Đề luyện Reading Unit 4 (Our world) - Sách COMPLETE PET

Reading passage 1 (1-10): A Journey to the Scottish Highlands

Last summer, my family and I decided to take a trip to the Scottish Highlands, a mountainous region in northwest Scotland. The journey from our home in London was quite long, taking nearly ten hours by train, but the views from the window made it worthwhile. The landscapes became much more dramatic and beautiful the further north we travelled. It was certainly a lot more impressive than the flat countryside we were used to seeing. Our destination was a small town called Fort William, which is known as the outdoor capital of the UK. It's not as large as big cities like Glasgow, but it is far more charming and serves as a perfect base for exploring the surrounding nature. We stayed in a cozy bed and breakfast with a very friendly owner who gave us tips on the best local restaurants. We tried haggis for the first time, which was surprisingly delicious, especially after a long day of walking. The town itself was full of hikers and climbers from all over the world, creating a vibrant and adventurous atmosphere.

We spent a week there, and our main activity was trekking. Every day, we explored different trails. One of the most memorable treks was climbing part of Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the British Isles. It was much colder at the top than at the bottom, and we were glad we had brought warm clothes. The air felt cleaner and fresher than anywhere I had ever been. My younger sister, who is not usually as enthusiastic about walking as I am, even admitted that the views were absolutely fantastic. She found the climb challenging but ultimately rewarding. Evenings were spent planning the next day's route by a warm fireplace, a daily routine that was much more active than our life back in the city.

Apart from trekking, we also enjoyed some sightseeing. We visited Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most famous castles in Scotland. It was smaller than I had expected, but its location on an island where three lochs meet was stunning. We also took a boat trip on Loch Ness, hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous monster, Nessie. We didn't see any monsters, but the trip was relaxing. At the end of our holiday, we bought some traditional souvenirs from a local market. It was the best trip I have ever had, and I believe it is a far better holiday choice than just sunbathing on a crowded beach.

Reading passage 2 (11-20): Exploring the Modern and Ancient City of Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a recorded history of over 3,400 years. It is a city where ancient monuments stand next to modern buildings, creating a unique atmosphere. My trip to Athens last month was an absolutely fascinating experience. Unlike some other historical cities which can feel like museums, Athens is a lively, bustling place, full of energy. The city centre is quite crowded, especially in the tourist areas, but it is also safer than many other large European capitals I have visited. The mix of ancient ruins scattered throughout a busy, modern city is something you cannot find in many other places.

The most famous site is, of course, the Acropolis, a rocky hill topped with magnificent ancient buildings like the Parthenon. Getting to the top was a bit of a climb, but the view of the city from there was breathtaking. It is certainly the most impressive historical site in Athens. The Parthenon itself, dedicated to the goddess Athena, was even grander in person than in pictures. However, Athens is not just about its ancient past. The city has some very modern areas too. For example, the metro system is one of the cleanest and most efficient in Europe. We used it every day, and it was much more convenient than taking taxis, which can be expensive in the heavy traffic. We also enjoyed the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a fascinating display of national pride.

We also spent a day exploring the Plaka district, which is the oldest neighbourhood in Athens. Its narrow, winding streets are filled with small shops, traditional restaurants, and lovely cafés. It felt less modern than other parts of the city, but it was also more charming. We had dinner there one evening, and the food was fantastic. It was much tastier than the international food you find in the main tourist squares. On our last day, we visited the National Archaeological Museum. It is an enormous building that houses some of the most important artifacts from ancient Greece. You could easily spend a whole day there and still not see everything. It was a perfect end to a trip that was both educational and incredibly fun.

Reading passage 3 (21-30): A Different Kind of Holiday: Volunteering in Peru

For my last holiday, I wanted a trip that was more meaningful than simply sightseeing. I decided to join a volunteer project in a small village in the mountains of Peru. The journey to the village was an adventure in itself. First, a flight to Cusco, which is a beautiful city, and then a long and bumpy bus ride that was much less comfortable than the plane. The mountain roads were narrower and far more dangerous than any road I had been on before. However, the spectacular views of the Andes mountains made the uncomfortable journey worth it. The air was thin at such a high altitude, and it took a couple of days for us to get used to it.

Our project was to help build a new classroom for the local primary school. The work was physically demanding. We worked from early morning until late afternoon, mixing cement, carrying bricks, and painting walls. It was much harder work than my usual office job. The weather was also a challenge; the sun was very strong during the day, but it became freezing cold at night. Despite the difficulties, the experience was incredibly rewarding. The local people were absolutely wonderful and treated us with great kindness. They didn't have much, but they were happier than many people I know who have everything. The local community often shared their stories and music with us in the evenings, which was a fantastic cultural exchange.

Living in the village was a completely different experience. Our accommodation was very basic, not as comfortable as a hotel, but it was clean and safe. We ate simple, traditional Peruvian food, which was delicious and healthier than the fast food I often eat at home. In our free time, we played football with the local children and tried to learn some Spanish. My Spanish was not very good, but the children were patient teachers. This trip was not as relaxing as a beach holiday, but it was by far the most satisfying experience of my life. I learned that making a small difference in someone's life is more valuable than any souvenir you can buy. I think it's the best way to travel and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an alternative to typical tourism.

Reading passage 4 (31-40): A Weekend in Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is often called the 'Pearl of the Danube' because the famous river runs right through its centre, dividing the city into two parts: Buda and Pest. I spent a weekend there recently and found it to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Pest is the flatter, more modern side and has the impressive Parliament Building, which is an enormous and absolutely stunning piece of architecture. Buda, on the other hand, is much hillier and is home to the historic Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion. The views from the Buda side, looking over the river to Pest, are probably the best in the city. Getting between the two sides is very easy thanks to the many bridges and efficient public transport.

One of the most popular activities for tourists is visiting the thermal baths. Budapest has more thermal water springs than any other capital city in the world. We went to the Szechenyi Thermal Bath, which is the largest of its kind in Europe. It was a unique experience, sitting in the warm outdoor pools even though the air was quite cold. It was far more relaxing than a normal swimming pool. The city is also famous for its bridges, like the Chain Bridge, which connects Buda and Pest. Walking across it at night, with all the buildings lit up, was a truly magical experience. We also visited the 'ruin bars' in the old Jewish Quarter, which are unique bars set up in abandoned buildings and filled with eclectic furniture and art.

The public transport system is efficient, but we found that the best way to explore the city centre was on foot. The streets are clean and safe, even at night. We explored the Great Market Hall, a huge indoor market where you can buy everything from fresh food to local crafts and souvenirs. It was much livelier and more interesting than a modern shopping centre. The food in Budapest was also a highlight. We tried goulash, a traditional Hungarian soup, which was delicious and perfect for a cold day. It was much heartier than other soups I have tried. Overall, Budapest is not as expensive as other major European cities like Paris or London, making it a fantastic destination for a short trip.

Reading passage 5 (41-50): A Guide to Island Hopping in Thailand

Island hopping in Thailand is one of the most popular travel experiences in Southeast Asia. It involves travelling from one island to another, usually by ferry or speedboat, to experience a variety of landscapes, beaches, and cultures. Planning such a trip requires some thought, but it is less complicated than it sounds. The two main areas for island hopping are the Andaman Sea on the west coast and the Gulf of Thailand on the east. The weather is a key factor; the Andaman Sea is best visited from November to April, as it is much drier than during the monsoon season. The Gulf of Thailand has a slightly different weather pattern, making it a better choice for other months. It is always a good idea to check the forecast before you book any boat trips between islands.

For a first-time visitor, the Andaman Sea is often recommended. Islands like Phuket and Koh Phi Phi are very popular, and therefore more crowded and more expensive than some of the quieter islands. Phuket is the largest island and has its own international airport, making it the easiest starting point. From there, you can take ferries to many other places. Koh Phi Phi, made famous by a Hollywood movie, is absolutely beautiful, but it can feel less authentic due to the large number of tourists. For a quieter experience, islands like Koh Lanta are a fantastic alternative. It is not as developed as Phuket, but its beaches are longer and far less crowded. This makes it a better option for travellers who prefer relaxation over nightlife.

Accommodation on the islands ranges from cheap bungalows to luxurious resorts, so there is something for every budget. It is usually cheaper to book accommodation in advance, especially during the busiest months. As for activities, snorkelling and diving are extremely popular because the water is incredibly clear and full of colourful marine life. You can also go trekking in the jungle, visit local fishing villages, or simply sunbathe on the sand. Thai food is another major attraction, and the islands offer some of the freshest seafood. While travelling, it is safer to use larger, more established ferry companies. The journey on a speedboat is faster than on a ferry, but it can also be a much bumpier and less comfortable ride, especially if the sea is not calm. It's a trip that offers an amazing mix of adventure and relaxation.