IELTS READING Day 8: The Role of Women in STEM Fields

Luyện tập IELTS Reading ngày 8 có chủ đề: The Role of Women in STEM Fields. Bài này thuộc chuỗi IELTS Reading: 30 chủ đề luyện tập. Mỗi bài này luyện tập khoảng 30 phút.

Học lại bài cũ: IELTS READING Day 7: Genetically Modified Organisms: Pros and Cons.

Đọc bài IELTS Reading và trả lời câu hỏi ở bên dưới

In recent decades, there has been a substantial increase in the number of women entering and excelling in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. However, women continue to face unique challenges in these areas, and gender imbalance remains prevalent across various scientific disciplines. Understanding the factors contributing to this underrepresentation is critical in encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM.

Historically, STEM fields have been male-dominated, with women often discouraged from pursuing science and engineering due to societal expectations and lack of support. This exclusion was especially prominent in the 19th and early 20th centuries, where women’s access to higher education was limited. In those times, the few women who managed to enter these fields often had to work under difficult conditions and without proper recognition.

Despite these historical barriers, some pioneering women made significant contributions. For instance, Marie Curie, a physicist and chemist, was one of the first to break the gender barrier. She not only conducted ground-breaking research in radioactivity but also became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. Such achievements demonstrated that women could perform at the highest level in scientific research, which gradually paved the way for future generations.

Currently, educational reforms and supportive programs aim to eliminate the gender gap in STEM. Many universities have initiated outreach programs targeting young girls to inspire interest in science and technology. Additionally, organizations like the United Nations and UNESCO have launched initiatives to support women in science globally. However, women in STEM still encounter obstacles such as gender bias, pay disparities, and lack of role models. For example, studies indicate that female scientists often receive less funding than their male counterparts, which can impact their research opportunities and career advancement.

Nonetheless, the presence of women in STEM fields has made remarkable impacts. Research indicates that gender-diverse teams tend to outperform homogenous ones, particularly in problem-solving and innovation. This diversity in perspective enriches scientific research, fostering creativity and inclusivity. Encouraging more women to join STEM fields is not only an issue of gender equality but also a means of enhancing global scientific progress.

Từ vựng

1. substantial – đáng kể
2. excelling – vượt trội
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) – Khoa học, Công nghệ, Kỹ thuật và Toán học
4. gender imbalance – mất cân bằng giới tính
5. underrepresentation – sự thiếu hụt đại diện
6. encouraging – khuyến khích
7. male-dominated – chiếm ưu thế bởi nam giới
8. societal expectations – kỳ vọng xã hội
9. pioneering – tiên phong
10. ground-breaking – đột phá
11. radioactivity – phóng xạ
12. outreach programs – các chương trình tiếp cận cộng đồng
13. targeting – nhắm đến, hướng tới
14. initiatives – sáng kiến
15. gender bias – định kiến giới tính
16. pay disparities – sự chênh lệch về lương
17. role models – hình mẫu
18. funding – tài trợ, ngân sách
19. career advancement – thăng tiến sự nghiệp
20. gender-diverse teams – các đội nhóm đa dạng giới tính
21. homogenous – đồng nhất
22. perspective – góc nhìn
23. creativity – sự sáng tạo
24. inclusivity – tính bao trùm
25. global scientific progress – tiến bộ khoa học toàn cầu
26. True/False/Not Given – Đúng/Sai/Không được đề cập
27. pioneering woman – người phụ nữ tiên phong
28. obstacles – những trở ngại
29. recognition – sự công nhận
30. equal representation – đại diện công bằng
31. notable – đáng chú ý
32. celebrate – tôn vinh

Câu hỏi IELTS Reading The Role of Women in STEM Fields

Questions 1–5: True/False/Not Given

1. Women now make up the majority of students in STEM fields.
2. Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
3. Women in STEM fields typically receive more research funding than men.
4. The United Nations and UNESCO have programs to promote women in science.
5. Gender-diverse teams are often less effective than male-only teams.

Questions 6–9: Matching Information

Match each statement with the correct part of the text.

6. An example of a pioneering woman in STEM
7. Modern challenges faced by women in STEM
8. Programs to inspire girls in science
9. The effect of gender diversity on team performance

Questions 10–13: Multiple Choice

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

10. According to the passage, the number of women in STEM has increased due to:
    A. Lack of male interest in STEM
    B. Increased societal expectations
    C. Educational reforms and outreach programs
    D. Less competition in STEM
11. The term “gender imbalance” in the context of this passage refers to:
    A. Equal representation of men and women in STEM
    B. Higher numbers of men compared to women in STEM
    C. Fewer men in STEM fields
    D. Equal treatment in STEM funding
12. One of the obstacles women in STEM face is:
    A. Excessive recognition for their work
    B. Limited access to educational institutions
    C. Gender bias in funding and opportunities
    D. Fewer societal expectations
13. The overall purpose of this passage is to:
    A. Criticize STEM fields for lack of inclusivity
    B. Discuss the history of women in science
    C. Highlight the importance of increasing female participation in STEM
    D. Celebrate the achievements of notable women in STEM

Đáp án IELTS Reading The Role of Women in STEM Fields

Questions 1–5: True/False/Not Given

1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False

Questions 6–9: Matching Information

6. Paragraph 2
7. Paragraph 4
8. Paragraph 4
9. Paragraph 5

Questions 10–13: Multiple Choice

10. C
11. B
12. C
13. C