IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Is It Easier To Become Famous Now?” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề “fame” (sự nổi tiếng) và câu hỏi “Is it easier to become famous now?” là một trong những đề tài thường xuyên xuất hiện trong IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt ở Part 3. Với sự bùng nổ của mạng xã hội và các nền tảng kỹ thuật số, câu hỏi này trở nên cực kỳ relevant và có nhiều góc độ để thảo luận.

Tần suất xuất hiện: Chủ đề này xuất hiện với mức độ Cao trong các kỳ thi IELTS từ 2020 đến nay, đặc biệt sau đại dịch COVID-19 khi hiện tượng influencer và social media celebrities trở nên phổ biến. Theo thống kê từ IELTS-Simon.com và ielts-blog.com, đề tài về fame, celebrities, và social media xuất hiện trong khoảng 15-20% các đề thi Speaking. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai: Rất cao do tính thời sự và liên quan đến đời sống hàng ngày của mọi người.

Những gì bạn sẽ học được trong bài viết này:

• Các câu hỏi thực tế về chủ đề fame trong cả 3 Part
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo nhiều band điểm (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích cụ thể
• Từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm về social media, celebrities, và fame
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả cho từng dạng câu hỏi
• Lời khuyên insider từ góc nhìn Examiner với 20 năm kinh nghiệm
• Cách tránh những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking thường kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích, và những chủ đề quen thuộc. Với topic về fame/celebrities, examiner sẽ không hỏi quá sâu mà chủ yếu về những trải nghiệm cá nhân và quan điểm đơn giản của bạn.

Đặc điểm: Câu hỏi ngắn, liên quan đến đời sống hàng ngày, yêu cầu câu trả lời tự nhiên và mở rộng ý.

Chiến lược: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi (direct answer), sau đó mở rộng bằng lý do (reason) hoặc ví dụ (example) trong 2-3 câu. Tránh trả lời quá dài hoặc quá ngắn.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời chỉ “Yes” hoặc “No” mà không giải thích
• Sử dụng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “bad”, “nice”
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
• Nói quá nhanh hoặc ngập ngừng do lo lắng

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you follow any celebrities on social media?

Question 2: Have you ever met a famous person?

Question 3: Do you think famous people have more responsibilities than ordinary people?

Question 4: Would you like to be famous one day?

Question 5: What kind of famous people do you admire most?

Question 6: Do you think social media has changed how people become famous?

Question 7: How often do you read about celebrities in the news?

Question 8: Do you think it’s important for young people to have role models?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Do you follow any celebrities on social media?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp có hay không
• Nêu tên cụ thể (nếu có) hoặc giải thích lý do không follow
• Đưa ra lý do tại sao bạn follow/không follow

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I follow some famous people on Instagram. I like to see their photos and what they do every day. I think it’s interesting to see how they live their life. Sometimes they post motivational quotes that I find helpful.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có đưa ra ví dụ về Instagram và motivational quotes
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (interesting, helpful), thiếu chi tiết cụ thể về ai và tại sao
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng được yêu cầu cơ bản nhưng chưa thể hiện được vocabulary range rộng. Câu văn đơn giản, chưa có complex structures.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Actually, I do keep tabs on a few celebrities, mainly on Instagram and YouTube. I’m particularly drawn to content creators who focus on personal development and sustainable living. For instance, I follow this Vietnamese YouTuber who advocates for minimalism – her down-to-earth approach really resonates with me. I find that following people with authentic content is far more fulfilling than just watching attention-seeking posts from mainstream celebrities.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary tinh vi: “keep tabs on”, “drawn to”, “advocates for”, “resonates with”, “attention-seeking”
  • Grammar đa dạng: relative clause (who focus on…, who advocates for…)
  • Ý tưởng cụ thể và có chiều sâu: phân biệt authentic content vs mainstream celebrities
  • Ví dụ cụ thể: Vietnamese YouTuber về minimalism
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Câu trả lời trôi chảy với discourse marker “Actually”
  • Vocabulary: Sử dụng collocations tự nhiên (sustainable living, down-to-earth approach, authentic content)
  • Grammar: Có mệnh đề quan hệ, so sánh (far more fulfilling than)
  • Ideas: Thể hiện critical thinking khi phân biệt các loại content creators

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• keep tabs on someone: theo dõi ai đó (informal, natural)
• be drawn to: bị thu hút bởi
• resonate with someone: gây được sự đồng cảm với ai
• down-to-earth approach: cách tiếp cận gần gũi, thực tế
• attention-seeking: tìm kiếm sự chú ý (có nghĩa hơi tiêu cực)

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Question: Would you like to be famous one day?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra câu trả lời rõ ràng (Yes/No/Maybe)
• Giải thích lý do tại sao muốn hoặc không muốn
• Đề cập đến mặt tích cực và tiêu cực của việc nổi tiếng

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Not really. I think being famous is stressful because everyone knows you and you can’t have privacy. I prefer to live a quiet life with my family and friends. Also, famous people always get criticism from others, which I don’t like.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng, có đưa ra lý do (privacy, criticism)
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng cơ bản (stressful, quiet life, don’t like), cấu trúc câu đơn giản
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ý tưởng hợp lý nhưng thiếu sophistication trong cách diễn đạt. Chưa có complex sentences.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“To be honest, that’s not really something I aspire to. While fame certainly has its perks – financial security, influence, opportunities to make a difference – I think the trade-offs are pretty significant. Constant public scrutiny, the invasion of privacy, and the pressure to maintain a certain image would be absolutely draining. I’d much rather achieve something meaningful in my field without being in the limelight. I think there’s something to be said for living authentically without worrying about public perception.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary nâng cao: “aspire to”, “perks”, “trade-offs”, “constant public scrutiny”, “invasion of privacy”, “limelight”
  • Grammar phức tạp: While clause (nhượng bộ), parallel structure (scrutiny, invasion, pressure)
  • Critical thinking: cân nhắc cả hai mặt của vấn đề
  • Natural expressions: “To be honest”, “there’s something to be said for”
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Sử dụng discourse marker tự nhiên “To be honest”
  • Vocabulary: Precise và sophisticated (draining, limelight, public perception)
  • Grammar: While-clause, parallel structures, modal verbs (would be)
  • Ideas: Balanced view, thể hiện mature thinking

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• aspire to something: khao khát, mong muốn đạt được điều gì
• perks: lợi ích, đặc quyền (informal but appropriate)
• trade-offs: sự đánh đổi
• constant public scrutiny: sự giám sát liên tục từ công chúng
• in the limelight: ở trong ánh đèn sân khấu (nghĩa bóng: nổi tiếng)
• there’s something to be said for: có điều gì đó đáng nói về (để chỉ một lợi ích hay giá trị)

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Question: Do you think social media has changed how people become famous?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đây là câu hỏi có tính phân tích cao hơn cho Part 1
• So sánh quá khứ và hiện tại
• Đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể về social media platforms

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, definitely. In the past, people became famous through TV or movies, but now anyone can become famous on social media. You just need to post interesting content and get many followers. It’s much easier now than before.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: So sánh được quá khứ và hiện tại, trả lời đúng trọng tâm
• Hạn chế: Quá đơn giản, thiếu depth. “Much easier” không được giải thích chi tiết
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate nhưng chưa sophisticated. Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, it’s been a game-changer. In the past, fame was largely controlled by traditional media gatekeepers – you had to be scouted by talent agencies or work your way through established channels. Now, platforms like TikTok and YouTube have democratized fame to some extent. Someone can literally go viral overnight with just a smartphone and creative content. That said, I think this has created a new kind of fame that’s perhaps more fleeting and dependent on algorithms rather than genuine talent.”

Mạng xã hội đã thay đổi cách người nổi tiếng trong IELTS Speaking về chủ đề fame

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary tinh vi: “game-changer”, “gatekeepers”, “democratized”, “fleeting”, “algorithms”
  • Grammar nâng cao: passive voice (was controlled by, be scouted), present perfect (has been, has created)
  • Critical thinking: không chỉ nói về positive mà còn point out negative aspect (fleeting fame)
  • Natural expressions: “Absolutely”, “That said”, “to some extent”
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Smooth transitions với “That said”
  • Vocabulary: Academic và precise (democratized, gatekeepers)
  • Grammar: Complex structures với passive voice và relative clause
  • Ideas: Nuanced view – nhận ra cả positive và negative của social media fame

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• game-changer: điều làm thay đổi cuộc chơi (idiom rất tự nhiên)
• gatekeepers: người kiểm soát, giữ cổng (ví dụ: traditional media companies)
• democratized: dân chủ hóa (làm cho accessible với nhiều người hơn)
• go viral overnight: lan truyền nhanh chóng qua đêm
• fleeting: thoáng qua, không bền vững
• dependent on algorithms: phụ thuộc vào thuật toán

Để hiểu rõ hơn về cách trình bày một sự kiện đáng nhớ, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm describe a memorable day you had with friends để nắm được cách kể chuyện tự nhiên và ấn tượng.

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần “độc thoại” quan trọng nhất của IELTS Speaking, chiếm thời gian 3-4 phút (1 phút chuẩn bị + 2-3 phút nói). Đây là phần thí sinh phải nói liên tục không bị ngắt, do đó khả năng fluency và coherence được đánh giá rất kỹ.

Thời gian chuẩn bị: 1 phút – bạn sẽ có giấy và bút để ghi chú

Thời gian nói: 2-3 phút (không bị ngắt lời)

Đặc điểm: Độc thoại, kể chi tiết về một chủ đề cụ thể được đưa ra trong cue card

Chiến lược:

• Sử dụng đủ 1 phút chuẩn bị: Không viết câu hoàn chỉnh, chỉ ghi keywords cho mỗi bullet point
• Nói đủ 2 phút: Đây là yêu cầu tối thiểu. Nếu dưới 1.5 phút, bạn sẽ bị mất điểm Fluency
• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points: Examiner sẽ check xem bạn có cover hết các yêu cầu không
• Sử dụng thì quá khứ khi kể chuyện: Nếu đề bài là “Describe a time when…” hoặc “Describe a person you met…”
• Kết nối các ý với linking words: This is because, Moreover, In addition, As a result

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị hoặc viết quá nhiều
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút do thiếu ý tưởng
• Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
• Không có structure rõ ràng, nhảy lung tung giữa các ý
• Đọc từ giấy note thay vì nói tự nhiên

Cue Card

Describe a famous person you would like to meet

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know about this person
• Why this person is famous
• And explain why you would like to meet this person

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person (miêu tả một người)

Thì động từ: Chủ yếu hiện tại đơn khi nói về người đó, nhưng có thể dùng quá khứ khi kể về lần đầu biết đến họ

Bullet points phải cover:

1. Who this person is – Tên, nghề nghiệp, quốc tịch
2. How you know about this person – Qua đâu (TV, social media, news, friend’s recommendation)
3. Why this person is famous – Nổi tiếng về lĩnh vực gì (music, acting, sports, business, activism)
4. Explain why you would like to meet – Đây là phần quan trọng nhất, phải giải thích sâu và cụ thể

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần “explain why you would like to meet this person” là nơi bạn ghi điểm cao nhất vì phải thể hiện critical thinking và personal connection. Đừng chỉ nói “because I admire them” mà phải giải thích cụ thể admire cái gì và meeting họ sẽ mang lại gì cho bạn.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I would like to talk about Son Heung-min, who is a famous footballer from South Korea. He is currently playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League and is also the captain of the Korean national team.

I first knew about him when I watched the 2018 World Cup on TV. At that time, he scored some important goals for Korea and I was impressed by his skills. After that, I started following his career and watching his matches regularly.

Son Heung-min is famous because he is one of the best Asian footballers in the world. He has scored many goals in the Premier League and won several awards. He is also well-known for his good sportsmanship and humble personality. Many people respect him not only for his football skills but also for his positive attitude.

I would like to meet him because I really admire his determination and hard work. He faced many challenges in his career, especially when he first moved to Europe, but he never gave up. If I could meet him, I would like to ask him about his training routine and how he stays motivated. I think meeting him would be very inspiring and I could learn a lot from his experiences.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Câu chuyện có cấu trúc rõ ràng, follow đúng bullet points. Có linking words cơ bản (After that, also, because). Tuy nhiên thiếu discourse markers tinh vi hơn.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate với “sportsmanship”, “humble personality”, “determination”. Tuy nhiên chủ yếu là từ phổ biến, chưa có collocations nâng cao.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Có relative clause (who is a famous footballer), conditional (If I could meet). Chủ yếu là simple và compound sentences, chưa nhiều complex structures.
Pronunciation	6-7	Giả định rằng phát âm rõ ràng, có stress và intonation cơ bản.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có cấu trúc logic: introduction → how you know → why famous → why want to meet
• ✅ Có personal touch khi kể về World Cup 2018
• ✅ Đưa ra lý do cụ thể muốn gặp (learn about training routine, motivation)

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng chưa đủ sophisticated, dùng nhiều từ basic như “good”, “many”, “very”
• ⚠️ Thiếu idioms hoặc advanced expressions
• ⚠️ Phần explain còn chung chung, chưa đủ depth
• ⚠️ Có thể dài hơn để reach 2 phút full

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to talk about Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States. She’s someone I’ve long admired and would be absolutely thrilled to meet in person.

I first came across her story when I was reading her memoir ‘Becoming‘ about three years ago. What initially drew me in was her candid writing style and how she opened up about her journey from a working-class background in Chicago to becoming one of the most influential figures in modern American history. Since then, I’ve been following her work through various podcasts and documentary films.

Mrs. Obama is famous for several reasons. During her time as First Lady, she championed numerous important causes, particularly in education and healthy living through her ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign. She’s also widely recognized for her eloquent speeches and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Beyond her political role, she’s become a powerful advocate for girls’ education worldwide and has inspired millions through her authentic storytelling.

The reason I’m so keen on meeting her is quite profound. First and foremost, I’d love to hear her first-hand perspective on how she navigated such intense public scrutiny while staying true to herself. As someone who’s interested in social change, I think there’s so much I could learn from her approach to advocacy and leadership. Moreover, I’m fascinated by how she’s managed to redefine what it means to be a public figure in the modern age – she’s somehow struck a balance between being relatable and dignified. If I had the chance, I’d ask her about the moments when she felt most challenged and how she overcame self-doubt. I believe a conversation with her would be genuinely transformative and would give me invaluable insights into purposeful living.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Rất trôi chảy với discourse markers tự nhiên (First and foremost, Moreover). Có clear progression of ideas. Linking sophisticated (Beyond, During, Since then).
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range với collocations tự nhiên: “came across”, “drew me in”, “opened up about”, “championed causes”, “staying true to herself”. Có idiomatic expressions: “keen on”, “first-hand perspective”.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Complex structures: relative clauses (who’s interested in…), conditional (If I had the chance), participle clauses (being relatable). Mix của nhiều thì khác nhau.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Giả định có features như stress, intonation, và các connected speech features tốt.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“I knew about him”, “good sportsmanship”	“came across her story”, “championed causes”, “eloquent speeches”
Grammar	Simple: “He is famous because…”	Complex: “What initially drew me in was…” (cleft sentence)
Ideas	“I admire his determination”	“I’m fascinated by how she’s managed to redefine what it means to be a public figure” (deeper, more analytical)

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“If I could meet any famous person, it would hands down be Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani education activist and Nobel laureate. She’s someone who embodies everything I believe in regarding courage, education, and standing up for what’s right.

My introduction to Malala’s story came when I was around fifteen, just about the same age she was when the Taliban attempted to silence her in that horrific attack. I remember watching the documentary ‘He Named Me Malala’ and being absolutely floored by her unwavering resolve and remarkable eloquence for someone so young. What really struck a chord with me was that she wasn’t born into privilege – she came from a modest background in Swat Valley, yet she possessed this extraordinary moral clarity about the fundamental right to education. Since that initial encounter, I’ve been closely following her trajectory through the Malala Fund’s work and her various speaking engagements at international forums.

Malala’s fame stems from her tireless advocacy for girls’ education, particularly in regions where women face systemic oppression. At just seventeen, she became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, which really speaks volumes about the magnitude of her impact. But what sets her apart from other activists, in my view, is her ability to articulate complex issues with both intellectual rigor and emotional authenticity. She’s managed to galvanize a global movement while remaining refreshingly humble and grounded. Her recent graduation from Oxford and continued work through her foundation demonstrate that she’s not just a symbolic figure but someone genuinely committed to tangible change.

The reasons I’m desperate to meet her are multifaceted. On a personal level, I’m deeply inspired by her philosophy that education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world. As someone who’s passionate about education reform myself, I’d be incredibly grateful for the opportunity to pick her brain about effective strategies for grassroots activism. I’m particularly interested in understanding how she’s managed to navigate the fine line between being a public figurehead and a private individual – the way she’s handled fame without letting it compromise her mission is nothing short of remarkable.

Additionally, I’m intrigued by the psychological resilience she exhibits. Having survived such a traumatic experience at such a formative age, yet emerging not with bitterness but with even greater determination, suggests an extraordinary strength of character. I’d love to ask her about the role her father played in nurturing this fearlessness, and how young people today can cultivate similar courage in the face of adversity.

Beyond the professional aspect, I think a conversation with Malala would be profoundly humanizing. The media often portrays activists as larger-than-life figures, but I imagine she’s someone who grapples with doubts and challenges like anyone else. Understanding how she processes these moments while maintaining her sense of purpose would be genuinely enlightening. Ultimately, meeting Malala wouldn’t just be about rubbing shoulders with a celebrity – it would be about connecting with someone who’s living proof that one person, armed with conviction and courage, can genuinely alter the course of history.”

Gặp gỡ người nổi tiếng trong IELTS Speaking đạt band điểm cao với Malala

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Hoàn toàn trôi chảy, tự nhiên như native speaker. Discourse markers tinh vi (hands down, Additionally, Beyond, Ultimately). Perfect coherence với clear topic development.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Exceptional vocabulary: “embodies”, “unwavering resolve”, “struck a chord with”, “stems from”, “galvanize”, “multifaceted”, “pick her brain”, “nothing short of remarkable”. Idiomatic và colloquial expressions dùng chính xác.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range: participle clauses (Having survived…), cleft sentences (What sets her apart…), inversion (Not with bitterness but with…), conditional, passive. Virtually error-free.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Giả định có natural delivery với appropriate intonation, stress patterns, và connected speech features như native-like quality.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Không có hesitation hay repetition
• Discourse markers được sử dụng một cách tự nhiên và đa dạng: “hands down”, “in my view”, “on a personal level”, “additionally”, “ultimately”
• Speech flow naturally từ ý này sang ý khác

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Sử dụng idiomatic expressions chính xác: “struck a chord with me”, “speaks volumes”, “pick her brain”, “nothing short of remarkable”, “rubbing shoulders with”
• Collocations tinh tế: “unwavering resolve”, “moral clarity”, “systemic oppression”, “grassroots activism”, “formative age”
• Abstract nouns: “magnitude”, “eloquence”, “adversity”, “trajectory”, “authenticity”

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Cleft sentences: “What really struck a chord with me was that…”, “What sets her apart is…”
• Participle clauses: “Having survived such a traumatic experience”
• Inversion: “Not with bitterness but with even greater determination”
• Complex conditionals: “If I could meet any famous person, it would hands down be…”
• Relative clauses với nhiều variation: “someone who embodies…”, “regions where women face…”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ nói về achievement mà còn analyze psychological resilience và character
• Đưa ra multiple perspectives: personal connection, professional interest, humanizing aspect
• Critical thinking: so sánh Malala với other activists, nhận ra complexity của việc balance public và private life
• Personal reflection genuine và sophisticated

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn nói xong Part 2, examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3. Đây là những câu hỏi đơn giản hơn Part 3.

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Question 1: Have you read any books by this person?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I’ve read her autobiography. It was very interesting and inspiring. She talked about her life and her struggles.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Yes, I’ve actually read both ‘I Am Malala’ and her more recent book ‘We Are Displaced’. What I found particularly compelling was how she weaves together personal narrative with broader socio-political analysis. Her writing style is remarkably accessible yet intellectually rigorous.”

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Question 2: Do you think you’ll actually meet this person one day?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I don’t think so because she is very busy and famous. But maybe if I work hard and become successful, I might have a chance.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Realistically, it’s probably a long shot, but I like to think it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility. If I continue working in education advocacy, perhaps our paths might cross at some international conference or event. Stranger things have happened, right?”

Nếu bạn quan tâm đến cách kể về một nhân vật thú vị khác, hãy xem thêm describe an interesting person you have not met but would like to know more about để có thêm góc nhìn về cách mô tả người nổi tiếng.

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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần khó nhất và quan trọng nhất của IELTS Speaking vì nó thực sự test khả năng critical thinking và ability to discuss abstract ideas của bạn. Nếu Part 1 là về personal experience và Part 2 là descriptive storytelling, thì Part 3 là philosophical discussion và analysis.

Thời gian: 4-5 phút

Đặc điểm: Thảo luận hai chiều giữa bạn và examiner về những vấn đề trừu tượng, sâu sắc hơn liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá (analyze, compare, evaluate)
• Đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ chặt chẽ
• Xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề (multiple perspectives)
• Discuss society-level implications, không chỉ personal experience

Chiến lược:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời thành 3-5 câu (hoặc hơn nếu có ý hay)
• Sử dụng discourse markers để structure câu trả lời: “Well, I think…”, “On the one hand…, on the other hand…”, “From my perspective…”
• Đưa ra examples từ society, current events, không chỉ về bản thân
• Acknowledge complexity: “It’s not a straightforward issue”, “There are multiple factors at play”
• Nếu không chắc, có thể paraphrase câu hỏi để mua thời gian: “That’s an interesting question. When you ask about…”

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) do sợ sai
• Không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng, chỉ state opinion
• Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng (abstract vocabulary)
• Không structure câu trả lời (answer all over the place)
• Dùng “I think” quá nhiều mà không có variation

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Dưới đây là các câu hỏi Part 3 authentic liên quan đến topic về fame và celebrities, được phân loại theo theme để dễ chuẩn bị.

Theme 1: Social Media and Modern Fame

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Question 1: Is it easier to become famous now than in the past?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare (so sánh quá khứ và hiện tại)
• Key words: “easier”, “now”, “past” – cần so sánh accessibility và barriers to fame
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Direct answer (Yes/No/To some extent)
  • Reason 1 + example (về technology/social media)
  • Reason 2 + example (về traditional vs modern barriers)
  • Nuance/qualification (acknowledge negative aspects)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think it’s much easier now. In the past, people needed to go through TV companies or film studios to become famous, but now they can use social media. For example, many young people become famous on TikTok or YouTube by posting videos. They don’t need permission from anyone. However, it might be harder to stay famous because there are so many people trying to become influencers.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có answer → reason → example → acknowledgment
• Vocabulary: Adequate với “film studios”, “permission”, “influencers” nhưng chưa sophisticated
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ý tưởng clear và logical, nhưng thiếu depth trong analysis. Vocabulary chủ yếu basic. Grammar structures không phức tạp.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say it’s considerably easier in terms of accessibility, though perhaps not easier in terms of achieving lasting recognition. What’s fundamentally changed is that social media has democratized the process – you no longer need to navigate traditional gatekeepers like talent scouts or casting directors. Someone in a remote village with just a smartphone can potentially reach millions of people overnight if their content resonates.

That said, I think we need to distinguish between two types of fame. Viral fame – the kind where someone gets millions of views on a video – is certainly more achievable now. However, sustained relevance and the kind of iconic status that people like Michael Jackson or Princess Diana achieved might actually be harder to attain in today’s fragmented media landscape. There’s just so much content saturation and such fierce competition for people’s attention that staying in the public consciousness is incredibly challenging.

So essentially, the barrier to entry has dramatically lowered, but the barrier to longevity has perhaps increased. It’s a double-edged sword – more opportunity but also more fleeting and precarious success.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear progression:

  1. Direct answer với nuance (easier in accessibility, harder in lasting fame)
  2. Reason 1: democratization through social media + example
  3. Distinction: viral fame vs sustained relevance
  4. Reason 2: content saturation + competition
  5. Conclusion: summarize both sides (barrier to entry vs barrier to longevity)

• Vocabulary:

  • Precise và sophisticated: “democratized”, “navigate traditional gatekeepers”, “fragmented media landscape”, “content saturation”, “public consciousness”
  • Collocations: “lasting recognition”, “sustained relevance”, “iconic status”, “fierce competition”, “barrier to entry”
  • Idiomatic: “double-edged sword”, “overnight”

• Grammar:

  • Cleft sentences: “What’s fundamentally changed is…”
  • Conditionals: “if their content resonates”
  • Comparative structures: “considerably easier”, “harder to attain”
  • Passive voice: “is certainly more achievable”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Acknowledges complexity: distinguishes two types of fame
  • Balanced view: easier access BUT harder sustainability
  • Uses qualifying language: “perhaps”, “I’d say”, “to some extent”
  • Provides counter-argument: “That said”

💡 Key Language Features:

Discourse markers:

• Well, I’d say… – tự nhiên để bắt đầu
• What’s fundamentally changed is… – cleft sentence để emphasize
• That said… – để đưa ra contrasting view
• So essentially… – để summarize

Tentative language:

• I’d say, perhaps, might actually be – showing you’re not making absolute claims

Abstract nouns:

• accessibility, recognition, relevance, saturation, longevity, consciousness – vocabulary for abstract discussion

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Question 2: Do you think social media fame is as valuable as traditional fame?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Evaluation (đánh giá comparative value)
• Key words: “as valuable as” – cần define “valuable” (financially? socially? personally?)
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Clarify what “valuable” means
  • Compare aspects: financial rewards, social impact, longevity, credibility
  • Provide examples
  • Nuanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I don’t think they are the same. Traditional fame seems more valuable because traditional celebrities like movie stars have more respect and influence. Social media influencers are famous but many people don’t take them seriously. However, influencers can make a lot of money, sometimes even more than traditional celebrities. So it depends on what kind of value we’re talking about.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Opinion → reason (respect/influence) → counter-point (money) → qualification
• Vocabulary: “respect”, “influence”, “take seriously” – adequate but basic
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Có attempt to show both sides nhưng analysis chưa đủ deep. Thiếu concrete examples.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“That’s quite a nuanced question because it really hinges on how we define ‘valuable.’ If we’re talking about financial value, then I’d argue that social media fame can be equally lucrative, if not more so. Some YouTubers and Instagram influencers command seven-figure incomes through brand partnerships and sponsored content – revenue streams that didn’t even exist for traditional celebrities.

However, when it comes to cultural impact and lasting legacy, I think traditional fame still holds more weight. Think about icons like David Bowie or Audrey Hepburn – their influence transcends their era and continues to shape popular culture decades later. In contrast, most social media fame is remarkably ephemeral. Today’s viral sensation is often tomorrow’s footnote.

There’s also the question of credibility. Traditional celebrities typically achieved fame through demonstrable talent or exceptional achievement – they were vetted by industry professionals. Social media fame, on the other hand, can sometimes be built on manufactured personas or fleeting trends rather than genuine merit. This isn’t to diminish the creativity of content creators, but there’s often a perception gap in terms of legitimacy.

Having said that, I think we’re increasingly seeing a blurring of lines. Many traditional celebrities now leverage social media, and some influencers are crossing over into traditional entertainment. Ultimately, the value comes down to what the individual does with their platform – whether they use it for meaningful impact or just shallow self-promotion.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Multi-dimensional analysis

  1. Clarify “valuable” has multiple meanings
  2. Financial aspect + evidence
  3. Cultural impact + comparison + examples
  4. Credibility dimension + contrast
  5. Acknowledge evolution + nuanced conclusion

• Vocabulary:

  • Topic-specific: “lucrative”, “revenue streams”, “brand partnerships”, “cultural impact”, “lasting legacy”
  • Academic: “hinges on”, “define”, “transcends”, “ephemeral”, “demonstrable”, “vetted”, “legitimacy”
  • Advanced collocations: “command seven-figure incomes”, “holds more weight”, “perception gap”, “blurring of lines”

• Grammar:

  • Conditional: “If we’re talking about…”
  • Comparative: “equally lucrative, if not more so”, “more weight”
  • Cleft: “It really hinges on…”
  • Passive: “were vetted”, “can be built on”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Examines question from multiple angles (financial, cultural, credibility)
  • Uses concrete examples (Bowie, Hepburn)
  • Acknowledges complexity and evolution
  • Balanced conclusion without being wishy-washy

💡 Key Language Features:

• hinges on: phụ thuộc vào (sophisticated alternative to “depends on”)
• hold more weight: có trọng lượng hơn, quan trọng hơn
• transcends: vượt qua
• ephemeral: thoáng qua, không bền vững
• perception gap: khoảng cách trong nhận thức
• blurring of lines: ranh giới mờ nhạt

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Theme 2: Impact of Fame on Society

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Question 3: What impact do famous people have on young people?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-Effect / Impact Analysis
• Key words: “impact”, “young people” – cần analyze both positive và negative influences
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Acknowledge dual nature (both positive and negative)
  • Positive impacts + examples
  • Negative impacts + examples
  • Conditional factors (depends on type of celebrity)
  • Conclusion with personal view

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Famous people have a big influence on young people. Many teenagers try to copy their favorite celebrities’ style and behavior. This can be good if the celebrity is a good role model, like someone who works hard and helps others. But it can also be bad if young people follow celebrities who behave badly or promote unhealthy lifestyles. I think parents should help young people choose good role models.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: General statement → positive → negative → suggestion
• Vocabulary: “influence”, “copy”, “role model” – adequate but repetitive
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Has relevant ideas nhưng lacking depth và sophisticated language. Examples vague (not specific).

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“Well, the influence is quite profound and, I’d argue, cuts both ways. On the positive side, celebrities can be powerful catalysts for social change. When someone like Emma Watson uses her platform to advocate for gender equality, or when athletes like Marcus Rashford campaign against child poverty, they can galvanize millions of young people to become socially conscious and civically engaged. Young people often look up to these figures and feel empowered to make a difference themselves.

However, there’s a darker dimension to this influence. The curated perfection we see on social media – the flawless appearances, seemingly effortless success, and lavish lifestyles – can create unrealistic expectations and contribute to mental health issues among young people. Studies have shown a correlation between excessive social media consumption and increased rates of anxiety and body dysmorphia, particularly among teenage girls trying to emulate their favorite influencers’ looks.

What’s particularly concerning is the commodification of influence. Many young people now aspire to be influencers themselves, seeing it as a viable career path, but they may not fully understand the precariousness of this pursuit or the toll it can take on one’s mental wellbeing. They see the glamorous facade but not the constant pressure to maintain relevance or the vulnerability to online harassment.

I think the key factor is the quality of the famous person’s character and what values they embody. We need more celebrities who use their influence responsibly and authentically, rather than those who simply perpetuate consumerism and superficial values. Ultimately, it’s also about media literacy – teaching young people to critically evaluate what they see rather than accepting it at face value.”

Ảnh hưởng của người nổi tiếng đến giới trẻ trong IELTS Speaking Part 3

Phân tích:

• Structure: Complex multi-layered analysis

  1. Introduction acknowledging dual nature
  2. Positive influence + specific examples (Watson, Rashford)
  3. Negative influence + research evidence
  4. Deeper concern about commodification
  5. Solution-oriented conclusion about media literacy

• Vocabulary:

  • Sophisticated: “profound”, “catalysts”, “galvanize”, “curated perfection”, “commodification”, “precariousness”
  • Academic: “correlation”, “emulate”, “perpetuate”, “consumerism”
  • Precise expressions: “cuts both ways”, “darker dimension”, “at face value”

• Grammar:

  • When-clauses: “When someone like Emma Watson uses…”
  • Present perfect: “Studies have shown…”
  • Cleft: “What’s particularly concerning is…”
  • Passive: “is commodification”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Evidence-based: references studies about social media and mental health
  • Specific examples: Emma Watson, Marcus Rashford
  • Identifies systemic issues: commodification of influence
  • Offers solution: media literacy education
  • Sophisticated vocabulary showing deep understanding

💡 Key Language Features:

• cuts both ways: có cả hai mặt (idiom)
• catalyst: chất xúc tác, động lực
• galvanize: kích thích, thúc đẩy mạnh mẽ
• curated perfection: sự hoàn hảo được chọn lọc, dàn dựng
• commodification: việc biến thành hàng hóa
• at face value: theo giá trị bề ngoài, không phân tích sâu

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Question 4: Should famous people have more responsibility for their actions than ordinary people?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Justification (moral/ethical question)
• Key words: “should”, “more responsibility” – cần discuss obligation và fairness
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • State position clearly
  • Argument 1: influence = responsibility
  • Counter-argument: privacy and fairness
  • Reconcile both views
  • Conclude with balanced position

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7-8:

“Yes, I believe they should have more responsibility. Famous people have a big platform and many followers, especially young people. When they do something wrong, it can influence many others to copy that behavior. For example, if a celebrity promotes unhealthy products or behaves badly, their fans might think it’s acceptable. However, I also think famous people deserve some privacy and we shouldn’t expect them to be perfect all the time. They’re human too. But overall, I think the influence they have means they should be more careful about their actions.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position → reason (influence) → example → counter-argument (privacy) → conclusion
• Vocabulary: “platform”, “followers”, “influence” – relevant but could be more sophisticated
• Tại sao Band 7-8: Good structure với both sides considered. Có example. Nhưng analysis có thể deeper và vocabulary more precise.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“This is quite a contentious issue, but personally, I believe the answer is a qualified yes. The crux of the matter is that fame comes with disproportionate influence, and with that influence comes a certain degree of moral obligation. When a celebrity has millions of impressionable followers, their actions – whether they like it or not – carry significant weight. Take, for example, when a prominent athlete is caught using performance-enhancing drugs. This doesn’t just tarnish their own reputation; it can undermine the integrity of their entire sport and send the message to young athletes that cheating is acceptable if you don’t get caught.

However, I think we need to be careful not to hold celebrities to impossible standards. They’re entitled to personal autonomy and privacy like anyone else, and the current culture of constant scrutiny can be incredibly invasive and dehumanizing. There’s a fine line between accountability and unfair persecution. We can’t reasonably expect them to be paragons of virtue in every aspect of their lives.

What I would argue is that celebrities should be particularly mindful of their public-facing actions and statements, especially when they directly relate to their sphere of influence. A musician, for instance, should think twice before glamorizing substance abuse in their lyrics, given their young fanbase. But we shouldn’t vilify them for, say, having a private disagreement with someone or making personal lifestyle choices that don’t hurt anyone else.

Ultimately, I think the responsibility lies not just with celebrities themselves but also with the media and the public. We need to foster a culture where celebrities are encouraged to use their platforms constructively without feeling like they’re under constant surveillance. And perhaps more importantly, we need to teach young people to be discerning consumers of celebrity culture rather than uncritical admirers. After all, no one – famous or not – should be expected to be a flawless role model, and placing that burden on celebrities is neither fair nor realistic.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Highly sophisticated multi-paragraph response

  1. Position statement với nuance
  2. Main argument: influence = responsibility + specific example
  3. Counter-argument: right to privacy + critique of cancel culture
  4. Reconciliation: public vs private behavior distinction
  5. Broader solution: shared responsibility (media, public, education)

• Vocabulary:

  • Academic/formal: “contentious”, “disproportionate”, “moral obligation”, “impressionable”, “integrity”, “accountability”
  • Precise collocations: “qualified yes”, “tarnish reputation”, “undermine integrity”, “constant scrutiny”, “sphere of influence”
  • Idiomatic: “fine line”, “think twice before”, “After all”

• Grammar:

  • Inversion: “with that influence comes…”
  • Cleft: “The crux of the matter is…”, “What I would argue is…”
  • Passive: “should be held”, “are entitled to”
  • Complex conditionals and relative clauses throughout

• Critical Thinking:

  • Acknowledges question complexity: “contentious issue”
  • Nuanced position: “qualified yes” (not absolute)
  • Specific, relevant example: athlete doping scandal
  • Identifies systemic issues: cancel culture, media responsibility
  • Distinguishes public vs private behavior
  • Solution-oriented: shared responsibility model
  • Self-aware language: “I think we need to be careful”

💡 Key Language Features:

• contentious issue: vấn đề gây tranh cãi
• the crux of the matter: trọng tâm của vấn đề
• carry significant weight: có trọng lượng đáng kể, có ảnh hưởng lớn
• tarnish reputation: làm hoen ố danh tiếng
• fine line: ranh giới mong manh
• paragons of virtue: mẫu mực của đạo đức
• foster a culture: nuôi dưỡng một văn hóa

Khi nói về trách nhiệm và hành động của người khác, bạn có thể học thêm về cách diễn đạt từ Describe a time when you had to apologize để hiểu rõ hơn về accountability.

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Theme 3: Fame vs Privacy

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Question 5: Do you think famous people deserve privacy?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Justification (ethical question về rights)
• Key words: “deserve”, “privacy” – cần discuss rights vs public interest
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Clear position (Yes, with some qualifications)
  • Argument về basic human rights
  • Acknowledge public interest angle
  • Distinguish types of privacy intrusion
  • Conclude with balanced view

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think they deserve privacy. Even though they are famous, they are still human beings with personal lives. The media sometimes follows celebrities everywhere and takes photos without permission, which is not right. However, if celebrities do something illegal or harmful, then the public has the right to know. So there should be a balance between privacy and the public’s need for information.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Position → reason (human rights) → media behavior → exception → conclusion
• Vocabulary: “human beings”, “permission”, “illegal” – basic but clear
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear position và reasoning, nhưng lacks sophistication. Could develop ideas more.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“Absolutely, and I find it rather troubling that this is even a matter of debate. At the end of the day, celebrities are still entitled to fundamental human rights, and privacy is enshrined in international law as one of those rights. The fact that someone has chosen a career in the public eye doesn’t constitute blanket consent for round-the-clock surveillance of their personal lives.

However, I do recognize there’s a legitimate public interest in certain aspects of celebrities’ lives, particularly when it relates to their professional conduct or when they hold positions of influence. If a politician who campaigns on family values is having an affair, or if a health influencer is secretly promoting dangerous products, then there’s an arguable case for journalistic investigation. But there’s a world of difference between responsible journalism and the predatory behavior of paparazzi who stalk celebrities’ children or intrude on their most vulnerable moments.

What I find particularly egregious is the way some media outlets justify this invasion by claiming celebrities ‘wanted fame’ and therefore ‘asked for it.’ This is not only logically flawed – wanting recognition for your work doesn’t mean consenting to harassment – but it’s also deeply troubling in its implications. It’s the same victim-blaming logic used in other contexts, and it should be called out as such.

The real problem is the insatiable appetite of consumers for celebrity gossip, which drives this whole toxic ecosystem. As long as there’s demand for intrusive paparazzi photos and salacious stories, there will be supply. Perhaps we need stricter regulations on what can be published, similar to what some European countries have implemented, but ultimately, the cultural shift needs to come from the public recognizing that celebrities’ children, relationships, and health issues are none of our business.

In an ideal world, the media would focus on celebrities’ professional achievements and their voluntary public statements, and leave their private lives alone unless there’s a genuine public interest – and ‘we’re curious’ doesn’t constitute public interest.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptional organization

  1. Strong position with moral framing
  2. Acknowledgment of legitimate exceptions (public interest)
  3. Critique of paparazzi culture with specific examples
  4. Deconstruction of “asked for it” argument (analogy to victim-blaming)
  5. Root cause analysis (consumer demand)
  6. Solution proposals (regulation + cultural shift)
  7. Idealistic but clear conclusion

• Vocabulary:

  • Legal/formal: “enshrined”, “constitute”, “blanket consent”, “legitimate public interest”, “victim-blaming logic”
  • Academic: “predatory behavior”, “egregious”, “insatiable appetite”, “toxic ecosystem”
  • Precise: “round-the-clock surveillance”, “arguable case”, “salacious stories”

• Grammar:

  • Cleft sentences: “What I find particularly egregious is…”, “The real problem is…”
  • Conditionals: “If a politician who campaigns on family values is having an affair…”
  • Passive: “is enshrined”, “should be called out”
  • Inversion: “As long as there’s demand…”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Strong ethical stance with logical support
  • Distinguishes legitimate vs illegitimate intrusion
  • Uses analogy effectively (victim-blaming)
  • Identifies systemic issue (consumer demand)
  • Proposes concrete solutions (European regulations model)
  • Self-aware language: “In an ideal world”

💡 Key Language Features:

• at the end of the day: cuối cùng thì (idiom)
• enshrined in law: được ghi trong luật pháp
• blanket consent: sự đồng ý toàn diện
• world of difference: khác biệt rất lớn
• egregious: rất tệ, nghiêm trọng
• insatiable appetite: cơn thèm không thể thỏa mãn
• toxic ecosystem: hệ sinh thái độc hại

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Theme 4: Fame and Success

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Question 6: Is fame a good measure of success?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Evaluation + Definition
• Key words: “measure”, “success” – cần define both terms và explore relationship
• Cách tiếp cận:
  • Challenge the premise (fame ≠ success)
  • Define what real success means
  • Examples of famous but not successful / successful but not famous
  • Cultural differences in definition
  • Personal conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7-8:

“I don’t think fame is a good measure of success. Success should be about achieving your goals and making a positive impact, not just being well-known. Many scientists and teachers are very successful in their fields but aren’t famous. On the other hand, some people become famous for negative reasons, like scandals, which doesn’t mean they’re successful. I think success is more about personal satisfaction and contribution to society than about how many people know your name.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear disagreement → definition of success → examples → conclusion
• Vocabulary: “achieving goals”, “positive impact”, “contribution to society” – relevant but could be more sophisticated
• Tại sao Band 7-8: Good critical thinking và examples, but could elaborate more with deeper analysis.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9:

“I’d argue quite strongly that fame is actually a rather poor metric for success, and conflating the two is one of the more problematic aspects of contemporary culture. The fundamental issue is that fame is essentially about visibility and recognition, whereas success – at least the way I define it – is about achievement, fulfillment, and positive impact.

Consider the countless scientists, educators, and humanitarian workers who’ve made extraordinary contributions to humanity but whose names you’d never recognize. Take someone like Norman Borlaug, the agronomist who pioneered the Green Revolution and is credited with saving over a billion lives from starvation. Ask random people on the street who he is, and I’d wager that 99% wouldn’t have a clue. Does that make him unsuccessful? Quite the contrary – he’s arguably one of the most successful people in modern history.

Conversely, we have people who’ve achieved fame through scandal, controversy, or simply being notorious, yet we wouldn’t reasonably categorize them as successful. Reality TV stars who are famous for manufactured drama, internet trolls who gain followers through outrageous behavior – these people have achieved visibility but not what most of us would consider meaningful success.

I think part of the problem is that we live in an increasingly attention-driven economy where visibility is often monetized and therefore mistaken for achievement. Young people grow up seeing influencers with lavish lifestyles and millions of followers, and naturally conclude that this represents success. But it’s a rather shallow and unsustainable model.

If I were to define success, I’d say it involves several dimensions: mastery of a craft or field, positive impact on others, personal fulfillment, and perhaps financial stability – though not necessarily wealth. Fame might sometimes accompany these things, but it’s neither necessary nor sufficient for them. In fact, in many cases, fame can actually detract from genuine success by creating distractions and pressures that interfere with meaningful work.

There’s also a cultural dimension to this. In some Asian cultures, including Vietnamese culture to some extent, there’s traditionally been more emphasis on quiet achievement and contribution to family and community rather than individual recognition. I think that’s a healthier paradigm, honestly.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Masterful multi-layered argument

  1. Thesis: fame ≠ success, with clear definitions
  2. Positive example: Norman Borlaug (unknown but massively successful)
  3. Negative example: fame without achievement (reality TV, internet trolls)
  4. Root cause: attention economy
  5. Personal definition of success (multi-dimensional)
  6. Cultural perspective (Asian vs Western values)

• Vocabulary:

  • Academic: “conflating”, “metric”, “agronomist”, “paradigm”, “dimensions”
  • Precise: “visibility”, “recognition”, “fulfillment”, “monetized”, “mastery”
  • Sophisticated collocations: “poor metric”, “extraordinary contributions”, “manufactured drama”, “attention-driven economy”, “quiet achievement”

• Grammar:

  • Rhetorical question: “Does that make him unsuccessful?”
  • Cleft: “The fundamental issue is…”, “I think part of the problem is…”
  • Conditional: “If I were to define…”
  • Passive: “is credited with”, “is monetized”

• Critical Thinking:

  • Challenges common assumption (fame = success)
  • Provides concrete, impressive example (Norman Borlaug)
  • Identifies systemic issue (attention economy)
  • Multi-dimensional definition of success
  • Cultural comparative analysis
  • Rhetorical devices (rhetorical questions)

💡 Key Language Features:

• poor metric: thước đo kém
• conflating: nhầm lẫn, gộp chung
• wager: đánh cuộc (formal way to say “bet”)
• Quite the contrary: Hoàn toàn ngược lại
• mistaken for: bị nhầm với
• neither necessary nor sufficient: không cần thiết cũng không đủ
• detract from: làm giảm giá trị của

Tương tự như cách describe a film character you would like to be friends with, việc xác định giá trị thực sự của một người không nằm ở danh tiếng mà ở phẩm chất và hành động.

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Từ Vựng và Cụm Từ Quan Trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
celebrity	n	/səˈlebrəti/	người nổi tiếng	Many celebrities use their platform for charity.	celebrity culture, celebrity status, A-list celebrity, celebrity endorsement
influencer	n	/ˈɪnfluənsər/	người có ảnh hưởng (trên mạng xã hội)	Social media influencers can earn substantial income.	social media influencer, brand influencer, lifestyle influencer, micro-influencer
viral	adj	/ˈvaɪrəl/	lan truyền nhanh	The video went viral overnight.	go viral, viral content, viral sensation, viral marketing
content creator	n	/ˈkɒntent kriˈeɪtər/	người sáng tạo nội dung	Content creators need to be consistent to maintain followers.	digital content creator, video content creator
public figure	n	/ˈpʌblɪk ˈfɪɡər/	nhân vật công chúng	Public figures must be careful about their statements.	prominent public figure, controversial public figure
fame	n	/feɪm/	sự nổi tiếng	Fame comes with both privileges and responsibilities.	rise to fame, fleeting fame, overnight fame, fame and fortune
notoriety	n	/ˌnəʊtəˈraɪəti/	sự nổi tiếng (tiêu cực)	He gained notoriety after the scandal.	achieve notoriety, public notoriety
limelight	n	/ˈlaɪmlaɪt/	ánh đèn sân khấu, sự chú ý của công chúng	She enjoys being in the limelight.	in the limelight, step into the limelight, stay out of the limelight
platform	n	/ˈplætfɔːm/	nền tảng, diễn đàn	She uses her platform to advocate for change.	social media platform, public platform, online platform
advocate (for)	v	/ˈædvəkeɪt/	ủng hộ, vận động cho	The celebrity advocates for environmental causes.	advocate for change, strongly advocate, advocate on behalf of
scrutiny	n	/ˈskruːtɪni/	sự giám sát chặt chẽ	Celebrities live under constant public scrutiny.	public scrutiny, intense scrutiny, come under scrutiny, face scrutiny
scandal	n	/ˈskændl/	vụ bê bối	The politician was involved in a major scandal.	political scandal, sex scandal, financial scandal, cause a scandal
reputation	n	/ˌrepjuˈteɪʃn/	danh tiếng	One scandal can destroy years of reputation.	build a reputation, damage reputation, stellar reputation, tarnish reputation
paparazzi	n (plural)	/ˌpæpəˈrætsi/	thợ săn ảnh người nổi tiếng	Paparazzi follow celebrities everywhere.	swarm of paparazzi, hounded by paparazzi
endorsement	n	/ɪnˈdɔːsmənt/	sự bảo trợ, xác nhận	The athlete signed a lucrative endorsement deal.	celebrity endorsement, brand endorsement, product endorsement
downfall	n	/ˈdaʊnfɔːl/	sự sụp đổ, thất bại	Pride led to his downfall.	contribute to downfall, sudden downfall, dramatic downfall
gatekeeper	n	/ˈɡeɪtkiːpər/	người kiểm soát (quyền tiếp cận)	Social media removed traditional media gatekeepers.	industry gatekeeper, cultural gatekeeper
authenticity	n	/ˌɔːθenˈtɪsəti/	tính chân thực	Followers value authenticity over perfection.	lack authenticity, convey authenticity, maintain authenticity
role model	n	/ˈrəʊl mɒdl/	tấm gương, hình mẫu	Athletes should be positive role models.	positive role model, serve as a role model, look up to as a role model
aspire (to)	v	/əˈspaɪər/	khao khát, mong muốn	Many young people aspire to be influencers.	aspire to be, aspire to greatness, aspire to achieve

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
in the spotlight	trong tâm điểm chú ý	Celebrities live their entire lives in the spotlight.	7-8
household name	tên tuổi quen thuộc, ai cũng biết	She became a household name after winning the award.	7-8
flash in the pan	thành công nhất thời	Many viral stars are just a flash in the pan.	7.5-8.5
rise to stardom	trở nên nổi tiếng	His rise to stardom was remarkably quick.	7-8
double-edged sword	con dao hai lưỡi	Fame is a double-edged sword – it brings opportunities but also pressure.	8-9
game-changer	điều làm thay đổi cuộc chơi	Social media was a game-changer for aspiring celebrities.	7.5-8.5
cut both ways	có cả hai mặt tích cực và tiêu cực	The influence of celebrities cuts both ways.	8-9
at face value	theo giá trị bề ngoài	We shouldn’t accept celebrity lifestyles at face value.	8-9
strike a chord with	gây được sự đồng cảm	Her story struck a chord with millions of people.	7.5-8.5
come under fire	bị chỉ trích	The influencer came under fire for her controversial statement.	7-8
make waves	tạo ra làn sóng, gây chú ý	His documentary made waves in the film industry.	7-8
a far cry from	khác xa với	Today’s instant fame is a far cry from traditional celebrity status.	8-9
the writing is on the wall	điều báo trước về tương lai	When scandals emerged, the writing was on the wall for his career.	8-9
ride on someone’s coattails	dựa vào thành công của người khác	She’s just riding on her famous parent’s coattails.	8-9

Để hiểu rõ hơn về cách kiên nhẫn theo đuổi mục tiêu giống như những người nổi tiếng, hãy xem Describe a time when you had to be patient để học thêm cách diễn đạt về sự kiên trì.

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Khi cần vài giây để suy nghĩ
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn nói thật lòng
• 📝 I’d say that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân (less direct than “I think”)
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Từ quan điểm của tôi
• 📝 In my view/opinion,… – Theo quan điểm của tôi

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
• 📝 Moreover/Furthermore,… – Hơn nữa (formal hơn)
• 📝 Besides/Apart from that,… – Ngoài ra
• 📝 In addition to this,… – Thêm vào điều này

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… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng chúng ta cũng cần xem xét…
• 📝 Having said that,… – Đã nói như vậy, tuy nhiên…
• 📝 That said,… – Điều đó đã nói, nhưng…
• 📝 At the same time,… – Đồng thời

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, rốt cuộc
• 📝 So essentially,… – Về cơ bản thì
• 📝 In the final analysis,… – Khi phân tích cuối cùng

Để làm rõ hoặc nhấn mạnh:

• 📝 What I mean is… – Ý tôi là…
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác
• 📝 To put it another way,… – Nói theo cách khác
• 📝 The point I’m trying to make is… – Điểm tôi muốn nói là
• 📝 What’s particularly important/interesting is… – Điều đặc biệt quan trọng/thú vị là

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional:

• Formula: If + past perfect, would + base verb
• Ví dụ: “If social media hadn’t existed, many current celebrities would never have achieved fame.”

Inversion (đảo ngữ):

• Formula: Had/Were/Should + subject + verb
• Ví dụ: “Were celebrities to lose their platform overnight, many would struggle to adapt.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining:

• Formula: …, which/who/whose…,
• Ví dụ: “Social media, which has democratized fame, has also made it more fleeting.”
• Ví dụ: “Many influencers, whose careers depend on algorithms, face constant insecurity.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive (để express general beliefs):

• It is thought/believed/said that…: “It is widely believed that fame comes at a cost.”
• It is argued that…: “It is often argued that celebrities should be role models.”
• X is considered/regarded as…: “Viral fame is often regarded as less legitimate than traditional fame.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-cleft (nhấn mạnh object/idea):

• Formula: What + S + V + is/was + complement
• Ví dụ: “What concerns me most is the pressure young people feel to become famous.”
• Ví dụ: “What’s fundamentally changed is the barrier to entry for fame.”

It-cleft (nhấn mạnh time/person/place):

• Formula: It + is/was + focus + that/who + clause
• Ví dụ: “It was social media that truly democratized the path to fame.”

5. Participle Clauses (Mệnh đề phân từ):

• Present participle (V-ing): “Having millions of followers, influencers can earn substantial income.”
• Past participle (V3): “Born into a famous family, she had immediate access to opportunities.”

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

• Never/Rarely/Seldom at the beginning: “Never before have ordinary people had such access to potential fame.”
• Not only… but also: “Not only do celebrities face scrutiny, but their families do too.”

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Chiến Lược Thi Hiệu Quả Cho Chủ Đề Fame

Cách Xây Dựng Câu Trả Lời Theo Structure

PREP Formula (Point – Reason – Example – Personal touch)

Đây là công thức đơn giản nhất cho Part 1 và có thể extend cho Part 3:

1. P – Point: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi
2. R – Reason: Đưa ra lý do
3. E – Example: Đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể
4. P – Personal: Kết nối với bản thân (optional cho Part 3)

Ví dụ với câu hỏi Part 1: “Do you follow celebrities?”

• Point: “Yes, I do follow a few celebrities on social media.”
• Reason: “mainly because I find their content inspiring and educational.”
• Example: “For instance, I follow this Vietnamese entrepreneur who shares business tips.”
• Personal: “Her practical advice has actually helped me with my own projects.”

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AREA Formula (cho Part 3 – Advanced)

Đây là structure nâng cao hơn cho Part 3 khi cần analyze deeply:

1. A – Answer: Trả lời trực tiếp với position
2. R – Reason: Đưa ra lý do chính
3. E – Example/Evidence: Example hoặc evidence (studies, statistics, real cases)
4. A – Alternative view: Acknowledge counter-argument
5. A – Assessment: Đánh giá và conclude

Ví dụ với câu hỏi Part 3: “Is it easier to become famous now?”

• Answer: “I’d say it’s considerably easier in terms of accessibility.”
• Reason: “Social media has democratized the process – you don’t need traditional gatekeepers anymore.”
• Example: “Someone like Emma Chamberlain went from unknown teenager to millions of followers just through YouTube vlogs.”
• Alternative: “However, sustained relevance might actually be harder due to content saturation.”
• Assessment: “So essentially, the barrier to entry has lowered, but the barrier to longevity has increased.”

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Tips Từ Examiner

🎯 Điều Examiners Muốn Thấy:

1. Natural delivery – Nói tự nhiên như conversation, không như đọc script
2. Extended responses – Particularly cho Part 3 (3-5 câu minimum)
3. Self-correction – Tự sửa lỗi nhỏ cho thấy fluency tốt (natural feature của native speakers)
4. Variety in grammar và vocabulary – Không lặp lại structures
5. Critical thinking – Especially Part 3, show you can analyze

❌ Những Gì Examiners Không Thích:

1. Memorized answers – Rất dễ nhận ra, will be penalized
2. Off-topic rambling – Nói dài nhưng không trả lời câu hỏi
3. One-word answers – Particularly problematic in Part 1
4. Asking examiner to repeat too often – Cho thấy listening issues
5. Being too casual or too formal – Cần balanced tone

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Common Mistakes của Học Viên Việt Nam

Lỗi 1: Dùng “I think” quá nhiều

• ❌ Sai: “I think famous people are influential. I think they should be responsible. I think young people copy them.”
• ✅ Đúng: “I’d argue famous people are influential. From my perspective, they should be responsible. It seems to me young people often emulate them.”

Lỗi 2: Không mở rộng câu trả lời Part 1

• ❌ Sai: Q: “Do you follow celebrities?” A: “Yes, I do.”
• ✅ Đúng: “Yes, I do, mainly on Instagram. I’m particularly drawn to content creators who focus on sustainability and personal development rather than those who just post glamorous photos.”

Lỗi 3: Thiếu linking words

• ❌ Sai: “Social media makes fame easier. Anyone can post videos. Many people become influencers.”
• ✅ Đúng: “Social media makes fame easier. This is because anyone can post videos. As a result, many people become influencers without going through traditional channels.”

Lỗi 4: Vocabulary không natural (quá academic)

• ❌ Sai: “I utilize social media to observe celebrities’ quotidian activities.”
• ✅ Đúng: “I use social media to keep up with celebrities’ daily lives.”

Lỗi 5: Không trả lời đúng trọng tâm câu hỏi

• ❌ Sai: Q: “Why do people want to be famous?” A: “Many people are famous. They have money and fans. Social media helps them.”
• ✅ Đúng: “People want to be famous for several reasons. Primarily, fame brings financial opportunities and social influence. Moreover, there’s a psychological aspect – the validation and recognition can be incredibly appealing, especially in our current culture that equates visibility with success.”

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Lộ Trình Luyện Tập

Week 1-2: Foundation

• Học 20 từ vựng chủ đề fame mỗi ngày
• Record bản thân trả lời 5 câu Part 1
• Phân tích sample answers Band 8-9, note down structures

Week 3-4: Part 2 Mastery

• Practice 2 cue cards mỗi ngày với timer
• Focus on speaking for full 2 minutes
• Record và self-assess theo band descriptors

Week 5-6: Part 3 Deep Dive

• Practice complex questions về fame, celebrities, social media
• Mỗi câu trả lời aim for 1 minute (150-180 words nếu viết)
• Focus on critical thinking và balanced views

Week 7-8: Mock Tests

• Full speaking test simulation với timer
• Get feedback từ teacher hoặc speaking partner
• Identify weak areas và focus practice

Daily Practice:

• 15 phút: Shadowing native speakers talking về fame/celebrities
• 10 phút: Record 3 Part 1 questions
• 15 phút: Practice 1 Part 2 cue card
• 20 phút: Answer 2-3 Part 3 questions in depth

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Kết Luận

Chủ đề “Is it easier to become famous now?” và các vấn đề liên quan đến fame, celebrities, và social media là một trong những topics quan trọng và thường xuyên xuất hiện nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Với sự phát triển của mạng xã hội, đây là đề tài mà hầu hết thí sinh đều có thể relate được, nhưng để đạt band điểm cao, bạn cần:

🎯 Key Takeaways:

1. Vocabulary is crucial: Không chỉ biết từ cơ bản như “famous”, “celebrity” mà cần sophisticated expressions như “democratized fame”, “content saturation”, “fleeting recognition”, “public scrutiny”

2. Structure matters: Đặc biệt Part 3, cần có clear organization với discourse markers. Không nên nhảy lung tung giữa các ý.

3. Critical thinking wins: Band 8-9 cần show được ability to see multiple perspectives, acknowledge complexity, và provide nuanced views. Tránh black-and-white thinking.

4. Natural delivery: Speaking test là conversation, không phải presentation. Cần tự nhiên với discourse markers như “Well”, “Actually”, “You know”

5. Examples matter: Đặc biệt Part 3, examples từ real world (studies, current events, specific cases) làm câu trả lời persuasive hơn nhiều.

6. Practice với timer: Part 1 mỗi câu 15-20 giây, Part 2 đủ 2 phút, Part 3 mỗi câu 45-60 giây minimum.

🔑 Remember:

• Examiner không đánh giá opinions của bạn (agree hay disagree), mà đánh giá HOW bạn express those opinions
• Perfect English không tồn tại – thậm chí native speakers cũng hesitate, self-correct. The key is fluency và coherence
• Authentic > Perfect: Một câu trả lời natural với vài minor errors sẽ score cao hơn một câu quá perfect nhưng sound memorized

Lời khuyên cuối:

Đừng học thuộc lòng answers! Examiners được training để recognize memorized responses và sẽ penalize. Thay vào đó:

• Học vocabulary và collocations
• Practice với nhiều variations của cùng một topic
• Record và listen lại để identify areas for improvement
• Seek feedback từ teachers hoặc native speakers
• Most importantly: Stay curious và engaged với topic – genuine interest sẽ làm câu trả lời natural và convincing hơn nhiều!

Chúc các bạn tự tin và thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking! Remember, fame in the test room comes from your ability to communicate effectively, not from being perfect. Good luck!