IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe a Person Who Is Very Reliable” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề “Describe A Person Who Is Very Reliable” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến trong IELTS Speaking Part 2, xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các kỳ thi từ năm 2020 đến nay với tần suất trung bình-cao. Đây là chủ đề về mối quan hệ con người, yêu cầu thí sinh mô tả một người đáng tin cậy trong cuộc sống của mình. Khả năng xuất hiện trong các kỳ thi sắp tới được đánh giá ở mức cao do tính practical và relatable của chủ đề này.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được cách tiếp cận hiệu quả cho cả ba phần thi Speaking, bao gồm các câu hỏi thường gặp trong Part 1 về trust và relationships, cue card chi tiết cho Part 2 với các bài mẫu từ Band 6 đến Band 9, và các câu hỏi thảo luận sâu trong Part 3 về đặc điểm của người đáng tin cậy trong xã hội hiện đại. Bạn cũng sẽ được trang bị vocabulary chuyên sâu, discourse markers quan trọng, và những lời khuyên từ góc nhìn của một Examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi IELTS.

Những chiến lược và sample answers trong bài viết này sẽ giúp bạn tự tin xử lý không chỉ chủ đề này mà còn các đề tài tương tự về people và personal qualities, đồng thời tránh được những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam như trả lời quá ngắn, thiếu ví dụ cụ thể, hoặc sử dụng từ vựng đơn điệu.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày. Đây là phần warm-up để bạn làm quen với examiner và bầu không khí thi. Examiner sẽ hỏi về các chủ đề quen thuộc như work, study, hometown, hobbies và relationships.

Chiến lược quan trọng là trả lời tự nhiên nhưng vẫn mở rộng câu trả lời với 2-3 câu: trả lời trực tiếp, đưa ra lý do hoặc giải thích, và thêm ví dụ cụ thể nếu có thể. Đây không phải lúc để “khoe” vocabulary quá phức tạp, mà là thời điểm thể hiện khả năng giao tiếp tự nhiên.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn chỉ với “Yes” hoặc “No”
• Dùng từ vựng quá đơn giản, lặp đi lặp lại
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
• Ngập ngừng quá nhiều khi tìm từ vựng

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you think you are a reliable person?

Question 2: Who is the most reliable person in your family?

Question 3: What qualities do you think make someone reliable?

Question 4: Have you ever let someone down?

Question 5: How do you feel when someone breaks a promise?

Question 6: Do you prefer working with reliable people?

Question 7: Is it easy for you to trust others?

Question 8: Do you think reliability is an important quality in friendship?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you think you are a reliable person?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp có hay không (hoặc to some extent)
• Đưa ra evidence cụ thể để support câu trả lời
• Thêm một reflection ngắn về bản thân

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think I’m quite reliable. I always try to keep my promises and arrive on time for appointments. My friends often ask me to help them with important tasks because they know I won’t forget.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có ví dụ cụ thể về punctuality và keeping promises
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng cơ bản (quite, always try, important tasks), thiếu depth trong giải thích
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Câu trả lời adequate và clear nhưng chưa có sophisticated vocabulary hoặc complex structures

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say I’m reasonably dependable, particularly when it comes to meeting deadlines and following through on commitments. For instance, if I promise to help a colleague with a project, I’ll make sure to deliver on time, even if it means putting in extra hours. That said, I’m constantly working on improving my reliability in smaller day-to-day matters, like replying to messages more promptly.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary chính xác và natural: reasonably dependable, following through on commitments, putting in extra hours
  • Cấu trúc đa dạng: conditional (if I promise…), concessive clause (even if it means…)
  • Thể hiện self-awareness với “constantly working on improving”
  • Balanced view với “That said”
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Smooth, no hesitation, natural flow
  • Vocabulary: Precise collocations (meeting deadlines, deliver on time)
  • Grammar: Mix of simple và complex sentences
  • Ideas: Thoughtful với specific examples và honest self-reflection

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• reasonably dependable: khá đáng tin cậy (tự nhiên hơn “very reliable”)
• following through on commitments: thực hiện đúng cam kết
• deliver on time: hoàn thành đúng hạn
• putting in extra hours: bỏ thêm thời gian làm việc

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Question: Who is the most reliable person in your family?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ người đó là ai
• Giải thích tại sao họ reliable (với 1-2 ví dụ cụ thể)
• Có thể thêm impact của họ lên bạn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think my older sister is the most reliable person in my family. She always helps me when I have problems and never breaks her promises. Last month, she helped me prepare for an important exam even though she was very busy.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Clear structure, có example cụ thể về sự kiện tháng trước
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary đơn giản (helps me, have problems, very busy), thiếu emotional depth
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates effectively nhưng lacks sophistication

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Without a doubt, it would be my father. He’s incredibly consistent in both his words and actions, and I’ve never known him to go back on his word. What really sets him apart is his ability to remain calm under pressure and see things through no matter how challenging they get. For example, when I was going through a rough patch during university, he was there every single day offering support and practical advice, never once making me feel like I was a burden.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Opening phrase tự nhiên: “Without a doubt”
  • Vocabulary tinh vi: incredibly consistent, go back on his word, sets him apart
  • Idiomatic expressions: going through a rough patch, see things through
  • Emotional depth: “never once making me feel like I was a burden”
  • Specific example với concrete details
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Flows naturally như native speaker
  • Vocabulary: Collocations chính xác, idiomatic
  • Grammar: Complex sentences với relative clauses
  • Ideas: Personal và meaningful, shows depth of thought

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• go back on his word: nuốt lời, không giữ lời hứa
• sets him apart: làm anh ấy khác biệt
• remain calm under pressure: giữ bình tĩnh khi gặp áp lực
• see things through: kiên trì hoàn thành việc đến cùng
• going through a rough patch: trải qua giai đoạn khó khăn

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Question: How do you feel when someone breaks a promise?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Mô tả cảm xúc trực tiếp
• Giải thích tại sao có cảm xúc đó
• Có thể đề cập đến việc hiểu được circumstances

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I feel quite disappointed and upset when someone breaks a promise. It makes me lose trust in that person. However, if they have a good reason, I can understand and forgive them.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Covers feelings và response, có nuance với “if they have a good reason”
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary cơ bản (disappointed, upset, lose trust), thiếu elaboration
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Gets the message across nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated language

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Honestly, it can be quite disheartening, especially if it’s someone I’m close to. I think what bothers me most isn’t necessarily the broken promise itself, but rather the breach of trust it represents. That said, I try to be understanding because I know life throws curveballs and sometimes people genuinely can’t follow through despite their best intentions. What really matters to me is whether they communicate openly about it and take responsibility rather than just leaving me in the dark.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Emotional honesty: “quite disheartening”
  • Sophisticated analysis: “what bothers me most isn’t necessarily…”
  • Idiomatic language: life throws curveballs, leaving me in the dark
  • Balanced perspective: “That said, I try to be understanding”
  • Clear values: emphasizes communication và responsibility
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Natural discourse markers (Honestly, That said)
  • Vocabulary: Precise và idiomatic (breach of trust, follow through)
  • Grammar: Complex clauses, passive voice
  • Ideas: Nuanced understanding of human nature

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• disheartening: làm nản lòng (stronger than disappointed)
• breach of trust: sự phá vỡ lòng tin
• life throws curveballs: cuộc sống ném cho ta những tình huống bất ngờ
• can’t follow through: không thể thực hiện được cam kết
• leaving me in the dark: để tôi trong tình trạng không biết gì

Học viên IELTS đang luyện tập phần Speaking Part 1 với giáo viên về chủ đề người đáng tin cậy

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 để chuẩn bị và ghi chú. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục về một chủ đề cụ thể. Examiner sẽ không ngắt lời bạn trong suốt thời gian này.

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng đủ 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi keywords (không viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
• Nói đủ 2 phút, tốt nhất là 2-2.5 phút (không dưới 1.5 phút)
• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points theo thứ tự
• Sử dụng thì quá khứ nếu đề bài yêu cầu kể về trải nghiệm
• Phần “explain” là quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không tận dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị, vội vàng bắt đầu
• Nói quá ngắn (dưới 1.5 phút) hoặc dừng đột ngột
• Bỏ sót một số bullet points
• Không elaborate đủ ở phần “explain”
• Đọc từ giấy ghi chú thay vì nói tự nhiên

Cue Card

Describe a person who is very reliable

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What makes this person reliable
• And explain how this person’s reliability has influenced you

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a person (miêu tả một người)
• Thì động từ: Hiện tại (vì đang nói về đặc điểm của người đó), có thể dùng quá khứ khi kể về trải nghiệm cụ thể
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Bullet 1: Identity – ai là người này (relationship với bạn)
  • Bullet 2: Connection – bạn biết họ như thế nào, từ bao giờ
  • Bullet 3: Qualities – những đặc điểm cụ thể làm họ reliable
  • Bullet 4: Impact – ảnh hưởng của họ lên bạn (đây là phần quan trọng nhất)
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là nơi bạn thể hiện critical thinking và personal reflection, không chỉ liệt kê facts mà phải cho thấy emotional connection và deeper meaning

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about my best friend, Nam, who I consider to be an extremely reliable person. We’ve known each other since high school, so it’s been about ten years now.

What makes Nam so reliable is that he always keeps his promises. Whenever he says he will do something, you can be completely sure that he will do it. For example, last year when I was preparing for my IELTS exam, he promised to help me practice speaking every week, and he never missed a single session, even when he was busy with work.

Another thing that shows his reliability is his punctuality. He is never late for appointments. If we agree to meet at 3 PM, he will be there at 2:55 PM. This is quite rare in my experience because many people in Vietnam are often late.

Nam is also someone who gives good advice when I have problems. He listens carefully and thinks before he speaks, so his suggestions are usually very helpful and practical.

His reliability has influenced me in several ways. First, I have learned the importance of keeping promises. When I see how much people trust and respect him, I want to be more like that too. Second, I have become more punctual because I don’t want to disappoint him when we meet. Overall, having such a reliable friend makes me feel secure and supported, and it has definitely made me want to be a more trustworthy person myself.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Nói liên tục được 1.5-2 phút với ideas khá rõ ràng. Có sử dụng sequencing (First, Second, Overall) nhưng linking words còn basic. Có một số hesitation nhẹ.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate với một số collocations tốt (keeps his promises, gives good advice, trustworthy person) nhưng chủ yếu vẫn là common vocabulary. Có attempts ở paraphrasing nhưng limited.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences. Có sử dụng relative clauses (who I consider, when I was preparing). Grammar chính xác nhưng structures không đa dạng lắm.
Pronunciation	6-7	Clear và understandable, có pronunciation của các từ quan trọng đúng. Intonation natural ở mức cơ bản.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points theo đúng thứ tự
• ✅ Có examples cụ thể (IELTS exam preparation, punctuality)
• ✅ Structure rõ ràng, dễ theo dõi
• ✅ Có personal reflection ở phần explain

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary chưa sophisticated, nhiều từ repeated (reliable xuất hiện 4 lần)
• ⚠️ Thiếu idiomatic expressions và advanced phrases
• ⚠️ Ideas còn surface-level, chưa có deep insights
• ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa đủ complex và varied

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to talk about my former manager, Ms. Linh, who is hands down the most dependable person I’ve ever worked with. I got to know her about three years ago when I joined a digital marketing agency in Ho Chi Minh City, where she was heading the creative team.

What really sets her apart is her unwavering consistency. She has this remarkable ability to follow through on every commitment she makes, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem. For instance, if she promises to review your work by Friday, you can count on receiving detailed feedback by Thursday evening. This isn’t just about meeting deadlines, though – it’s about the quality and thoughtfulness she brings to everything she does.

Another aspect of her reliability is her emotional stability. Even during our most high-pressure campaigns with tight deadlines, she remained calm and composed, which had a tremendously reassuring effect on the entire team. She never shifted blame when things went wrong; instead, she’d take responsibility and focus on finding solutions. This kind of accountability is quite rare, in my experience.

What I particularly appreciate is that she’s consistently available when team members need support. She has this open-door policy where anyone can approach her with concerns, and she’ll always make time to listen and help, even if it means staying late or adjusting her schedule.

Her reliability has had a profound impact on me professionally. Watching her, I’ve learned that being dependable isn’t just about being punctual or completing tasks – it’s about building trust through consistent actions over time. She’s shown me that reliability is actually a form of respect for others. Now, whenever I commit to something, I think about whether I can truly see it through, and I try to communicate proactively if circumstances change. Her example has fundamentally changed how I approach my own professional relationships and has made me much more conscious of the trust people place in me.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Nói trôi chảy trong 2-2.5 phút với minimal hesitation. Cohesive devices đa dạng và sophisticated (For instance, Another aspect, What I particularly appreciate). Ideas progression logical và natural.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary with precise usage (unwavering consistency, emotional stability, accountability, profound impact). Good collocations (high-pressure campaigns, shifted blame, open-door policy). Some less common vocabulary (tremendously reassuring effect).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Variety of complex structures: conditionals (if she promises…), relative clauses (where anyone can approach), passive voice (I’ve learned that…). Mix of tenses appropriate. Mostly error-free.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation với appropriate stress patterns. Good intonation để emphasize key points. Natural rhythm.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“extremely reliable person”, “keeps his promises”	“hands down the most dependable person”, “follow through on every commitment”, “unwavering consistency”
Grammar	Simple: “He is never late for appointments”	Complex: “Even during our most high-pressure campaigns with tight deadlines, she remained calm and composed”
Ideas	Surface level: “He gives good advice”	Deeper insight: “reliability is actually a form of respect for others”
Examples	Basic: “never missed a single session”	Specific & detailed: “receive detailed feedback by Thursday evening” with context

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to tell you about my older sister, Mai, who epitomizes what it means to be genuinely reliable. We’ve grown up together, obviously, but it wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I truly began to appreciate just how rock-solid she is in every sense of the word.

What makes Mai so exceptionally dependable isn’t just her ability to honor her commitments – though she certainly does that without fail. It’s more about her fundamental integrity and the way she shows up consistently in both big moments and small, everyday interactions. She has this innate understanding that reliability isn’t merely about completing tasks on schedule; it’s about being someone others can lean on emotionally and count on practically, regardless of the circumstances.

To give you a concrete example, when our mother was diagnosed with a serious illness two years ago, the entire family was understandably thrown into turmoil. While everyone else, including myself, was oscillating between panic and denial, Mai immediately stepped into the role of primary coordinator. She meticulously researched treatment options, liaised with medical professionals, organized care schedules, and somehow still managed to provide emotional support to each family member individually. What struck me most wasn’t just that she took on this responsibility – it was the calm efficiency and unwavering composure she maintained throughout those harrowing months. She never once faltered or became overwhelmed, at least not visibly, and she certainly never dropped the ball on any of the countless tasks she’d taken upon herself.

But here’s what truly distinguishes her reliability: it’s completely ego-free. She doesn’t seek recognition or praise for being dependable; she simply operates from this deep-seated belief that when you say you’ll do something, you do it, and when people need you, you’re there. Period. This isn’t about making grand gestures or keeping score – it’s about maintaining consistency in a way that builds unshakeable trust over time.

Her influence on me has been transformative in ways I’m still discovering. Professionally, I’ve become significantly more conscientious about following through on commitments, even minor ones, because I’ve seen how cumulative reliability shapes how people perceive and trust you. Personally, she’s taught me that true dependability requires emotional maturity – you can’t be reliable if you’re constantly swayed by your own moods or circumstances. I’ve also learned to distinguish between being helpful and being a doormat – Mai is incredibly reliable, but she also sets healthy boundaries and communicates clearly when something isn’t feasible.

Perhaps most importantly, she’s shown me that reliability is actually a profound form of love and respect. When you consistently show up for people, when you do what you say you’ll do, when you remain steady even when everything around you is chaotic – you’re essentially telling them, ‘You matter to me, and I value our relationship enough to be worthy of your trust.’ That’s a lesson that has fundamentally reshaped my understanding of what it means to be a good friend, colleague, and family member.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently với minimal repetition hoặc self-correction. Sophisticated cohesive devices (To give you a concrete example, But here’s what truly distinguishes, Perhaps most importantly). Ideas progression extremely logical với depth và nuance. Full control of discourse features.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Sophisticated và precise vocabulary (epitomizes, oscillating between panic and denial, harrowing months, unshakeable trust, transformative). Idiomatic language natural (rock-solid, dropped the ball, keeping score). Collocations completely natural (fundamental integrity, innate understanding, unwavering composure).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures with flexibility và accuracy. Complex sentences with multiple clauses. Appropriate use của conditionals, passive constructions, relative clauses. Error-free throughout. Perfect control of tenses.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Native-like pronunciation với appropriate intonation patterns để convey meaning và emphasis. Natural rhythm và stress. Full range of phonological features.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói flows như một story tự nhiên, không có hesitation. Sử dụng discourse markers một cách tinh tế để guide listener qua các ideas (What makes Mai so exceptionally dependable isn’t just… – It’s more about…). Transitions giữa các points completely seamless.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “epitomizes what it means to be genuinely reliable” – không chỉ “is very reliable”
• “oscillating between panic and denial” – thay vì “everyone was worried”
• “harrowing months” – emotionally powerful word choice
• “ego-free” – concise và sophisticated way để describe selflessness
• “cumulative reliability” – abstract noun phrase showing intellectual sophistication

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• “it wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I truly began to appreciate” – cleft sentence với inversion
• “While everyone else was oscillating…, Mai immediately stepped into…” – contrast structure
• “What struck me most wasn’t just that she took on this responsibility – it was the calm efficiency” – another cleft focusing on what impressed speaker
• Perfect mixing của all tenses: present perfect (I’ve learned), past simple (she stepped), present simple (she operates)

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Không chỉ describe surface behaviors mà analyze deeper meaning của reliability:

• “reliability isn’t merely about completing tasks on schedule; it’s about being someone others can lean on”
• “reliability is actually a profound form of love and respect”
• “distinguish between being helpful and being a doormat”
• Shows philosophical understanding về human relationships

🎭 Emotional Depth:
Bài nói conveys genuine emotion và personal connection:

• Uses powerful example (mother’s illness) để illustrate points
• Shows vulnerability (“including myself”)
• Expresses admiration authentically
• Reflects on ongoing personal growth (“in ways I’m still discovering”)

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn sau Part 2 trước khi chuyển sang Part 3:

Question 1: Do you think you’re becoming more like your sister?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think so. I try to learn from her example and be more reliable in my daily life, especially at work.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to think I’m gradually incorporating some of her qualities, though I’ll readily admit I still have a long way to go. I’m definitely more mindful of following through on commitments than I used to be, but I haven’t quite achieved her level of unflappable consistency yet – that takes years of conscious practice, I imagine.”

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Question 2: Has she always been this reliable?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, as far as I can remember, she has always been very responsible since we were young.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“From what I can recall, even as children she demonstrated a remarkable sense of responsibility – she was always the one organizing our games and making sure everyone was included. But I think her reliability has become more refined and deliberate as she’s matured. It’s evolved from natural inclination into a conscious practice that she actively cultivates.”

Thí sinh IELTS đang tự tin trình bày bài nói Part 2 về chủ đề mô tả người đáng tin cậy trong phòng thi

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần thảo luận chuyên sâu kéo dài 4-5 phút, trong đó examiner sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi trừu tượng hơn liên quan đến chủ đề của Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất vì yêu cầu bạn phải analyze, evaluate, compare và express opinions về các vấn đề xã hội rộng hơn.

Yêu cầu của Part 3:

• Phân tích vấn đề từ nhiều góc độ
• Đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ rõ ràng
• So sánh các khía cạnh khác nhau
• Đưa ra examples từ xã hội, không chỉ personal experiences

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời với 3-5 câu (hoặc hơn nữa với Band 8+)
• Sử dụng discourse markers để structure ideas (Well, Actually, On the one hand…)
• Thừa nhận complexity của vấn đề (It depends, To some extent, That’s a complex issue…)
• Đưa ra balanced views, không nên quá one-sided
• Support ideas bằng reasoning và examples từ society

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn như Part 1
• Không elaborate đủ về reasoning
• Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng để discuss concepts
• Chỉ đưa ra personal opinions mà không có social perspective
• Không acknowledge different viewpoints

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Characteristics of Reliability

Question 1: What qualities make someone truly reliable in modern society?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion/Analyze – yêu cầu identify và explain các đặc điểm
• Key words: qualities, truly reliable, modern society (cần contextualize cho thời đại hiện tại)
• Cách tiếp cận: List 2-3 qualities chính → explain each one → cho examples → có thể contrast với past hoặc less important qualities

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think there are several important qualities that make someone reliable. First, they should be honest and always tell the truth. Second, they need to be punctual and arrive on time for meetings. Also, reliable people should be responsible and complete their work properly. In modern society, I think communication is also important because people need to stay in touch through phones and emails.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có listing của qualities (First, Second, Also) nhưng chưa deep explanation
• Vocabulary: Basic terms (honest, punctual, responsible) without sophistication
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers the question adequately với structure rõ ràng nhưng lacks depth, sophisticated vocabulary, và detailed reasoning. Examples quá general.

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say that reliability in today’s world is multifaceted and goes far beyond just showing up on time or completing tasks.

First and foremost, I think consistent communication has become absolutely crucial. With so many people working remotely or collaborating across time zones, being someone who responds promptly, keeps others in the loop, and proactively flags potential issues is essential. Gone are the days when reliability simply meant being physically present – now it’s about maintaining transparent communication channels even when you’re not in the same room.

Secondly, I believe emotional stability is increasingly important. We live in an era of constant disruption and rapid change, so someone who can remain level-headed and provide consistent support regardless of external pressures is incredibly valuable. This doesn’t mean being emotionless, but rather not allowing personal moods or circumstances to compromise your commitments.

What’s more, modern reliability requires a degree of adaptability. This might sound contradictory, but I think truly dependable people today need to balance consistency with flexibility – they honor their core commitments while also being able to adjust their approach when situations change. Someone who’s rigidly stuck in old methods isn’t really reliable if those methods no longer work effectively.

Finally, and perhaps most subtly, I’d argue that reliability now includes intellectual honesty – the willingness to admit when you don’t know something, acknowledge mistakes, and update your position when presented with new information. In our information-saturated world, pretending to know everything or refusing to admit errors actually undermines trust rather than building it.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Perfectly organized với clear signposting (First and foremost, Secondly, What’s more, Finally). Each point fully developed với explanation + reasoning + context.
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (multifaceted, proactively flags, transparent communication channels, level-headed, intellectual honesty, information-saturated world)
• Grammar: Complex structures throughout – relative clauses, conditionals (if those methods no longer work), participle phrases (being someone who responds)
• Critical Thinking: Shows nuanced understanding (reliability requires adaptability – acknowledges seeming contradiction), contextualizes for modern era, balances different aspects

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, First and foremost, Secondly, What’s more, Finally, This doesn’t mean…, but rather
• Tentative language: I’d say, I think, I believe, I’d argue (shows thoughtful consideration rather than dogmatic statements)
• Abstract nouns: consistency, adaptability, intellectual honesty, emotional stability
• Idiomatic expressions: Gone are the days, keeping others in the loop, level-headed

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Question 2: Do you think reliability is more valued in some cultures than others?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare/Opinion – yêu cầu so sánh cultural differences
• Key words: valued, cultures, comparison
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge complexity → give perspective on different cultural values → provide examples → avoid stereotyping

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think different cultures value reliability differently. In Western countries like Germany, people are very strict about punctuality and keeping appointments. But in some Asian or Latin American countries, people are more flexible about time. However, I believe reliability is important everywhere, just expressed in different ways.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Direct answer với basic comparison
• Vocabulary: Simple (strict, flexible, important) without nuance
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes valid points nhưng lacks sophistication, detailed analysis, và careful handling of cultural generalizations

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“That’s a nuanced question because while reliability as a concept is universally valued, the specific manifestations and relative priority given to it certainly vary across cultures.

In what we might call high-context cultures – think Japan, South Korea, or many Middle Eastern societies – reliability often manifests through long-term relationship building and implicit understandings rather than explicit contracts or rigid schedules. The emphasis might be less on punctuality to the minute and more on maintaining relationships and honoring long-standing commitments, even if the timeline is more fluid.

Conversely, in many low-context cultures like Germany, Switzerland, or Scandinavian countries, reliability tends to be more explicitly defined through precise timekeeping, documented agreements, and clear expectations. There’s often a cultural premium placed on efficiency and predictability, which shapes how reliability is perceived and measured.

That said, I think we need to be cautious about overgeneralizing. Within any culture, there’s enormous variation, and globalization is increasingly blurring these distinctions. Moreover, what might appear as lack of reliability from an outside perspective might simply be a different cultural framework for understanding time and commitment. For instance, what some cultures view as necessary relationship maintenance – like spending time on social pleasantries before getting to business – others might perceive as wasting time.

What I find fascinating is that in our increasingly interconnected world, there’s a growing appreciation for these different expressions of reliability. Successful international collaboration often requires understanding that someone can be deeply reliable without conforming to your culture’s specific behavioral markers of dependability.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated organization acknowledging complexity upfront, providing balanced comparison, adding nuance với caution about generalizing, finishing với interesting observation about globalization
• Vocabulary: Academic và precise (nuanced question, manifestations, high-context cultures, implicit understandings, premium, overgeneralizing, behavioral markers)
• Grammar: Advanced structures – think + noun phrase, passive constructions (is measured, is perceived), complex noun phrases
• Critical Thinking: Avoids stereotyping, acknowledges within-culture variation, shows awareness of globalization’s impact, demonstrates sophisticated understanding of cultural relativity

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: That said, Conversely, Moreover, For instance, What I find fascinating
• Tentative language: might appear, might perceive, often, tends to be (avoids absolute statements about cultures)
• Abstract nouns: manifestations, understandings, predictability, framework, collaboration

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Theme 2: Reliability in Professional Context

Question 3: Why is reliability so important in the workplace?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause/Reason – why question requiring explanation
• Key words: workplace, important
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple reasons → explain impact → give workplace examples → potentially discuss consequences of unreliability

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Reliability is very important at work for many reasons. First, if employees are reliable, the company can finish projects on time and satisfy customers. Second, reliable workers help create good teamwork because everyone can trust each other. Also, reliable employees usually get promoted faster because managers trust them with important responsibilities.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear points với some reasoning
• Vocabulary: Workplace-related nhưng basic (finish projects, satisfy customers, get promoted)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main ideas adequately nhưng lacks depth, sophisticated vocabulary, và detailed analysis of workplace dynamics

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Reliability is absolutely foundational to workplace effectiveness, and I’d say its importance operates on multiple levels.

At the most basic level, organizational operations simply can’t function smoothly without it. Modern businesses are built on intricate webs of interdependence – when one person fails to deliver, it creates a domino effect that can derail entire projects or compromise deadlines. Imagine a marketing campaign where the copywriter misses their deadline – suddenly the designers can’t proceed, the approval process gets compressed, and you might lose your optimal launch window. The cascading costs of unreliability in such scenarios can be substantial.

Beyond operational efficiency, though, reliability is crucial for building organizational trust, which is really the currency of effective collaboration. When you know your colleagues will follow through, you can confidently delegate, take calculated risks, and focus on your own responsibilities without constantly monitoring others. This psychological safety actually drives innovation because people feel secure enough to experiment and collaborate without fear that others won’t hold up their end.

From a career perspective, reliability functions as what I’d call a force multiplier for other skills. You might be brilliant, but if you’re unreliable, that brilliance has limited impact. Conversely, even moderate talent combined with rock-solid dependability can propel someone quite far professionally. Employers and clients increasingly value this because reliability reduces risk – they know what they’re getting, and in business, predictability often trumps occasional flashes of genius.

There’s also an often-overlooked dimension around reputation and social capital. In today’s networked professional world, your reliability – or lack thereof – precedes you. People talk, especially in specialized industries where professional communities are tight-knit. Being known as someone who consistently delivers opens doors, while unreliability can close opportunities you never even knew existed.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Multi-layered analysis starting từ basic operational level, moving to trust/culture, then career implications, finishing với networking effects. Each level fully explained với clear reasoning.
• Vocabulary: Business-sophisticated (foundational, intricate webs of interdependence, domino effect, cascading costs, force multiplier, social capital, trumps)
• Grammar: Varied complex structures – conditional (when one person fails), relative clauses, parallel structures (might be brilliant, but if you’re unreliable)
• Critical Thinking: Shows systematic thinking about different levels of impact, uses business concepts effectively, acknowledges less obvious consequences (reputation effects)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: At the most basic level, Beyond operational efficiency, From a career perspective, There’s also an often-overlooked dimension
• Metaphorical language: currency of collaboration, force multiplier, domino effect
• Business idioms: hold up their end, trumps occasional flashes, precedes you

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Question 4: How has technology affected people’s reliability in professional settings?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Change/Effect – requires discussing impact of technology
• Key words: technology, affected, professional settings
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge both positive và negative effects → provide specific examples của technology tools → discuss broader implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Technology has changed reliability in both good and bad ways. On the positive side, we now have many tools like calendars, reminders, and project management apps that help people remember tasks and deadlines. Email and messaging apps also make it easier to communicate quickly. However, technology can also make people less reliable because they get distracted by social media or too many notifications. Sometimes people also hide behind technology instead of taking personal responsibility.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced view với positive và negative sides
• Vocabulary: Technology-related nhưng general (calendars, reminders, messaging apps)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main points với reasonable balance nhưng lacks specific examples, sophisticated analysis of how technology fundamentally changes reliability dynamics

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Technology has created something of a paradox when it comes to professional reliability – it’s simultaneously made us more capable of being reliable while also introducing new ways to fall short.

On the enabling side, digital tools have dramatically lowered the barriers to reliability. Project management platforms like Asana or Monday give teams unprecedented visibility into workflows, automated reminders ensure nothing slips through the cracks, and cloud-based collaboration means geographical distance no longer poses the obstacle it once did. I’d argue these tools have made it inexcusable to miss deadlines or lose track of commitments – the scaffolding for reliability is now built into our work infrastructure.

However, and this is where it gets interesting, technology has also raised the bar for what constitutes reliability. Instant communication means there’s now an implicit expectation of near-constant availability. The person who doesn’t respond to emails within hours or messages within minutes might be perceived as unreliable, even if they’re diligently working on their actual responsibilities. This represents a fundamental shift – reliability used to mean delivering on major commitments; now it increasingly means being perpetually accessible.

Moreover, technology has introduced what I’d call “reliability inflation.” Because tools make it so easy to commit to things – just click ‘accept’ on that meeting invitation, or add yourself to that project channel – people often overcommit, then inevitably underdeliver. The friction that used to naturally limit commitments has been removed, but our actual capacity hasn’t increased accordingly.

There’s also a subtle psychological shift worth noting. Notification overload and digital distraction mean that even when people intend to be reliable, their attention is fragmented. You might genuinely forget a commitment not because you’re irresponsible, but because it drowned in a sea of Slack messages and app notifications. Technology has made reliability more about information management than just personal discipline.

That said, I think we’re starting to see a cultural correction. More organizations are establishing communication protocols, digital wellness policies, and clearer expectations around response times. There’s growing recognition that true reliability in our technology-saturated environment requires intentional boundaries and systems, not just good intentions.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated analysis acknowledging paradox upfront, systematically exploring multiple dimensions (enablement, raised expectations, overcommitment, psychological effects, emerging solutions). Each point thoroughly developed.
• Vocabulary: Tech-sophisticated và analytical (paradox, unprecedented visibility, scaffolding for reliability, perpetually accessible, reliability inflation, fragmented attention, cultural correction)
• Grammar: Complex structures throughout – conditional perfect (has made), passive constructions, relative clauses, parallel structures
• Critical Thinking: Shows deep analysis of unintended consequences, identifies paradoxes, discusses emerging trends, balances multiple perspectives

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: On the enabling side, However, Moreover, There’s also, That said
• Hedging language: I’d argue, might be perceived, I think we’re starting to see
• Analytical phrases: This represents a fundamental shift, what I’d call, worth noting, There’s growing recognition

Chuyên gia IELTS đang phân tích chi tiết các tiêu chí chấm điểm Speaking về chủ đề reliability

Theme 3: Trust and Society

Question 5: Do you think people are generally becoming more or less reliable in modern society?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Trend/Opinion – requires analyzing societal changes
• Key words: becoming, more or less, modern society
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge complexity → present different perspectives → provide reasoning for each → give balanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“That’s a difficult question. I think it depends on the situation. In some ways, people are more reliable now because we have better technology and education. But in other ways, people might be less reliable because modern life is very busy and stressful. Also, social media makes people more distracted. Overall, I think reliability depends more on individual character than on the time period.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Attempts balanced view nhưng somewhat vague
• Vocabulary: General terms (better technology, very busy, individual character) without sophistication
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Shows some attempt at nuance nhưng lacks specific evidence, detailed reasoning, hoặc sophisticated analysis of societal trends

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is one of those questions where the answer really depends on how we define and measure reliability, and I think there’s evidence pointing in both directions.

From one perspective, you could argue we’re becoming less reliable in certain respects. The atomization of society – people living more individualistic, transient lifestyles with weaker community ties – means there’s perhaps less social pressure to maintain the kind of long-term commitments that previous generations took for granted. The gig economy mindset, where everything is temporary and transactional, might be eroding the sense that reliability is a fundamental character trait rather than just a professional convenience. Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, constant digital stimulation and information overload genuinely make it harder to maintain consistent focus and follow through on commitments.

However, I think there’s a counterargument worth considering. In many ways, modern society demands more reliability, not less. Global interconnectedness means our actions have wider ripples – when supply chains span continents, when teams work across time zones, unreliability becomes exponentially more costly. This creates stronger incentives to be dependable. Moreover, the transparency of modern life – online reviews, professional networking platforms, digital reputation systems – means unreliability is more visible and consequential than it might have been when communities were smaller and word-of-mouth traveled slower.

What I suspect is actually happening is a polarization. The systems and expectations of modern society are creating a group of highly reliable professionals who understand that dependability is non-negotiable for success. Simultaneously, the stresses and distractions of modern life are making it harder for others to maintain consistency. The middle ground – people who were reasonably reliable through social pressure and limited alternatives – might be shrinking.

There’s also a generational dimension here that’s worth exploring. Older generations might perceive younger people as less reliable, but this might reflect different values rather than actual reliability. If you measure reliability by staying in one job for decades, then yes, younger people seem less reliable. But if you measure it by adaptability, transparent communication about limitations, and honoring commitments within agreed parameters, they might actually be equally or more reliable in ways that matter for contemporary work.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally sophisticated – acknowledges measurement complexity, presents thesis (less reliable), presents antithesis (counterargument), offers synthesis (polarization theory), adds generational nuance. Each perspective fully developed với evidence.
• Vocabulary: Sociologically sophisticated (atomization, transient lifestyles, gig economy mindset, exponentially more costly, polarization, non-negotiable)
• Grammar: Full range – conditional structures, relative clauses, passive voice, complex noun phrases, parallel structures
• Critical Thinking: Shows intellectual sophistication – questions underlying assumptions (how we define reliability), acknowledges evidence on both sides, offers original theoretical framework (polarization), considers generational differences without stereotyping

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: From one perspective, However, Moreover, What I suspect, There’s also
• Hedging/Academic language: you could argue, I think there’s evidence, worth considering, I suspect
• Analytical phrases: depends on how we define, there’s a counterargument, this might reflect, rather than actual

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Question 6: What can parents do to teach children about the importance of being reliable?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Solution/Advice – how question requiring practical suggestions
• Key words: parents, teach children, importance, reliable
• Cách tiếp cận: Suggest multiple strategies → explain why each works → provide examples → acknowledge challenges

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Parents can teach reliability in several ways. First, they should be good role models and show reliability themselves, like always keeping promises to their children. Second, they can give children small responsibilities at home, such as feeding pets or doing homework on time. When children succeed, parents should praise them. If children fail, parents should explain why reliability is important. Also, parents can use stories or examples from real life to help children understand.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists strategies với basic explanation
• Vocabulary: Parenting-related nhưng simple (role models, small responsibilities, praise them)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Provides reasonable suggestions nhưng lacks depth about developmental psychology, specific implementation strategies, hoặc sophisticated understanding of child development

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Teaching reliability to children is crucial, and I think it requires a multifaceted approach that evolves as children develop.

First and foremost, modeling is irreplaceable. Children are remarkably perceptive about gaps between what adults say and what they do. Parents who consistently follow through on their own commitments – whether that’s showing up on time, keeping promises no matter how small, or admitting and rectifying mistakes when they fall short – are providing a living template of reliability. This is particularly important because reliability isn’t just about big moments; it’s woven into daily interactions. When parents say “I’ll play with you after I finish this,” and then actually do it, they’re reinforcing that words mean something.

Beyond modeling, I think age-appropriate responsibilities with natural consequences are invaluable. This doesn’t mean harsh punishment for failures, but rather allowing children to experience authentic outcomes. If a child doesn’t feed their pet, the pet gets hungry and the child sees this direct result. If they don’t prepare their school bag the night before, the morning becomes stressful. These cause-and-effect lessons are far more powerful than abstract lectures about responsibility. The key is calibrating the stakes – significant enough to matter, but not so severe that failure is traumatic.

What’s equally important, though, is how parents respond when children inevitably fall short. Rather than shaming or harsh criticism, which often breeds either perfectionism or resignation, more effective approaches involve collaborative problem-solving: ‘What got in the way? What systems could help you remember next time?’ This frames reliability as a skill to develop rather than an innate quality you either have or don’t have. It also teaches that setbacks are learning opportunities rather than character failures.

I’d also emphasize the importance of helping children understand the relational aspect of reliability. Having conversations about how it feels when others let you down, or how it makes others feel when you’re dependable, builds empathy that motivates reliability beyond just external rewards or fear of punishment. Children who understand that reliability is a form of caring for others internalize it more deeply than those who view it as just rule-following.

Finally, and this is often overlooked, parents need to be careful about overloading children with commitments. In contemporary achievement-oriented culture, kids are often overscheduled, which actually undermines reliability because they’re constantly overwhelmed. Teaching children to thoughtfully consider what they can realistically commit to, and to communicate honestly when something is too much, is actually an important part of sustainable reliability.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive analysis organized logically: modeling, appropriate responsibilities, response to failure, empathy building, avoiding overload. Each strategy thoroughly explained với psychological/developmental reasoning.
• Vocabulary: Parenting and psychology-sophisticated (perceptive, living template, calibrating the stakes, breeds perfectionism, collaborative problem-solving, internalize, achievement-oriented culture, sustainable reliability)
• Grammar: Consistently complex – conditional structures, relative clauses, gerund phrases, parallel structures, passive constructions
• Critical Thinking: Shows deep understanding of child psychology, acknowledges common mistakes (shaming, overloading), balances different developmental needs, considers long-term versus short-term approaches, acknowledges cultural context

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: First and foremost, Beyond modeling, What’s equally important, I’d also emphasize, Finally
• Hedging language: I think, I’d also emphasize, often overlooked
• Psychological terminology: modeling, natural consequences, cause-and-effect lessons, internalize, empathy

Từ Vựng và Cụm Từ Quan Trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
dependable	adj	/dɪˈpendəbl/	đáng tin cậy, có thể dựa vào	She’s incredibly dependable in crisis situations.	highly dependable, utterly dependable, completely dependable
follow through (on)	phrasal verb	/ˈfɒləʊ θruː/	thực hiện đến cùng, hoàn thành cam kết	He always follows through on his promises.	follow through on commitments, follow through on promises, fail to follow through
accountability	n	/əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/	trách nhiệm giải trình, tính có thể đòi hỏi trách nhiệm	Strong accountability is essential in leadership.	personal accountability, demonstrate accountability, lack of accountability
unwavering	adj	/ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/	không dao động, kiên định	Her unwavering commitment impressed everyone.	unwavering commitment, unwavering support, unwavering consistency
see something through	phrasal verb	/siː θruː/	kiên trì thực hiện đến cùng	Despite obstacles, she saw the project through.	see it through, see things through, see a commitment through
breach of trust	n phrase	/briːtʃ əv trʌst/	sự phá vỡ lòng tin	A breach of trust can damage relationships permanently.	serious breach of trust, represent a breach of trust
consistently	adv	/kənˈsɪstəntli/	một cách nhất quán, kiên định	He consistently delivers quality work.	perform consistently, behave consistently, consistently reliable
punctuality	n	/ˌpʌŋktʃuˈæləti/	tính đúng giờ	Punctuality is highly valued in this company.	demonstrate punctuality, importance of punctuality
honor commitments	v phrase	/ˈɒnə kəˈmɪtmənts/	tôn trọng và thực hiện cam kết	She always honors her commitments.	honor commitments, honor promises, fail to honor
rock-solid	adj	/rɒk ˈsɒlɪd/	vững chắc như đá, cực kỳ đáng tin	His reputation is rock-solid.	rock-solid reliability, rock-solid foundation, rock-solid character
count on (someone)	phrasal verb	/kaʊnt ɒn/	tin cậy, trông cậy vào	You can always count on her in emergencies.	count on someone, can’t count on, always count on
let (someone) down	phrasal verb	/let daʊn/	làm ai đó thất vọng	I won’t let you down this time.	let someone down, never let down, afraid to let down
consistent	adj	/kənˈsɪstənt/	nhất quán, kiên định	He maintains consistent performance standards.	consistent behavior, consistent performance, remarkably consistent
drop the ball	idiom	/drɒp ðə bɔːl/	mắc sai lầm, không hoàn thành nhiệm vụ	We can’t afford to drop the ball on this project.	drop the ball, never drops the ball, dropped the ball
take responsibility	v phrase	/teɪk rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/	chịu trách nhiệm	He immediately took responsibility for the mistake.	take responsibility, take full responsibility, refuse to take responsibility
trustworthy	adj	/ˈtrʌstˌwɜːði/	đáng tin tưởng	She’s proven herself to be trustworthy.	highly trustworthy, completely trustworthy, trustworthy individual
integrity	n	/ɪnˈteɡrəti/	tính chính trực, liêm chính	His professional integrity is beyond question.	personal integrity, demonstrate integrity, lack integrity
deliver on time	v phrase	/dɪˈlɪvə ɒn taɪm/	hoàn thành đúng hạn	She consistently delivers on time.	deliver on time, fail to deliver, deliver ahead of time
go back on one’s word	idiom	/ɡəʊ bæk ɒn wʌnz wɜːd/	nuốt lời, không giữ lời hứa	He never goes back on his word.	go back on your word, went back on, never go back on
remain steady	v phrase	/rɪˈmeɪn ˈstedi/	giữ vững, ổn định	She remained steady throughout the crisis.	remain steady, remain calm and steady, remained remarkably steady

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
hands down	không còn nghi ngờ gì, chắc chắn	She’s hands down the most reliable person I know.	7.5-9
through thick and thin	qua mọi khó khăn, bất kể hoàn cảnh	He’s been there for me through thick and thin.	7.5-9
come through for someone	giúp đỡ ai đó khi cần, không phụ lòng	She always comes through for me when I need support.	7.5-8
leave someone in the dark	để ai đó không biết thông tin	Don’t leave me in the dark about the changes.	7.5-9
set someone apart	làm ai đó khác biệt, nổi bật	His reliability sets him apart from other candidates.	7.5-9
take on responsibility	nhận trách nhiệm	She readily takes on responsibility for challenging projects.	7-8
fall short	không đạt được, không làm đủ tốt	I don’t want to fall short of expectations.	7.5-8.5
hold up one’s end	hoàn thành phần việc của mình	Everyone needs to hold up their end of the bargain.	7.5-8.5
keep one’s word	giữ lời hứa	She always keeps her word, no matter what.	7-8
pull through	vượt qua khó khăn	The team pulled through despite the challenges.	7-8
stand by someone	ủng hộ, đứng về phía ai đó	True friends stand by you in difficult times.	7-8
weather the storm	vượt qua giai đoạn khó khăn	They weathered the storm together.	7.5-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn hoặc muốn bắt đầu thoughtfully
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn hơi khác hoặc correction nhẹ
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn thể hiện honesty và openness
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách diplomatic để đưa ra quan điểm
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là personal view

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, hơn nữa
• 📝 What’s more,… – Thêm nữa (formal hơn “also”)
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (usually cho điểm quan trọng)
• 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài ra, xa hơn nữa
• 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó (formal)

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Ở một khía cạnh… khía cạnh khác
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… chúng ta cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, dù vậy (để introduce contrasting point)
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó (similar to “that said”)

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét tất cả các yếu tố
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, điều quan trọng là
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Rốt cuộc, cuối cùng
• 📝 In the final analysis,… – Khi phân tích cuối cùng (formal)

Để thể hiện sự không chắc chắn/hedging:

• 📝 I suppose… – Tôi cho là (tentative)
• 📝 I’d argue that… – Tôi cho rằng (với lý lẽ)
• 📝 It seems to me that… – Với tôi dường như
• 📝 To some extent… – Ở một mức độ nào đó

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: “If I hadn’t witnessed his reliability firsthand, I wouldn’t trust him so completely now.” (Mix quá khứ và hiện tại)
• Inversion (đảo ngữ): “Had he not been so reliable, the project would have failed.” (Formal, sophisticated)
• Third conditional: “If he had let me down back then, I wouldn’t have recommended him for this position.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: “My father, who has never missed a deadline in his career, taught me about reliability.” (Thêm thông tin)
• Defining: “People who consistently keep their promises earn lasting trust.”
• Which referring to whole clause: “She completed the project ahead of schedule, which demonstrated her exceptional reliability.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that…: “It is widely believed that reliability is the foundation of trust.”
• To be + past participle: “Trust can be easily broken but is difficult to rebuild.”
• Get passive: “People get known for their reliability over time.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most impressive is…: “What I find most impressive about her is her unwavering consistency.”
• The thing that matters most is…: “The thing that matters most in reliability is following through on commitments.”
• It is … that…: “It is her emotional stability that makes her so dependable.”

5. Emphatic Structures:

• Do/does/did + verb: “She does keep her promises, without exception.”
• Never have I…: “Never have I met someone so consistently reliable.”

6. Participle Clauses:

• Present participle: “Being a reliable person, she’s often asked to lead important projects.”
• Past participle: “Known for her dependability, she has built an excellent reputation.”
• Perfect participle: “Having proven herself reliable over many years, she’s earned everyone’s trust.”

Tương tự như describe a person who is very reliable, chủ đề về personal qualities và relationships rất phổ biến trong IELTS Speaking. Khi chuẩn bị cho kỳ thi, bạn nên luyện tập với nhiều đề tài tương tự như describe a memorable day you had with friends để làm quen với cách miêu tả người và mối quan hệ một cách tự nhiên. Việc này giúp bạn phát triển khả năng kể chuyện và sử dụng past tenses một cách chính xác.

Đối với những ai đang tìm cách cải thiện kỹ năng miêu tả địa điểm và trải nghiệm, describe a place where you go to enjoy the fresh air là một chủ đề tuyệt vời để luyện tập descriptive language. Trong khi đó, nếu bạn muốn rèn luyện khả năng phản ánh về những quyết định và giá trị cá nhân, Describe a situation when you had to make a sacrifice sẽ giúp bạn phát triển critical thinking và emotional depth trong câu trả lời.

Một chiến lược quan trọng là đa dạng hóa các chủ đề luyện tập. Ví dụ, khi bạn chuẩn bị cho các câu hỏi về technology và modern life, Describe a time when you improved your digital skills cung cấp framework tuyệt vời để nói về personal development và lifelong learning. Bạn có thể áp dụng cấu trúc tương tự khi nói về việc phát triển reliability như một skill.

Cuối cùng, đừng quên rằng IELTS Speaking đánh giá khả năng giao tiếp tự nhiên của bạn. Hãy thực hành với bạn bè hoặc giáo viên, record lại câu trả lời để tự đánh giá, và luôn tập trung vào việc truyền đạt ý tưởng rõ ràng thay vì chỉ sử dụng từ vựng phức tạp. Reliability trong học tập cũng giống như reliability trong cuộc sống – consistent practice over time sẽ mang lại kết quả tốt nhất. Với đủ preparation và confidence, bạn hoàn toàn có thể đạt band điểm mong muốn trong phần thi Speaking.