🔥The Anatomy of Social Discord: Đề thi thật IELTS READING (IELTS Reading Recent Actual Test) - Kèm đáp án + Giải thích từ vựng

The Anatomy of Social Discord

Social discord, characterized by a lack of societal cohesion and increasing divisions among individuals or groups, has emerged as a defining challenge in contemporary society. Manifesting through polarization, erosion of trust, and social fragmentation, this issue poses significant threats to societal stability and progress. Analyzing its root causes, implications, and possible solutions is essential to addressing this growing concern.

One of the primary drivers of social discord is the pervasive influence of technology, particularly social media platforms. These platforms, designed to maximize user engagement, often employ algorithms that prioritize sensational or divisive content, creating echo chambers where individuals are exposed only to information that reinforces their existing beliefs. As a result, discourse becomes polarized, and individuals become increasingly hostile toward opposing perspectives. This technological dynamic not only fosters antagonism but also undermines the possibility of constructive dialogue, a cornerstone of social harmony.

Economic inequality further exacerbates social discord. The widening gap between the wealthy and the economically disadvantaged has led to resentment and alienation among various societal groups. For instance, economically marginalized communities often perceive their struggles as being overlooked or dismissed by political and corporate elites. This perception fuels grievances that can erupt into protests, strikes, or even civil unrest. Furthermore, economic disparities contribute to the perception of an uneven playing field, eroding the sense of fairness that is essential for societal cohesion.

The erosion of trust in institutions represents another significant catalyst of social discord. Governments, media organizations, and educational systems are increasingly viewed with skepticism due to scandals, corruption, and the proliferation of misinformation. Citizens who lose faith in these institutions are more likely to seek alternative sources of information, which are often less reliable and more radical. This erosion of trust not only fragments the social fabric but also creates an environment where misinformation thrives, further deepening divisions.

Cultural and identity-based conflicts also play a pivotal role in the proliferation of social discord. In an era of rapid globalization and cultural exchange, communities often struggle to reconcile traditional values with modern societal norms. Issues surrounding race, religion, and gender equality frequently become flashpoints for contention, as individuals and groups assert their identities in increasingly polarized ways. These conflicts are often exacerbated by political actors who exploit identity-based divisions for their own gain, further inflaming tensions.

The consequences of social discord are profound and far-reaching. Politically, it leads to instability and dysfunction. Polarization within legislative bodies often results in policy gridlock, making it difficult for governments to address pressing societal challenges. In extreme cases, social discord can escalate into widespread protests, riots, or even violence, threatening the very foundations of democracy. Economically, discord undermines productivity and innovation. Distrust among societal groups can discourage collaboration and deter investment, particularly in regions perceived as unstable or conflict-prone.

Social discord also takes a significant psychological toll on individuals. Prolonged exposure to divisive narratives and conflicts fosters feelings of anxiety, isolation, and despair. Communities that were once sources of support and solidarity become fractured, leaving individuals feeling disconnected and disempowered. The breakdown of social bonds further amplifies the sense of alienation, creating a vicious cycle that perpetuates discord.

Addressing social discord requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes dialogue, equity, and trust-building. First, technological companies must be held accountable for their role in amplifying divisions. Regulatory measures should incentivize platforms to promote balanced and constructive content rather than sensationalism. Second, addressing economic inequality can alleviate the grievances that fuel discord. Governments must also work to rebuild trust by ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in their operations. Finally, fostering cultural understanding through education and community-based initiatives can bridge divides and promote mutual respect.

In conclusion, social discord is a multifaceted challenge rooted in technological, economic, institutional, and cultural factors. Its impacts on political stability, economic development, and individual well-being are profound, necessitating immediate and coordinated efforts to mitigate its effects. By fostering dialogue, equity, and trust, societies can work toward a more cohesive and harmonious future.

Questions

1. What underlying mechanism is attributed to the role of social media in amplifying social discord?
   A. The suppression of minority opinions through community guidelines
   B. The prioritization of content based on user biases via algorithmic design
   C. The encouragement of open discourse across diverse communities
   D. The replacement of institutional trust with direct civic engagement

2. How does the passage describe the interplay between economic inequality and societal divisions?
   A. Economic disparities are viewed as a direct result of institutional erosion.
   B. Economic inequality deepens resentment among marginalized classes and disrupts social harmony.
   C. Wealth redistribution policies often fuel discontent among affluent groups.
   D. Societal divisions diminish as economic growth addresses class-based grievances.

3. What effect does diminished trust in institutions have on collective behavior, according to the passage?
A. It fosters reliance on grassroots initiatives for social cohesion.
B. It leads to the propagation of conspiracy theories and radical ideologies.
C. It strengthens interpersonal trust as a substitute for institutional dependency.
D. It accelerates the adoption of technology-driven solutions to social issues.

4. Which factor is identified as the most immediate trigger for identity-based conflicts in modern society?
A. Political manipulation of cultural divides for electoral advantage
B. The homogenization of values due to globalization
C. The diminished role of traditional leadership in conflict mediation
D. Increased funding for community-based identity initiatives

5. What does the passage imply about the psychological impact of prolonged exposure to divisive narratives?
A. It fosters critical thinking and skepticism of mainstream narratives.
B. It undermines individual agency, creating a cycle of alienation and despair.
C. It reinforces resilience by forcing individuals to adapt to adversity.
D. It galvanizes collective movements toward social reform.

6. What does the text suggest about the role of economic grievances in political instability?
A. They primarily manifest through localized protests rather than systemic upheavals.
B. They act as catalysts for widespread mobilization against governance structures.
C. They are mitigated by increased access to technological resources.
D. They dissipate when economic recovery policies target the middle class.

7. How does the passage characterize the relationship between cultural clashes and globalization?
A. Globalization erodes cultural uniqueness, fostering mutual acceptance.
B. It promotes intercultural harmony through shared economic objectives.
C. It amplifies cultural tensions by juxtaposing traditional and modern norms.
D. It reduces identity-based conflicts through uniform legal frameworks.

8. What role does the erosion of institutional trust play in societal polarization?
A. It consolidates trust within smaller, localized networks of influence.
B. It diminishes societal reliance on traditional norms and values.
C. It exacerbates polarization by enabling the spread of unverified narratives.
D. It alleviates tensions by decentralizing power structures.

9. What is implied about the potential for grassroots initiatives to address social discord?
A. Grassroots movements are insufficient due to their fragmented approach.
B. They can effectively bridge divides if supported by institutional reforms.
C. Their focus on local issues limits their ability to enact systemic change.
D. Grassroots efforts often exacerbate discord due to ideological differences.

10. How does technological accountability emerge as a solution in the text?
A. Through regulations promoting unbiased algorithmic transparency>> Form đăng kí giải đề thi thật IELTS 4 kĩ năng kèm bài giải bộ đề 100 đề PART 2 IELTS SPEAKING quý đang thi (update hàng tuần) từ IELTS TUTOR
B. By reducing user access to polarizing digital platforms
C. By leveraging artificial intelligence to monitor user content
D. Through public campaigns advocating for reduced screen time

11. What is highlighted as a critical component for rebuilding trust in institutions?
A. A focus on transparency, inclusivity, and equitable representation
B. Increased funding for institutional modernization and infrastructure
C. Enhanced collaboration with non-governmental organizations
D. Greater emphasis on punitive measures for institutional misconduct

12. What does the passage suggest about the role of education in mitigating cultural discord?
A. Education primarily reinforces traditional values in diverse societies.
B. It bridges gaps by promoting empathy and understanding of cultural differences.
C. It often fails to address the root causes of identity-based tensions.
D. Its influence is limited to academic environments rather than societal impacts.

13. Which consequence of social discord is emphasized as the most destabilizing?
A. The erosion of collective trust in governance systems
B. The economic downturn caused by fragmented societal collaboration
C. The psychological burden on individuals experiencing alienation
D. The decline of community-based support networks

14. What is the significance of sensationalist content in the propagation of social discord?
A. It undermines the credibility of mainstream media outlets.
B. It polarizes individuals by exploiting emotional responses.
C. It reduces public engagement in political discourse.
D. It fosters mistrust toward technological advancements.

15. What does the text suggest as a primary objective of strategies aimed at resolving social discord?
A. Creating equitable economic systems to reduce class disparities
B. Reestablishing cohesive societal frameworks through collaboration
C. Limiting access to divisive narratives on global platforms
D. Promoting uniform cultural values across diverse demographics

1. Discord

Meaning: Disagreement or lack of harmony between people or groups - Sự bất hòa, mâu thuẫn
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "Social discord, characterized by a lack of societal cohesion and increasing divisions among individuals or groups..."
Usage: "The discord between the two political parties led to delays in passing legislation."

2. Cohesion

Meaning: The action or fact of forming a united whole. - Sự gắn kết, sự đoàn kết
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "...characterized by a lack of societal cohesion and increasing divisions..."
Usage: "Strong social cohesion is essential for a peaceful community."

3. Polarization

Meaning: Division into two sharply contrasting groups or opinions. - Sự phân cực
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "...discourse becomes polarized, and individuals become increasingly hostile toward opposing perspectives."
Usage: "The polarization of public opinion made it difficult to find common ground."

4. Fragmentation

Meaning: The process or state of breaking into smaller parts. - Sự phân mảnh
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "...manifesting through polarization, erosion of trust, and social fragmentation..."
Usage: "The fragmentation of the community made it harder to address collective issues."

5. Antagonism

Meaning: Active hostility or opposition. - Sự đối lập, sự thù địch
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "This technological dynamic not only fosters antagonism but also undermines the possibility of constructive dialogue..."
Usage: "Antagonism between rival groups prevented effective collaboration."

6. Marginalized

Meaning: Treated as insignificant or peripheral. - Bị gạt ra ngoài lề, bị thiệt thòi
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "...economically marginalized communities often perceive their struggles as being overlooked..."
Usage: "Programs were introduced to support marginalized groups in society."

7. Alienation

Meaning: The state of feeling isolated or estranged. - Sự xa lánh, sự ghẻ lạnh
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "The widening gap...has led to resentment and alienation among various societal groups."
Usage: "Feelings of alienation can arise when people feel excluded from decision-making."

8. Resentment

Meaning: Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly. - Sự phẫn uất, sự bực bội
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "The widening gap...has led to resentment and alienation among various societal groups."
Usage: "Resentment grew when workers felt undervalued."

9. Proliferation

Meaning: Rapid increase in numbers. - Sự tăng nhanh, sự sinh sôi
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "...due to scandals, corruption, and the proliferation of misinformation."
Usage: "The proliferation of smartphones has changed how people communicate."

10. Flashpoint

Meaning: A place, event, or time at which trouble or violence flares up. - Điểm bùng phát
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "Issues surrounding race, religion, and gender equality frequently become flashpoints for contention..."
Usage: "The border dispute became a flashpoint for conflict between the two countries."

11. Gridlock

Meaning: A situation where no progress can be made. - Tình trạng bế tắc
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "...polarization within legislative bodies often results in policy gridlock..."
Usage: "Political gridlock has delayed the implementation of new policies."

12. Constructive

Meaning: Serving a useful purpose; helpful. - Mang tính xây dựng
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "...undermines the possibility of constructive dialogue, a cornerstone of social harmony."
Usage: "Constructive criticism can help improve performance."

13. Amplify

Meaning: To increase the strength or effect of something. - Khuếch đại, làm tăng thêm
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "Technological companies must be held accountable for their role in amplifying divisions."
Usage: "Social media can amplify both positive and negative messages."

14. Accountability

Meaning: The fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility. - Trách nhiệm giải trình
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "Technological companies must be held accountable for their role in amplifying divisions."
Usage: "Transparency ensures accountability in government operations."

15. Equity

Meaning: Fairness or justice in the way people are treated. - Sự công bằng
IELTS TUTOR xét ví dụ từ bài đọc: "Addressing social discord requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes dialogue, equity, and trust-building."
Usage: "Equity in education ensures equal opportunities for all students."

Answers:

1. B
2. B
3. B
4. A
5. B
6. B
7. C>> IELTS  TUTOR  hướng  dẫn PHÂN TÍCH ĐỀ THI 30/5/2020 IELTS WRITING TASK 2 (kèm bài sửa HS đạt 6.5)
8. C
9. B
10. A
11. A
12. B
13. A
14. B
15. B