IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe A Place Where You Would Like To Travel” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề du lịch luôn là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và được yêu thích nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Đặc biệt, câu hỏi yêu cầu bạn miêu tả một địa điểm bạn muốn đi du lịch xuất hiện với tần suất rất cao trong các kỳ thi thực tế. Theo thống kê từ các nguồn uy tín như IELTS-Blog và IELTSLiz, chủ đề này xuất hiện khoảng 15-20% trong tổng số đề thi Speaking từ năm 2020 đến nay, với khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai ở mức Cao.

Điều làm cho chủ đề này trở nên thú vị là nó cho phép bạn thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ miêu tả, giải thích lý do, và chia sẻ cảm xúc cá nhân một cách tự nhiên. Examiner có thể tiếp cận chủ đề này từ nhiều góc độ: lý do chọn địa điểm, sự khác biệt văn hóa, xu hướng du lịch hiện đại, hay tác động của du lịch đến xã hội.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ được trang bị:

• Câu hỏi thường gặp và chiến lược trả lời cho cả 3 Part
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích chuyên sâu
• Bộ từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm được native speakers sử dụng thường xuyên
• Lời khuyên từ góc nhìn của một Examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm
• Các lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục hiệu quả

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích và kinh nghiệm cá nhân. Đây là phần “warm-up” giúp bạn làm quen với examiner và môi trường thi. Chiến lược quan trọng nhất là trả lời tự nhiên, mở rộng ý với 2-3 câu thay vì chỉ Yes/No, và thêm ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn, thiếu chi tiết
• Sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản, lặp đi lặp lại
• Không đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể để minh họa
• Nói quá nhanh hoặc quá chậm do lo lắng
• Thiếu discourse markers để nối ý tự nhiên

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you like travelling?

Question 2: What kinds of places do you like to visit?

Question 3: Have you travelled to many places?

Question 4: What was your favorite trip?

Question 5: Do you prefer travelling alone or with others?

Question 6: How do you usually plan your trips?

Question 7: What do you usually do when you visit a new place?

Question 8: Would you like to travel more in the future?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you like travelling?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp có hay không
• Giải thích lý do tại sao thích/không thích
• Thêm ví dụ hoặc kinh nghiệm gần đây

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I really like travelling. It helps me relax and learn new things about different cultures. Last year, I went to Da Nang and enjoyed the beaches there very much.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng, có lý do và ví dụ cụ thể
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng cơ bản (like, relax, learn), cấu trúc câu đơn giản, thiếu chi tiết về cảm xúc
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời adequate và coherent nhưng chưa sophisticated. Vocabulary thích hợp nhưng không impressive. Grammar đúng nhưng đơn giản.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about travelling actually. It’s not just about seeing new places, but more about immersing myself in different cultures and broadening my horizons. For instance, my recent trip to the ancient town of Hoi An really opened my eyes to Vietnam’s rich heritage, and I found the experience incredibly enriching.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary nâng cao: passionate about, immersing myself in, broadening my horizons, opened my eyes to, incredibly enriching
  • Cấu trúc phức tạp: “It’s not just about… but more about…” thể hiện contrast
  • Ý tưởng sâu sắc: Không chỉ nói về việc thư giãn mà còn về cultural immersion
  • Ví dụ cụ thể và detailed (Hoi An, Vietnam’s heritage)
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Natural flow với discourse markers (actually, for instance)
  • Vocabulary: Precise và sophisticated với collocations tự nhiên
  • Grammar: Complex structures được sử dụng chính xác
  • Ideas: Thoughtful và well-developed

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• passionate about: say mê, đam mê điều gì
• immersing myself in: đắm mình vào, hòa mình vào
• broadening my horizons: mở rộng tầm nhìn
• opened my eyes to: mở mang tầm mắt về điều gì
• incredibly enriching: vô cùng bổ ích, làm phong phú thêm

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Question: What kinds of places do you like to visit?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu loại địa điểm ưa thích
• Giải thích lý do tại sao thích loại địa điểm đó
• Có thể so sánh với loại địa điểm khác

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I prefer visiting historical places like old temples or museums. I think they are interesting because I can learn about history and culture. I don’t really like crowded tourist spots.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời đúng trọng tâm, có preference rõ ràng, đưa ra lý do
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng lặp lại (like, interesting), thiếu variety trong cấu trúc, ý tưởng chưa được elaborate đầy đủ
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicative và clear nhưng thiếu depth và linguistic sophistication

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’m particularly drawn to places that have historical significance rather than just typical tourist destinations. There’s something captivating about wandering through centuries-old temples or exploring museums that house priceless artifacts. These places offer a tangible connection to the past, which I find much more fulfilling than simply lounging on a beach. That said, I do appreciate off-the-beaten-path locations where I can experience authentic local culture without the crowds.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary tinh vi: particularly drawn to, historical significance, captivating, centuries-old, house priceless artifacts, tangible connection, fulfilling, off-the-beaten-path, authentic
  • Grammar phức tạp: Relative clauses, comparative structures
  • Ideas nuanced: Không chỉ nói thích gì mà còn giải thích tại sao và so sánh với alternatives
  • Personal voice rõ ràng với “That said” để show flexibility
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Smooth transitions, natural pausing
  • Vocabulary: Precise collocations (historical significance, tangible connection, authentic culture)
  • Grammar: Range of complex structures với accuracy cao
  • Coherence: Well-organized với clear progression of ideas

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• particularly drawn to: đặc biệt bị thu hút bởi
• historical significance: ý nghĩa lịch sử
• captivating about: quyến rũ, hấp dẫn về
• house priceless artifacts: lưu giữ những hiện vật vô giá
• tangible connection: sự kết nối hữu hình, cụ thể
• off-the-beaten-path: ngoài lề đường mòn, ít người biết đến
• authentic local culture: văn hóa địa phương chân thực

Học viên đang luyện tập trả lời câu hỏi IELTS Speaking Part 1 về chủ đề du lịch với giáo viên

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Question: How do you usually plan your trips?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Mô tả quy trình lên kế hoạch
• Đưa ra các bước cụ thể
• Có thể đề cập đến tools/resources sử dụng

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I usually search for information on the internet first. I read blogs and watch videos about the places I want to visit. Then I make a list of things to do and book hotels online. I also ask my friends for recommendations.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Structured answer với sequence rõ ràng (first, then, also)
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary cơ bản, thiếu specific details về planning process, chưa thể hiện personality
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication nhưng lacks sophistication trong language và ideas

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’m quite meticulous when it comes to trip planning. I typically start by doing extensive research through travel blogs and forums to get insider tips about the destination. Then I’ll map out a rough itinerary, though I always leave room for spontaneous adventures. I’m a big fan of booking accommodations in advance, especially during peak season, but I prefer to keep my daily schedule flexible. What works for me is striking a balance between having a plan and being open to unexpected opportunities that might crop up along the way.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Personality shines through: meticulous, flexible, balanced approach
  • Collocations tự nhiên: extensive research, insider tips, rough itinerary, spontaneous adventures, peak season
  • Phrasal verbs: crop up, works for me
  • Sophisticated structures: “though I always leave room for…”, “what works for me is…”
  • Shows critical thinking: balance between planning và flexibility
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Natural với discourse marker “Well”
  • Vocabulary: Wide range và precise
  • Grammar: Mix của simple và complex structures naturally
  • Pronunciation: (implied) stress trên key phrases như “meticulous”, “spontaneous”

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• meticulous when it comes to: tỉ mỉ, cẩn thận khi nói đến
• doing extensive research: nghiên cứu kỹ lưỡng
• get insider tips: lấy được mẹo từ người trong cuộc
• map out a rough itinerary: phác thảo lịch trình sơ bộ
• spontaneous adventures: những cuộc phiêu lưu tự phát
• crop up along the way: xuất hiện, nảy sinh dọc đường

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi chú. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói dài, mạch lạc và sử dụng ngôn ngữ đa dạng.

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị: Chỉ ghi keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh
• Nói đủ 2 phút: Examiner sẽ không hài lòng nếu bạn nói dưới 1.5 phút
• Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points: Mỗi point nên được develop 3-4 câu
• Sử dụng thì động từ phù hợp: Thường là hiện tại đơn hoặc tương lai cho plans
• Tạo structure rõ ràng: Introduction → Development → Conclusion

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không tận dụng thời gian chuẩn bị, bắt đầu nói ngay
• Nói quá ngắn (dưới 1.5 phút) hoặc lạc đề
• Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
• Thiếu linking words để nối các ý
• Lặp lại từ vựng, không paraphrase

Cue Card

Describe A Place Where You Would Like To Travel

You should say:

• Where this place is
• How you know about this place
• What it is famous for
• And explain why you would like to travel there

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a place (miêu tả địa điểm)
• Thì động từ: Hiện tại đơn (cho facts về địa điểm) + Would like/Want to (cho wishes) + Present perfect (cho “how you know”)
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Where: Vị trí địa lý cụ thể, có thể mention country, region
  • How you know: Nguồn thông tin (friends, media, books, etc.)
  • What it is famous for: Những điểm nổi bật, đặc trưng của địa điểm
  • Why you want to go: Đây là phần quan trọng nhất, cần elaborate nhiều nhất
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là nơi bạn ghi điểm cao nhất bằng cách thể hiện ideas sâu sắc, cảm xúc chân thực và vocabulary range

Tương tự như describe a recent holiday that you enjoyed, bạn cần thể hiện cảm xúc và kinh nghiệm cá nhân một cách sinh động.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I would like to talk about Iceland, which is a country in Northern Europe. It’s a small island nation located near the Arctic Circle.

I first learned about Iceland from a travel documentary I watched on TV about two years ago. The program showed beautiful landscapes and natural wonders, and I was very impressed. After that, I also read some articles about it online and saw many photos on social media.

Iceland is famous for many things. First, it has amazing natural scenery like waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes. The Northern Lights can be seen there in winter, which is very special. The country also has many hot springs, and the most famous one is called the Blue Lagoon. People go there to relax and enjoy the warm water. Another thing Iceland is known for is its clean environment and fresh air.

I would like to travel there for several reasons. The main reason is that I love nature and outdoor activities. I think Iceland would be a perfect place for me to see natural beauty that is very different from Vietnam. I also want to experience the unique culture and try the local food. Moreover, I have seen many beautiful photos of Iceland, and I want to take photos there myself. The Northern Lights is something I have always wanted to see in my life. I think visiting Iceland would be an unforgettable experience.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Trả lời mạch lạc với basic sequencing (first, after that, another thing). Có một số hesitation nhẹ nhưng không ảnh hưởng nhiều. Linking words đơn giản nhưng effective.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate với một số collocations tốt (famous for, natural wonders, outdoor activities). Tuy nhiên, có repetition (beautiful, many things) và thiếu less common vocabulary.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences. Sử dụng đúng present simple và conditional. Một số lỗi nhỏ có thể xảy ra nhưng không gây hiểu lầm.
Pronunciation	6-7	Rõ ràng và dễ hiểu. Word stress và intonation cơ bản đúng. Có thể có accent nhẹ nhưng không ảnh hưởng đến communication.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Structure rõ ràng, dễ follow
• ✅ Có ví dụ cụ thể (Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights)
• ✅ Personal reasons được nêu rõ

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary repetitive và cơ bản (beautiful, many, very)
• ⚠️ Thiếu sophisticated expressions
• ⚠️ Ideas chưa được developed deeply
• ⚠️ Chưa thể hiện strong personality hoặc unique perspective

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d love to talk about Santorini, a stunning Greek island that’s been on my bucket list for quite some time now. It’s situated in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades archipelago, and it’s actually the remains of a massive volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago.

My fascination with Santorini began when a close friend of mine posted some breathtaking photos from her honeymoon there last year. The images of those iconic white-washed buildings with blue domes perched on clifftops against the backdrop of the azure sea completely captivated me. Since then, I’ve been doing quite a bit of research about the island through travel blogs and Instagram accounts.

The island is particularly renowned for several distinctive features. Most notably, it boasts some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world, especially when viewed from the village of Oia. The island’s volcanic history has also created unique black sand beaches, which are quite different from typical beaches. Additionally, Santorini has a thriving wine industry – the volcanic soil produces excellent wines. The picturesque villages with their traditional architecture make it a photographer’s paradise.

As for why I’m so eager to visit, there are multiple reasons. First and foremost, I’m drawn to the island’s romantic atmosphere. There’s something incredibly appealing about wandering through those narrow cobblestone streets, exploring the local boutiques and tavernas. I’m also keen on experiencing the local cuisine, particularly fresh seafood paired with local wines. Beyond the tourist attractions, what really appeals to me is the opportunity to immerse myself in Greek culture and perhaps learn a bit about ancient civilization. The idea of watching the sunset while sipping a glass of wine overlooking the caldera seems like the perfect way to unwind and recharge. It represents a complete escape from the hustle and bustle of city life here in Vietnam.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation. Discourse markers natural (First and foremost, Additionally, Beyond). Ideas logically organized và well-connected.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary với many collocations (on my bucket list, iconic white-washed buildings, perched on clifftops, thriving wine industry). Some less common items (archipelago, caldera). Paraphrasing effective.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Wide range of structures (passive voice, relative clauses, present perfect continuous). Flexibly uses tenses. Errors rare và minor.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Maintains flexible use of features. Clear articulation với strong sentence stress. L1 accent có minimal effect on intelligibility.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“beautiful landscapes”, “famous for”	“breathtaking photos”, “particularly renowned for”, “iconic white-washed buildings”
Grammar	“I first learned about Iceland from a documentary”	“My fascination with Santorini began when a close friend posted some breathtaking photos”
Ideas	“I love nature and outdoor activities”	“I’m drawn to the island’s romantic atmosphere… wandering through narrow cobblestone streets” – more evocative và specific

Bản đồ minh họa vị trí đảo Santorini Hy Lạp với các địa điểm nổi tiếng được đánh dấu

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d absolutely love to talk about Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, which has been at the top of my travel wish list for the better part of a decade now. It’s nestled in the heart of Honshu island, Japan’s main island, and serves as a living testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

My interest in Kyoto was initially sparked by a beautifully shot documentary about Japanese aesthetics and philosophy that I stumbled upon during university. What particularly struck me was how the city has managed to preserve its historical essence while seamlessly integrating modern conveniences. Since then, I’ve been quite an avid reader of Japanese literature and history, which has only deepened my fascination with this extraordinary city. I’ve also been following several travel vloggers who specialize in Japanese culture, and their content has given me incredible insights into what makes Kyoto so special.

The city is nothing short of remarkable when it comes to its cultural and historical significance. For starters, Kyoto is home to an astounding number of UNESCO World Heritage sites – we’re talking about over 2,000 temples and shrines, including the breathtaking Kinkaku-ji, the famous golden pavilion that’s literally covered in gold leaf. But what truly sets Kyoto apart, in my view, is its embodiment of traditional Japanese culture. The meticulously maintained Zen gardens represent centuries of horticultural artistry, while the preserved geisha districts like Gion offer a rare glimpse into a vanishing world. The city’s also renowned for its seasonal beauty – the cherry blossoms in spring and fiery autumn foliage create absolutely spectacular vistas. Additionally, Kyoto has cultivated a reputation for exquisite traditional crafts such as textile dyeing and pottery, as well as refined kaiseki cuisine, which elevates dining to an art form.

As for my motivation to visit, it goes far beyond simple tourism. On a personal level, I’ve always been captivated by the Japanese concept of ‘wabi-sabi’ – finding beauty in imperfection and transience – and I believe Kyoto is where this philosophy is most authentically expressed. I’m particularly drawn to the idea of participating in a traditional tea ceremony, which represents much more than just drinking tea; it’s about mindfulness, respect, and being present in the moment. I’m also genuinely curious about experiencing the changing seasons there, especially autumn, when the maple leaves transform the temples into something almost otherworldly.

What really appeals to me is the opportunity to step away from the frenetic pace of modern life and immerse myself in an environment where tradition and mindfulness are woven into the fabric of daily life. I imagine strolling through the Arashiyama bamboo groves at dawn, when the light filters through the towering stalks, or quietly contemplating in a Zen garden. There’s also an intellectual dimension to my interest – I’d love to gain a deeper understanding of how Japanese culture has managed to maintain its distinctive identity while embracing modernity.

To put it simply, visiting Kyoto represents more than just ticking off a destination from my bucket list; it’s about broadening my perspective on different approaches to life, beauty, and meaning. It’s somewhere I believe could profoundly influence how I think about balance, aesthetics, and what truly matters in life.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently with only rare repetition or self-correction. Develops topics coherently và appropriately. Cohesion natural throughout. Uses sophisticated discourse markers (For starters, Additionally, To put it simply).
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Uses vocabulary with full flexibility và precision. Uses idiomatic language naturally (at the top of my wish list, nothing short of remarkable, elevates to an art form). Sophisticated collocations (living testament, seamlessly integrating, fiery autumn foliage).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Uses full range of structures naturally và appropriately. Produces consistently accurate structures apart from ‘slips’. Complex sentences với multiple clauses handled expertly.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Uses full range of pronunciation features with precision và subtlety. Sustained flexible use maintains effective communication throughout. L1 accent has no effect on intelligibility.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói này demonstrates remarkable fluency với very natural pacing. Các discourse markers được sử dụng một cách sophisticated (For starters, Additionally, On a personal level, To put it simply) không chỉ để connect ideas mà còn để add emphasis và personality. Không có hesitation hay repetition, và speaker có thể maintain coherence trong suốt 3 phút full.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “nestled in the heart of” – Much more evocative than simply “located in”
• “living testament to” – Sophisticated way to say “example of”
• “seamlessly integrating” – Shows precision in describing cultural balance
• “nothing short of remarkable” – Emphatic expression, natural và idiomatic
• “elevates dining to an art form” – Creative metaphor showing language flexibility
• “woven into the fabric of daily life” – Beautiful idiom demonstrating native-like usage

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Complex relative clauses: “a documentary about Japanese aesthetics and philosophy that I stumbled upon”
• Present perfect continuous: “I’ve been quite an avid reader”
• Passive constructions: “is most authentically expressed”
• Conditional implications: “I believe Kyoto is where this philosophy is most authentically expressed”
• Multiple embedded clauses: “I imagine strolling through the Arashiyama bamboo groves at dawn, when the light filters through the towering stalks”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Bài nói này goes beyond surface-level description. Speaker demonstrates:

• Cultural awareness (wabi-sabi philosophy, tea ceremony significance)
• Intellectual curiosity (wanting to understand cultural preservation)
• Personal reflection (how it might influence personal perspectives)
• Nuanced thinking (acknowledging multiple dimensions – aesthetic, intellectual, spiritual)

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3:

Question 1: When do you think you’ll be able to visit Kyoto?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I hope I can visit Kyoto in the next two or three years. I need to save more money first and also plan my schedule carefully.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Realistically, I’m aiming for sometime within the next two years, ideally during autumn when the foliage is at its peak. Of course, it’ll depend on various factors like work commitments and financial planning, but I’m actively setting aside funds specifically for this trip, so fingers crossed it’ll happen sooner rather than later!”

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Question 2: Have you told anyone about your travel plans?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I’ve told my close friends about it. They think it’s a great idea and some of them want to join me.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I’ve been rather vocal about it actually. My close friends are all well aware of my obsession with Kyoto – I probably go on about it a bit too much! A few of them have expressed interest in tagging along, which would make the experience even more memorable, though I’m also quite tempted by the idea of going solo to have that deeper, more introspective experience.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần khó nhất trong IELTS Speaking test. Đây là nơi examiner muốn test khả năng discuss abstract ideas, analyze issues và express opinions với sophistication. Khác với Part 1 và 2, Part 3 yêu cầu critical thinking và ability to consider different perspectives.

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích causes, effects, solutions của social issues
• So sánh past, present, future
• Đưa ra personal opinion với strong justification
• Xem xét multiple viewpoints (not just personal experience)
• Use hypothetical language

Chiến lược:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời (aim for 4-6 câu per question)
• Sử dụng discourse markers để structure ideas (Well, I think, On the one hand…)
• Đưa ra examples từ society/world, không chỉ personal
• Acknowledge complexity: “It’s a complex issue…”, “There are several factors…”
• Show balanced thinking: present different sides before giving opinion

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu), thiếu elaboration
• Chỉ nói về kinh nghiệm cá nhân thay vì analyze broader issues
• Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic
• Không structure ideas clearly
• Sợ pause để think, cố nói liên tục dẫn đến lack of coherence

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Tourism Development

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Question 1: Why do you think people like to travel to different countries nowadays?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Causes/Reasons (Why question)
• Key words: people, different countries, nowadays (comparing to past implied)
• Cách tiếp cận:
  1. Give direct answer về main reasons
  2. Elaborate each reason với examples
  3. Có thể mention how it’s different from the past
  4. Consider different types of travelers

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are several reasons why people travel more now. First, transportation is more convenient and cheaper than before. Many budget airlines offer cheap tickets, so more people can afford to travel. Second, people want to experience different cultures and try new food. Also, social media makes people want to travel more because they see beautiful photos from their friends. Finally, travelling helps people relax and escape from their busy work life.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với multiple reasons (First, Second, Also, Finally)
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng basic (convenient, cheaper, beautiful, busy)
• Examples: Generic (budget airlines, social media) nhưng relevant
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas are clear và adequately developed nhưng lack sophistication. Vocabulary functional nhưng không impressive. Grammar mostly accurate nhưng simple structures.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say there are multiple factors driving this trend. First and foremost, globalization has made the world much more accessible – we’ve seen a proliferation of low-cost carriers that have democratized air travel, making it financially feasible for the middle class, not just the wealthy elite.

Beyond the practical aspects, I think there’s been a fundamental shift in people’s mindsets. Modern travelers are increasingly seeking authentic cultural experiences rather than just ticking off tourist attractions. They want to broaden their horizons, challenge their preconceptions, and gain a deeper understanding of how people live in different parts of the world.

The digital age has also played a significant role. Social media platforms have sparked wanderlust by exposing people to destinations they might never have considered before. That said, I think it goes beyond just the Instagram effect – there’s a genuine hunger for connection and meaningful experiences in an increasingly digitized world.

Additionally, I’d argue that modern work culture, particularly in developed economies, has created a need for escapism. People are burnt out from their demanding jobs and see travel as a form of self-care or even an investment in personal growth. It’s become less about luxury and more about rejuvenation and self-discovery.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized: Direct answer → Reason 1 (practical) + development → Reason 2 (mindset shift) + development → Reason 3 (digital influence) + nuance → Reason 4 (work culture) + conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise – proliferation, democratized, fundamental shift, authentic experiences, broaden horizons, sparked wanderlust, hunger for, burnt out, rejuvenation, self-discovery
• Grammar: Complex structures naturally used – passive constructions, relative clauses, participle clauses (“making it financially feasible”)
• Critical Thinking: Shows depth – not just listing reasons but analyzing underlying causes, acknowledging nuance (“That said”), connecting to broader social trends

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well I’d say, First and foremost, Beyond the practical aspects, Additionally, That said
• Tentative language: I think, I’d argue, might have
• Abstract nouns: globalization, proliferation, wanderlust, escapism, rejuvenation, self-discovery
• Sophisticated collocations: fundamental shift, authentic experiences, broaden horizons, sparked wanderlust, burnt out from

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Question 2: What are the benefits and drawbacks of tourism for local communities?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Balanced Discussion (benefits AND drawbacks)
• Key words: local communities (not tourists)
• Cách tiếp cận:
  1. Acknowledge it’s a complex issue
  2. Discuss 2-3 benefits với specific examples
  3. Discuss 2-3 drawbacks với specific examples
  4. Có thể conclude với personal view về balance

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Tourism has both good and bad effects on local communities. On the positive side, tourism creates jobs for local people in hotels, restaurants and tour companies. It also brings money to the local economy. Some tourists are interested in local culture, which helps preserve traditions.

However, there are also problems. Tourism can make prices increase, especially for housing and food. This makes life difficult for local people. Also, too many tourists can damage the environment and historical sites. Some places become too crowded and lose their original character.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic balanced structure (positive side, however)
• Content: Covers both sides nhưng lacks depth
• Vocabulary: Simple và repetitive (good/bad, makes, problems)
• Examples: Generic, không specific
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses the question adequately nhưng development limited. Ideas clear but not sophisticated.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is quite a contentious issue, actually, because tourism is very much a double-edged sword for local communities. Let me start with the positives.

On the economic front, tourism can be a significant catalyst for development, particularly in regions that lack other industries. It creates direct employment opportunities in hospitality, guiding, and transportation, but also generates indirect benefits for local artisans, farmers, and small businesses who supply the tourism sector. We’ve seen this in places like rural Vietnam, where homestays have provided sustainable livelihoods for farming families. Beyond economics, tourism can also incentivize the preservation of cultural heritage – when traditional festivals or crafts become tourist attractions, communities have tangible reasons to maintain these traditions.

However, the drawbacks can be substantial if tourism isn’t managed properly. One of the most pressing concerns is over-tourism, which we’ve witnessed in places like Venice or Bali. The sheer influx of visitors can strain infrastructure, drive up the cost of living, and fundamentally alter the character of neighborhoods – a phenomenon often called ‘touristification’. Local residents may find themselves priced out of their own communities as properties are converted to vacation rentals.

There’s also the cultural dimension to consider. Mass tourism can lead to what some scholars call ‘cultural commodification’ – where authentic traditions are reduced to superficial performances for tourists. This can erode the genuine meaning of cultural practices. Environmental degradation is another major concern – pristine beaches become littered, coral reefs suffer from excessive diving, and wildlife habitats are disrupted.

I suppose the key is finding that delicate balance between reaping the economic benefits and protecting the community’s quality of life. Sustainable tourism models, where local communities have a voice in how tourism develops, seem to be the most promising approach.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization với clear signposting, balanced discussion, và conclusion
• Vocabulary: Wide-ranging và precise – double-edged sword, catalyst for development, sustainable livelihoods, incentivize, pressing concerns, touristification, cultural commodification, pristine, reaping benefits
• Grammar: Complex structures – passive voice (is managed), relative clauses (where local communities have a voice), conditionals (if tourism isn’t managed)
• Critical Thinking:
  • Shows academic awareness (references phenomena like touristification, cultural commodification)
  • Provides specific examples (Venice, Bali, rural Vietnam)
  • Acknowledges complexity và nuance
  • Offers solution-oriented thinking
  • Considers multiple stakeholders (tourists, residents, environment)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Academic expressions: contentious issue, catalyst for development, tangible reasons, pressing concerns, cultural commodification
• Hedging language: quite, can be, seem to be, I suppose
• Cohesive devices: On the economic front, Beyond economics, However, There’s also, I suppose the key is

Infographic minh họa tác động tích cực và tiêu cực của du lịch đến cộng đồng địa phương

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Theme 2: Travel Trends and Changes

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Question 3: How has the way people travel changed compared to the past?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare and Contrast (Past vs Present)
• Key words: changed, compared to the past
• Cách tiếp cận:
  1. Identify key aspects that have changed (technology, attitudes, accessibility, types of travel)
  2. Use comparative language (used to, nowadays, whereas, unlike)
  3. Give specific examples for each change
  4. Possibly predict future implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Travel has changed a lot compared to the past. In the past, people usually went on package tours with travel agencies. Everything was planned for them. Now, people can book everything online by themselves. They use websites and apps to find cheap flights and hotels.

Also, people used to take photos with cameras, but now everyone uses smartphones. Social media has become very important – people post their travel photos immediately.

In the past, only rich people could travel abroad, but now it’s more affordable for middle-class people. Young people especially like to travel independently instead of joining tour groups.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Chronological comparison with clear before/after
• Content: Covers several valid points
• Vocabulary: Basic (changed a lot, very important, rich people)
• Grammar: Simple past and present, some comparative structures
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question clearly with relevant points nhưng lacks sophistication và depth of analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“The evolution of travel over the past few decades has been nothing short of revolutionary, driven primarily by technological advancement and shifting cultural values.

Perhaps the most obvious transformation is in how we plan and book trips. A generation ago, people relied heavily on travel agents and were largely at the mercy of package tours with fixed itineraries. Nowadays, the internet has empowered travelers to become their own travel agents – we can compare prices across hundreds of airlines in seconds, read reviews from fellow travelers, and craft highly personalized itineraries. This democratization of information has fundamentally changed the power dynamic between service providers and consumers.

The very nature of the travel experience has also shifted dramatically. In the past, travel was often about conspicuous consumption – collecting passport stamps and ticking off iconic landmarks. Today’s travelers, especially younger generations, are more interested in immersive experiences – living like locals, trying authentic street food, taking cooking classes, or doing volunteer work. There’s been a marked shift away from superficial tourism toward meaningful cultural engagement.

Technology has also revolutionized the real-time aspects of travel. Gone are the days of arriving in a foreign city with just a guidebook and a paper map. Now we have GPS navigation in our pockets, instant translation apps, and can stay connected with home throughout our journey. While this connectivity has obvious benefits, some argue it’s diminished the sense of adventure and genuine cultural immersion that came with being truly disconnected.

From a socioeconomic perspective, we’ve witnessed the rise of the budget travel sector, which has made international travel accessible to a much broader demographic. Low-cost carriers, sharing economy platforms like Airbnb, and competitive pricing have lowered the barriers to entry. What was once a luxury reserved for the affluent is now within reach of middle-class families and even students.

I’d also note that sustainability has become an increasingly prominent consideration, whereas it barely registered in travelers’ consciousness a few decades ago. There’s growing awareness of carbon footprints, over-tourism, and responsible travel practices, though whether this awareness translates into action remains debatable.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized theo thematic categories (planning/booking, nature of experience, technology, socioeconomics, sustainability)
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và varied – revolutionary, democratization, conspicuous consumption, immersive experiences, marked shift, lowered barriers to entry, carbon footprints
• Grammar: Complex structures – inversion (Gone are the days), relative clauses, participle phrases, conditionals
• Critical Thinking:
  • Identifies underlying causes (technology, cultural shifts)
  • Acknowledges trade-offs (connectivity benefits vs. diminished adventure)
  • Shows historical awareness
  • Considers multiple dimensions (practical, cultural, economic, environmental)
  • Presents nuanced view (awareness vs. action)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Perhaps the most obvious, Nowadays, Today’s travelers, From a socioeconomic perspective, I’d also note that
• Sophisticated comparisons: A generation ago vs. Nowadays, In the past vs. Today’s travelers, Gone are the days of vs. Now we have
• Abstract language: democratization of information, power dynamic, cultural engagement, socioeconomic perspective
• Hedging: some argue, remains debatable, whether this translates into action

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Question 4: Do you think people will travel more or less in the future?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Prediction/Future Speculation
• Key words: future, more or less (forced choice or can discuss both)
• Cách tiếp cận:
  1. Give clear position but acknowledge uncertainty
  2. Discuss factors that might increase travel
  3. Discuss factors that might decrease travel
  4. Use future forms and modal verbs (will, might, could, is likely to)
  5. Consider different scenarios or timeframes

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think people will probably travel more in the future. One reason is that travel will become cheaper with new technology. Also, people will have more free time because of remote work. They can work from anywhere, so they can travel and work at the same time.

However, climate change might make people travel less by plane because flying produces a lot of carbon emissions. Some people are already choosing to travel less for environmental reasons. Also, virtual reality technology might allow people to experience places without actually going there.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic argument với one main view và brief consideration of opposite view
• Content: Relevant points nhưng not deeply developed
• Vocabulary: Simple future forms, basic vocabulary
• Grammar: Future simple predominantly, some conditional
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication với relevant ideas nhưng lacks sophistication và depth of analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is a fascinating question, and I think the answer is likely to be quite nuanced – we might see increased travel in some segments while other forms of travel decline.

On one hand, I’d argue we’ll probably witness continued growth in travel volume, at least in the medium term. Several factors point in this direction. First, the rising middle class in developing economies, particularly in Asia and Africa, represents an enormous untapped market for tourism. As these populations gain greater disposable income, international travel will transition from a luxury to an attainable aspiration. Additionally, the ongoing evolution of remote work – which the pandemic has accelerated dramatically – has given rise to digital nomadism. An entire generation is discovering they can blend work and travel seamlessly, which could fundamentally reshape traditional notions of tourism.

However, there are significant countervailing forces that might curtail travel growth or at least alter its nature. The elephant in the room, of course, is climate change. As awareness of aviation’s carbon footprint grows and as we potentially face more stringent regulations, flight shaming and environmental guilt could dampen enthusiasm for frequent air travel. We might see a shift toward more sustainable forms of tourism – slow travel, domestic tourism, or choosing destinations reachable by train rather than plane.

Economic volatility is another wild card. Global economic uncertainty, potential recessions, and widening wealth inequality could make travel financially out of reach for many who currently enjoy it. There’s also the question of whether future pandemics or health crises might create lasting psychological barriers to international travel, though I’m somewhat skeptical about this given how quickly people bounced back after COVID restrictions eased.

Looking further ahead, technological disruption might fundamentally change what we mean by ‘travel.’ Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies could reach a point where they provide convincingly immersive experiences of distant places. While I doubt these will fully replace physical travel – there’s something irreplaceable about actually being somewhere – they might satisfy the curiosity of casual travelers while potentially reducing pressure on over-touristed destinations.

My best guess is that we’ll see more travel overall in absolute numbers, but the composition will shift. Sustainable, meaningful, and closer-to-home travel may gain ground, while frequent, carbon-intensive leisure flights might become less socially acceptable or economically viable. The future of travel, I suspect, will be about quality over quantity.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Highly sophisticated với clear thesis, multiple perspectives systematically explored, và nuanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Wide range của academic và topic-specific vocabulary – nuanced, untapped market, countervailing forces, curtail, elephant in the room, flight shaming, wild card, bounced back
• Grammar: Complex structures – conditionals (might dampen, could make), passive constructions, relative clauses, future perfect implications
• Critical Thinking:
  • Refuses simplistic answer, acknowledges complexity
  • Considers multiple scenarios và timeframes
  • Weighs competing factors (growth drivers vs. limiting factors)
  • Shows awareness of broader trends (climate, economy, technology, social psychology)
  • Provides qualified prediction rather than absolute certainty
  • Anticipates counter-arguments

💡 Key Language Features:

• Hedging and speculation: likely to be, I’d argue, probably, potentially, might, could, I suspect, My best guess
• Academic discourse markers: On one hand, However, Additionally, Looking further ahead, The elephant in the room
• Sophisticated vocabulary: nuanced, countervailing forces, untapped market, dampen enthusiasm, wild card, bounced back, irreplaceable

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Theme 3: Cultural and Social Impact

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Question 5: What can people learn from traveling to different cultures?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Benefits/Learning outcomes
• Key words: learn, different cultures (focus on educational/personal growth aspect)
• Cách tiếp cận:
  1. Identify different types of learning (practical, intellectual, emotional, social)
  2. Give specific examples for each type
  3. Discuss deeper implications (personal growth, worldview changes)
  4. Consider who benefits most or different learning for different people

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“People can learn many things from traveling to different cultures. First, they learn about different customs and traditions. For example, in some countries, people take off their shoes before entering a house. They also learn about different types of food and cooking methods.

Traveling also helps people become more open-minded. When they see how other people live, they understand that there are many different ways to do things. This makes them less judgmental and more tolerant.

Additionally, people can learn practical skills like a new language or how to communicate without speaking the same language. They also learn to be more independent and solve problems by themselves.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear organization với different categories of learning
• Content: Valid points with basic examples
• Vocabulary: Functional but basic (many things, different, helps, learn)
• Grammar: Simple structures, repetitive sentence patterns
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates ideas clearly với adequate development nhưng lacks sophistication và depth

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“I believe cross-cultural travel is one of the most profound educational experiences available to us, offering lessons that simply can’t be replicated through books or documentaries.

On the most immediate level, travelers gain practical cultural literacy – understanding social norms, etiquette, communication styles that differ from their own. It’s one thing to read that certain gestures are offensive in other cultures; it’s quite another to navigate those differences in real-time and develop genuine cultural sensitivity. This kind of experiential learning builds what psychologists call ‘cultural intelligence’ or adaptability across diverse contexts.

More profoundly, I think travel challenges our fundamental assumptions about ‘the right way’ to live. When you witness, for example, different approaches to work-life balance in Scandinavia, or community-oriented living in parts of Asia, or attitudes toward time in Latin American cultures, you begin to recognize that your own cultural norms aren’t universal truths but rather one set of solutions among many. This relativistic perspective can be tremendously liberating – it frees you from the constraints of thinking there’s only one proper way to approach life.

There’s also a dimension of self-discovery that comes through being a stranger in an unfamiliar place. When you’re stripped of your usual social context, your job title, your familiar surroundings, you’re forced to confront who you are at a more fundamental level. Travel can reveal personal strengths you didn’t know you had – resourcefulness, resilience, ability to connect across language barriers. Conversely, it can also expose prejudices or limitations you weren’t aware of, which, while uncomfortable, is valuable for personal growth.

On a more philosophical level, sustained engagement with different cultures can foster genuine empathy and global citizenship. When you’ve shared meals with families in rural villages, or struggled alongside locals on crowded public transport, or experienced first-hand the warmth of hospitality in places with far fewer material resources, it becomes much harder to think in terms of ‘us versus them’. You begin to see our common humanity beneath surface differences, which I think is desperately needed in our increasingly polarized world.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly in the long term, cross-cultural experiences equip people with cognitive flexibility – the ability to think from multiple perspectives simultaneously. In an increasingly globalized and complex world, this kind of multi-dimensional thinking is invaluable, whether in personal relationships, professional contexts, or understanding global issues.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Extremely well-organized theo levels of learning (từ practical → philosophical), với clear progression từ surface to depth
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise – profound, cultural literacy, experiential learning, cultural intelligence, relativistic perspective, tremendously liberating, cognitive flexibility, multi-dimensional thinking
• Grammar: Wide range of complex structures – cleft sentences (It’s one thing to… it’s quite another), participle phrases, embedded clauses
• Critical Thinking:
  • Organizes learning into hierarchy (immediate practical → deeper philosophical)
  • Uses psychological/academic concepts (cultural intelligence, cognitive flexibility)
  • Acknowledges uncomfortable aspects (exposing prejudices)
  • Connects to broader societal issues (polarization, globalization)
  • Shows metacognitive awareness (thinking about thinking)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Academic vocabulary: profound, experiential learning, cultural intelligence, relativistic perspective, cognitive flexibility
• Rhetorical devices: It’s one thing to… it’s quite another to, Conversely, Finally and perhaps most importantly
• Hedging: I believe, I think, can be, perhaps
• Emphatic language: simply can’t be replicated, tremendously liberating, desperately needed

Hình ảnh du khách tương tác và học hỏi văn hóa địa phương trong chuyến du lịch quốc tế

Từ Vựng và Cụm Từ Quan Trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
bucket list	n	/ˈbʌkɪt lɪst/	danh sách những điều muốn làm trước khi chết	Visiting Santorini has been on my bucket list for years.	on my bucket list, top of the bucket list, bucket list destination
wanderlust	n	/ˈwɒndəlʌst/	khát khao đi du lịch, khám phá	Social media has sparked wanderlust in many young people.	spark wanderlust, feed wanderlust, cure wanderlust
immersive experience	n phrase	/ɪˈmɜːsɪv ɪkˈspɪəriəns/	trải nghiệm đắm chìm, погружающийся	I’m looking for immersive experiences rather than typical tourist activities.	seek immersive experiences, provide immersive experiences, truly immersive
off-the-beaten-path	adj phrase	/ɒf ðə ˈbiːtən pɑːθ/	ngoài lề đường mòn, ít người biết	I prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations to crowded tourist spots.	off-the-beaten-path destination, off-the-beaten-path location, venture off the beaten path
cultural immersion	n phrase	/ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪˈmɜːʃən/	sự đắm mình vào văn hóa	Cultural immersion is the best way to truly understand a place.	deep cultural immersion, promote cultural immersion, through cultural immersion
breathtaking scenery	n phrase	/ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ ˈsiːnəri/	phong cảnh ngoạn mục	The island offers breathtaking scenery at every turn.	breathtaking scenery, admire the breathtaking scenery, surrounded by breathtaking scenery
pristine beaches	n phrase	/ˈprɪstiːn ˈbiːtʃɪz/	những bãi biển nguyên sơ	Maldives is famous for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.	pristine beaches, pristine natural environment, remain pristine
digital nomad	n	/ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈnəʊmæd/	dân du mục kỹ thuật số (làm việc từ xa)	The rise of digital nomads has changed tourism patterns.	become a digital nomad, digital nomad lifestyle, digital nomad community
over-tourism	n	/ˈəʊvə ˈtʊərɪzəm/	tình trạng quá tải du lịch	Venice is suffering from severe over-tourism.	combat over-tourism, effects of over-tourism, tackle over-tourism
sustainable tourism	n phrase	/səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/	du lịch bền vững	Sustainable tourism practices are essential for protecting destinations.	promote sustainable tourism, sustainable tourism development, principles of sustainable tourism
cultural heritage	n phrase	/ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/	di sản văn hóa	Kyoto preserves Japan’s cultural heritage beautifully.	rich cultural heritage, preserve cultural heritage, cultural heritage site
hidden gem	n phrase	/ˈhɪdn dʒem/	viên ngọc ẩn (địa điểm ít người biết)	This small town is a real hidden gem for travelers.	discover hidden gems, hidden gem destination, true hidden gem
tourist trap	n	/ˈtʊərɪst træp/	bẫy du lịch (nơi chỉ lôi kéo khách)	That restaurant is just a tourist trap with overpriced food.	avoid tourist traps, typical tourist trap, fall into tourist traps
local delicacies	n phrase	/ˈləʊkl ˈdelɪkəsiz/	đặc sản địa phương	I always try local delicacies when traveling.	sample local delicacies, taste local delicacies, famous local delicacies
breathtaking vista	n phrase	/ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ ˈvɪstə/	tầm nhìn ngoạn mục	The mountain offers breathtaking vistas of the valley below.	breathtaking vista, panoramic vista, spectacular vista
authentic experience	n phrase	/ɔːˈθentɪk ɪkˈspɪəriəns/	trải nghiệm chân thực	Homestays provide more authentic experiences than hotels.	seek authentic experiences, authentic cultural experience, truly authentic
travel itinerary	n phrase	/ˈtrævl aɪˈtɪnərəri/	lịch trình du lịch	I prefer a flexible travel itinerary to rigid schedules.	plan travel itinerary, detailed itinerary, rough itinerary
carbon footprint	n phrase	/ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/	dấu chân carbon (lượng khí thải)	Air travel significantly increases your carbon footprint.	reduce carbon footprint, carbon footprint of tourism, minimize carbon footprint

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
broaden one’s horizons	mở rộng tầm nhìn	Traveling to different countries really broadens your horizons.	7.5-9
be drawn to	bị thu hút bởi	I’ve always been drawn to places with rich history.	7.5-8
nothing short of remarkable	không gì khác ngoài phi thường	The architecture in Barcelona is nothing short of remarkable.	8-9
open one’s eyes to	mở mang tầm mắt về	Living abroad opened my eyes to different perspectives.	7.5-8
step out of one’s comfort zone	bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn	Solo travel forces you to step out of your comfort zone.	7-8
at the top of my wish list	ở đầu danh sách mong muốn	Japan has been at the top of my wish list for years.	7.5-8
get off the beaten track	đi ra khỏi lề đường mòn	I prefer to get off the beaten track and explore lesser-known places.	7.5-8
a feast for the eyes	một bữa tiệc cho đôi mắt	The sunset in Santorini is truly a feast for the eyes.	7.5-8
tick something off one’s bucket list	gạch bỏ điều gì đó khỏi danh sách mong muốn	Visiting the Northern Lights would tick something major off my bucket list.	7-8
strike a balance between	đạt được sự cân bằng giữa	Good travel planning strikes a balance between structure and spontaneity.	7.5-8
reap the benefits	gặt hái lợi ích	Communities that manage tourism well can reap substantial benefits.	7.5-8
be burnt out from	kiệt sức vì	Many people are burnt out from work and need a refreshing trip.	7-8
at the mercy of	phó mặc cho, phụ thuộc vào	Travelers used to be at the mercy of travel agents.	7.5-8
crop up along the way	xuất hiện, nảy sinh dọc đường	Unexpected opportunities often crop up along the way when traveling.	7.5-8
the elephant in the room	vấn đề rõ ràng nhưng không ai muốn nói	Climate change is the elephant in the room when discussing air travel.	8-9
a double-edged sword	con dao hai lưỡi	Tourism is a double-edged sword for local communities.	7.5-8

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ, tạo cảm giác tự nhiên
• 📝 Actually,… – Dùng khi đưa ra góc nhìn hơi khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn nói thật lòng, thẳng thắn
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách mềm mại để đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân
• 📝 Personally, I think… – Nhấn mạnh đây là ý kiến cá nhân

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, ngoài ra
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, còn nữa
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
• 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó (formal hơn)
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Vượt ra ngoài điều đó

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… – Tuy đúng là… nhưng ta cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, mặc dù vậy
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó thì
• 📝 Then again,… – Mặt khác, nhưng lại

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nói chung
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, xét cho cùng
• 📝 To sum up,… – Để tóm tắt lại
• 📝 In a nutshell,… – Nói tóm lại (informal)
• 📝 The bottom line is… – Điểm mấu chốt là

Để thể hiện uncertainty hoặc hedging:

• 📝 I suppose… – Tôi cho rằng
• 📝 I guess… – Tôi đoán là
• 📝 It seems to me that… – Có vẻ như với tôi
• 📝 I’d argue that… – Tôi cho rằng (formal)
• 📝 Arguably,… – Có thể lập luận rằng

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional:

• Formula: If + past perfect, would + base verb
• Ví dụ: “If I had known about this place earlier, I would be planning my trip there right now.”

Inversion (Đảo ngữ):

• Formula: Had + subject + past participle, subject + would have + past participle
• Ví dụ: “Had I realized how beautiful Iceland was, I would have visited years ago.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: …, which/who + verb…,
• Ví dụ: “Santorini, which is famous for its stunning sunsets, has been my dream destination.”

Reduced relative clauses:

• Formula: Noun + V-ing/V-ed
• Ví dụ: “The island offers visitors seeking authentic experiences numerous opportunities.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive:

• It is thought/believed/said that…
• Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that sustainable tourism benefits both visitors and local communities.”

Passive with reporting verbs:

• Formula: Subject + is/are + said/thought/believed + to infinitive
• Ví dụ: “Kyoto is said to be one of the most culturally rich cities in Asia.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-cleft:

• What I find most…, is…
• Ví dụ: “What I find most appealing about Kyoto is how it balances tradition and modernity.”

It-cleft:

• It is/was… that…
• Ví dụ: “It was actually a documentary that first sparked my interest in Iceland.”

The thing that-cleft:

• The thing that… is…
• Ví dụ: “The thing that really draws me to this place is its authentic cultural atmosphere.”

5. Participle Clauses:

Present participle:

• Formula: V-ing + object, subject + verb
• Ví dụ: “Having researched extensively about the destination, I feel well-prepared for my trip.”

Past participle:

• Formula: V-ed/V3, subject + verb
• Ví dụ: “Located in the heart of Europe, this city offers easy access to numerous other countries.”

6. Emphatic Structures:

Do/Does/Did for emphasis:

• Ví dụ: “I do believe that travel is the best form of education.”

Inversion for emphasis:

• Never have I seen…
• Ví dụ: “Never have I seen landscapes as dramatic as those in Iceland.”

Not only… but also:

• Ví dụ: “Travel not only broadens your horizons but also teaches you invaluable life skills.”

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Nếu bạn quan tâm đến describe an interesting person you have not met but would like to know more about, bạn có thể áp dụng các kỹ thuật tương tự trong việc phát triển ý tưởng và sử dụng từ vựng đa dạng.

Chiến Lược Đạt Band Điểm Cao

Sự Khác Biệt Giữa Các Band Điểm

Band 6-7:

• Vocabulary: Adequate, appropriate nhưng lacks precision và sophistication
• Grammar: Mix của simple và complex structures, một số errors nhưng không làm mất communication
• Fluency: Speaks at length nhưng có noticeable hesitation, repetition
• Ideas: Relevant nhưng not fully developed, lacks depth

Band 7.5-8:

• Vocabulary: Wide range với some less common items, good collocations, occasional inaccuracy
• Grammar: Uses complex structures flexibly, majority error-free
• Fluency: Speaks fluently với few hesitations, uses cohesive devices well
• Ideas: Well-developed với relevant examples, shows some abstract thinking

Band 8.5-9:

• Vocabulary: Uses sophisticated và precise vocabulary naturally, idiomatic language
• Grammar: Full range of structures với high degree of accuracy, errors rare
• Fluency: Speaks coherently với fully appropriate cohesive features
• Ideas: Fully developed với insightful analysis, shows critical thinking

Những Lỗi Thường Gặp Của Học Viên Việt Nam

1. Trong Part 1:

• ❌ Trả lời quá ngắn: “Yes, I like traveling” → ✅ Mở rộng với reasons và examples
• ❌ Dùng “very” quá nhiều → ✅ Thay bằng: extremely, particularly, incredibly, remarkably
• ❌ Lặp lại câu hỏi: “Do I like traveling? Yes, I like traveling” → ✅ Paraphrase hoặc bắt đầu tự nhiên

2. Trong Part 2:

• ❌ Không sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị → ✅ Ghi note đầy đủ cho tất cả bullet points
• ❌ Nói dưới 1.5 phút → ✅ Elaborate mỗi point với 3-4 câu
• ❌ Bỏ sót bullet points → ✅ Check lại đã cover đủ chưa
• ❌ Đọc thuộc lòng template → ✅ Nói tự nhiên, cá nhân hóa câu trả lời

3. Trong Part 3:

• ❌ Chỉ nói về kinh nghiệm cá nhân → ✅ Discuss broader social issues
• ❌ Không structure ideas → ✅ Use discourse markers: Firstly, Additionally, However
• ❌ Thiếu examples cụ thể → ✅ Cite specific cases, statistics, or observations
• ❌ Trả lời ngắn (1-2 câu) → ✅ Aim for 4-6 câu per question

Tips Từ Examiner

Fluency & Coherence:

• Đừng sợ pause tự nhiên để suy nghĩ – tốt hơn là nói linh tinh
• Sử dụng fillers một cách có ý thức: “Let me think…”, “That’s an interesting question…”
• Practice speaking cho đủ 2 phút trong Part 2 – record yourself

Vocabulary:

• Đừng cố gắng sử dụng từ quá khó mà không tự tin – accuracy quan trọng hơn
• Learn vocabulary in chunks (collocations) rather than individual words
• Paraphrase là chìa khóa – đừng lặp lại từ trong câu hỏi

Grammar:

• Đa dạng hóa sentence structures – mix simple và complex naturally
• Use different tenses appropriately dựa trên context
• Conditional structures và passive voice show sophistication

Pronunciation:

• Word stress quan trọng hơn individual sounds
• Practice sentence stress – nhấn vào content words
• Intonation giúp express meaning và emotion

Content & Ideas:

• Be yourself – personal experiences và opinions genuine hơn learned scripts
• It’s okay to say “I don’t know much about this, but I think…” – honesty được đánh giá cao
• Support opinions với reasons và examples – don’t just state facts

Tương tự như cách tiếp cận trong Describe a time when you had to take a risk that brought a positive outcome, bạn cần kể câu chuyện một cách sinh động và có cấu trúc rõ ràng.

Lộ Trình Chuẩn Bị Hiệu Quả

4-6 tuần trước thi:

1. Week 1-2: Build topic vocabulary

   • Học 10-15 từ mới mỗi ngày related to common topics
   • Practice using new words trong câu hoàn chỉnh
   • Record yourself và listen back

2. Week 3-4: Practice với actual questions

   • Tìm recent exam questions online
   • Practice answering hết thời gian (Part 1: 2-3 câu, Part 2: 2 phút, Part 3: 4-5 câu)
   • Get feedback từ teacher hoặc study partner

3. Week 5-6: Mock tests và refinement

   • Làm full mock tests trong điều kiện thi thật
   • Identify weak areas và focus vào đó
   • Polish delivery, work on confidence

1 tuần trước thi:

• Review key vocabulary và expressions
• Practice một số sample answers nhưng đừng học thuộc
• Get enough sleep, stay calm
• Visualize success

Ngày thi:

• Arrive early, stay relaxed
• Be yourself, smile, make eye contact
• Listen carefully to questions
• Speak clearly, not too fast
• Enjoy the conversation!

Kết luận

Chủ đề “describe a place where you would like to travel” là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và thú vị nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Thành công với chủ đề này không chỉ nằm ở việc học thuộc bài mẫu, mà quan trọng hơn là phát triển khả năng miêu tả sinh động, giải thích lý do thuyết phục, và thể hiện cảm xúc chân thực về địa điểm bạn muốn khám phá.

Những điểm quan trọng cần nhớ:

Về vocabulary: Đầu tư thời gian học collocations và phrases tự nhiên thay vì từ đơn lẻ. Những cụm như “broaden one’s horizons”, “immersive experience”, hay “off-the-beaten-path” sẽ làm bài nói của bạn natural và impressive hơn nhiều so với việc sử dụng từ vựng đơn giản.

Về grammar: Đa dạng hóa cấu trúc câu là chìa khóa để đạt band cao. Sử dụng mix của simple và complex sentences, passive voice, conditional structures, và relative clauses một cách tự nhiên. Đừng cố gắng nhồi nhét tất cả structures phức tạp vào một lúc – hãy để chúng flow naturally.

Về ideas: Phát triển ý tưởng sâu sắc bằng cách không chỉ nói “what” mà còn “why” và “how”. Trong Part 3, hãy think beyond personal experience và consider broader social, cultural, và environmental implications của tourism.

Về fluency: Practice speaking regularly là cách duy nhất để cải thiện. Record yourself, identify hesitations và repetitions, và work on smooth delivery. Remember rằng natural pauses for thinking được chấp nhận, nhưng “umm” và “err” quá nhiều sẽ affect band score.

Điều cuối cùng và quan trọng nhất: Be authentic. Examiners có thể easily spot learned scripts. Speak from your heart về places that genuinely interest you, share real reasons why you want to visit, và let your personality shine through. Đây là cuộc trò chuyện, không phải bài kiểm tra đọc thuộc.

Nếu bạn muốn tìm hiểu thêm về cách kể về các sự kiện gia đình, hãy xem Describe a time when you attended a special family event để học cách phát triển câu chuyện một cách tự nhiên và hấp dẫn.

Chúc bạn thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking! Remember, travel – whether real or imagined in your Speaking test – is about opening your mind, expanding your perspectives, và discovering new possibilities. Let that enthusiasm come through in your answers.

Để tìm hiểu thêm về các chủ đề Speaking khác, bạn có thể tham khảo describe an activity from your primary school days that you remember fondly để học cách kể về những kỷ niệm trong quá khứ một cách sinh động.