Đề luyện Reading Unit 6 (Leisure and fashion) - COMPLETE PET

Reading passage 1 (1-10): Weekend Entertainment Guide

Welcome to our city's weekend guide! We've selected five exciting events perfect for different tastes. Read the descriptions of the people below, and then match them with the most suitable event from the guide.

The People:

1. The Miller Family: David and Sarah want to spend Saturday afternoon with their two children, aged 7 and 10. The kids love animals and interactive shows. They are looking for an event that is fun for all ages and doesn't finish too late, as they have dinner plans. They have already been to the cinema this month, so they want to try something different and perhaps enjoy the fresh air. Their budget is limited, so they hope to find something with a family discount that offers good value for money.

2. University Students (Leo and Chloe): Leo and Chloe are engineering students who have just finished their difficult final exams. They want to celebrate on Friday night with something lively, modern, and visually impressive. They love live music, especially indie pop, but they have already bought tickets for a big concert next week. They are looking for a unique experience they haven't tried before and don't mind staying out late. They want an event that feels like a real escape from their stressful studies.

3. Retired Couple (Mr. and Mrs. Chen): The Chens enjoy quiet and cultural activities. For their Sunday afternoon, they want to see a performance that is thought-provoking, well-acted, and serious. They have a deep appreciation for history and storytelling. They are not interested in comedies or loud music events that attract large, noisy crowds. They prefer events where they can sit comfortably in a refined setting and appreciate fine acting without distractions.

4. Tourist (Maria): Maria is visiting the city for the first time on her own and has Saturday evening free. She wants to experience something truly local and funny that captures the city's spirit. She doesn't speak the local language well, so an event with lots of complex dialogue might be difficult unless there are subtitles or the performance is highly visual. She is also on a backpacker's budget but wants to buy some unique, locally-made souvenirs to take home for her family.

5. Fashion Enthusiast (Tom): Tom is 19 and is passionate about fashion and design; he even runs his own small fashion blog. He has a free afternoon on Saturday and wants to do something related to his hobby. He isn't interested in a typical performance like a play or a concert. He’s looking for genuine inspiration for his own clothing designs and wants to learn more about the historical context of style. He would appreciate an activity where he can take photos for his blog.

The Events Guide:

A. The Midnight Circus: This isn't your traditional circus. 'The Midnight Circus' combines modern dance, acrobatics, and electronic music to tell a futuristic story about artificial intelligence. The show starts at 10 PM on Friday and Saturday and is known for its stunning visuals and laser light show. It's a high-energy performance that has received rave reviews from younger audiences. Tickets are moderately priced, but there are no group discounts. Note: Not recommended for children under 12.

B. "The Last Letter" at the Royal Theatre: A classic drama set in the 1940s, this play explores themes of love and loss during wartime. The performance has been praised for its powerful acting, authentic period costumes, and emotional depth. Shows are on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM. The theatre is known for its comfortable seating, excellent acoustics, and quiet, respectful atmosphere. The interval is long enough to enjoy a cup of tea.

C. City Park Fun Fair: Open from 12 PM to 6 PM on Saturday, the fun fair offers a variety of activities for everyone. There are magic shows every hour, a small petting zoo with rabbits and goats, and several food stalls selling local treats. A special family ticket is available, offering a 20% discount for two adults and two children. It's a great outdoor alternative to a movie, allowing families to enjoy the sunny weather in a relaxed environment.

D. "Laugh Out Loud" Comedy Night: Every Saturday at 8 PM, local comedians take the stage to share hilarious stories about life in our city. The humour is very visual, relying on gestures and expressions, making it accessible to international visitors. The venue is small and intimate, creating a friendly atmosphere. It also has a small shop selling merchandise and local crafts, perfect for finding a special gift. Admission is very affordable.

E. "Threads of Time" Fashion Exhibition: This special exhibition at the City Museum showcases the evolution of fashion from the 1920s to today. It features iconic outfits from famous films, original designer sketches, and interactive displays where you can feel different fabrics. It provides a deep insight into how historical events influenced what people wore. Open from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekends. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the history of clothing and style.

Reading passage 2 (11-20): The Rise of Online Clothes Shopping

The way we buy clothes has changed dramatically over the last decade. Not long ago, buying a new T-shirt or a pair of jeans meant a trip to a physical store. We had to spend time travelling, searching through racks of clothes, and waiting in line to try things on in a crowded fitting room. However, the internet has completely transformed this experience. For many people, especially the younger generation, online shopping has become the preferred way to update their wardrobes. I myself have just bought a new woollen sweater online, and it arrived yesterday, perfectly packaged.

There are several reasons for this shift. Firstly, the convenience is undeniable. You can browse thousands of items from hundreds of brands without leaving your home, often with features like filters to find exactly what you want. Online stores are open 24/7, so you can shop at midnight or early in the morning. Secondly, the variety is often much greater online than in a single physical store. You can find unique, patterned dresses or specific types of leather boots that local shops might not stock. Many online retailers also offer detailed size guides and customer reviews, which have helped to reduce the uncertainty of buying without trying things on first.

However, online clothes shopping is not without its disadvantages. The biggest issue has always been the inability to physically see and touch the items. A cotton shirt might look soft in a photo but feel completely different in reality. This can lead to disappointment when the package arrives. Sizing can also be a problem. Although size guides are helpful, sizes can vary significantly between different brands, leading to the hassle of returning items that don't fit. I have had to return items several times since I started shopping online two years ago. Furthermore, the environmental impact of shipping and returns, with all the excess packaging and transport emissions, is a growing concern for many consumers.

Despite these challenges, the trend continues to grow. Retailers have already introduced new technologies like virtual try-on tools and AI-powered style suggestions to make the experience better. They have found that offering free and easy returns encourages more people to take a chance on a purchase, even if it increases operational costs. It seems that for the foreseeable future, clicking 'add to cart' will remain a very popular way to go shopping for fashion, becoming even more integrated into our daily lives.

Reading passage 3 (21-30): A Review of the TV series "Starlight Explorers"

I have just finished watching the final episode of "Starlight Explorers," and I must say it has been a fantastic journey. This new science-fiction series, which premiered two months ago, has quickly become my favourite show. The story follows a diverse crew of astronauts on their mission to find a new habitable planet after Earth becomes uninhabitable. It is a perfect mix of adventure, mystery, and drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The series has managed to attract a large audience, and it's easy to see why.

The performances from the actors are outstanding. The lead actress, who plays Captain Eva Rostova, delivers a powerful and believable performance. You can truly feel her character's determination and the weight of her responsibilities. The supporting cast is equally strong, creating a group of characters that the audience can genuinely care about, from the brilliant but socially awkward scientist to the cynical pilot with a hidden heart of gold. The chemistry between them makes their interactions feel real and engaging, which is not something I have seen in many other shows recently.

Visually, "Starlight Explorers" is a masterpiece. The special effects used to create alien worlds and futuristic spaceships are breathtaking. It's clear that a lot of effort and budget went into the production. The venue for the story, a vast and unexplored galaxy, is brought to life with stunning creativity. Each episode presents a new visual wonder, from glowing forests to crystalline cities. The sound design is also incredible, with a memorable musical score that enhances the epic feel of their journey. The live action sequences are well-choreographed, especially the scenes that take place in zero gravity.

However, the series is not perfect. Some viewers might find the plot a bit slow in the middle episodes, where the focus shifts more to character development than action. Also, the scientific explanations can sometimes be quite complex, which might be confusing for those who are not fans of 'hard' science fiction. I noticed one episode contained a scientific error regarding gravity that dedicated fans on the internet have already pointed out. There is no option for subtitles in different languages on the streaming platform yet, which is a shame as it limits the show's international appeal.

Despite these minor flaws, I highly recommend "Starlight Explorers." It is an intelligent and visually spectacular show that offers a refreshing take on space exploration. I have already started re-watching the first season, and I am eagerly waiting for the announcement of a second one. It's a must-watch for any fan of the genre.

Reading passage 4 (31-40): Planning a Night Out

From: Sarah (sarah.p@email.com)
To: Ben (ben.c@email.com)
Subject: Weekend Plans!

Hi Ben,

How are you doing? I hope you've had a good week. Mine has been so busy with that college project, I haven't had a moment to relax! I feel like I've spent the entire week in the library.

I was thinking, we haven't gone out for ages. Would you be free to do something this Saturday evening? I've just seen an advert for a new musical called "City of Dreams" at the Grand Theatre. The reviews say the live music is incredible and the story is really uplifting. I know you're a big fan of musicals, so I thought of you immediately. What do you think? Tickets are a bit expensive, but I think it might be worth it for a special night out.

Let me know if you're interested. If not, we could just go to the cinema. There's a new action film that has just come out, but to be honest, I'm not that keen on it. I think I need something more cheerful after this long week. I've seen too many action films recently.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Best,

Sarah

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From: Ben (ben.c@email.com)
To: Sarah (sarah.p@email.com)
Subject: Re: Weekend Plans!

Hi Sarah,

Great to hear from you! My week has been crazy too, with two exams back-to-back, so I definitely need a break. Saturday evening sounds perfect. I was just thinking we should catch up soon.

I've heard about "City of Dreams" too! A friend of mine went last week and said it was the best performance he has ever seen. I'd love to go. Don't worry about the price, I'm happy to pay for my ticket. I've already checked the theatre's website, and there are still a few seats left for the 7:30 PM show. They have great views of the stage. Shall I book them now before they sell out?

I agree about the cinema. I haven't seen the new action film yet, but I'm not in the mood for explosions and car chases. A musical sounds much better. We could meet for a quick dinner before the show, maybe around 6 PM? There's a nice Italian place near the theatre that makes amazing pizza. It would be a great start to the evening.

Let me know about the tickets!

Cheers,

Ben

Reading passage 5 (41-50): The Story of Denim Jeans

Denim jeans are arguably one of the most iconic pieces of fashion in the world. But have you ever wondered where they came from? The story of this simple piece of clothing has been a long and interesting one. It all started in the 19th century. The material itself, denim, originated in France, but the modern blue jeans were born in America. In 1873, a tailor named Jacob Davis and a businessman named Levi Strauss patented the idea of putting metal rivets on men's work trousers to make them stronger, particularly at the corners of the pockets where they often tore.

For many years, jeans were simply durable workwear, worn by miners, farmers, and cowboys in the American West. They were valued for their toughness, not their style. The famous leather patch on the back of Levi's jeans was introduced to show the strength of the trousers, originally depicting two horses trying to pull a pair of jeans apart. This perception began to change in the 1950s. Hollywood played a huge role in transforming jeans into a symbol of youth rebellion and non-conformity. Actors like James Dean and Marlon Brando wore them in popular films, and suddenly, jeans became cool and fashionable.

Since the 1950s, jeans have gone through countless transformations. In the 1960s and 70s, they were associated with the hippie movement, with bell-bottom styles becoming extremely popular, often decorated with flowers and patches. The 1980s saw the rise of 'designer jeans', with brands like Calvin Klein turning them into high-fashion items through provocative advertising. The 1990s were defined by the grunge look and hip-hop culture, which popularised baggy, loose-fitting jeans. Different styles, such as skinny, baggy, and ripped jeans, have come and gone, but the classic blue jean has remained a constant in our wardrobes. They have been a staple for more than 70 years of fashion trends.

Today, jeans are worn by people of all ages, classes, and cultures around the globe. From the factory floor to the fashion runway, they have proven to be incredibly versatile. They are no longer just a piece of clothing but a cultural symbol representing freedom, independence, and casual style. The journey of jeans from simple work trousers to a global fashion statement shows how an everyday object can become a powerful icon over time. More recently, there has been a growing focus on sustainable denim production to reduce the industry's environmental impact.