Đề luyện Reading VSTEP số 2 — Thời gian: 60 phút
Đề gồm 4 bài đọc, mỗi bài 10 câu hỏi trắc nghiệm (A, B, C, D). Tổng cộng 40 câu. Hãy hoàn thành trong 60 phút.
Passage 1: Ecotourism
Ecotourism is a form of travel that focuses on visiting natural areas while minimizing environmental impact. Unlike mass tourism, which often damages ecosystems through pollution and overdevelopment, ecotourism aims to preserve natural habitats and support local communities. Travelers who choose ecotourism typically stay in small, locally-owned accommodations and participate in activities such as wildlife observation, hiking, and cultural exchanges.
The economic benefits of ecotourism can be significant. In Costa Rica, ecotourism generates over $3 billion annually and employs thousands of local residents. Money spent by ecotourists goes directly to conservation projects and community development programs. This creates a financial incentive for local people to protect their natural resources rather than exploit them through logging or mining.
However, ecotourism is not without problems. Some destinations have become victims of their own success, attracting so many visitors that the natural environment suffers. The Galapagos Islands, for example, now limit the number of tourists allowed to visit each year. Critics also point out that flying to distant ecotourism destinations produces carbon emissions that offset the environmental benefits of the trip itself.
Câu 1. What is ecotourism?
A. Luxury travel to expensive resorts
B. Travel that minimizes environmental impact
C. Business travel for environmental conferences
D. Online virtual tours of nature
Câu 2. How much does ecotourism generate annually in Costa Rica?
A. Over $1 billion
B. Over $2 billion
C. Over $3 billion
D. Over $5 billion
Câu 3. The word "incentive" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ___.
A. punishment
B. motivation
C. obstacle
D. tradition
Câu 4. Why do the Galapagos Islands limit tourist numbers?
A. Because hotels are fully booked
B. Because too many visitors harm the environment
C. Because the government dislikes tourists
D. Because transportation is too expensive
Câu 5. Which is NOT an ecotourism activity mentioned in the passage?
A. Wildlife observation
B. Hiking
C. Scuba diving
D. Cultural exchanges
Câu 6. The word "exploit" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ___.
A. protect carefully
B. use selfishly for profit
C. study scientifically
D. admire from a distance
Câu 7. Critics argue that ecotourism can be harmful because ___.
A. local people dislike tourists
B. flying to destinations produces carbon emissions
C. accommodations are too uncomfortable
D. wildlife attacks tourists
Câu 8. Where does money from ecotourism go?
A. To international hotel chains
B. To conservation and community development
C. To the national government only
D. To airline companies
Câu 9. It can be inferred that mass tourism ___.
A. is always better than ecotourism
B. often causes environmental damage
C. supports local communities more than ecotourism
D. is cheaper than ecotourism
Câu 10. The author's purpose is to ___.
A. convince readers to stop traveling
B. explain ecotourism with its benefits and drawbacks
C. advertise Costa Rica as a travel destination
D. argue that all tourism should be banned
Passage 2: Solar Energy
Solar energy has become one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity worldwide. The cost of solar panels has dropped by over 80 percent since 2010, making solar power competitive with fossil fuels in many regions. In 2025, solar energy accounted for approximately 5 percent of global electricity generation, up from less than 1 percent in 2015.
Solar power works by converting sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells. These cells are typically made from silicon, a material abundantly found in sand. When sunlight hits the silicon, it causes electrons to move, creating an electric current. Modern solar panels can convert about 20 to 25 percent of the sunlight they receive into usable electricity, a significant improvement from the 6 percent efficiency of early models in the 1950s.
One major challenge facing solar energy is intermittency — the sun does not shine at night, and cloudy weather reduces output. Battery storage technology is improving rapidly to address this problem, but current batteries remain expensive and have limited lifespans. Another issue is the amount of land required for large solar farms. A solar farm producing the same amount of electricity as a typical nuclear power plant needs approximately 75 times more land. Despite these challenges, investment in solar energy continues to grow as countries seek to reduce their carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Câu 11. By how much have solar panel costs dropped since 2010?
A. Over 50 percent
B. Over 60 percent
C. Over 70 percent
D. Over 80 percent
Câu 12. What material are photovoltaic cells typically made from?
A. Copper
B. Silicon
C. Aluminum
D. Iron
Câu 13. Modern solar panels convert about ___ of sunlight into electricity.
A. 6 percent
B. 10 to 15 percent
C. 20 to 25 percent
D. 40 to 50 percent
Câu 14. The word "intermittency" in paragraph 3 refers to ___.
A. high cost of production
B. inconsistent availability of sunlight
C. damage to the environment
D. difficulty of installation
Câu 15. A solar farm needs ___ more land than a nuclear power plant for the same output.
A. 25 times
B. 50 times
C. 75 times
D. 100 times
Câu 16. What percentage of global electricity did solar provide in 2025?
A. About 1 percent
B. About 3 percent
C. About 5 percent
D. About 10 percent
Câu 17. Which is NOT a challenge of solar energy mentioned in the passage?
A. The sun does not shine at night
B. Batteries are expensive
C. Solar panels produce toxic waste
D. Large land area is required
Câu 18. Early solar panels in the 1950s had ___ efficiency.
A. 2 percent
B. 6 percent
C. 10 percent
D. 15 percent
Câu 19. Countries invest in solar energy mainly to ___.
A. create jobs in manufacturing
B. reduce carbon emissions
C. replace all nuclear power plants
D. lower the price of silicon
Câu 20. It can be inferred that solar energy ___.
A. will completely replace fossil fuels by 2030
B. is growing despite having some limitations
C. is too expensive for developing countries
D. works best in cold climates
Passage 3: The Psychology of Procrastination
Procrastination — the act of delaying tasks despite knowing that the delay will have negative consequences — affects an estimated 20 percent of adults chronically. Psychologists have long debated why people procrastinate, and recent research suggests that procrastination is not primarily a time management problem but rather an emotional regulation issue. People procrastinate to avoid negative emotions associated with a task, such as boredom, anxiety, or fear of failure.
Dr. Timothy Pychyl, a leading researcher on procrastination at Carleton University, explains that procrastination provides immediate mood relief. When we postpone a dreaded task, we feel temporary relief from the negative emotions it triggers. However, this relief comes at a cost: as the deadline approaches, anxiety increases, and the procrastinator often ends up completing the task under extreme pressure, producing lower-quality work. This creates a vicious cycle — poor results reinforce the negative feelings associated with the task, making future procrastination more likely.
Several evidence-based strategies can help overcome procrastination. The "two-minute rule" suggests that if a task takes less than two minutes, one should do it immediately rather than scheduling it for later. Breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps reduces the emotional weight of the project. Setting implementation intentions — specific plans about when, where, and how to complete a task — has been shown to increase follow-through by up to 40 percent. Self-compassion, rather than self-criticism, also helps: research shows that people who forgive themselves for past procrastination are less likely to procrastinate in the future.
Câu 21. What percentage of adults are chronic procrastinators?
A. 10 percent
B. 20 percent
C. 30 percent
D. 50 percent
Câu 22. According to recent research, procrastination is primarily a problem of ___.
A. time management
B. intelligence
C. emotional regulation
D. physical health
Câu 23. The word "dreaded" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ___.
A. exciting
B. feared
C. enjoyable
D. simple
Câu 24. What happens when procrastinators complete tasks under pressure?
A. They produce excellent work
B. They feel completely relaxed
C. They often produce lower-quality work
D. They always miss the deadline
Câu 25. Dr. Pychyl works at ___.
A. Harvard University
B. Oxford University
C. Carleton University
D. Stanford University
Câu 26. The "two-minute rule" suggests ___.
A. working for only two minutes a day
B. doing quick tasks immediately
C. taking two-minute breaks every hour
D. scheduling all tasks for two minutes
Câu 27. Implementation intentions can increase follow-through by up to ___.
A. 20 percent
B. 30 percent
C. 40 percent
D. 50 percent
Câu 28. The word "vicious" in "vicious cycle" is closest in meaning to ___.
A. virtuous
B. harmful and self-reinforcing
C. simple
D. accidental
Câu 29. Which strategy is NOT mentioned for overcoming procrastination?
A. Breaking tasks into smaller steps
B. Self-compassion
C. Rewarding yourself with money
D. Setting implementation intentions
Câu 30. It can be inferred that self-criticism ___.
A. helps people stop procrastinating
B. may actually increase procrastination
C. is the best motivation strategy
D. has no effect on behavior
Passage 4: Globalization and Cultural Identity
Globalization has connected the world's economies, cultures, and populations in unprecedented ways. International trade has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, and technological advances have made it possible to communicate instantly across continents. However, critics argue that globalization threatens cultural diversity by promoting a homogeneous global culture dominated by Western, particularly American, values and consumer habits.
The concept of cultural homogenization suggests that as global brands, media, and entertainment spread worldwide, local cultures lose their distinctiveness. Young people in Tokyo, Lagos, and São Paulo may wear the same brands, watch the same streaming services, and listen to the same music. Languages are also at risk: UNESCO estimates that a language dies every two weeks, and by 2100, approximately half of the world's 7,000 languages may have disappeared. When a language dies, the unique worldview and knowledge system it carries are lost forever.
However, some scholars argue that the relationship between globalization and culture is more complex than simple homogenization. The concept of "glocalization" describes how global products and ideas are adapted to fit local contexts. McDonald's serves rice dishes in Asia and halal meat in Muslim-majority countries. K-pop, originally influenced by American pop music, has evolved into a distinctly Korean cultural export that is now reshaping global music trends. These examples suggest that cultural exchange is not a one-way process but rather a dynamic interaction in which local cultures actively transform global influences.
The challenge lies in balancing the economic benefits of globalization with the preservation of cultural heritage. Governments and communities must invest in language education, traditional arts, and cultural institutions while remaining open to the opportunities that global connection provides. Cultural identity is not fixed; it evolves through contact with others, and this evolution can be enriching rather than threatening if managed thoughtfully.
Câu 31. What is the main topic of the passage?
A. The history of international trade
B. The relationship between globalization and cultural identity
C. Why Western culture is superior
D. How to start a global business
Câu 32. According to UNESCO, how often does a language die?
A. Every day
B. Every week
C. Every two weeks
D. Every month
Câu 33. The word "homogeneous" in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to ___.
A. diverse and varied
B. uniform and similar
C. ancient and traditional
D. modern and advanced
Câu 34. What does "glocalization" mean?
A. Rejecting all global influences
B. Adapting global products to fit local contexts
C. Forcing local cultures to change
D. Closing borders to foreign trade
Câu 35. K-pop is used as an example of ___.
A. cultural homogenization
B. the failure of Asian music
C. local culture transforming global influences
D. American dominance in music
Câu 36. How many languages exist worldwide, according to the passage?
A. About 3,000
B. About 5,000
C. About 7,000
D. About 10,000
Câu 37. The word "distinctiveness" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ___.
A. popularity
B. uniqueness
C. weakness
D. beauty
Câu 38. What should governments invest in to preserve cultural heritage?
A. Military technology
B. Language education and traditional arts
C. International airports
D. Social media platforms
Câu 39. The author believes that cultural evolution through globalization ___.
A. is always harmful
B. should be completely stopped
C. can be enriching if managed well
D. only benefits wealthy nations
Câu 40. It can be inferred from the passage that ___.
A. globalization will eventually destroy all local cultures
B. cultural exchange is a complex, two-way process
C. only Western countries benefit from globalization
D. technology plays no role in cultural change
Xem đáp án và giải thích chi tiết tại bài tiếp theo.