are stronger
B. They are cheaper to sell
C. They reduce transportation impact
D. They require more packaging

42. The author’s tone is:
A. Playful and humorous
B. Optimistic and informative
C. Cynical about architecture
D. Indifferent to climate issues

ĐÁP ÁN & GIẢI THÍCH – IELTS READING TEST 7

PASSAGE 1: THE EVOLUTION OF COFFEE CULTURE

PASSAGE 2: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DECISION MAKING

PASSAGE 3: ARCHITECTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY