The concept of 'planned obsolescence' has been a subject of intense debate among economists and environmentalists. Originally introduced in the 1920s to stimulate consumer demand, it involves designing products with a limited useful life, encouraging repeat purchases. While proponents argue that this strategy drives innovation and economic growth, critics contend that it leads to resource depletion and excessive waste. Recent studies suggest that a shift towards 'circular economy' models, where products are designed for durability and reparability, could mitigate these negative effects. However, implementing such models requires significant changes in manufacturing practices and consumer behavior, posing challenges for industries reliant on high turnover rates.
❓ Mối quan tâm chính mà các nhà phê bình về sự lỗi thời có chủ đích nêu ra là gì?
A. A) Nó làm giảm nhu cầu tiêu dùng đối với các sản phẩm mới.
B. B) Nó gây thiệt hại về môi trường thông qua việc lãng phí tài nguyên.
C. C) Nó cản trở sự đổi mới công nghệ trong lĩnh vực sản xuất.
D. D) Nó làm tăng chi phí sản xuất cho các công ty.
✅ 正确答案
B) It causes environmental damage through resource waste.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first