Reading: Sample analysis — Matching information

1. Mục tiêu buổi học

• Đọc một passage mẫu, tìm từng câu chứa thông tin mà đề hỏi
• Luyện đánh dấu đoạn đã dùng, xử lý khi một đoạn chứa nhiều đáp án
• Nhận biết paraphrase và trap thường gặp trong matching information

2. Passage mẫu

A Crime rates have changed significantly over the past two decades in many developed countries. While some types of crime, such as theft and burglary, have decreased due to improved security systems, other offences have become more common. For example, online fraud and identity theft have risen sharply as criminals exploit digital technology. Police forces now invest heavily in training detectives to investigate cyber crime, but many minor offences still go unpunished because resources are limited.

B The relationship between punishment and crime prevention remains a subject of debate among politicians and legal experts. Some believe that stricter punishments, such as longer prison sentences, deter criminals from committing serious crimes like robbery and murder. Others argue that harsh penalties do not reduce crime rates and that society should focus on rehabilitation instead. In countries where judges impose heavy fines for minor offences, studies show mixed results: some offenders stop breaking the law, while others simply cannot afford to pay and end up in jail anyway.

C Public attitudes towards crime and punishment vary widely. In some constituencies, voters in general elections support political parties that promise tough policies on law and order. These parties often advocate for more police powers to arrest suspects and longer sentences for those found guilty by a jury. However, in other areas, the electorate prefers leaders who believe in treating criminals more fairly and providing support to help them reintegrate into society. Above all, most people agree that the court system should be fair and that innocent individuals must not be punished for crimes they did not commit.

D Governments in power face difficult decisions when allocating budgets for crime prevention and the justice system. Building new prisons is expensive, and many politicians argue that the money would be better spent on reducing poverty and providing care for the elderly or vulnerable groups. Some leaders propose cutting taxes to win votes, but this often means less funding for the police and courts. A powerful argument in recent debates is that preventing crime through education and social programmes is more cost-effective than punishing offenders after the fact.

E The role of political beliefs in shaping crime policy cannot be ignored. Different political parties hold different views on how to reduce crime and whether punishment should be the primary focus. For instance, one party might believe in strict law enforcement and quick trials, while another might prioritise equal treatment and rehabilitation. In a democracy, MPs elected by secret ballot represent their constituencies and vote for policies that reflect the beliefs of their supporters. Ultimately, the Prime Minister and the government must balance public safety with fairness and ensure that all citizens are treated equally under the law.

3. Questions

Questions 1–8
The passage has five paragraphs, A–E.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
Write the correct letter, A–E, in boxes 1–8 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.

1. a description of how technology has led to new types of crime
2. an example of a policy debate about spending priorities
3. a mention of voters' preferences in different regions
4. a reference to the role of elected representatives in decision-making
5. an explanation of why some crimes are not dealt with by authorities
6. a comparison of two opposing views on the purpose of punishment
7. a statement about the importance of protecting innocent people
8. an example of research findings on the effectiveness of fines

4. Answer key

5. Phân tích từng câu