Đề trắc nghiệm Reading Unit 3 (Transport) - Life A2-B1

Reading passage 1 (1-10): The Future of Urban Commuting

As our cities grow bigger and more crowded, getting around has become a major challenge. Many people spend hours every day stuck in traffic jams, especially during the rush hour. This is not only stressful but also bad for the environment because of high carbon emissions from cars and buses. City planners are now looking for new ways to make travel faster, cleaner, and more efficient. One popular idea is the use of personal mobility devices. These include electric scooters and bicycles, which are much cheaper than buying a car and don't require any fuel costs. They are also as quick as a car in busy city centres. Some cities are investing in new monorail systems that run above the streets. These systems are very fast and can transport a lot of people at once, reducing the number of cars on the road. For longer distances, a new concept called the Maglev train is being developed. 

These trains use magnets to travel at incredibly high speeds, making them the fastest form of land transport in the world. While these ideas sound great, they are often a lot more expensive to build than a traditional bus network. However, city governments believe the long-term benefits for the environment and the quality of life for their citizens are worth the investment. People need to be convinced to leave their cars at home, and the new transport options must be as convenient and reliable as a private car. Furthermore, some planners are considering self-driving aerial taxis for short distances, promising to cut travel time significantly. These futuristic projects aim to create a truly integrated public transport system where people can travel seamlessly from one part of the city to another without the need for a private vehicle.

Reading passage 2 (11-20): The Camel: A Timeless Means of Transport

In many parts of the world, especially in deserts, the camel is not just an animal but an essential part of life. For thousands of years, people have used camels as a primary means of transport across vast, sandy landscapes. They are often called 'ships of the desert' for a good reason. A camel is perfectly adapted for its environment. It can go for a very long time without water, often for three to five days, even in temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius. This is much longer than a car can run without fuel. They are also incredibly strong and can carry heavy loads over long distances, often up to 160 kilometres on a single journey. Their large, flat feet are also a lot better than a car's tyres for travelling over soft sand. They are also very loyal animals, which is why they have been used in both trade and tourism for centuries. Other animals like huskies are also used in different environments, such as the cold Arctic, where they pull sledges. 

However, travelling by camel is not as fast as a modern car on a paved road, and a camel isn't as comfortable as a car either. For long distances, modern vehicles are definitely faster. But in many rural areas where there are no roads, or the conditions are too harsh, the camel is still the most reliable and sometimes the only option. It's a traditional form of transport that is still very popular and often a lot more convenient than modern machines, especially for local people travelling to markets or for tourists wanting a unique experience. Camels have an impressive memory and can remember routes they have taken before, a skill that is much better than a human's without a map. Furthermore, they are an important cultural symbol in many desert societies, featured in stories, art, and festivals.

Reading passage 3 (21-30): London Transport: The Black Cab vs. The Private Hire Taxi

London's streets are famous for their traffic and their iconic black taxis, also known as 'cabs'. These traditional taxis are a very convenient and reliable form of transport. Drivers have to pass a difficult test called 'The Knowledge' where they learn all the streets and best routes around London. This test can take years to complete, making the drivers some of the most knowledgeable in the world. Because of this, they never use a sat nav and can often find a quicker way to get you to your destination, especially in heavy traffic. They are also very comfortable, with enough space for five people and their luggage. You can find them waiting at taxi ranks or you can just wave one down on a busy street. The black cabs themselves are designed specifically for London's streets, with a tight turning circle to navigate narrow corners.

However, in recent years, black cabs have faced competition from a lot of new private hire taxi companies like Uber. These services are often a bit cheaper and you can book them easily using an app on your mobile phone. This makes them very convenient for people who prefer to plan their journey in advance. Private hire taxis are usually quite punctual and can be faster than black cabs when the traffic is good. Their drivers use GPS, which makes finding the location much easier, but they don't have the deep knowledge of the city's shortcuts that black cab drivers possess.

Black cab drivers, however, often say that private hire taxis are a lot less reliable in rush-hour traffic because their drivers might not know the best routes. So, while private hire taxis might be a little cheaper, black cabs are still considered by many to be a much safer and more trustworthy option for getting around the city. The black cab is also a symbol of London, and many tourists feel that their trip isn't complete without a ride in one. The competition has pushed both services to improve, offering a wider range of options for passengers.

Reading passage 4 (31-40): The Rise of Electric Bikes in Urban Areas

In the last few years, a new way of getting around has become incredibly popular in cities across the globe: the electric bicycle. Unlike traditional bicycles, which depend entirely on human energy, electric bikes have a small electric motor that helps the rider. This motor makes it a lot easier to go up hills and to travel for longer distances without getting tired. There are two main types: 'pedal-assist', where the motor only works when you are pedaling, and 'throttle', where you can control the motor's power with a handlebar. Electric bikes are a great solution for many transport problems. They are much better for the environment than cars because they produce zero carbon emissions. They are also a lot quieter than motorbikes or cars, which helps reduce noise pollution in busy city centres. In heavy traffic, an electric bike can be as fast as a car, or even faster, because the rider can move easily through the traffic jams. This makes them a highly convenient choice for short to medium-distance commutes. 

However, electric bikes are a bit more expensive than normal bicycles. This can be a problem for some people. Also, their batteries need to be charged regularly, which is not always convenient. Some people also worry that they aren't as safe as cars, especially when sharing the road with larger vehicles. To address this, many cities are building new, dedicated bike lanes. Despite these disadvantages, they are becoming an important part of the modern urban landscape, offering a quick, convenient, and green way to commute to work or just get around town. They are as popular as some public transport options and a lot cheaper. Many cities have even introduced e-bike sharing programs, making them accessible to a wider range of people without the commitment of buying one.

Reading passage 5 (41-50): The Indian Railways: A Lifeline for a Nation

The Indian Railways is one of the largest and busiest railway networks in the world. It is not just a form of transport; it is a lifeline for the people of India. The network connects cities and rural villages, carrying billions of passengers and tons of goods every year. The railways were first built by the British in the nineteenth century and have since grown into an enormous system. Travelling by train in India is a unique experience. During the rush hour, a platform can be incredibly crowded, with hundreds of people waiting to get on a train. People often play games or talk to their friends while they wait. The trains are a lot more popular than other forms of public transport for long distances because they are often the cheapest and most convenient option. However, trains are not always as fast as a plane for very long journeys. 

The Indian Railways also employ an enormous workforce, with over one and a half million staff working to keep the system running. This makes it one of the country's largest employers. From the people who sell tickets and check passports, to the staff who clean the trains and maintain the railway track, everyone plays an important role. Without this hard work, this impressive network could not function. Getting around can still be stressful sometimes, especially on crowded platforms, but for many people, the train is the best way to travel. The trains also serve as a crucial social space, where passengers from different backgrounds and regions can interact, share food, and get to know each other during long trips.