Đề trắc nghiệm Reading Unit 10 (Products) - Life A2-B1

Reading passage 1 (1-10): The Story of a Classic Wooden Toy

In the past, many toys were not made of plastic. They used to be made from simple materials like wood, which was considered safer and more traditional. One famous example is the “Spinning Top,” a classic toy that was loved by children for many generations. This simple product was designed to be both fun and durable. The toy was produced by a small family company called “Woodencraft” starting in the 1950s. The company's workshop was small, and each top was carefully shaped by hand from a single piece of high-quality birch wood, making every single one slightly unique. Then, it was painted with bright, non-toxic colors that were safe for children.

The way it worked was very basic and relied on a simple principle of physics. A string was wrapped around the toy's body. When the string was pulled quickly, the top would spin on its point for a long time, creating a mesmerizing hum. Children used to have competitions in the schoolyard to see whose top could spin the longest or knock over other tops. These toys were sold in small, local shops, not in big international stores, and were often passed down from older siblings to younger ones. They didn't have any batteries and made no electronic sounds, but they were incredibly popular because they encouraged skill and social play. The rise of mass-produced plastic toys in the 1980s led to a decline in their popularity. Today, original Spinning Tops from Woodencraft are considered valuable items by collectors. The company stopped producing them in the 1990s, but the memory of this simple, useful toy still remains. It is a reminder that sometimes the most basic designs are the most successful and timeless.

Reading passage 2 (11-20): The "ConnectCup": A Modern Product Design

In today's market, even simple products are being redesigned with up-to-date technology. A great example of this trend is the "ConnectCup," a smart coffee mug that was launched last year. This product is much more than a container for your drink; it is a user-friendly gadget designed for modern life. The ConnectCup is made from stainless steel and has a digital display on its side. This display shows the current temperature of the liquid inside, so you never burn your mouth on coffee that is too hot. The battery for the heating element and display is designed to last a full day and is charged wirelessly on a special coaster that comes with the mug.

The mug is controlled by a mobile app, which connects via Bluetooth. Through the app, the user can set a perfect drinking temperature, and the mug will maintain it for up to three hours. The app also tracks how much liquid you drink during the day and can send reminders to stay hydrated. Users can even create custom presets, for example, a 'morning coffee' setting and a 'green tea' setting. The product's logo, a simple C with a Wi-Fi symbol, is placed on the base of the mug. It is not very visible, as the designers wanted a clean, minimalist look. The ConnectCup is sold exclusively online through the company's website. When the product was first advertised, the campaign focused on its convenience for busy office workers and tech enthusiasts.

However, this fashionable gadget is not cheap. It costs significantly more than a basic ceramic mug. Some critics, like technology analyst Jane Lee, argue that such products are unnecessary and are just another piece of electronic "stuff" in our lives that we need to charge and manage. She wrote, "Do we really need an app to tell us to drink water?" Despite this, thousands of units were sold in the first month. The company believes that people are willing to pay for products that combine classic utility with modern design and technology, making everyday objects more useful and interactive. They see a growing market for 'smart' home goods.

Reading passage 3 (21-30): A Minimalist's View on "Stuff"

My name is Leo, and I call myself a minimalist. Two years ago, my apartment was full of stuff I didn't need, creating a constant sense of chaos. I used to buy new clothes every month, and my shelves were filled with books I never read and gadgets I never used. I thought owning more things made me happy, but I realized I was just stressed and my possessions owned me, not the other way around. I spent my weekends cleaning and organizing things I didn't even need. The constant pressure from advertising to have the latest products was exhausting. The decision to change was not easy, but it was necessary for my mental well-being.

The process started with a simple rule: for every new item I brought into my home, one old item had to be thrown away or donated. This helped me think more carefully before buying something. Then, I played the "30-Day Minimalism Game" that I read about online. On day one, I got rid of one thing. On day two, two things, and so on. One of the hardest things to let go of was a collection of old concert tickets; they held memories, but they were just paper in a box. By the end of the month, I had removed hundreds of unnecessary items from my life. My apartment felt bigger, calmer, and more peaceful. I had more time for my hobbies and friends because I wasn't busy managing my possessions.

Some people don't understand this lifestyle. They ask, "Don't you get bored?" My opinion is that boredom doesn't come from having less stuff, but from not having a purpose. Before, I used to go shopping when I was bored, a habit driven by consumer culture. Now, I go for a walk, read a book from the library, or learn a new skill like playing the guitar. My life is not about having nothing; it's about making sure that everything I own is either useful or beautiful to me. It's a conscious choice to reject the idea that our value is measured by what we own. It's about having less stuff, but more life. I believe this is a more productive and meaningful way to live.

Reading passage 4 (31-40): Key Features of a Successful E-commerce Website

Creating an online store is more than just showing pictures of products. A successful e-commerce website must be carefully designed to be user-friendly and trustworthy. There are several key pages and features that are included in almost all professional online stores to guide the customer journey from arrival to purchase.

First is the **Home Page**. This is the digital 'front door' and the first thing a visitor sees. It should be attractive, load quickly, and be easy to navigate. It usually features best-selling products, new arrivals, and special offers or promotions. A clear search box is also essential on this page, allowing customers to find specific items quickly without having to browse through many categories.

Next, every product needs its own **Product Page**. These pages are where the details are given and the sale is often won or lost. High-quality photos from different angles, and sometimes a short video, are crucial. A detailed description, price, available sizes or colors, and customer reviews are all necessary components. The "Add to Cart" button must be easy to see and use.

The **About Us** page is also very important for building a brand. Here, the story of the company is told. This page helps to build trust with customers by showing that there are real people and a real mission behind the website. It often includes the company's history, its values, and perhaps profiles of the team members.

A **Contact** page is required for customer service. It should provide multiple ways for customers to get in touch, such as an email address, a phone number, and a contact form. Many modern sites also include a link to their social media profiles or a live chat feature for instant support. Good customer service is often what makes a customer return.

A secure and simple **Checkout Process** is another vital element. This is where the customer enters their payment and shipping information. The process should require as few steps as possible. Offering a 'guest checkout' option is a good idea, as some people don't want to create an account. The site must also show security symbols, like an SSL certificate, to assure customers their data is safe.

Finally, a website needs clear **Links**. Links to privacy policies, shipping information, and return policies are usually placed in the footer at the bottom of every page. These links are important because they answer common questions and make the business appear transparent and reliable. Without these features, even a store with great products might fail to attract and keep customers. Annoying pop-up adverts should also be avoided, as they can make visitors leave the site immediately.

Reading passage 5 (41-50): The Shift Towards Sustainable Packaging

For many years, products were sold in packaging that was not good for the environment. Plastic wrappers, styrofoam boxes, and other non-recyclable materials were used by most companies because they were cheap and convenient. When customers finished with the product, this packaging was usually thrown away, ending up in landfills or oceans and causing significant pollution. This created what is now known as the plastic waste crisis. However, in recent years, a major shift has been observed in the industry. More and more companies are now investing in sustainable packaging solutions, not just for marketing but as a core part of their business strategy.

This change is driven by two main factors. Firstly, customers have become more aware of environmental issues and are actively demanding change. Many people now prefer to buy products from brands that are seen as eco-friendly. A recent survey showed that over 60% of consumers are willing to pay more for a product if it comes in sustainable packaging. Secondly, governments around the world have introduced new laws and regulations to reduce plastic waste. These laws often require companies to use recyclable materials or pay extra taxes for using harmful ones, making unsustainable options less profitable.

So, what does sustainable packaging look like? It can take many forms, and innovation is happening quickly. Some companies now use packaging made from recycled cardboard or paper. Others have developed innovative materials, such as packaging made from mushrooms, seaweed, or cornstarch, which are biodegradable – meaning they break down naturally without harming the environment. Another popular idea is "zero-waste" packaging, where the container can be returned to the company to be refilled, or it can be composted at home. For example, some cosmetic products are now sold in glass jars that can be sent back for a discount on the next purchase. Major beverage companies are also testing bottles made from 100% plant-based materials.

This transition is not without challenges. Sustainable materials can be more expensive to produce, and supply chains need to be redesigned, which requires significant investment. New machinery and employee training might also be needed. Furthermore, the success of this shift also depends on consumers doing their part by recycling and composting correctly. Despite these difficulties, the trend is clear. The future of product packaging is not just about protecting the product inside; it is also about protecting the planet outside. The logos on the boxes are no longer the only thing people look at; they also check for the recycling symbol and information about the material's origin.