IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe A Time When You Had To Take A Risk” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề về việc chấp nhận rủi ro (taking risks) là một trong những đề bài phổ biến và thực tế nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Đây là chủ đề mà hầu hết thí sinh đều có thể chia sẻ từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân, nhưng để đạt điểm cao, bạn cần biết cách khai thác sâu và sử dụng ngôn ngữ ấn tượng.

Tần suất xuất hiện: Chủ đề này xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các kỳ thi IELTS từ 2020 đến 2024, đặc biệt là ở Part 2 và Part 3. Theo thống kê từ các test-takers thực tế trên IELTS-Simon.com và ielts-blog.com, đề tài về “risk-taking” xuất hiện ở mức độ cao (khoảng 15-20% các bài thi Speaking). Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức Cao do tính phổ biến và khả năng đánh giá toàn diện các kỹ năng của thí sinh.

Những gì bạn sẽ học được trong bài viết này:

• Câu hỏi thực tế xuất hiện trong cả 3 Part của IELTS Speaking về chủ đề risk-taking
• Bài mẫu chi tiết với 3 band điểm khác nhau (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) để bạn so sánh và học hỏi
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm liên quan đến chủ đề
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một examiner chính thức
• Phân tích chi tiết về lý do tại sao một câu trả lời đạt band điểm nhất định
• Lời khuyên thực tế để tránh những lỗi phổ biến của học viên Việt Nam

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với những câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích, công việc và các chủ đề quen thuộc. Đây là phần “khởi động” để bạn làm quen với giọng examiner và tạo ấn tượng ban đầu.

Chiến lược quan trọng:

• Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trong 1-2 câu đầu
• Mở rộng bằng cách đưa ra lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể
• Mỗi câu trả lời nên dài 2-3 câu (khoảng 15-20 giây)
• Tránh trả lời Yes/No đơn thuần

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn, thiếu elaboration
• Sử dụng từ vựng đơn giản như “good”, “bad”, “like”, “don’t like”
• Không đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
• Nói quá nhanh do lo lắng, ảnh hưởng đến pronunciation

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you like taking risks?

Question 2: What kind of risks do young people in your country often take?

Question 3: Have you ever taken a risk that didn’t work out well?

Question 4: Do you think it’s important for people to take risks in their career?

Question 5: Are you the type of person who takes calculated risks or spontaneous risks?

Question 6: What was the biggest risk you took in your studies?

Question 7: Do you think people become more or less willing to take risks as they get older?

Question 8: What risks do you think are worth taking?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you like taking risks?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp có hay không
• Giải thích tại sao (tính cách, kinh nghiệm quá khứ)
• Đưa ra ví dụ ngắn gọn về loại rủi ro bạn chấp nhận/tránh

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I do like taking risks sometimes. I think taking risks can help me grow and learn new things. For example, last year I decided to study abroad, which was a big risk for me, but it turned out to be a good decision.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có lý do và ví dụ cụ thể
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (good, big, help), cấu trúc câu đơn giản
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng đủ yêu cầu với fluency tốt nhưng thiếu vocabulary range và grammatical complexity. Ý tưởng còn surface-level.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say I’m moderately adventurous when it comes to risk-taking. I don’t shy away from challenges, but I prefer calculated risks rather than reckless decisions. For instance, when I decided to switch career paths two years ago, I spent months researching and weighing the pros and cons before taking the plunge. It’s that balance between playing it safe and pushing my boundaries that I find most comfortable.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Ngôn ngữ sophisticated với collocations tự nhiên (moderately adventurous, calculated risks, switch career paths, weighing the pros and cons, taking the plunge, pushing boundaries), cấu trúc câu phức tạp (relative clause, contrast), ý tưởng nuanced (thừa nhận sự cân bằng)
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Trôi chảy với discourse markers tự nhiên (I’d say, For instance)
  • Vocabulary: Wide range với collocations chính xác và idiomatic expressions
  • Grammar: Mixed structures (present simple, past simple, gerunds)
  • Pronunciation: Stress on key phrases tạo rhythm tự nhiên

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• moderately adventurous: vừa phải thích phiêu lưu, không quá liều lĩnh
• shy away from: tránh né, ngại làm điều gì
• calculated risks: rủi ro được tính toán kỹ
• reckless decisions: quyết định liều lĩnh, không suy nghĩ
• switch career paths: chuyển đổi nghề nghiệp
• weigh the pros and cons: cân nhắc ưu và nhược điểm
• take the plunge: quyết định làm điều gì đó sau khi cân nhắc lâu
• play it safe: chọn cách an toàn
• push my boundaries: vượt qua giới hạn của bản thân

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Question: What kind of risks do young people in your country often take?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu 1-2 loại rủi ro phổ biến
• Giải thích ngắn gọn tại sao họ lại chọn những rủi ro đó
• Có thể so sánh với thế hệ trước (optional)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“In my country, many young people take risks with their career choices. They often quit stable jobs to start their own business or to travel abroad. I think they do this because they want to find their passion and have more freedom in life.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời đúng trọng tâm, có giải thích lý do
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary còn đơn giản (stable jobs, find passion), thiếu specific examples, chưa có depth trong analysis
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicative và adequate nhưng thiếu sophistication trong expression và ideas

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“From what I’ve observed, Vietnamese youth today are increasingly willing to gamble on unconventional career paths. Many are ditching the traditional 9-to-5 corporate ladder to venture into entrepreneurship or pursue creative fields like content creation, which previous generations would have considered financially precarious. I think this shift stems from a combination of factors – greater access to online opportunities, changing societal attitudes toward success, and perhaps a growing emphasis on work-life balance over job security. It’s quite a departure from the risk-averse mindset of their parents’ generation.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary sophisticated (ditching, venture into, financially precarious, departure from, risk-averse mindset)
  • Cấu trúc complex với multiple clauses
  • Ideas có depth (phân tích nhiều factors, so sánh generations)
  • Natural flow với discourse markers
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Smooth transitions, no hesitation
  • Vocabulary: Precise word choices, collocations chính xác
  • Grammar: Mix of structures (present continuous, would have considered, infinitives)
  • Pronunciation: Natural stress và intonation

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• gamble on something: mạo hiểm với điều gì
• unconventional career paths: con đường sự nghiệp không theo lối mòn
• ditch something: bỏ, từ bỏ điều gì (informal nhưng natural)
• 9-to-5 corporate ladder: nấc thang công ty truyền thống
• venture into: mạo hiểm bước vào lĩnh vực mới
• financially precarious: bấp bênh về tài chính
• a combination of factors: sự kết hợp của nhiều yếu tố
• a departure from: sự khác biệt so với, sự rời xa
• risk-averse mindset: tư duy e ngại rủi ro

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Question: Have you ever taken a risk that didn’t work out well?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời thẳng thắn (honesty được đánh giá cao)
• Kể ngắn gọn về tình huống
• Nêu bài học rút ra (quan trọng!)

Học viên IELTS Speaking luyện tập trả lời câu hỏi về rủi ro không thành công

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I have. A few years ago, I invested some money in a friend’s business without doing research. Unfortunately, the business failed and I lost my money. It was a difficult experience, but I learned that I should be more careful before making financial decisions.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Honest, có story và lesson learned
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary limited (difficult, careful), thiếu emotional depth, chưa elaborate về lesson
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication nhưng thiếu linguistic sophistication

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, and it was quite a humbling experience. A couple of years back, I jumped headfirst into investing in cryptocurrency without doing my due diligence. I was caught up in the hype and thought I could make a quick buck. Needless to say, when the market crashed, I took quite a hit financially. It was a wake-up call that taught me the importance of thorough research and not letting FOMO drive my decisions. Now I’m much more cautious and methodical when it comes to financial risks, and I always seek expert advice before committing significant resources.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Rich vocabulary (humbling experience, due diligence, caught up in the hype, FOMO)
  • Strong narrative với emotional honesty
  • Clear lesson learned với actionable changes
  • Natural idioms (make a quick buck, took a hit, wake-up call)
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Story flow naturally với appropriate discourse markers
  • Vocabulary: Sophisticated và topic-specific (due diligence, FOMO)
  • Grammar: Perfect mix of tenses, complex sentences
  • Ideas: Reflective và mature perspective

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• humbling experience: trải nghiệm khiến ta khiêm tốn hơn
• jump headfirst into: lao vào điều gì mà không suy nghĩ
• do one’s due diligence: làm công việc tìm hiểu kỹ lưỡng trước khi quyết định
• caught up in the hype: bị cuốn vào cơn sốt
• make a quick buck: kiếm tiền nhanh
• needless to say: không cần phải nói
• take a hit: chịu thiệt hại
• wake-up call: lời cảnh tỉnh
• FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out): nỗi sợ bị bỏ lỡ cơ hội
• cautious and methodical: thận trọng và có phương pháp
• commit significant resources: dành nguồn lực đáng kể

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại quan trọng nhất, chiếm thời gian 3-4 phút (bao gồm 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút trình bày). Đây là cơ hội để bạn thể hiện khả năng nói dài, mạch lạc về một chủ đề cụ thể.

Chiến lược quan trọng:

• Sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi chú keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Cấu trúc ghi chú theo 4 bullet points
• Nói đủ 2 phút: Tối thiểu 1 phút 45 giây. Examiner sẽ dừng bạn khi đủ thời gian
• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points: Đừng bỏ sót phần nào, đặc biệt là phần “explain”
• Sử dụng thì quá khứ: Hầu hết các đề “describe a time” yêu cầu past tense
• Kể story theo timeline: Giúp bạn organize ideas và tránh lặp lại
• Elaborate trên phần “explain”: Đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, dẫn đến nói thiếu structure
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút vì sợ hết ý
• Bỏ sót bullet point cuối cùng (explain)
• Lặp lại ý, không biết cách expand
• Speaking quá fast do nervous

Cue Card

Describe A Time When You Had To Take A Risk That Brought A Positive Outcome

You should say:

• What the risk was
• When and where you took this risk
• Why you decided to take this risk
• And explain how you felt about the outcome

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience/event (Past experience)
• Thì động từ: Past Simple và Past Continuous là chính, có thể dùng Past Perfect khi nhắc đến sự việc xảy ra trước thời điểm chính
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • What: Rủi ro cụ thể là gì (chọn situation rõ ràng, dễ kể)
  • When/Where: Context về thời gian và địa điểm (không cần quá chi tiết)
  • Why: Lý do quyết định – đây là phần thể hiện critical thinking
  • Explain outcome + feelings: Phần quan trọng nhất, cần elaborate nhiều
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là nơi bạn demonstrate vocabulary range, emotional depth, và reflection. Đừng chỉ nói “I felt happy” – hãy explain tại sao positive outcome này significant với bạn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about a time when I took a risk by changing my university major. This happened about two years ago when I was in my second year at university in Hanoi.

At that time, I was studying economics because my parents wanted me to have a stable career in business. However, I realized that I wasn’t happy with this choice. I was really interested in graphic design, but I knew that changing my major was risky because it meant I would graduate one year later and my parents might not support me.

I decided to take this risk because I believed that doing what I love was more important than following other people’s expectations. I talked to my parents many times and finally they agreed to let me switch. It was a difficult conversation but I’m glad I did it.

The outcome was very positive. Now I’m studying graphic design and I’m much happier. My grades are better because I’m more motivated to learn. I also found an internship at a design company, which gives me practical experience. When I think about this decision, I feel proud of myself for having the courage to follow my passion. Taking this risk changed my life in a good way and taught me that sometimes we need to take risks to find our true path.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Trôi chảy với một số hesitation nhẹ. Sử dụng basic linking words (however, because, now). Story có structure rõ ràng nhưng chưa sophisticated.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate và accurate (studying economics, graduate later, motivated to learn) nhưng thiếu less common phrases. Có một số collocations tốt nhưng còn dùng basic words (happy, difficult, good).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix of simple và complex structures (relative clauses, conditionals). Phần lớn accurate với một số minor errors có thể. Sử dụng đúng past tenses.
Pronunciation	6-7	Clear và comprehensible. Có natural stress trên key words nhưng chưa có intonation đa dạng.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Story rõ ràng với timeline logic
• ✅ Có personal reflection ở phần cuối
• ✅ Thời lượng đủ yêu cầu

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic ở nhiều chỗ (happy, difficult, good way)
• ⚠️ Thiếu emotional depth và vivid descriptions
• ⚠️ Chưa có idiomatic expressions hoặc less common phrases
• ⚠️ Explanation về outcome chưa được elaborate đủ

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to share an experience about a calculated risk I took that ultimately paid off – deciding to quit my comfortable office job to pursue freelancing as a content writer.

This happened about 18 months ago when I was working for a well-established marketing firm in Ho Chi Minh City. I had been there for three years, enjoying a steady income and decent benefits, but I felt increasingly stuck in a rut. I’d always harbored ambitions of working independently, setting my own schedule, and choosing projects that genuinely interested me.

The decision to take the leap wasn’t easy. The risk was multifaceted – I’d be giving up financial security, losing out on health insurance, and potentially damaging my career trajectory if things didn’t work out. What pushed me to take this risk was a growing sense of dissatisfaction and the realization that I was playing it too safe. I’d been building a portfolio of freelance work on the side for months, and some clients were offering me enough projects to make ends meet. I thought, ‘If not now, when?’

Looking back, the outcome exceeded my expectations. Within six months, I was earning comparable income to my previous job, but with far greater flexibility and job satisfaction. I’ve had the opportunity to work with diverse clients across different industries, which has broadened my skill set tremendously. More importantly, I’ve regained a sense of control over my career and life.

Reflecting on this experience, I feel an immense sense of accomplishment. It wasn’t just about the financial success – it was about proving to myself that I could navigate uncertainty and thrive outside my comfort zone. This risk taught me that calculated gambles, backed by preparation and determination, can open doors you never knew existed. It’s reinforced my belief that sometimes the biggest risk is not taking one at all.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Very fluent với minimal hesitation. Sử dụng sophisticated discourse markers (ultimately, looking back, reflecting on). Excellent cohesion và logical progression.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary với nhiều less common phrases (stuck in a rut, harbored ambitions, take the leap, multifaceted, make ends meet). Collocations chính xác và natural. Some idiomatic language.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range of structures (past perfect, conditionals, relative clauses, participle clauses). High level of accuracy với very few errors.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear với good control of features. Natural intonation và appropriate word stress. Easy to understand throughout.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“happy with this choice”	“stuck in a rut”, “harbored ambitions”
Grammar	“I wasn’t happy… I was really interested” (simple)	“I’d always harbored ambitions of working independently, setting my own schedule” (complex với multiple gerunds)
Ideas	Basic explanation: “doing what I love was important”	Nuanced: “multifaceted risk”, “growing sense of dissatisfaction”, “the biggest risk is not taking one at all”
Linking	“However, because, now”	“Ultimately, looking back, reflecting on, more importantly”

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to recount what I consider to be one of the most pivotal decisions of my academic journey – the choice to stake my entire thesis on a controversial research methodology that flew in the face of conventional approaches in my field.

This took place during my final year at university, specifically when I was conducting research for my graduation thesis in environmental science. I was investigating the impact of urban development on local biodiversity in Hanoi, and the standard protocol would have been to use well-trodden quantitative methods – essentially crunching numbers from existing datasets. However, I’d become increasingly fascinated by an emerging hybrid approach that combined quantitative data with in-depth qualitative ethnographic studies – essentially interviewing local residents about their observations of environmental changes over time.

The risk was substantial on multiple fronts. First and foremost, my thesis advisor was deeply skeptical, warning me that this unorthodox methodology might not sit well with the examination committee, potentially jeopardizing my graduation. Secondly, this approach required significantly more fieldwork and time – I’d essentially be burning the candle at both ends to complete it. On top of that, there was no guarantee the marriage of these two approaches would yield meaningful insights – I could end up with a methodological mess that fell between two stools.

What ultimately tipped the scales was my gut feeling that the human dimension of environmental change was being grossly undervalued in academic research. The numbers told one story, but I believed the lived experiences of communities could shed light on nuances that raw data might miss. I also had the tremendous privilege of having access to several neighborhoods where residents had witnessed dramatic environmental shifts over decades. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I couldn’t let slip through my fingers.

Fast forward to the outcome – my thesis not only received the highest marks but was also shortlisted for a national research award. The triangulated data revealed patterns that purely quantitative or qualitative approaches would have missed. The examination committee specifically praised the innovative framework, and I’ve since had the work published in a peer-reviewed journal – something almost unheard of for undergraduate research.

But beyond the accolades, what this experience instilled in me was profound. It was a watershed moment that taught me the value of intellectual courage and backing your convictions even when facing skepticism. The sense of vindication was, of course, immensely gratifying, but more importantly, it reinforced my belief in pushing boundaries and challenging orthodoxies. This risk showed me that innovation often requires venturing into uncharted territory, and that the discomfort of uncertainty can be the price of meaningful breakthroughs. In retrospect, I realize that playing it safe would have been the greater risk – the risk of never discovering what I was truly capable of achieving.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Completely fluent with natural, effortless delivery. Sophisticated discourse markers (first and foremost, on top of that, fast forward). Perfect logical flow với complex ideas được express clearly.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Precise, sophisticated vocabulary với wide range of idiomatic và colloquial expressions (flew in the face of, burning the candle at both ends, fell between two stools, tipped the scales, shed light on, let slip through my fingers). Natural collocations throughout. Paraphrasing skillful.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures used naturally và accurately. Complex sentences với multiple subordinate clauses. Perfect control of tenses including narrative past perfect. Zero errors that impede communication.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Fully operational command với natural, native-like features. Excellent intonation, word stress, và rhythm. Uses emphasis effectively to highlight key points.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Không có hesitation, story flows như natural narration
• Discourse markers sophisticated và varied (first and foremost, on top of that, what ultimately, fast forward, in retrospect)
• Transitions seamless giữa các phần của story

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Ví dụ: “flew in the face of conventional approaches” – idiomatic expression thể hiện việc đi ngược lại quan điểm thông thường, much more sophisticated than “was different from”
• Ví dụ: “burning the candle at both ends” – idiom về việc làm việc quá sức, natural và memorable
• Ví dụ: “fell between two stools” – British idiom về việc không thuộc về category nào, shows wide exposure to English
• Ví dụ: “let slip through my fingers” – visual metaphor về упустить cơ hội
• Ví dụ: “watershed moment” – academic collocation thể hiện điểm chuyển mình quan trọng

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Ví dụ: “I’d essentially be burning the candle at both ends to complete it” – conditional với would + gerund showing hypothetical future
• Ví dụ: “The numbers told one story, but I believed the lived experiences of communities could shed light on nuances that raw data might miss” – complex sentence với contrast, reported thought, relative clause, và modal verb of possibility
• Ví dụ: “It was a watershed moment that taught me the value of intellectual courage and backing your convictions even when facing skepticism” – participle clause (when facing) và multiple noun phrases showing grammatical sophistication

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ kể story mà còn demonstrate critical thinking về methodology research
• Reflection profound về personal growth: “intellectual courage”, “challenging orthodoxies”
• Philosophical conclusion: “playing it safe would have been the greater risk”
• Shows maturity và ability to abstract từ personal experience

🎙️ Natural Speech Features:

• Uses “I’d like to recount” thay vì “I want to talk about” – more sophisticated opening
• “Fast forward to the outcome” – conversational phrase tạo engagement
• “In retrospect” – reflective language của educated speakers
• Balance giữa formal academic vocabulary và natural idioms

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn hoàn thành Part 2, examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để chuyển sang Part 3. Đây là câu hỏi đơn giản, trả lời 2-3 câu là đủ.

Question 1: Do you often take risks like this?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Not really. I think that was quite a special situation. Normally I’m more careful about making big decisions, but sometimes opportunities come and you have to take them.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I wouldn’t say it’s a regular occurrence, but I’ve certainly become more comfortable with uncertainty since that experience. I think it set a precedent for how I approach challenges – I’m now more inclined to evaluate the potential upside rather than just dwelling on what could go wrong. That said, I still believe in weighing options carefully rather than being reckless.”

💡 Key differences:

• Band 8-9 uses sophisticated phrases: “set a precedent”, “dwelling on”, “potential upside”
• Shows reflection về personal development
• More nuanced answer acknowledging complexity

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Question 2: Would you encourage others to take similar risks?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I would encourage people to take risks if they think it’s the right thing to do. But they should also be careful and think about the consequences before making decisions.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“That’s a nuanced question. I’d say it depends on the person’s circumstances and risk tolerance. What worked for me might not be universally applicable. However, I do think there’s value in stepping outside your comfort zone occasionally, as long as it’s a calculated decision rather than an impulsive leap. I’d encourage people to build a safety net first – whether that’s financial savings or developing skills – before venturing into major risks.”

💡 Key differences:

• Shows critical thinking: “depends on”, “not universally applicable”
• Gives balanced, practical advice
• Uses sophisticated vocabulary: “risk tolerance”, “safety net”, “venturing into”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần thảo luận sâu nhất, kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi trừu tượng và phức tạp hơn Part 1. Đây là nơi examiner đánh giá khả năng phân tích, so sánh, và thảo luận về các vấn đề xã hội rộng lớn hơn.

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích nhiều góc độ của vấn đề (advantages/disadvantages, causes/effects)
• Đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ rõ ràng
• So sánh (past vs present, different groups, different countries)
• Đánh giá và predict về future trends

Chiến lược:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời: Mỗi câu trả lời nên dài 4-6 câu (30-40 giây)
• Structure rõ ràng: Direct answer → Explanation → Example → Additional point/Conclusion
• Sử dụng discourse markers: Well, Actually, From my perspective, On the one hand
• Thừa nhận complexity: “It’s a complex issue”, “There are multiple factors”
• Đưa ra examples từ society: Không chỉ personal experience
• Use tentative language: “I would say”, “It seems to me”, “To some extent”

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn, không elaborate
• Không structure câu trả lời (nhảy từ ý này sang ý khác)
• Thiếu examples cụ thể
• Không thừa nhận different perspectives
• Dùng absolute language (always, never, everyone) thay vì tentative language
• Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic

Thí sinh IELTS Speaking Part 3 thảo luận sâu về chủ đề rủi ro và quyết định

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Risk-taking in Modern Society

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Question 1: Why do you think some people are more willing to take risks than others?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause/Reason question (Why)
• Key words: some people, more willing, take risks
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 factors (personality, upbringing, life circumstances), explain each với examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are several reasons for this. First, personality plays a big role. Some people are naturally more adventurous and like trying new things, while others prefer to stay safe. Second, I believe upbringing is important. If parents encourage their children to be independent and try new experiences, those children will probably be more willing to take risks when they grow up. Finally, people’s life situations also matter. Someone who has financial security might be more willing to take career risks compared to someone who needs to support their family.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với 3 points (personality, upbringing, life situations)
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng basic (adventurous, stay safe, financial security)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Organized và coherent nhưng thiếu depth trong explanation, vocabulary còn limited, không có nuanced thinking

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I think risk appetite varies considerably among individuals, and this stems from a confluence of factors. First and foremost, there’s the nature versus nurture debate – some research suggests that certain personality traits like sensation-seeking and tolerance for ambiguity have genetic components, making some people inherently more predisposed to risk-taking behaviors.

Beyond biology, I’d argue that upbringing and socialization play a pivotal role. Children raised in environments that foster independence and frame failure as a learning opportunity rather than something shameful tend to develop greater resilience and comfort with uncertainty. Conversely, those from risk-averse cultures or overprotective households might internalize a more cautious approach to life.

Socioeconomic factors also come into play. Paradoxically, both very privileged and very disadvantaged individuals might be more inclined toward risk-taking – the former because they have a safety net to fall back on, and the latter because they have less to lose or feel they need to take bold moves to break out of their circumstances.

On a deeper level, I think it also relates to how people perceive risk itself. What one person sees as reckless might appear to another as a calculated opportunity. It’s very much about individual risk assessment and personal values – whether you prioritize security or growth, comfort or novelty.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated với multiple perspectives được integrate smoothly (biological, psychological, socioeconomic, philosophical)
• Vocabulary: Rich với academic phrases (confluence of factors, nature vs nurture, predisposed to, foster independence, tolerance for ambiguity, socioeconomic factors, internalize, paradoxically)
• Grammar: Complex structures với perfect control (relative clauses, both…and structure, whether…or)
• Critical Thinking: Shows nuanced understanding, acknowledges paradoxes, considers multiple dimensions

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, First and foremost, Beyond biology, Conversely, Paradoxically, On a deeper level
• Tentative language: I think, I’d argue, might, tend to – showing thoughtful hedging
• Abstract nouns: sensation-seeking, resilience, uncertainty, circumstances, novelty
• Collocations: stems from, come into play, fall back on, break out of, prioritize security

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Question 2: Do you think modern society encourages risk-taking more than in the past?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare past and present + Opinion
• Key words: modern society, encourages, more than in the past
• Cách tiếp cận: State position → Compare past vs present với specific aspects → Give reasons for changes

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I believe modern society encourages more risk-taking. In the past, people had to follow traditional paths like working in stable jobs for their entire career. But nowadays, with technology and globalization, there are more opportunities to try different things. Young people can start their own businesses online or work as freelancers, which was difficult before. Also, society is more accepting of failure now. People understand that failing is part of learning and success. So I think these changes have made people more comfortable with taking risks.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear comparison với past and present
• Vocabulary: Adequate (traditional paths, stable jobs, accepting of failure) nhưng còn basic
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Good organization và relevant points nhưng lacks depth, limited vocabulary range, explanation còn surface-level

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“That’s an intriguing question, and I’d say it’s a bit of a mixed bag. On the surface, yes, contemporary society appears to celebrate risk-takers more overtly than previous generations did. We’re inundated with narratives of entrepreneurs who dropped out of university to build billion-dollar companies, and startup culture has romanticized the idea of disrupting industries and failing fast. Social media amplifies these success stories, creating what some call ‘survivorship bias’ – we see the winners but not the countless others who took similar risks and didn’t make it.

However, I’d argue there’s a paradox here. While risk-taking is glorified rhetorically, the actual structural support for it might be diminishing in some ways. Previous generations, at least in many developed countries, enjoyed stronger social safety nets, more affordable education and housing, and greater job security. These foundations arguably made it safer to experiment because the downside was cushioned. Today’s young people face mounting student debt, skyrocketing housing costs, and precarious employment, which might actually make risk-taking more daunting despite the cultural encouragement.

What has genuinely changed, in my view, is the range of risks available and the speed of iteration. Technology has democratized access to global markets and information, lowering barriers to entry for entrepreneurship. You can test a business idea with minimal upfront capital through digital platforms. This shift has made certain types of risk-taking more feasible and reversible, which is quite different from, say, investing your life savings in a physical storefront decades ago.

So in summary, while modern discourse celebrates risk-taking more vocally, the reality is more nuanced – some risks are more accessible, but the safety nets are thinner, creating a complex landscape that both encourages and constrains risk-taking in different ways.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated argument với thesis → counter-argument → synthesis → conclusion
• Vocabulary: Extensive range (inundated with, romanticized, survivorship bias, downside was cushioned, mounting debt, democratized access, barriers to entry)
• Grammar: Full range với perfect accuracy (conditional, passive, relative clauses, participle phrases)
• Critical Thinking: Highly developed – identifies paradox, challenges assumption, acknowledges complexity, provides nuanced conclusion

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On the surface, However, What has genuinely changed, So in summary
• Tentative language: appears to, I’d argue, might be, arguably, in my view
• Abstract nouns: narratives, disruption, iteration, feasibility, constraints
• Academic vocabulary: inundated with, amplifies, glorified rhetorically, structural support, democratized access

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Theme 2: Risk and Decision-Making

Question 3: What kinds of risks should people avoid taking?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Categorization
• Key words: what kinds, should avoid
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify types of harmful risks với clear criteria → Explain why với consequences → Acknowledge exceptions if appropriate

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think people should avoid risks that could seriously harm themselves or others. For example, risks related to health like drug use or dangerous sports without proper training should be avoided. Also, financial risks that could lead to serious debt are not advisable, especially if you have family responsibilities. Additionally, I believe people shouldn’t take risks with their personal relationships – for instance, betraying someone’s trust can have permanent consequences. Basically, any risk where the potential negative outcome is very serious and could permanently damage your life or others’ lives should be avoided.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với examples for each category
• Vocabulary: Adequate (seriously harm, proper training, betraying trust)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicative với good examples nhưng lacks nuance, vocabulary limited, explanation straightforward

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I think we need to distinguish between risks that are calculated versus those that are simply reckless. Generally speaking, people should avoid risks where the potential downside is catastrophic and irreversible, while the upside is relatively minimal or uncertain.

To be more specific, health-related risks that have no compensating benefit fall into this category – things like substance abuse or extreme sports without proper training and safety measures. The stakes are simply too high – you could inflict permanent damage or worse, and for what? A momentary thrill? The cost-benefit analysis just doesn’t stack up.

Similarly, I’d caution against financial risks that could leave you destitute, particularly if you have dependents. There’s a crucial difference between investing in yourself – say, taking out a reasonable loan for education – versus gambling away your savings on get-rich-quick schemes or speculative investments you don’t understand. The former is a calculated risk with evidence-based potential returns; the latter is just financial Russian roulette.

On a more interpersonal level, I think people should avoid risks that involve compromising their integrity or betraying others’ trust for short-term gains. Reputation, once tarnished, is notoriously difficult to rehabilitate, and the ethical dimension aside, burning bridges rarely proves strategically sound in the long run.

That said, I want to caveat this – what constitutes an unacceptable risk is highly contextual. A risk that seems foolhardy in one situation might be perfectly justifiable in another. The key is ensuring you’ve fully considered the consequences, you’re not acting impulsively, and you’re prepared to accept the worst-case scenario. It’s about informed decision-making rather than blind prohibition.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated với clear categorization → specific examples for each → important caveat showing critical thinking
• Vocabulary: Wide range và precise (catastrophic and irreversible, compensate benefit, inflict permanent damage, cost-benefit analysis, leave you destitute, get-rich-quick schemes, speculative investments, tarnished reputation, burning bridges)
• Grammar: Complex structures with perfect control (relative clauses, conditionals, participle phrases, rhetorical questions)
• Critical Thinking: Nuanced với acknowledgment của context-dependency, balances warning với recognition của complexity

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, To be more specific, Similarly, On a more interpersonal level, That said
• Tentative language: I think we need to, I’d caution against, I want to caveat this
• Contrasting structures: “versus”, “there’s a crucial difference between…and”, “rather than”
• Emphatic structures: “The stakes are simply too high”, “The cost-benefit analysis just doesn’t stack up”

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Question 4: How can young people learn to assess risks appropriately?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Problem-Solution / Suggestion
• Key words: young people, learn, assess risks, appropriately
• Cách tiếp cận: Suggest multiple methods/approaches → Explain how each helps → Acknowledge challenges

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are several ways young people can learn this important skill. First, education plays a key role. Schools should teach students about decision-making and critical thinking. They can use real-life examples to help students understand the consequences of different choices. Second, parents should allow young people to make some mistakes in a safe environment. If parents are too protective, children won’t learn how to assess risks themselves. Third, young people can learn from mentors or more experienced people who can guide them and share their experiences. Finally, practice is important. The more decisions you make, the better you become at evaluating risks.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với 4 suggestions
• Vocabulary: Adequate (critical thinking, consequences, protective, evaluate)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear và relevant points nhưng lacks sophistication, limited vocabulary, explanation không deep

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“That’s a crucial question, especially given how high-stakes some of these decisions can be. I believe risk literacy should be cultivated through a multi-pronged approach.

First and foremost, formal education has a role to play. Rather than just drilling academic content, schools should incorporate practical decision-making frameworks into the curriculum. Teaching young people probabilistic thinking, cost-benefit analysis, and cognitive biases that skew our judgment – like confirmation bias or optimism bias – would equip them with intellectual tools to evaluate risks more objectively. Case studies from business, history, or even current events could make this tangible and relatable.

Beyond formal education, I think there’s immense value in graduated risk-taking within protected environments. Parents and educators should strike a delicate balance between safeguarding young people and allowing them breathing room to make mistakes with manageable consequences. It’s through these experiences – say, mismanaging a small amount of allowance or choosing the wrong elective course – that young people develop an intuitive sense of risk and consequence that no textbook can provide.

Mentorship also plays a vital role. Having access to seasoned professionals or older peers who can share their experiences – including their missteps and near-misses – provides valuable perspectives and helps demystify the risk-taking process. The key here is that mentors should model not just successes but also how they navigate uncertainty and recover from setbacks.

Additionally, I think promoting metacognition – essentially, thinking about your thinking – is crucial. Young people should be encouraged to articulate their reasoning, identify their assumptions, and question their conclusions. Journaling decisions and reflecting on outcomes can be remarkably effective in honing risk assessment skills over time.

Finally, we need to acknowledge that risk tolerance itself varies widely among individuals. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach, the goal should be helping each person understand their own risk profile and make choices that align with their values and circumstances, while avoiding recklessness. It’s about empowering informed decision-making rather than prescribing specific risk levels.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive với 5 distinct approaches, each fully developed
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và topic-specific (risk literacy, multi-pronged approach, probabilistic thinking, cognitive biases, graduated risk-taking, metacognition, honing skills, one-size-fits-all)
• Grammar: Full range with consistent accuracy (passive constructions, relative clauses, participle phrases, conditional structures)
• Critical Thinking: Deep với consideration của different approaches, acknowledgment of individual differences, emphasis on empowerment rather than prescription

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: First and foremost, Beyond formal education, Additionally, Finally
• Tentative language: I believe, I think, should be, would equip
• Emphatic language: “That’s a crucial question”, “immense value in”, “remarkably effective”
• Academic register: cultivated through, incorporate, strike a delicate balance, demystify, articulate reasoning

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Theme 3: Cultural Perspectives on Risk

Question 5: Do you think attitudes toward risk-taking vary across different cultures?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Compare cultures
• Key words: attitudes, vary, different cultures
• Cách tiếp cận: State position → Explain factors causing variation → Give specific cultural examples → Discuss implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I definitely think different cultures have different attitudes toward risk. In some Western countries like the US, people admire entrepreneurs and risk-takers more. They celebrate people who try new things and aren’t afraid of failure. On the other hand, in many Asian cultures, including Vietnamese culture, people tend to value stability and security more. Parents often encourage their children to choose safe careers like doctors or government workers. This difference probably comes from different values and historical backgrounds. Western culture emphasizes individualism, while Asian culture focuses more on family and community responsibility.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear comparison between Western and Asian cultures
• Vocabulary: Adequate (admire, stability, individualism, community responsibility)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes relevant comparisons nhưng somewhat stereotypical, lacks nuance, explanation superficial

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, and I think this variation is one of the most fascinating aspects of cultural psychology. Risk attitudes are profoundly shaped by a constellation of factors – historical experiences, economic structures, philosophical traditions, and social safety nets.

Take, for instance, the oft-cited contrast between individualistic Western societies and more collectivistic Eastern ones. Broadly speaking – and I emphasize broadly because there’s tremendous intra-cultural variation – societies with Judeo-Christian and Enlightenment traditions often lionize the individual who defies convention and forges their own path. The American notion of the ‘self-made person’ or the entrepreneur who starts in a garage is deeply embedded in the cultural mythos. Risk-taking in these contexts is often framed as heroic and essential to progress.

Contrast this with many East Asian societies where Confucian values historically emphasized social harmony, filial piety, and collective welfare over individual ambition. Taking risks that could jeopardize family stability or disrupt social order was traditionally frowned upon. That said, we’re seeing significant shifts – countries like Singapore and South Korea are actively cultivating entrepreneurial ecosystems and reframing risk-taking as patriotic and economically necessary.

Beyond the East-West dichotomy, economic security plays a huge role. Scandinavian countries with robust welfare states show relatively high levels of entrepreneurship, arguably because the downside of failure is cushioned by social programs. Conversely, in countries with weak safety nets, people might be simultaneously more risk-averse in some domains (like career changes) while more risk-taking in others (like informal sector entrepreneurship) out of necessity.

Historical trauma also casts a long shadow. Societies that have experienced economic collapse, hyperinflation, or political instability often develop deep-seated risk aversion that persists for generations. For example, the Great Depression profoundly shaped American attitudes toward debt and saving for decades.

What’s crucial to recognize is that these are generalizations and that globalization, digital connectivity, and generational shifts are blurring these distinctions. Young people across cultures are increasingly exposed to similar media, educational models, and aspirational narratives, which is gradually homogenizing attitudes in some respects while new divergences emerge in others. It’s a dynamic landscape that defies simplistic East versus West frameworks.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated với multiple dimensions (individualism vs collectivism, economic factors, historical factors, current trends)
• Vocabulary: Extensive academic register (constellation of factors, intra-cultural variation, lionize, forges their own path, frowned upon, cultivating ecosystems, casts a long shadow, homogenizing attitudes)
• Grammar: Full range với consistent accuracy (complex comparisons, relative clauses, passive voice, participle phrases, conditionals)
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional – challenges stereotypes, acknowledges complexity, considers historical and economic factors, recognizes changing dynamics

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Take for instance, Contrast this with, That said, Beyond, Conversely, For example, What’s crucial to recognize
• Tentative/Hedging language: Broadly speaking, arguably, often, typically, tend to, might be
• Contrasting structures: “Take…Contrast this with”, “while…others”, “simultaneously…and”
• Meta-language: “I emphasize”, “these are generalizations”, “it defies simplistic frameworks”

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Question 6: In what ways has technology changed the risks people take?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Describe change + Explain impact
• Key words: technology, changed, risks
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify different types of changes → Explain each với examples → Discuss whether overall positive/negative/mixed

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Technology has changed risk-taking in several ways. First, it has created new types of risks. For example, people now face risks related to online privacy and cybersecurity that didn’t exist before. Second, technology has made some risks easier to take. For instance, people can start online businesses with very little money, which is much less risky than opening a physical store. Third, technology gives us more information to make decisions. We can research things online before taking risks. However, there’s also a problem because too much information can sometimes make decision-making harder. Overall, I think technology has made risk-taking both easier and more complex.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với multiple impacts identified
• Vocabulary: Adequate (online privacy, cybersecurity, decision-making)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Organized với relevant points nhưng lacks depth, limited sophisticated vocabulary, analysis surface-level

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Technology has fundamentally transformed the risk landscape in ways that are both liberating and concerning, and I think we’re still grappling with the implications.

On one hand, technology has dramatically lowered the barriers to entry for many types of risk-taking. The digital economy allows someone to launch a business, test a product, or reach a global audience with minimal upfront capital. This democratization means entrepreneurial risk is more accessible to people who historically would have been locked out by capital requirements. Moreover, the iterative nature of digital products – you can launch a minimum viable product, gather feedback, and pivot quickly – means failures are less catastrophic and more instructive than they were in the industrial era.

Simultaneously, technology has created entirely new categories of risk. Cybersecurity threats, digital privacy concerns, online reputation management, and the risk of technological obsolescence are all relatively novel challenges. A single viral moment – whether it’s a poorly worded tweet or a data breach – can have career-ending or business-destroying consequences that would have been inconceivable a generation ago. The permanence of digital information means mistakes linger indefinitely in searchable archives, fundamentally altering the risk-reward calculus.

Another fascinating dimension is how technology has changed information asymmetry. In theory, we have unprecedented access to data for due diligence – you can research investments, verify credentials, or assess market viability with a few clicks. However, paradoxically, this information abundance has created new risks. We face decision paralysis from too many options, misinformation and deliberate disinformation, and sophisticated scams that exploit our reliance on digital verification. The illusion of knowledge can make people overconfident and actually increase risky behavior.

Social media has also amplified what psychologists call ‘social proof’ effects. We’re constantly bombarded with curated success stories – the startup unicorns, the cryptocurrency millionaires, the influencer lifestyles – which can distort risk perception and create FOMO-driven decisions. This visibility bias makes risks seem more worthwhile or even necessary to keep up, potentially driving poor judgment.

Looking at the bigger picture, I’d argue technology hasn’t made risk-taking inherently better or worse – it’s made it faster, more visible, and more interconnected. The velocity at which opportunities and threats emerge demands greater agility, while the interconnectedness means individual risks can have cascading effects. We’re in a transitional period where our cognitive risk assessment tools, evolved over millennia, are struggling to keep pace with the exponentially changing technological environment. The challenge ahead is developing new literacy and frameworks for navigating this transformed landscape.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive và sophisticated với multiple dimensions thoroughly explored, balanced perspective
• Vocabulary: Exceptional range (democratization, iterative nature, pivot, obsolescence, information asymmetry, decision paralysis, misinformation, velocity, cascading effects, exponentially changing)
• Grammar: Full range với consistent accuracy, complex structures used naturally throughout
• Critical Thinking: Outstanding – considers benefits and risks, identifies paradoxes, uses psychological concepts, provides historical perspective, acknowledges evolving nature

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On one hand, Simultaneously, Another fascinating dimension, However paradoxically, Looking at the bigger picture, The challenge ahead
• Tentative language: I think, I’d argue, can make, potentially driving
• Academic vocabulary: democratization, asymmetry, unprecedented access, illusion of knowledge, cognitive tools
• Contrasting structures: “both…and”, “while…means”, “hasn’t made…better or worse – it’s made it…”

Từ Vựng và Cụm Từ Quan Trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
calculated risk	noun phrase	/ˈkælkjuleɪtɪd rɪsk/	rủi ro được tính toán kỹ	I took a calculated risk when investing in that startup.	take a calculated risk, assess a calculated risk, acceptable calculated risk
leap of faith	noun phrase	/liːp əv feɪθ/	bước nhảy đòi hỏi niềm tin, quyết định mạo hiểm	Starting my own business was a real leap of faith.	take a leap of faith, require a leap of faith, make a leap of faith
weigh the pros and cons	verb phrase	/weɪ ðə prəʊz ənd kɒnz/	cân nhắc ưu và nhược điểm	Before making the decision, I carefully weighed the pros and cons.	carefully weigh, need to weigh, take time to weigh
take the plunge	idiom	/teɪk ðə plʌndʒ/	quyết định làm điều gì sau khi cân nhắc lâu	After months of planning, I finally took the plunge and quit my job.	finally take the plunge, ready to take the plunge, decide to take the plunge
play it safe	idiom	/pleɪ ɪt seɪf/	chọn cách an toàn, không mạo hiểm	I prefer to play it safe rather than gamble with my savings.	tend to play it safe, choose to play it safe, always play it safe
push boundaries	verb phrase	/pʊʃ ˈbaʊndəriz/	vượt qua giới hạn	Successful innovators constantly push boundaries.	constantly push, willing to push, need to push boundaries
venture into	phrasal verb	/ˈventʃər ˈɪntuː/	mạo hiểm bước vào lĩnh vực mới	She decided to venture into entrepreneurship.	venture into business, venture into new territory, venture into unknown
financially precarious	adjective phrase	/faɪˈnænʃəli prɪˈkeəriəs/	bấp bênh về tài chính	Freelancing can be financially precarious at first.	become financially precarious, remain financially precarious, extremely financially precarious
risk appetite	noun phrase	/rɪsk ˈæpɪtaɪt/	khẩu vị rủi ro, mức độ sẵn sàng chấp nhận rủi ro	Different investors have different risk appetites.	high risk appetite, low risk appetite, assess risk appetite
safety net	noun	/ˈseɪfti net/	lưới an toàn, phương án dự phòng	Having savings provides a safety net when taking career risks.	provide a safety net, lack a safety net, need a safety net
upside potential	noun phrase	/ˈʌpsaɪd pəˈtenʃəl/	tiềm năng tích cực, lợi ích có thể có	The upside potential of this investment outweighs the risks.	significant upside potential, limited upside potential, evaluate upside potential
downside risk	noun phrase	/ˈdaʊnsaɪd rɪsk/	rủi ro tiêu cực, nguy cơ thua lỗ	We need to carefully assess the downside risk before proceeding.	minimize downside risk, significant downside risk, potential downside risk
due diligence	noun phrase	/djuː ˈdɪlɪdʒəns/	sự tìm hiểu kỹ lưỡng, thẩm định	Always do your due diligence before making major investments.	conduct due diligence, perform due diligence, thorough due diligence
stepping stone	noun	/ˈstepɪŋ stəʊn/	bước đệm	I see this risk as a stepping stone to greater opportunities.	serve as a stepping stone, use as a stepping stone, important stepping stone
comfort zone	noun phrase	/ˈkʌmfət zəʊn/	vùng an toàn, khu vực thoải mái	Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.	leave comfort zone, step out of comfort zone, expand comfort zone
reckless decision	noun phrase	/ˈrekləs dɪˈsɪʒən/	quyết định liều lĩnh, thiếu suy nghĩ	Investing all your savings in one stock is a reckless decision.	make reckless decisions, avoid reckless decisions, extremely reckless decision
risk-averse	adjective	/rɪsk əˈvɜːs/	e ngại rủi ro	My parents are quite risk-averse when it comes to career choices.	risk-averse investor, risk-averse behavior, extremely risk-averse
pivotal moment	noun phrase	/ˈpɪvətəl ˈməʊmənt/	thời điểm then chốt, quan trọng	Taking that risk was a pivotal moment in my career.	reach a pivotal moment, represent a pivotal moment, crucial pivotal moment
stake everything on	verb phrase	/steɪk ˈevriθɪŋ ɒn/	đặt cược tất cả vào	He staked everything on his business idea.	stake everything on success, willing to stake everything on, shouldn’t stake everything on
calculated gamble	noun phrase	/ˈkælkjuleɪtɪd ˈɡæmbl/	canh bạc có tính toán	The expansion was a calculated gamble that paid off.	take a calculated gamble, represent a calculated gamble, worthwhile calculated gamble

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
burn one’s bridges	phá hủy các mối quan hệ, cắt đứt đường lui	“I don’t want to burn my bridges by leaving the company on bad terms.”	8-9
stick one’s neck out	mạo hiểm, liều lĩnh để giúp ai hoặc làm gì	“She stuck her neck out by publicly supporting the controversial project.”	7.5-8.5
throw caution to the wind	bỏ qua mọi lo lắng, liều lĩnh hành động	“After years of careful planning, he threw caution to the wind and pursued his dream.”	8-9
go out on a limb	chấp nhận rủi ro bằng cách làm/nói điều khác thường	“I’ll go out on a limb and predict that this risk will lead to success.”	7.5-8.5
nothing ventured, nothing gained	không mạo hiểm thì không có lợi ích	“I decided to apply for the position because nothing ventured, nothing gained.”	7-8
the ball is in someone’s court	trách nhiệm/quyết định thuộc về ai	“I’ve made my proposal; now the ball is in their court.”	7-8
a blessing in disguise	điều may mắn được ngụy trang như điều xui	“Losing that job was a blessing in disguise – it pushed me to start my own business.”	7.5-8
take a chance on	cho ai/cái gì một cơ hội mặc dù có rủi ro	“The company took a chance on me despite my lack of experience.”	7-8
bite off more than one can chew	đảm nhận quá nhiều việc vượt khả năng	“I worried I’d bitten off more than I could chew with this ambitious project.”	8-9
burn the candle at both ends	làm việc quá sức, kiệt sức	“While building my startup, I was burning the candle at both ends.”	8-9
cross that bridge when you come to it	giải quyết vấn đề khi nó xảy ra, không lo trước	“I’ll worry about potential problems later – I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”	7.5-8
a leap in the dark	hành động mà không biết kết quả	“Moving to a new country was a leap in the dark, but it worked out well.”	8-9
in for a penny, in for a pound	đã bắt đầu thì nên tiếp tục đến cùng	“I’ve invested this much time already, so in for a penny, in for a pound.”	8.5-9
make or break	tạo ra thành công hoặc thất bại hoàn toàn	“This decision will be make or break for the company.”	7.5-8
strike while the iron is hot	tận dụng cơ hội khi nó còn đó	“When the opportunity arose, I knew I had to strike while the iron was hot.”	8-9

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn hoặc muốn làm mềm câu trả lời
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc correct một assumption
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn thể hiện sự thật thành, honest opinion
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách sophisticated để đưa ra quan điểm
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là quan điểm cá nhân
• 📝 In my view,… – Tương tự “from my perspective” nhưng formal hơn

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, ngoài ra
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa (formal hơn “also”)
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (emphasize thêm điểm quan trọng)
• 📝 Moreover,… / Furthermore,… – Hơn nữa (academic style)
• 📝 Another point worth mentioning is… – Một điểm đáng nhắc đến khác là
• 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó (formal)

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Trong khi đúng là… chúng ta cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 That said,… – Nói như vậy nhưng… (để đưa ra contrasting point)
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó, tuy nhiên…
• 📝 Conversely,… – Ngược lại (formal)
• 📝 By contrast,… – Trái lại (formal)

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét về tổng thể
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì (idiomatic)
• 📝 In summary,… – Tóm lại (formal)
• 📝 To sum up,… – Tóm lại
• 📝 Overall,… – Nhìn chung
• 📝 In retrospect,… – Nhìn lại (khi reflect về quá khứ)

Để giải thích hoặc clarify:

• 📝 What I mean is… – Ý tôi là…
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác
• 📝 To put it another way,… – Nói theo cách khác
• 📝 That is to say,… – Nghĩa là (formal)
• 📝 Essentially,… – Về cơ bản
• 📝 Basically,… – Về cơ bản (informal hơn “essentially”)

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional (Type 2+3): Diễn tả kết quả hiện tại của hành động quá khứ

  • Formula: If + past perfect, would/could + base verb
  • Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t taken that risk, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

• Inversion in conditionals: Đảo ngữ để tạo formal tone

  • Formula: Had/Should/Were + subject + verb
  • Ví dụ: “Had I known the risks involved, I might have approached it differently.”
  • Ví dụ: “Were I to make this decision again, I would probably do the same thing.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining relative clauses: Thêm thông tin bổ sung

  • Ví dụ: “That decision, which seemed risky at the time, turned out to be the best choice I ever made.”
  • Ví dụ: “My mentor, whose advice I always valued, encouraged me to take the risk.”

• Reduced relative clauses: Rút gọn để tạo sophisticated style

  • Ví dụ: “The risks involved in starting a business can be daunting.”
  • Ví dụ: “People willing to take calculated risks often achieve greater success.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• Impersonal passive: Thể hiện general opinion

  • It is thought/believed/said that…
  • Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that risk-taking is essential for innovation.”
  • Ví dụ: “It has been suggested that our education system discourages risk-taking.”

• Passive with reporting verbs:

  • Ví dụ: “Risk-taking is often perceived as reckless by conservative families.”
  • Ví dụ: “This approach was considered unconventional at the time.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What-cleft: Nhấn mạnh information

  • What I find most…, is…
  • Ví dụ: “What I found most challenging about taking this risk was dealing with uncertainty.”
  • Ví dụ: “What really pushed me to take the plunge was the fear of regret.”

• It-cleft: Focus vào specific element

  • It was/is…that/who…
  • Ví dụ: “It was the support of my family that gave me confidence to take the risk.”
  • Ví dụ: “It’s not the risk itself that matters, but how you prepare for it.”

5. Advanced Participle Clauses:

• Present participle: Mô tả simultaneous actions

  • Ví dụ: “Having weighed all the options, I decided to proceed with the plan.”
  • Ví dụ: “Knowing the potential consequences, I still felt it was worth trying.”

• Perfect participle: Diễn tả action xảy ra trước main action

  • Ví dụ: “Having taken this risk, I learned valuable lessons about resilience.”
  • Ví dụ: “Not having prepared adequately, I faced more challenges than expected.”

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

• Negative adverbials at beginning:
  • Ví dụ: “Never before had I felt so anxious about a decision.”
  • Ví dụ: “Rarely do we get such clear opportunities to transform our lives.”
  • Ví dụ: “Not only did I succeed, but I also gained confidence.”

7. Subjunctive Mood:

• For suggestions/recommendations:
  • Ví dụ: “I would suggest that everyone take calculated risks at some point in their career.”
  • Ví dụ: “It’s essential that young people be given opportunities to learn from failure.”

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Bài viết này cung cấp hướng dẫn toàn diện về cách trả lời chủ đề “Describe a time when you had to take a risk that brought a positive outcome” trong IELTS Speaking. Từ Part 1 với các câu hỏi warm-up, đến Part 2 với bài nói dài chi tiết ở nhiều band điểm khác nhau, và cuối cùng là Part 3 với các câu hỏi thảo luận sâu – tất cả đều được phân tích kỹ lưỡng từ góc nhìn của một examiner chính thức.

Lời khuyên cuối cùng từ examiner:

✅ Authenticity over perfection: Examiner đánh giá cao sự tự nhiên và chân thực hơn là việc học thuộc câu trả lời. Hãy nói về trải nghiệm thật của bạn.

✅ Elaborate intelligently: Mỗi câu trả lời nên được mở rộng với reasons, examples, và personal reflection – nhưng phải relevant. Đừng nói lan man.

✅ Show, don’t tell: Thay vì nói “It was a big risk”, hãy describe cụ thể “I was risking three years of savings and potentially damaging my professional reputation.”

✅ Use natural vocabulary: Đừng cố nhồi nhét từ academic không phù hợp. “Calculated risk” tốt hơn “risk that was subject to comprehensive analytical evaluation.”

✅ Structure matters: Part 2 cần clear timeline, Part 3 cần clear arguments. Practice organizing your thoughts trong 1 phút preparation.

✅ Embrace complexity: Band 8-9 answers thường acknowledge multiple perspectives, contradictions, và nuances. Đừng sợ nói “It’s complicated” hoặc “There are multiple factors.”

Chúc các bạn luyện tập hiệu quả và đạt được band điểm mong muốn trong IELTS Speaking!