IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe A Traditional Dish In Your Culture” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Chủ đề ẩm thực truyền thống là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và “thân thiện” nhất trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking. Đề bài “Describe A Traditional Dish In Your Culture That You Want To Learn To Cook” đặc biệt xuất hiện thường xuyên từ 2020 đến nay, với tần suất trung bình 2-3 tháng/lần tại các trung tâm thi ở Việt Nam và khu vực Đông Nam Á. Theo dữ liệu từ IELTS-Simon.com và ielts-blog.com, đây là chủ đề có mức độ xuất hiện cao và dự kiến sẽ tiếp tục là topic ưa thích trong năm 2024-2025.

Từ góc nhìn của một examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi, tôi nhận thấy chủ đề này cho phép thí sinh thể hiện khả năng mô tả chi tiết, giải thích lý do, và bày tỏ cảm xúc cá nhân – những yếu tố quan trọng để đạt điểm cao. Tuy nhiên, nhiều học viên Việt Nam thường mắc lỗi khi chỉ liệt kê nguyên liệu mà thiếu sự phân tích sâu sắc về ý nghĩa văn hóa hay kỹ thuật nấu nướng.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Câu hỏi thực tế xuất hiện trong cả 3 Part của IELTS Speaking
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo từng band điểm 6-7, 7.5-8, và 8.5-9
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm liên quan đến ẩm thực
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn examiner
• Những lỗi thường gặp của thí sinh Việt Nam và cách khắc phục

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 đời sống hàng ngày. Examiner muốn đánh giá khả năng giao tiếp tự nhiên của bạn trong các tình huống thông thường. Chiến lược quan trọng nhất là trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, sau đó mở rộng bằng lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể trong 2-3 câu.

Lỗi phổ biến nhất của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn kiểu Yes/No mà không giải thích
• Sử dụng từ vựng đơn giản như “good”, “nice”, “delicious” lặp đi lặp lại
• Thiếu ví dụ cá nhân để minh họa
• Nói quá dài, lạc đề khỏi câu hỏi ban đầu

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you like cooking?

Question 2: What kind of food do you usually cook at home?

Question 3: Who taught you how to cook?

Question 4: Do you prefer home-cooked meals or eating out?

Question 5: What is your favorite traditional dish from your country?

Question 6: How often do you eat traditional food?

Question 7: Do you think cooking is an important skill?

Question 8: Have you ever tried cooking dishes from other cultures?

Question 9: What cooking skills would you like to learn?

Question 10: Do you watch cooking shows or read recipes online?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Do you like cooking?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra câu trả lời rõ ràng (Yes/No/It depends)
• Giải thích lý do tại sao thích hoặc không thích
• Thêm một ví dụ cụ thể về thói quen nấu ăn của bạn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I do enjoy cooking, especially on weekends when I have more free time. I find it relaxing after a long week of work. I usually make simple dishes like fried rice or noodle soup for my family.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có lý do (relaxing), có ví dụ cụ thể (fried rice, noodle soup)
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng cơ bản (simple, enjoy, relaxing), cấu trúc câu đơn giản, thiếu sự chi tiết về cảm xúc khi nấu ăn
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng đủ yêu cầu nhưng chưa thể hiện được vocabulary range rộng hay grammatical complexity

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say I’m quite passionate about cooking, particularly when I have the luxury of time on weekends. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about the whole process – from selecting fresh ingredients at the market to experimenting with different flavor combinations. I especially enjoy preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes like braised pork belly with eggs, which reminds me of my grandmother’s cooking.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary tinh tế: “passionate about”, “therapeutic”, “flavor combinations”, “braised pork belly”
  • Cấu trúc phức tạp: “There’s something…about”, “from…to…” (parallel structure)
  • Personal connection: đề cập đến bà ngoại tạo emotional depth
  • Natural discourse marker: “I’d say”
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Câu trả lời trôi chảy với discourse marker tự nhiên
  • Vocabulary: Sử dụng collocations như “passionate about”, “luxury of time”, từ vựng cụ thể “braised pork belly”
  • Grammar: Có complex sentence với gerund phrases và relative clause
  • Pronunciation: Các từ như “therapeutic” cho thấy control tốt các từ đa âm tiết

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• passionate about (something): yêu thích, đam mê điều gì đó
• therapeutic: có tác dụng chữa lành, thư giãn tinh thần
• flavor combinations: sự kết hợp các hương vị
• braised pork belly: thịt ba chỉ kho
• the luxury of time: sự xa xỉ về thời gian (có nhiều thời gian rảnh)

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Question: What is your favorite traditional dish from your country?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu tên món ăn cụ thể
• Mô tả ngắn gọn món ăn đó
• Giải thích tại sao thích (hương vị, kỷ niệm, ý nghĩa văn hóa)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“My favorite traditional dish is pho. It’s a noodle soup with beef or chicken. I love it because it’s very tasty and healthy. Vietnamese people often eat pho for breakfast, and you can find it everywhere in Vietnam.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có tên món ăn cụ thể, mô tả cơ bản, đề cập đến văn hóa ăn uống
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng quá đơn giản (tasty, healthy, everywhere), thiếu chi tiết về hương vị hay cảm xúc cá nhân, mô tả chung chung
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Vocabulary adequate nhưng repetitive, grammar đúng nhưng đơn giản, thiếu personal detail

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d have to say phở is my all-time favorite. It’s an aromatic beef noodle soup with a rich, slow-simmered broth that’s infused with star anise, cinnamon, and charred ginger. What I find most captivating about phở is how the delicate rice noodles perfectly complement the tender slices of beef and fresh herbs. Beyond the taste, it holds nostalgic value for me since my father and I used to have steaming bowls of phở together every Sunday morning.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Vocabulary sophisticated: “aromatic”, “slow-simmered”, “infused with”, “captivating”, “delicate”, “complement”, “tender slices”
  • Sensory details: mô tả cả mùi (aromatic), vị (rich broth), cảm giác (tender, delicate)
  • Emotional connection: nostalgic value, Sunday morning ritual với bố
  • Grammar complexity: relative clause “that’s infused with”, cleft sentence “What I find most captivating”
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Câu trả lời mạch lạc với clear progression từ description → personal feeling → memory
  • Vocabulary: Precise, topic-specific terms, natural collocations (slow-simmered broth, steaming bowls)
  • Grammar: Mixed structures – simple, compound, complex sentences
  • Pronunciation: Control tốt các từ như “aromatic”, “captivating”, “complement”

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• aromatic: thơm, có mùi thơm dễ chịu
• slow-simmered broth: nước dùng ninh kỹ từ từ
• infused with: thấm đẫm, được pha trộn với
• captivating: hấp dẫn, quyến rũ
• complement: bổ sung hoàn hảo cho nhau
• holds nostalgic value: mang giá trị hoài niệm
• steaming bowls: tô nóng hổi (tỏa hơi)

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Question: Do you think cooking is an important skill?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra quan điểm rõ ràng (Yes/Absolutely/To some extent)
• Giải thích 2 lý do cụ thể
• Có thể thêm example hoặc consequence

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think cooking is very important. First, it helps you save money because eating out is expensive. Second, home-cooked food is usually healthier than restaurant food. Also, cooking can help you relax after work.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có structure rõ ràng (First, Second, Also), đưa ra được nhiều lý do
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (important, save money, healthier), ideas phổ thông không có depth, thiếu personal insight
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng yêu cầu về content nhưng vocabulary và grammar range hạn chế

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, I’d consider cooking an essential life skill for several reasons. From a practical standpoint, being able to prepare your own meals gives you complete control over your nutrition and dietary choices, which is particularly crucial in today’s world where processed foods are so prevalent. Beyond that, I think cooking fosters creativity and can be a wonderful way to bond with family members. In Vietnamese culture especially, the kitchen has always been the heart of the home where generations come together and traditions are passed down.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Opening với strong opinion marker: “Absolutely, I’d consider”
  • Clear organization: practical reason → personal/social reason → cultural perspective
  • Sophisticated vocabulary: “essential life skill”, “from a practical standpoint”, “complete control over”, “fosters creativity”, “bond with”
  • Cultural insight: Vietnamese kitchen culture
  • Abstract concepts: nutrition, creativity, tradition
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Smooth transitions giữa các ý, sử dụng discourse markers hiệu quả
  • Vocabulary: Topic-specific terms (processed foods, dietary choices), metaphor (heart of the home), precise verbs (fosters, bond)
  • Grammar: Complex structures – relative clauses, passive voice, present perfect
  • Ideas: Multi-dimensional thinking – practical, emotional, cultural levels

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• essential life skill: kỹ năng sống thiết yếu
• from a practical standpoint: từ góc độ thực tế
• complete control over: kiểm soát hoàn toàn
• particularly crucial: đặc biệt quan trọng
• processed foods: thực phẩm chế biến sẵn
• fosters creativity: nuôi dưỡng sự sáng tạo
• bond with family members: gắn kết với các thành viên gia đình
• heart of the home: trái tim của ngôi nhà
• generations come together: các thế hệ sum họp
• traditions are passed down: truyền thống được truyền lại

Học viên Việt Nam đang luyện tập IELTS Speaking Part 1 về chủ đề ẩm thực truyền thống với giáo viên

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và ghi chú trước khi nói. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục mà không bị gián đoạn. Examiner sẽ không ngắt lời bạn trong suốt thời gian này.

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng đầy đủ 60 giây để ghi chú keywords (KHÔNG viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
• Ghi theo thứ tự các bullet points để đảm bảo trả lời đủ
• Nói tối thiểu 1.5 phút, lý tưởng là 2-2.5 phút
• Dùng thì quá khứ nếu đề bài yêu cầu mô tả trải nghiệm trong quá khứ
• Nhấn mạnh vào câu “explain” cuối cùng – đây là nơi bạn ghi điểm cao nhất

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không tận dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị (vội vã bắt đầu)
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút (thiếu điểm về Fluency)
• Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
• Chỉ liệt kê thông tin mà không phân tích sâu
• Quên explain feeling/opinion ở cuối

Cue Card

Describe a traditional dish in your culture that you want to learn to cook

You should say:

• What the dish is
• What ingredients are needed to make it
• How it is typically prepared
• And explain why you want to learn to cook this dish

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an object/dish – yêu cầu mô tả chi tiết một món ăn truyền thống
• Thì động từ: Hiện tại đơn cho mô tả chung về món ăn, có thể dùng would/want to cho phần giải thích mong muốn
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • What the dish is: Tên món, nguồn gốc, đặc điểm chung
  • What ingredients are needed: Nguyên liệu chính và phụ (không cần liệt kê hết)
  • How it is typically prepared: Quy trình nấu cơ bản (không cần quá chi tiết)
  • Why you want to learn: Lý do cá nhân, ý nghĩa văn hóa/gia đình
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần bạn cần dành nhiều thời gian nhất (30-40% câu trả lời). Examiner đánh giá cao khả năng phân tích động cơ, cảm xúc, và ý nghĩa sâu xa.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“The traditional dish I want to learn to cook is bánh chưng, which is a Vietnamese square sticky rice cake. It’s very important in Vietnamese culture, especially during Tet holiday.

To make bánh chưng, you need sticky rice, mung beans, pork belly, and banana leaves for wrapping. You also need some salt and pepper for seasoning. The ingredients are quite simple but the cooking process is difficult.

The preparation is complicated. First, you have to soak the rice and beans for several hours. Then you marinate the pork with spices. After that, you layer everything in the banana leaves and wrap it into a square shape. The most difficult part is boiling the cakes for about 10 to 12 hours. You have to watch them carefully to make sure the water doesn’t run out.

I want to learn to cook this dish for several reasons. First, it’s a family tradition and I want to continue it. My grandmother used to make bánh chưng every year, but now she’s too old. Second, I think it’s important to know how to make traditional food so I can teach my children in the future. Also, store-bought bánh chưng doesn’t taste as good as homemade ones. Learning this skill would make me feel more connected to my culture.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Câu trả lời mạch lạc với sequencing rõ ràng (First, Then, After that). Có một vài hesitation nhẹ nhưng không ảnh hưởng nhiều. Sử dụng basic linking words hiệu quả.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate với các từ cơ bản về nấu ăn (soak, marinate, boil, wrap). Có một số collocations như “family tradition”, “store-bought”. Chưa có nhiều less common vocabulary.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Sử dụng mix của simple và complex sentences. Có present simple, infinitives, relative clauses đơn giản. Grammar chính xác nhưng chưa có nhiều variety.
Pronunciation	6-7	Phát âm rõ ràng, dễ hiểu. Các từ Việt Nam như “bánh chưng”, “Tet” được phát âm tốt. Intonation tự nhiên ở mức acceptable.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ cả 4 bullet points
• ✅ Có structure rõ ràng với sequencing words
• ✅ Đề cập đến ý nghĩa văn hóa và cảm xúc cá nhân
• ✅ Thời lượng đủ yêu cầu

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic (difficult, important, good) – có thể thay bằng các từ sophisticated hơn
• ⚠️ Thiếu sensory details (taste, smell, texture)
• ⚠️ Chưa có personal anecdote cụ thể để tạo emotional connection

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to talk about bánh chưng, a quintessential Vietnamese dish that I’ve been wanting to master for years. It’s a savory sticky rice cake that’s deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and is considered indispensable during Tet, our Lunar New Year celebration.

The ingredient list might seem straightforward, but sourcing quality components is crucial. You need glutinous rice, split mung beans, fatty pork belly, fresh dong leaves – which are similar to banana leaves but have a distinctive aroma – and simple seasonings like salt and pepper. What makes this dish special is how these humble ingredients transform into something remarkably flavorful.

The preparation process is quite labor-intensive and requires patience. First, both the rice and mung beans need to be soaked overnight to achieve the right texture. The pork is then marinated with black pepper and shallots. The real art lies in assembling the cake – you create layers of rice, beans, and pork, then meticulously wrap everything in dong leaves to form a perfect square. Finally, the cakes are submerged in boiling water and simmered for 10 to 12 hours straight. This lengthy cooking time is what gives bánh chưng its distinctive sticky texture and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

What draws me to learn this dish is multifaceted. On a personal level, I have vivid memories of my grandmother tending to giant pots of bánh chưng every Tet, and the whole house would be filled with that earthy, comforting aroma. She passed away last year, and I deeply regret not learning her technique. Beyond nostalgia, I believe that preserving culinary traditions is a way to honor our heritage. In today’s fast-paced world, traditional cooking methods are gradually disappearing, and I want to be able to pass this knowledge to the next generation. There’s also something profoundly satisfying about creating a dish that takes such dedication and time.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Very fluent với minimal hesitation. Excellent cohesion với varied linking devices (“What makes…”, “The real art lies in…”, “What draws me to…”). Ideas được develop logically và fully.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary: “quintessential”, “indispensable”, “labor-intensive”, “meticulously”, “multifaceted”. Good use of collocations: “deeply rooted in”, “meld together”, “tending to”. Some less common items như “vivid memories”, “earthy aroma”.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Varied complex structures: relative clauses, cleft sentences (“What makes this dish special is…”), passive voice, present perfect. Mostly error-free với good control of advanced structures.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation với good stress và intonation patterns. Handles complex words well. Natural rhythm và flow trong speech.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“difficult process”, “important in culture”	“labor-intensive”, “quintessential”, “deeply rooted in”
Grammar	“First, you have to soak…”	“Both the rice and mung beans need to be soaked…”
Ideas	“My grandmother used to make it”	“I have vivid memories of my grandmother tending to giant pots…the whole house would be filled with that earthy, comforting aroma”
Depth	States facts	Explains significance với emotional connection

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d love to share my aspirations to master the art of making bánh chưng, which I would describe as the culinary embodiment of Vietnamese heritage. This iconic square rice cake is inextricably linked to our Lunar New Year celebrations and represents far more than just sustenance – it’s a symbol of gratitude to our ancestors and the earth’s bounty.

From an ingredients perspective, bánh chưng exemplifies the philosophy of simplicity yielding complexity. The foundation consists of premium glutinous rice with ideal stickiness, dehulled mung beans that provide a creamy, buttery layer, and well-marbled pork belly that renders its fat during the long cooking process. These are enveloped in fresh dong leaves, which impart a subtle, verdant fragrance that’s absolutely integral to the dish’s identity. What fascinates me is how such unassuming ingredients can produce such remarkable depth of flavor.

The preparation is nothing short of a culinary marathon that demands both skill and dedication. After soaking the rice and beans to achieve optimal hydration, the pork is infused with a fragrant mixture of crushed black pepper and finely minced shallots. The assembly requires a deft hand – you must strategically layer the components while ensuring the rice completely encases the filling, then wrap it tautly in dong leaves to create a geometrically precise square. The pièce de résistance is the 12-hour simmering process, during which the cake undergoes a transformation – the rice melds into a cohesive, almost gelatinous mass, the beans break down into a velvety paste, and the pork becomes incredibly tender while infusing everything with its savory essence. This painstaking process is what distinguishes homemade bánh chưng from mass-produced versions.

My motivation to undertake this culinary journey is deeply personal yet universally relatable. Growing up, Tet was synonymous with the sight of my grandmother presiding over enormous pots of boiling bánh chưng, her weathered hands expertly tending to each cake. The aromatic steam that permeated our home created an olfactory memory that instantly transports me back to those cherished moments. Tragically, she passed before I had the foresight to learn her techniques, and that loss weighs heavily on me.

Beyond personal sentimentality, I view this as a matter of cultural preservation. We’re living in an era where culinary traditions are being steadily eroded by convenience culture and homogenization. Mastering bánh chưng would allow me to become a custodian of tradition, ensuring that future generations can experience not just the taste, but the entire ritual that surrounds this dish. There’s also something profoundly meditative about a cooking process that demands such patience – in our frenetic modern lives, it’s a form of mindfulness and a connection to a slower, more intentional way of living.

Ultimately, learning to make bánh chưng transcends mere cooking – it’s about maintaining a tangible link to my roots and honoring the wisdom of generations past.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Exceptionally fluent với smooth delivery. Sophisticated cohesive devices và discourse markers. Ideas fully extended và coherent throughout. Natural hesitation chỉ for emphasis, không phải lack of fluency.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Extensive vocabulary với precise usage: “culinary embodiment”, “inextricably linked”, “renders its fat”, “pièce de résistance”. Natural idiomatic language: “weighs heavily on me”, “transcends mere cooking”. Wide range of collocations và less common lexical items.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures with flexibility và precision. Complex sentences với multiple clauses. Sophisticated use of passive, conditionals, relative clauses. Virtually error-free.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Precise articulation với natural stress, rhythm và intonation. Handles complex phonological features effortlessly. Speech is effortless to understand.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Câu trả lời flow naturally với zero awkward pauses. Sử dụng discourse markers sophisticated như “From an ingredients perspective”, “Beyond personal sentimentality”, “Ultimately” để structure ideas một cách elegant.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “culinary embodiment” thay vì “represents” – sophisticated và academic
• “inextricably linked” thay vì “connected to” – shows advanced vocabulary
• “pièce de résistance” (French phrase) – demonstrates cultural knowledge
• “olfactory memory” – technical term cho smell-triggered memory
• “custodian of tradition” – metaphorical và powerful

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Complex relative clauses: “…a symbol of gratitude to our ancestors and the earth’s bounty”
• Sophisticated passive constructions: “These are enveloped in fresh dong leaves, which impart a subtle, verdant fragrance”
• Advanced conditionals và subjunctive mood
• Gerund phrases as subjects: “Growing up, Tet was synonymous with…”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ describe món ăn mà còn analyze cultural significance
• Multiple layers of meaning: personal (grandmother), cultural (preservation), philosophical (mindfulness)
• Abstract concepts: cultural erosion, custodianship, meditative practice
• Shows critical thinking về modern life vs traditional values

🎨 Sensory Details:

• Visual: “geometrically precise square”, “weathered hands”
• Olfactory: “verdant fragrance”, “aromatic steam”
• Tactile: “velvety paste”, “gelatinous mass”
• Creates vivid mental imagery cho examiner

Thí sinh tự tin trình bày bài nói IELTS Speaking Part 2 về món ăn truyền thống Việt Nam

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn kết thúc Part 2, examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3. Đây không phải là Part 3 chính thức mà chỉ là “follow-up” questions.

Question 1: Have you ever tried making this dish before?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“No, I haven’t tried yet because it looks very complicated and takes too much time. Maybe I will try in the future when I have more free time.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Actually, I’ve attempted it once with rather disastrous results. The wrapping came apart during boiling and I ended up with a soggy mess instead of a neat square cake. That experience gave me even more appreciation for the skill involved and reinforced my desire to learn the proper technique from someone experienced.”

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Question 2: Is this dish popular among young people in your country?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it’s becoming less popular with young people because they prefer fast food and don’t have time to cook traditional dishes.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“There’s definitely a generational divide when it comes to bánh chưng. While it’s still revered during Tet, many young Vietnamese tend to gravitate toward store-bought versions rather than making it themselves, largely due to the time constraints of modern life. However, I’ve noticed a budding interest among some millennials in reviving traditional practices, so there’s hope for this culinary tradition yet.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần challenging nhất của IELTS Speaking. Khác với Part 1 (personal) và Part 2 (descriptive), Part 3 yêu cầu bạn discuss abstract ideas, analyze issues, và demonstrate critical thinking. Examiner sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi sâu hơn, often liên quan đến society, trends, comparisons.

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích vấn đề từ nhiều góc độ (personal, social, global)
• So sánh (past vs present, different cultures)
• Speculate về future trends
• Đưa ra opinions có supporting reasons
• Acknowledge complexity của issues

Chiến lược:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời 3-5 câu (không ngắn như Part 1)
• Sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas: “Well”, “I think”, “On the one hand”
• Đưa ra societal examples, không chỉ personal experiences
• Thừa nhận different perspectives: “While some people think…, others believe…”
• Paraphrase câu hỏi trong câu trả lời

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn (1-2 câu)
• Chỉ nói về personal experience thay vì societal level
• Thiếu từ vựng abstract/academic
• Không support opinions bằng reasons/examples
• Afraid to say “I don’t know” và improvise

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Food and Culture

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Question 1: Why do you think traditional dishes are important to a culture?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Explanation (Why)
• Key words: traditional dishes, important, culture
• Cách tiếp cận: Đưa ra thesis statement → Explain 2-3 reasons với examples → Có thể add nuance ở cuối

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think traditional dishes are important because they represent a country’s history and identity. For example, pho represents Vietnam around the world. Also, traditional food brings families together during special occasions like Tet. When people cook and eat traditional dishes, they remember their culture and pass it to the next generation.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với reasons (history/identity, family bonding, passing to next generation)
• Vocabulary: Basic terms như “represent”, “identity”, “bring together”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas adequate nhưng thiếu depth, vocabulary chưa sophisticated, explanation chưa detailed

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d argue that traditional dishes serve as tangible links to a culture’s heritage and collective memory. On a fundamental level, food is one of the most accessible entry points for understanding a culture – it embodies centuries of agricultural practices, geographical influences, and historical exchanges. Take Vietnamese cuisine, for instance, which bears the imprint of Chinese, French, and indigenous traditions, telling the story of our nation’s complex history through flavors and techniques.

Beyond historical significance, traditional dishes play a vital role in maintaining social cohesion. They’re central to ritual celebrations and communal gatherings, creating what sociologists call ‘culinary rituals‘ that reinforce group identity. In an increasingly globalized world where cultural boundaries are becoming blurred, these food traditions offer a sense of continuity and rootedness.

That said, I think we need to acknowledge that cultures are dynamic rather than static, and traditional dishes can evolve while still maintaining their essential character. The key is finding a balance between preservation and adaptation.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated với multi-layered argument: historical → social → balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Advanced academic terms: “tangible links”, “embodies”, “social cohesion”, “culinary rituals”, “dynamic rather than static”
• Grammar: Complex structures: relative clauses, passive voice, noun phrases
• Critical Thinking: Shows nuanced understanding – acknowledges complexity và avoids absolute statements

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Well”, “On a fundamental level”, “Beyond…”, “That said”
• Tentative language: “I’d argue that”, “I think we need to acknowledge”
• Abstract nouns: “heritage”, “cohesion”, “continuity”, “preservation”
• Academic collocations: “bears the imprint of”, “reinforce group identity”, “becoming blurred”

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Question 2: How has the way people cook changed in recent years?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare (past vs present trends)
• Key words: changed, recent years, cook
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify main changes → Explain causes → Mention consequences (positive/negative)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Cooking has changed a lot in recent years. People are busier now, so they don’t have much time to cook traditional meals. Many people use ready-made ingredients or order food online instead. Also, young people learn cooking from YouTube videos now, not from their parents. Technology makes cooking easier with modern kitchen equipment.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists several changes nhưng không develop deeply
• Vocabulary: Everyday words: “busy”, “ready-made”, “easier”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers the topic adequately but lacks sophisticated analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“The landscape of home cooking has undergone dramatic transformations over the past decade or two, driven largely by shifting lifestyles and technological advancements.

One of the most pronounced changes is the move toward convenience-oriented cooking. With dual-income households becoming the norm and work-life balance deteriorating, people increasingly gravitate toward quick-fix solutions – think meal kits, pre-chopped vegetables, and semi-prepared ingredients. While this addresses the time constraint, it’s arguably eroding the deep knowledge of ingredient selection and from-scratch preparation that previous generations possessed.

Simultaneously, there’s been a democratization of culinary knowledge through digital platforms. YouTube, Instagram, and cooking apps have made gourmet techniques accessible to anyone with a smartphone, breaking down the barriers that once made certain cuisines seem intimidatingly complex. This has paradoxically created a divide – some people are becoming more adventurous and skilled, while others are becoming increasingly dependent on convenience foods.

Another noteworthy trend is the growing emphasis on health consciousness and dietary restrictions. People are more aware of nutrition, leading to specialized cooking approaches like keto, vegan, or gluten-free, which wasn’t as prevalent a generation ago. This represents a shift from cooking primarily for taste and tradition to cooking with wellness and personal health goals in mind.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive với multiple changes: convenience → digital knowledge → health trends
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated terms: “undergone dramatic transformations”, “pronounced changes”, “democratization”, “paradoxically”
• Grammar: Advanced structures: present perfect for trends, passive constructions, comparative forms
• Critical Thinking: Balanced view – acknowledges both positive và negative aspects, uses “arguably”, “paradoxically”

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “One of the most…”, “Simultaneously”, “Another noteworthy trend”
• Tentative language: “arguably”, “it’s becoming”
• Cause-effect language: “driven by”, “leading to”
• Abstract nouns: “transformations”, “democratization”, “wellness”

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Theme 2: Food Industry and Modern Life

Question 3: Do you think fast food is having a negative impact on traditional cooking?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Impact analysis
• Key words: fast food, negative impact, traditional cooking
• Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge the complexity → Present different viewpoints → Give balanced conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think fast food is bad for traditional cooking. Young people prefer McDonald’s or KFC because it’s quick and tasty. They don’t learn how to cook traditional dishes anymore. This is a problem because traditional cooking culture will disappear. However, some people still like traditional food, especially older people.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear opinion với example
• Vocabulary: Simple adjectives: “bad”, “quick”, “tasty”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Direct answer nhưng lacks nuance và sophisticated analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is quite a contentious issue that deserves a nuanced perspective. While it’s tempting to demonize fast food as the culprit behind the decline of traditional cooking, I think the reality is more complex.

Undeniably, the proliferation of fast food chains has contributed to a shift in eating habits, particularly among younger generations who’ve grown up with the convenience of grab-and-go meals. This has undoubtedly reduced the frequency of home cooking and, by extension, the intergenerational transmission of traditional culinary skills. When cooking at home becomes the exception rather than the rule, that knowledge naturally fails to be passed down.

However, I’d hesitate to attribute the decline of traditional cooking solely to fast food. It’s more symptomatic of broader socioeconomic changes – urbanization, longer working hours, smaller living spaces with limited kitchen facilities, and the erosion of extended family structures where cooking knowledge was traditionally shared. Fast food is perhaps more of a manifestation of these pressures than the root cause.

Interestingly, we’re also seeing a countermovement. As people become more aware of health issues and cultural identity, there’s a resurgence of interest in traditional cooking, often elevated to a form of cultural activism. Social media has even romanticized home cooking and traditional techniques, making them aspirational again among certain demographics.

So while fast food has certainly played a role in changing cooking patterns, I believe traditional cuisine can coexist with modern eating habits if we make conscious efforts to preserve and promote it.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated argument: acknowledge issue → present causes → counterargument → balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Advanced academic language: “contentious issue”, “proliferation”, “intergenerational transmission”, “manifestation”
• Grammar: Complex conditionals, passive constructions, relative clauses
• Critical Thinking: Refuses simple answer, explores root causes, acknowledges different perspectives

💡 Key Language Features:

• Hedging language: “I’d hesitate to”, “perhaps”, “I believe”
• Cause-effect: “contributed to”, “symptomatic of”, “played a role”
• Contrast markers: “While…however”, “Interestingly”
• Abstract concepts: “socioeconomic changes”, “cultural activism”, “coexist”

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Theme 3: Future of Cooking and Food Culture

Question 4: How do you think cooking and eating habits will change in the future?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Future prediction/speculation
• Key words: future, cooking, eating habits, change
• Cách tiếp cận: Use speculative language → Predict trends with reasons → Mention possible consequences

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think in the future, people will use more technology in cooking. Maybe we will have robots that cook for us. Also, I believe people will eat more healthy food because they care about their health. Traditional cooking might become less common, but some people will still keep it. Food delivery will probably be more popular too.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Multiple predictions nhưng không elaborate
• Vocabulary: Basic future forms: “will”, “maybe”, “probably”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers different aspects nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated speculation

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Looking ahead, I envision several converging trends that will fundamentally reshape our relationship with food and cooking.

Technologically, we’re likely to see the continued integration of AI and smart devices into the kitchen. I wouldn’t be surprised if, within the next decade, AI-powered appliances could suggest recipes based on available ingredients, adjust cooking parameters automatically, and even guide novice cooks through complex techniques via augmented reality. This democratization of cooking knowledge could potentially revive home cooking by lowering the intimidation factor.

From a sustainability standpoint, I anticipate a significant shift toward plant-based proteins and alternative ingredients as climate concerns become more pressing. We might see lab-grown meat becoming mainstream, and ingredients we currently consider exotic – like insects or algae – could become normalized. This will necessitate entirely new cooking techniques and recipes, essentially creating a new culinary tradition.

However, I also foresee a bifurcation in cooking culture. On one hand, hyper-convenience will continue to appeal to time-poor urban dwellers, potentially leading to further automation and pre-prepared meals. On the other, I believe we’ll see a counter-cultural movement that valorizes traditional, slow cooking as a form of mindful resistance to the frenetic pace of modern life – similar to the current craft beer or artisanal bread movements.

Cultural exchange will likely accelerate, with fusion cuisines becoming even more commonplace as global mobility increases. The boundaries between ‘traditional’ and ‘foreign’ foods will become increasingly porous.

The critical question is whether we can harness these changes to promote both convenience and cultural preservation – it’s not necessarily an either-or proposition if we’re thoughtful about how we navigate these transitions.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Multi-dimensional analysis: technology → sustainability → cultural split → globalization → critical reflection
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated future speculation: “envision”, “converging trends”, “I wouldn’t be surprised if”, “I foresee”
• Grammar: Advanced future forms: “likely to see”, “could potentially”, conditionals, present participles
• Critical Thinking: Considers multiple possibilities, acknowledges uncertainty, poses thoughtful questions

💡 Key Language Features:

• Speculative language: “I envision”, “likely to see”, “I anticipate”, “I wouldn’t be surprised if”
• Future forms variety: “will see”, “could become”, “might see”, “we’re likely to see”
• Cause-effect: “necessitate”, “leading to”, “as…become”
• Academic vocabulary: “converging trends”, “bifurcation”, “valorizes”, “porous boundaries”

Giám khảo IELTS Speaking đang đánh giá và ghi chép trong buổi thi Speaking Part 3

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Question 5: Should governments do anything to preserve traditional food cultures?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion on government policy
• Key words: government, preserve, traditional food cultures
• Cách tiếp cận: Give position → Explain rationale → Suggest concrete measures → Acknowledge limitations

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think governments should help preserve traditional food. They can teach traditional cooking in schools so children learn it. Also, they can support restaurants that serve traditional dishes. Some countries have food festivals, which is a good way to keep traditions alive.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position với examples of government actions
• Vocabulary: Simple verbs: “help”, “teach”, “support”, “keep alive”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Practical suggestions nhưng lacks sophisticated reasoning về why government intervention is important

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This raises interesting questions about the appropriate role of government in cultural matters. While I generally believe in allowing cultural evolution to proceed organically, I think there’s a compelling case for targeted government intervention when it comes to preserving culinary heritage.

The rationale is straightforward: traditional food knowledge represents intangible cultural heritage that, once lost, is virtually impossible to recover. Unlike tangible artifacts that can be preserved in museums, cooking techniques and food knowledge reside in people’s memories and practices. Without active preservation efforts, this can vanish within a single generation, as we’ve seen with many traditional crafts.

Government support could take several forms. Educational integration seems particularly promising – incorporating traditional cooking into school curricula would ensure that at least basic knowledge is transmitted to younger generations. Financial incentives for restaurants serving authentic traditional cuisine could help keep these establishments economically viable in the face of competition from chain restaurants. Additionally, governments could fund documentation projects – creating comprehensive archives of recipes, techniques, and food stories before elderly practitioners pass away.

Regulatory measures might also play a role. Some countries have implemented Protected Designation of Origin labels for traditional foods, which safeguards authentic production methods and prevents cultural appropriation or dilution of traditional recipes for commercial gain.

However, I’d caution against overly prescriptive or heavy-handed approaches. Government intervention should facilitate rather than dictate – providing resources and creating enabling environments rather than imposing rigid definitions of what counts as ‘traditional.’ Food culture thrives when it’s living and evolving, not when it’s artificially frozen in time as a museum piece.

Ultimately, the most effective approach probably involves a partnership between government, cultural institutions, and communities themselves, with government playing a supportive rather than directive role.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated argumentation: position → rationale → concrete measures → caveats → balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Policy-relevant terms: “appropriate role”, “targeted intervention”, “intangible heritage”, “prescriptive approaches”
• Grammar: Complex conditionals, passive constructions, relative clauses, parallel structures
• Critical Thinking: Balanced perspective – supports intervention but with qualifications, considers different approaches

💡 Key Language Features:

• Opening caveat: “This raises interesting questions”, “While I generally believe…”
• Academic discourse: “The rationale is”, “This raises the question of”, “Ultimately”
• Policy language: “targeted intervention”, “regulatory measures”, “enabling environments”
• Balanced modifiers: “generally”, “particularly”, “probably”, “with qualifications”

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Theme 4: Global Food Trends

Question 6: Why do you think some international cuisines become popular worldwide while others remain relatively unknown?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause analysis (explaining patterns)
• Key words: international cuisines, popular worldwide, remain unknown
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify multiple factors → Give examples → Consider implications

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think some cuisines become popular because of marketing and restaurants. For example, Italian and Japanese food are everywhere now because many people open these restaurants. Also, some countries are more powerful, so their culture spreads more. Cuisines that are difficult to make or use strange ingredients might not become popular.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists factors với examples
• Vocabulary: Simple explanations: “powerful”, “spreads”, “difficult”, “strange”
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Identifies relevant factors nhưng analysis không deep và vocabulary basic

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“The global spread of cuisines is a fascinating interplay of economic, cultural, and historical factors that extends far beyond mere taste preferences.

Historical geopolitics plays a surprisingly significant role. Cuisines from former colonial powers or current economic superpowers enjoy disproportionate visibility – think French haute cuisine or American fast food. These cuisines rode the wave of their countries’ political and economic influence, establishing themselves when those nations were at their cultural zenith. Italian cuisine’s global dominance, for instance, is partly attributable to the massive Italian diaspora in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which planted Italian restaurants and ingredients worldwide.

Adaptability is another crucial factor. Cuisines that become globally popular tend to be those that can be easily modified to suit local tastes and ingredient availability. Japanese cuisine, while maintaining its essential character, has proven remarkably flexible – witness the proliferation of fusion sushi rolls that would be unrecognizable in Tokyo. Conversely, cuisines that rely heavily on region-specific ingredients or uncompromising techniques face greater barriers to global adoption.

Marketing and cultural soft power can’t be overlooked. The Thai government, for example, has actively promoted Thai cuisine as part of its ‘Global Thai’ initiative, strategically positioning it as a national brand. This governmental backing, combined with strategic restaurant placement in major global cities, has significantly elevated Thai cuisine’s international profile.

There’s also a cultural palatability factor – cuisines that align with emerging global food trends gain traction more easily. Japanese cuisine benefited enormously from the global health and wellness movement, as it’s perceived as light and healthy. Similarly, Middle Eastern mezze culture has gained ground as plant-based eating becomes more popular.

Unfortunately, this creates a rather inequitable situation where worthy culinary traditions from less economically powerful nations remain marginalized, not due to lack of merit, but due to structural barriers around visibility, resources, and historical legacy. It’s a reminder that even something as seemingly apolitical as food exists within larger power structures.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Multi-factor analysis: geopolitics → adaptability → marketing → cultural trends → critical reflection
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated analytical language: “fascinating interplay”, “disproportionate visibility”, “rode the wave of”, “structural barriers”
• Grammar: Complex sentences với multiple clauses, advanced passive constructions, participle phrases
• Critical Thinking: Goes beyond surface explanations, considers power dynamics, acknowledges inequality

💡 Key Language Features:

• Analytical phrases: “is attributable to”, “plays a significant role”, “can’t be overlooked”
• Cause-effect variety: “partly due to”, “leads to”, “resulting in”, “contributing to”
• Academic vocabulary: “interplay”, “disproportionate”, “proliferation”, “inequitable”, “marginalized”
• Critical perspective: “unfortunately”, “rather inequitable”, “structural barriers”

Từ Vựng và Cụm Từ Quan Trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
aromatic	adj	/ˌærəˈmætɪk/	thơm, có mùi thơm	The aromatic broth filled the kitchen.	aromatic herbs, aromatic spices, aromatic ingredients
slow-simmered	adj	/sləʊ ˈsɪməd/	ninh kỹ từ từ	The slow-simmered stock develops rich flavor.	slow-simmered broth, slow-simmered sauce, slow-simmered soup
infused with	v phrase	/ɪnˈfjuːzd wɪð/	thấm đẫm, được pha trộn với	The rice is infused with coconut milk.	infused with flavor, infused with spices, infused with herbs
labor-intensive	adj	/ˈleɪbər ɪnˈtensɪv/	tốn nhiều công sức	Making bánh chưng is very labor-intensive.	labor-intensive process, labor-intensive preparation, labor-intensive task
culinary heritage	n phrase	/ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈherɪtɪdʒ/	di sản ẩm thực	Vietnamese culinary heritage is incredibly diverse.	preserve culinary heritage, rich culinary heritage, traditional culinary heritage
time-honored	adj	/taɪm ˈɒnəd/	lâu đời, được tôn trọng theo thời gian	This is a time-honored recipe from my grandmother.	time-honored tradition, time-honored recipe, time-honored technique
savory	adj	/ˈseɪvəri/	mặn, có vị đậm đà (không ngọt)	I prefer savory dishes to sweet ones.	savory flavor, savory dish, savory ingredients
tender	adj	/ˈtendə(r)/	mềm, dễ nhai	The pork becomes incredibly tender after hours of cooking.	tender meat, tender texture, fall-apart tender
marinate	v	/ˈmærɪneɪt/	ướp (thịt, cá)	Marinate the chicken in soy sauce overnight.	marinate meat, marinate overnight, well-marinated
nutritious	adj	/njuːˈtrɪʃəs/	bổ dưỡng, giàu dinh dưỡng	Traditional Vietnamese food is both delicious and nutritious.	nutritious meal, nutritious ingredients, highly nutritious
preserve traditions	v phrase	/prɪˈzɜːv trəˈdɪʃənz/	bảo tồn truyền thống	We must preserve traditions for future generations.	preserve culinary traditions, preserve cultural traditions, help preserve
pass down	phrasal v	/pɑːs daʊn/	truyền lại (qua các thế hệ)	These recipes have been passed down for generations.	pass down knowledge, pass down recipes, pass down from generation to generation
authentic	adj	/ɔːˈθentɪk/	chính gốc, xác thực	It’s hard to find authentic Vietnamese food abroad.	authentic taste, authentic recipe, authentic cuisine
quintessential	adj	/ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl/	tinh túy, điển hình nhất	Phở is the quintessential Vietnamese dish.	quintessential dish, quintessential example, quintessential flavor
indispensable	adj	/ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/	không thể thiếu	Fish sauce is indispensable in Vietnamese cooking.	indispensable ingredient, indispensable part, absolutely indispensable
staple food	n phrase	/ˈsteɪpl fuːd/	thực phẩm chủ yếu	Rice is the staple food in Asian countries.	main staple, staple ingredient, dietary staple
palate	n	/ˈpælət/	khẩu vị	This dish appeals to the Western palate.	sophisticated palate, discerning palate, suit every palate
garnish	n/v	/ˈɡɑːnɪʃ/	trang trí món ăn, đồ trang trí	Garnish the soup with fresh herbs.	garnish with, fresh garnish, simple garnish
complementary flavors	n phrase	/ˌkɒmplɪˈmentri ˈfleɪvəz/	hương vị bổ sung cho nhau	The dish balances complementary flavors perfectly.	complementary flavors, contrasting flavors, harmonious flavors
culinary skills	n phrase	/ˈkʌlɪnəri skɪlz/	kỹ năng nấu nướng	She has impressive culinary skills.	develop culinary skills, advanced culinary skills, basic culinary skills

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
a labor of love	công việc làm vì đam mê, không vì tiền	Making traditional dishes is truly a labor of love.	7.5-9
acquired taste	thứ cần thời gian để quen và thích	Fermented foods are an acquired taste for many foreigners.	7.5-8
food for thought	điều đáng suy ngẫm	The documentary on food waste gave me real food for thought.	7-8
whet someone’s appetite	kích thích sự thèm muốn	The cooking show really whetted my appetite for learning traditional cuisine.	7.5-8
bring to the table	đóng góp, mang đến	Each ingredient brings something unique to the table.	7-8
culinary journey	hành trình khám phá ẩm thực	Learning to cook this dish is part of my culinary journey.	7.5-8
tantalize the taste buds	kích thích vị giác	The aromatic spices tantalize the taste buds.	8-9
from scratch	từ đầu, không dùng đồ chế biến sẵn	I want to learn how to make everything from scratch.	7-8
comfort food	món ăn mang lại cảm giác ấm áp, thoải mái	Phở is ultimate comfort food for Vietnamese people.	7-8
melt in your mouth	tan chảy trong miệng (rất mềm, ngon)	The braised pork literally melts in your mouth.	7.5-8
a feast for the senses	trải nghiệm thỏa mãn các giác quan	Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is a feast for the senses.	8-9
culinary ambassador	đại sứ ẩm thực	This dish serves as a culinary ambassador for our culture.	8-9

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Khi cần thời gian suy nghĩ ngắn
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra thông tin surprising hoặc correction
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn thể hiện sự chân thành
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách sophisticated để đưa ra opinion
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Thể hiện đây là quan điểm cá nhân

Để bổ sung ý:

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

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên (after making a point)
• 📝 Having said that,… – Đã nói vậy nhưng

Để đưa ra ví dụ:

• 📝 For instance,… – Ví dụ (formal)
• 📝 Take…for example – Lấy…làm ví dụ
• 📝 A case in point is… – Một trường hợp điển hình là
• 📝 To illustrate this point,… – Để minh họa điểm này

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Rốt cuộc
• 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional:

• Formula: If + past perfect, … would + verb (mixing past condition with present result)
• Ví dụ: “If my grandmother had taught me earlier, I would be much more skilled now.”

Inversion for emphasis:

• Formula: Had + subject + past participle, … would have…
• Ví dụ: “Had I known how complex the dish was, I would have started learning sooner.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: …, which/who + verb, …
• Ví dụ: “Bánh chưng, which takes 12 hours to cook, represents Vietnamese Tet tradition.”

Reduced relative clauses:

• Formula: Noun + past participle / present participle
• Ví dụ: “The techniques passed down through generations are invaluable.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

It is thought/believed/said that…

• Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that traditional cooking is becoming a lost art.”

Advanced passive structures:

• Ví dụ: “The ingredients are carefully selected and meticulously prepared before being layered.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What I find most… is…

• Ví dụ: “What I find most fascinating about traditional dishes is their cultural significance.”

The thing that… is…

• Ví dụ: “The thing that draws me to this dish is the connection to my heritage.”

It is… that…

• Ví dụ: “It is the labor-intensive process that makes homemade versions superior.”

5. Participle Phrases:

Present participle (-ing):

• Ví dụ: “Growing up in Vietnam, I was surrounded by these culinary traditions.”

Past participle:

• Ví dụ: “Infused with aromatic spices, the broth develops remarkable depth.”

6. Subjunctive Mood:

It’s essential/crucial/important that…

• Ví dụ: “It’s essential that we preserve these culinary traditions for future generations.”

7. Inversion for Emphasis:

Not only… but also…

• Ví dụ: “Not only does traditional cooking preserve culture, but it also strengthens family bonds.”

Rarely/Seldom/Never + auxiliary + subject

• Ví dụ: “Rarely have I tasted anything as authentic as my grandmother’s cooking.”

Bài viết này cung cấp cho bạn framework toàn diện để chuẩn bị cho chủ đề “describe a traditional dish in your culture that you want to learn to cook” trong IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng, key to success không phải là học thuộc lòng các sample answers, mà là hiểu cách structure ideas, sử dụng vocabulary appropriately, và thể hiện critical thinking. Practice regularly, record yourself, và analyze your performance để continuous improvement. Chúc bạn đạt band điểm mong muốn!