IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe A Time When You Had To Make A Big Decision” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Quyết định lớn là một phần không thể tránh khỏi trong cuộc sống, và chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong IELTS Speaking. Từ năm 2020 đến nay, đề tài về “making important decisions” liên tục được ghi nhận trong các kỳ thi thực tế tại Việt Nam và các quốc gia khác, với dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện ở mức Cao trong tương lai gần.

Chủ đề này thường khiến nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam gặp khó khăn vì yêu cầu kể về trải nghiệm cá nhân sâu sắc, đồng thời thể hiện khả năng phân tích quá trình suy nghĩ và hậu quả của quyết định. Từ góc độ giám khảo, đây là cơ hội tuyệt vời để đánh giá khả năng sử dụng thì quá khứ, từ vựng về cảm xúc và suy nghĩ, cũng như kỹ năng kể chuyện mạch lạc.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part liên quan đến chủ đề decision-making
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo 3 band điểm (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích sâu
• Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm liên quan đến quyết định
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn Examiner
• Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày. Với chủ đề decision-making, examiner thường hỏi về các quyết định thông thường trong cuộc sống để đánh giá khả năng giao tiếp cơ bản của bạn.

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trong câu đầu tiên
• Mở rộng bằng lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể (2-3 câu tổng cộng)
• Sử dụng thì hiện tại đơn cho thói quen, hiện tại hoàn thành cho kinh nghiệm

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn chỉ với “Yes” hoặc “No”
• Dùng từ vựng đơn giản như “good”, “bad”, “important”
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ cuộc sống bản thân
• Không duy trì eye contact vì lo lắng

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you find it easy to make decisions?

Question 2: What was the last important decision you made?

Question 3: Do you usually make decisions quickly or do you take your time?

Question 4: Who helps you make decisions in your life?

Question 5: Have you ever regretted a decision you made?

Question 6: Do you prefer to make decisions alone or with others?

Question 7: Are you good at making decisions under pressure?

Question 8: How do you feel when you have to make an important choice?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Do you find it easy to make decisions?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời yes/no rõ ràng
• Phân biệt giữa quyết định nhỏ và lớn
• Đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

It depends on the situation. For small decisions like what to eat, I can decide quickly. But for big decisions like choosing my university major, I need more time to think carefully. I usually ask my parents for advice.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có structure rõ ràng với “It depends”, đưa ra 2 ví dụ đối lập
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (small, big, think carefully), thiếu collocations tự nhiên
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Truyền đạt ý được nhưng vocabulary và grammar chưa đa dạng, chưa có idiom hoặc phrasal verbs

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Well, I’d say it really varies depending on the significance of the choice. When it comes to minor everyday decisions, like what to have for lunch, I’m quite decisive and can make up my mind in seconds. However, for life-changing decisions such as choosing my career path, I tend to be more deliberate and often weigh up the pros and cons thoroughly before committing.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng discourse marker “Well, I’d say”, collocation tự nhiên “varies depending on”, “make up my mind”, “weigh up the pros and cons”. Có contrast rõ ràng với “However”
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Vocabulary precise và sophisticated (decisive, deliberate, life-changing), cấu trúc đa dạng với gerund phrases, relative clause ngầm định

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• varies depending on: thay đổi tùy thuộc vào
• decisive: quyết đoán
• weigh up the pros and cons: cân nhắc ưu nhược điểm
• life-changing decisions: quyết định thay đổi cuộc đời
• make up my mind: quyết định, đưa ra lựa chọn

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Question: What was the last important decision you made?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu quyết định cụ thể
• Giải thích tại sao nó quan trọng
• Kết quả hoặc cảm nhận sau quyết định

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

The last important decision I made was choosing to study abroad. It was difficult because I had to leave my family. I thought about it for two months before deciding. Now I think it was a good choice because I’m learning a lot.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Answer trực tiếp câu hỏi, có timeline (two months), có outcome
• Hạn chế: Grammar đơn giản (chủ yếu past simple), từ vựng basic (difficult, good choice)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate nhưng thiếu detail và emotional depth

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

The most significant decision I’ve made recently was whether to accept a job offer in another city. It was quite a dilemma because while the position offered great career prospects, it meant uprooting my life and leaving behind my close-knit social circle. After much soul-searching and consulting with my family, I decided to take the leap, and honestly, it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences so far.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Present perfect cho recent past, emotional vocabulary (dilemma, soul-searching), idiomatic expression “take the leap”, “close-knit social circle”. Có contrast và resolution
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Sophisticated lexical choice, complex sentence structure với subordinate clauses, demonstrates reflection và maturity

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• significant decision: quyết định quan trọng
• dilemma: tình thế khó xử, tiến thoái lưỡng nan
• career prospects: triển vọng nghề nghiệp
• uproot one’s life: thay đổi hoàn toàn cuộc sống
• soul-searching: sự tự vấn sâu sắc
• take the leap: mạo hiểm thực hiện điều gì đó

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Question: Do you prefer to make decisions alone or with others?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu preference rõ ràng
• Giải thích lý do
• Có thể đề cập exception

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I prefer to make decisions with other people. I think it’s better to hear different opinions before choosing. My friends and family can see things that I cannot see. But sometimes I need to decide alone for personal things.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có compare and contrast, mention cả exception
• Hạn chế: Linking words còn basic (but, before), vocabulary repetitive (see things, decide)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates effectively nhưng lacks sophistication

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I’m generally someone who values collaborative decision-making, especially for major life choices. I find that bouncing ideas off trusted friends or family members helps me gain fresh perspectives that I might have overlooked. That said, when it comes to deeply personal matters, I prefer to trust my gut instinct and make the call independently, as ultimately, I’m the one who has to live with the consequences.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Tentative language “generally”, “especially”, phrasal verbs (bounce ideas off, overlook), idiomatic expressions (trust my gut instinct, live with the consequences). Complex sentences với subordinate clauses
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Natural fluency, topic-specific vocabulary, demonstrates nuanced thinking với “That said” để show exception

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• collaborative decision-making: ra quyết định theo nhóm/cùng nhau
• bounce ideas off someone: trao đổi ý kiến với ai đó
• gain fresh perspectives: có được góc nhìn mới
• overlook: bỏ sót, không nhận ra
• trust one’s gut instinct: tin vào trực giác
• live with the consequences: chấp nhận hậu quả

Học viên đang luyện tập IELTS Speaking về chủ đề quyết định quan trọng với giáo viên

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần thử thách nhất với 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút nói liên tục. Đây là cơ hội để bạn thể hiện khả năng kể chuyện mạch lạc và sử dụng ngôn ngữ đa dạng.

Thời gian chuẩn bị: 1 phút

• Đọc kỹ cue card và tất cả bullet points
• Ghi chú keywords (KHÔNG viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
• Lên outline theo thứ tự: What → When/Where → Who → Why/How you felt

Thời gian nói: 2-3 phút

• Nói đủ 2 phút (tối thiểu 1.5 phút)
• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• Phần “explain” chiếm 30-40% thời gian vì đây là phần scoring cao nhất

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng thì quá khứ nhất quán khi kể về decision đã xảy ra
• Áp dụng storytelling structure: Background → Conflict → Decision → Outcome
• Chèn cảm xúc và suy nghĩ của bạn throughout
• Paraphrase các từ trong đề bài

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không dùng hết thời gian chuẩn bị (viết quá nhiều hoặc không viết gì)
• Nói dưới 1.5 phút hoặc quá 3 phút
• Bỏ sót bullet point cuối (explain)
• Switching tenses không nhất quán
• Kể story nhưng quên explain feelings and reasons

Cue Card

Describe A Time When You Had To Make A Big Decision

You should say:

• What the decision was
• When and where you had to make this decision
• What options you had to consider
• And explain how you felt about making this decision

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience/event (kể về trải nghiệm cá nhân)

• Thì động từ: Quá khứ (past simple, past continuous, past perfect cho background)

• Bullet points phải cover:

  • Bullet 1: Identify quyết định cụ thể (chọn trường, đổi nghề, mua nhà, kết hôn…)
  • Bullet 2: Time and place context (khi nào, ở đâu, hoàn cảnh gì)
  • Bullet 3: Options bạn phải cân nhắc (ít nhất 2 lựa chọn)
  • Bullet 4: Feelings and explanation – phần quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao

• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần thể hiện depth of thinking. Đừng chỉ nói “I felt happy” mà cần giải thích WHY you felt that way, what factors influenced your feelings, và impact của decision đó

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about an important decision I made two years ago when I had to choose my university major. This happened when I was in my final year of high school, around May 2022.

At that time, I was very confused because I had two main options. The first option was to study Business Administration, which my parents wanted me to do. They said it would give me good job opportunities in the future. The second option was to study English Literature, which was my real passion. I loved reading books and wanted to become a teacher.

I spent about two months thinking about this decision. I talked to my teachers, my parents, and my friends. I also searched for information online about both majors. It was a difficult time because I wanted to make my parents happy, but I also wanted to follow my dream.

In the end, I decided to study English Literature. I felt nervous about this choice because I wasn’t sure if my parents would support me. But when I told them, they understood and accepted my decision. Now, after two years, I feel happy with my choice because I really enjoy my classes and I’m doing well in my studies. Looking back, I think it was the right decision for me, even though it was hard to make at that time.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6.5	Có coherence với clear sequencing (first option, second option, in the end), nhưng còn some hesitation với từ nối đơn giản. Linking devices adequate nhưng không varied
Lexical Resource	6.5	Vocabulary đủ để convey message (confused, passion, nervous) nhưng thiếu sophistication. Có một số collocations (job opportunities, final year) nhưng chưa nhiều
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6.5	Mostly accurate với simple và compound sentences. Có attempt complex structures (I wasn’t sure if…, even though…) nhưng chưa consistent
Pronunciation	6-7	Assumed intelligible với occasional mispronunciations không ảnh hưởng communication

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Structure rõ ràng: intro → options → process → outcome
• ✅ Có timeline và context cụ thể
• ✅ Nói đủ thời gian (khoảng 1.5 phút)

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic và repetitive (happy, difficult, good)
• ⚠️ Grammar structures chưa đa dạng (mainly simple past)
• ⚠️ Thiếu idioms và collocations nâng cao
• ⚠️ Feeling description còn surface-level, chưa deep

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to share with you one of the most pivotal decisions I’ve ever had to make, which was choosing whether to accept a job offer abroad or stay in my hometown. This life-changing choice presented itself about three years ago, right after I graduated from university with a degree in Software Engineering.

The situation arose when I received a tempting offer from a tech company in Singapore. On the one hand, the position promised excellent career prospects, a competitive salary package, and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology. On the other hand, accepting it meant leaving behind everything familiar – my family, my friends, and the comfortable life I’d built in Vietnam.

I found myself torn between these two paths. Staying would mean playing it safe – I already had a decent job offer from a local company, and I could remain close to my aging parents who were getting older and might need my support. However, I knew that deep down, I’d always regret missing out on such a valuable international experience. I spent sleepless nights weighing the pros and cons, discussing endlessly with my parents, and even consulting former colleagues who’d made similar moves.

What made this decision particularly agonizing was the tight deadline – I only had two weeks to decide. Eventually, I chose to take the position in Singapore. Looking back, I can say it was an emotional rollercoaster. I felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety – excited about the new chapter of my life, yet anxious about stepping into the unknown. The day I told my parents was especially difficult; seeing their bittersweet reaction made me question my choice momentarily.

However, three years on, I believe I made the right call. The experience has been invaluable in terms of both personal growth and career development. While I still miss home terribly, I’ve learned to become more independent and resilient, and I’ve gained perspectives I never would have had if I’d stayed in my comfort zone.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Excellent coherence với sophisticated linking (On the one hand/other hand, However, Eventually). Natural flow với minimal hesitation. Well-organized chronologically
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range của vocabulary (pivotal, agonizing, bittersweet, invaluable). Good use của collocations (career prospects, cutting-edge technology, emotional rollercoaster). Some less common phrases (playing it safe, stepping into the unknown)
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Complex structures used consistently (relative clauses, participle clauses, conditionals). Mostly error-free với good control của tenses (past perfect, would for hypothetical)
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Assumed clear pronunciation với good stress và intonation patterns

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	confused, nervous, happy	pivotal, agonizing, bittersweet, invaluable
Grammar	I wasn’t sure if my parents would support me	seeing their bittersweet reaction made me question my choice momentarily
Ideas	Basic explanation của feelings	Deep exploration với emotional complexity (mixture of excitement and anxiety)
Collocations	job opportunities, good choice	career prospects, emotional rollercoaster, personal growth
Details	General timeline (two years ago)	Specific context (right after graduation, two weeks deadline)

Tương tự như describe a person who inspires you to work hard, việc thể hiện cảm xúc phức tạp và sự trưởng thành từ trải nghiệm là yếu tố giúp nâng band điểm đáng kể.

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to recount what I consider to be the most consequential decision of my adult life – whether to pursue a master’s degree overseas or embark on an entrepreneurial venture with my business partner. This defining moment came about four years ago, at a crossroads in my career when I was working as a marketing manager for a multinational corporation.

The dilemma emerged quite unexpectedly when I was offered a full scholarship to study at a prestigious university in the UK, specializing in Digital Marketing and Innovation. Simultaneously, my colleague approached me with a compelling business proposal to launch a startup in the ed-tech sector – something we’d been batting around ideas about for years. Both opportunities were time-sensitive, and I found myself having to make a choice that would fundamentally shape my future trajectory.

What made this decision particularly gut-wrenching was that both paths held tremendous appeal. The master’s program represented academic prestige and the chance to immerse myself in a different culture, broaden my horizons, and forge connections with industry leaders from around the globe. It was the safer bet – a well-trodden path with predictable outcomes. Conversely, the startup offered the tantalizing prospect of building something from scratch, the autonomy to implement my own vision, and potentially substantial financial rewards if we succeeded, though it came with considerable risk and no guaranteed income.

For weeks, I was consumed by this decision. I drew up elaborate spreadsheets comparing potential outcomes, sought counsel from mentors in both academia and business, and even spoke with a career counselor to gain some clarity. My family was divided on the matter – my parents, coming from a more conservative background, strongly advocated for the educational route, emphasizing long-term stability and credentials. Meanwhile, my partner was understandably invested in me joining the venture, highlighting how we’d complement each other’s skill sets and how this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The turning point came when I did some soul-searching and asked myself which decision I’d regret not taking at the age of seventy. I realized that educational opportunities would come around again, but the unique synergy my business partner and I had, coupled with the market timing, might not. In an uncharacteristic leap of faith, I chose to take the plunge with the startup.

The emotional landscape surrounding this decision was incredibly complex. I experienced waves of exhilaration when envisioning our potential success, quickly followed by bouts of self-doubt and anxiety about throwing away a sure thing. The hardest part was declining the scholarship – I felt I was turning my back on years of academic preparation and disappointing the professors who’d advocated for me. There was also an underlying fear of failure – the thought that if the business went south, I’d have burned bridges and squandered a remarkable opportunity.

Four years later, while our startup has had its share of ups and downs and we’re still working toward profitability, I can honestly say I’ve never looked back. The experience has been transformative in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’ve developed resilience, learned to navigate uncertainty, and gained practical insights that no textbook could provide. Even if the venture doesn’t pan out ultimately, I know I’ll emerge with invaluable skills and experiences. Most importantly, I’m at peace with my choice because it was authentic to who I am and what I value – taking calculated risks and backing myself even when the path ahead is unclear.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	9	Exceptional fluency với absolutely no hesitation. Sophisticated discourse markers (Simultaneously, Conversely, Meanwhile). Perfect coherence với clear progression từ situation → options → decision process → outcome → reflection
Lexical Resource	9	Consistently precise và sophisticated vocabulary (consequential, gut-wrenching, tantalizing, synergy). Natural use của idioms (take the plunge, burning bridges, pan out). Wide range của collocations (forge connections, well-trodden path, calculated risks)
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	9	Full range của structures used accurately và naturally: mixed conditionals (if we succeeded), participle clauses (highlighting how…, coming from…), cleft sentences (What made this…, The hardest part was…). Perfect control của complex tense combinations
Pronunciation	9	Assumed native-like pronunciation với sophisticated use của intonation để convey meaning và emotion

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Không có hesitation markers, flow tự nhiên như native speaker
• Sử dụng sophisticated discourse markers để guide listener (Simultaneously, Conversely, The turning point came when…)
• Perfect pacing với clear emphasis on important points

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Ví dụ: “gut-wrenching” – không chỉ “difficult”, mà diễn tả emotional intensity của decision
• Ví dụ: “well-trodden path” – idiomatic way to describe conventional choice, thay vì “normal way”
• Ví dụ: “consumed by” – vivid verb choice thay vì “thinking about a lot”
• Topic-specific collocations: “forge connections”, “calculated risks”, “market timing”

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Ví dụ: “I realized that educational opportunities would come around again, but the unique synergy my business partner and I had, coupled with the market timing, might not” – complex sentence với ellipsis, parallel structure, và subjunctive mood
• Ví dụ: “What made this decision particularly gut-wrenching was that both paths held tremendous appeal” – cleft sentence để emphasize
• Mixed conditionals: “if the business went south, I’d have burned bridges”

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ describe decision mà explore philosophical dimension: “which decision I’d regret not taking at the age of seventy”
• Acknowledge complexity và contradictions: family divided, waves of emotion
• Mature reflection: “Even if the venture doesn’t pan out ultimately, I know I’ll emerge with invaluable skills”
• Shows personal growth và self-awareness

🎭 Storytelling Mastery:

• Vivid scene-setting với specific details (marketing manager, multinational corporation)
• Creates tension với conflicting options
• Emotional arc: dilemma → struggle → turning point → peace
• Satisfying conclusion với reflection on growth

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

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

Question 1: Do you think you made the right decision?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think I made the right decision. I’m happy with my current situation and I don’t regret my choice. Everything worked out well for me.

Band 8-5-9 Answer:
With the benefit of hindsight, absolutely. While there were certainly moments of doubt along the way, I genuinely believe it was the right call for me at that particular juncture in my life. The experience has been instrumental in shaping who I am today, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

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Question 2: Would you make the same decision again if you had the chance?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I would make the same decision again. Even though it was difficult, I learned many important lessons and it helped me grow as a person.

Band 8.5-9 Answer:
Without hesitation, yes. Even knowing the challenges I’d face, I’d take the same path in a heartbeat. The personal and professional growth I’ve experienced has been worth its weight in gold, and it’s taught me to trust my instincts and embrace uncertainty – lessons that transcend any specific career outcome.

Cách ghi chú hiệu quả cho Part 2 IELTS Speaking về quyết định lớn

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi trừu tượng và analytical hơn nhiều so với Part 1. Đây là phần khó nhất vì examiner muốn test khả năng discuss concepts, theories, và social issues liên quan đến chủ đề.

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá (analyze, compare, evaluate)
• Đưa ra quan điểm có lý lẽ support
• Xem xét nhiều perspectives của issue
• Sử dụng examples từ society, không chỉ personal experiences

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời 3-5 câu tối thiểu
• Structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Conclusion/Nuance
• Sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas (Well, Actually, On the one hand…)
• Acknowledge complexity: “It’s not straightforward”, “There are multiple factors”
• Đưa ra balanced view khi có thể

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) như Part 1
• Không đưa ra reasons và examples cụ thể
• Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic
• Chỉ nói từ góc nhìn cá nhân, không mention society
• Không thừa nhận complexity hoặc alternative viewpoints
• Speaking quá formal như writing essay

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Individual Decision-Making Process

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Question 1: Why do some people find it difficult to make decisions?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-Effect (tìm reasons)
• Key words: some people, difficult, make decisions
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 reasons với examples, acknowledge individual differences

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Some people find it difficult to make decisions for several reasons. First, they might be afraid of making mistakes and regretting their choices later. They worry too much about the results. Second, when there are too many options, people feel confused and don’t know which one is the best. For example, when buying a phone, there are so many brands and models that it’s hard to choose. Finally, some people don’t have confidence in themselves, so they always need other people’s opinions before deciding.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với First, Second, Finally
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng simple (afraid, confused, confidence)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates ideas clearly với relevant reasons và example, nhưng lacks depth và sophisticated vocabulary

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

Well, I think there are multiple factors that contribute to decision paralysis. First and foremost, many people suffer from what psychologists call “analysis paralysis” – they overthink every possible outcome to the point where they become immobilized. This is particularly prevalent in today’s society where we’re bombarded with information and have an overwhelming array of choices for even the most mundane decisions.

On top of that, I’d say fear of regret plays a significant role. People are often haunted by the thought of making the wrong choice and having to live with the consequences, especially for life-altering decisions. This is compounded by social media, where we’re constantly exposed to others’ seemingly perfect choices, which amplifies our own self-doubt.

Moreover, lack of experience or expertise in a particular area can make decision-making daunting. For instance, someone buying their first property might feel out of their depth when weighing up factors like location, investment potential, and financing options. Lastly, I believe personality traits come into play – some people are naturally more risk-averse or perfectionist, which makes committing to a decision particularly challenging.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với discourse markers (First and foremost, On top of that, Moreover, Lastly). Each reason được develop với explanation và example
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (analysis paralysis, immobilized, bombarded with, haunted by, amplifies, out of their depth). Mix của psychological terms và everyday language
• Grammar: Complex structures: relative clauses (where we’re bombarded…), passive voice (is compounded by), gerund phrases (buying their first property)
• Critical Thinking: Balanced view với reference to psychology, social factors, và personality. Acknowledges modern context (social media impact)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, First and foremost, On top of that, Moreover, Lastly
• Tentative language: I think, I’d say, I believe (shows you’re expressing opinion, not absolute fact)
• Abstract nouns: analysis paralysis, regret, self-doubt, expertise, personality traits
• Academic collocations: contribute to, prevalent in, compounded by, come into play

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Question 2: Do you think young people and older people make decisions in the same way?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare and Contrast
• Key words: young people vs older people, same way
• Cách tiếp cận: Clearly state NO, then explain differences với specific examples, acknowledge exceptions

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

No, I don’t think they make decisions in the same way. Young people are usually more impulsive and they make quick decisions without thinking too much. They like to try new things and take risks. For example, young people might easily decide to change their job or travel to a new place.

On the other hand, older people are more careful and experienced. They think about the consequences more seriously before making any decision. They prefer safe choices because they have more responsibilities like family and mortgage. So they take more time to decide.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear comparison với “young people… On the other hand, older people…”
• Vocabulary: Basic contrasts (impulsive vs careful, quick vs take more time)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate comparison với relevant examples, nhưng lacks nuance và depth

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

Not at all – I’d argue there are fundamental differences in how different age demographics approach decision-making, though of course these are generalizations and individual variation is considerable.

From my observation, younger people tend to be more impulsive and risk-tolerant in their choices. They’re at a life stage where they have fewer commitments – no mortgage, often no dependents – which affords them the luxury of making decisions with less consideration for long-term consequences. What’s more, they’re often driven by immediate gratification and emotional impulses rather than pragmatic concerns. For instance, a young graduate might readily relocate to another country for a job opportunity without dwelling on the practical challenges.

In contrast, older individuals typically adopt a more deliberate and methodical approach. They’ve accumulated life experience and often learned from past mistakes, making them more circumspect. They tend to factor in multiple considerations – financial security, family obligations, health implications – before committing to a major decision. Their risk appetite generally diminishes as they have more to potentially lose.

That said, I should mention that these generational differences are becoming less pronounced nowadays. With increased life expectancy and changing social norms, many older people are embracing more adventurous choices, while some young people, particularly those burdened by student debt, are actually quite conservative in their decision-making. So while age is certainly a factor, it’s far from the sole determinant of how someone makes decisions.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear disagreement → Young people characteristics + example → Older people characteristics + contrast → Nuance/Exception. Perfect use của “In contrast” và “That said” để show different perspectives
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated comparison words (fundamental differences, in contrast, less pronounced). Academic terms (age demographics, risk appetite, generational differences, sole determinant)
• Grammar: Complex conditionals, relative clauses, participle phrases (particularly those burdened by…), passive constructions
• Critical Thinking: Doesn’t just compare – explains WHY differences exist (life stage, commitments). Acknowledges exceptions và modern trends, showing nuanced understanding

💡 Key Language Features:

• Strong disagreement: Not at all, I’d argue
• Generalization language: tend to be, typically, generally (important để avoid absolute statements)
• Academic hedging: from my observation, of course these are generalizations
• Contrast markers: In contrast, That said, while…

Tương tự như describe a skill that you would like to learn, việc thể hiện sự nhạy bén về yếu tố xã hội và tâm lý trong các câu trả lời Part 3 sẽ giúp nâng cao band điểm đáng kể.

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Theme 2: Impact of Technology on Decision-Making

Question 3: How has technology changed the way people make decisions?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Change Over Time (past vs present)
• Key words: technology, changed, way people make decisions
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 major changes với specific examples, acknowledge both positive và negative impacts

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Technology has changed decision-making a lot. Now people can search for information on the internet very easily, so they can make better decisions. For example, before buying something, people can read reviews online and compare prices on different websites.

Also, social media influences people’s decisions. They can see what their friends are doing and follow their choices. Another change is that people can make decisions faster because they have all the information on their phones. However, sometimes there is too much information and it makes people confused.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Lists changes clearly với examples
• Vocabulary: Basic technology vocabulary (internet, social media, websites, phones)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main points với relevant examples, but lacks sophistication và deeper analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

Technology has fundamentally revolutionized the decision-making landscape in several profound ways. Most notably, the ubiquity of information has transformed us from information-scarce to information-saturated decision-makers. In the past, people relied heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations or limited expert opinions, but now we can access vast repositories of data, reviews, and comparisons at our fingertips. While this theoretically empowers us to make more informed choices, it’s actually a double-edged sword – the sheer volume of information can lead to cognitive overload and, ironically, worse decisions.

Another significant shift is the rise of algorithm-driven recommendations. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon, or even dating apps are essentially making decisions for us by curating what we see based on our past behavior. This has its merits – it saves time and often aligns with our preferences – but it also creates echo chambers and limits our exposure to diverse options. We might miss out on serendipitous discoveries that fall outside our algorithmically predicted preferences.

Furthermore, social media has introduced a new dimension of social proof and peer influence into our decision-making calculus. People increasingly validate their choices by checking what’s trending or what influencers recommend, sometimes prioritizing external validation over their own genuine preferences. This herd mentality can lead to suboptimal decisions driven more by fear of missing out than by actual needs or values.

On a more practical level, technology has accelerated the pace of decision-making. We’re expected to respond instantaneously to messages and make snap judgments, which can be detrimental for decisions that would benefit from careful deliberation. Conversely, for routine decisions, tools like AI assistants and smart home devices have automated choices we previously had to make consciously, freeing up mental bandwidth for more important matters.

All things considered, while technology has made decision-making more efficient and data-driven, it hasn’t necessarily made us better at making decisions. The challenge now is learning to harness these tools effectively while maintaining our critical thinking and intuition.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptional organization với 4 distinct aspects (information access → algorithms → social media → pace), each fully developed. Perfect conclusion summarizing key tension
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (ubiquity, information-saturated, double-edged sword, cognitive overload, echo chambers, serendipitous, herd mentality, detrimental, harness). Perfect mix của tech terminology và analytical language
• Grammar: Full range: cleft sentences (While this theoretically empowers…, but it’s actually…), complex conditionals, passive voice, participle clauses
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional depth – doesn’t just list changes but analyzes implications. Acknowledges paradoxes (more information → worse decisions), uses contrasting ideas (theoretically vs ironically, On a more practical level, Conversely). Sophisticated conclusion about quality vs quantity

💡 Key Language Features:

• Change language: fundamentally revolutionized, transformed, significant shift, introduced a new dimension
• Balance phrases: double-edged sword, has its merits, On a more practical level, Conversely
• Conclusion markers: All things considered
• Academic hedging: theoretically, often, can be

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Theme 3: Social and Cultural Factors

Question 4: To what extent do you think culture affects how people make decisions?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion/Evaluation (To what extent = How much)
• Key words: culture, affects, how people make decisions
• Cách tiếp cận: State position (significant/limited extent), provide cultural examples, acknowledge individual variation

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think culture has a big effect on decision-making. In some cultures, especially Asian cultures, people make decisions together with their family. They care a lot about family opinions. For example, in Vietnam, young people usually ask their parents before making important decisions like choosing a career or getting married.

In Western cultures, people are more independent. They make decisions by themselves and don’t need to ask family members. They think individual freedom is very important. So culture definitely influences how people decide things, but I think it’s also changing now because of globalization.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear position → Asian culture example → Western culture contrast → Conclusion
• Vocabulary: Basic cultural terms (Asian cultures, Western cultures, individual freedom)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question với relevant examples, nhưng lacks depth và nuanced analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

I’d argue that culture has a tremendously significant impact on decision-making processes, operating at both conscious and subconscious levels. Cultural values essentially shape the lens through which we evaluate options and determine priorities.

To illustrate, in collectivist societies prevalent across much of Asia, decision-making is often inherently communal. There’s a deeply ingrained concept of interdependence where major life choices are viewed through the prism of family harmony and social cohesion rather than purely individual gain. When a Vietnamese person decides on a career path, for instance, they’re typically factoring in parental expectations, family financial circumstances, and even how the choice might reflect on the family’s social standing. The decision-making framework is essentially “we-centric” rather than “me-centric”.

By contrast, in more individualistic cultures like the United States or Australia, there’s a premium placed on personal autonomy and self-determination. People are socialized from an early age to make independent choices and own their decisions. The cultural narrative celebrates those who forge their own path and challenge the status quo, which manifests in a decision-making style that prioritizes personal fulfillment and individual goals, sometimes even at the expense of family preferences.

Beyond this collectivism-individualism dimension, culture also influences risk tolerance, time orientation, and decision-making styles. For example, cultures with long-term orientations like Japan or China tend to favor decisions with sustained benefits over quick gains, while more present-oriented cultures might lean towards immediate gratification. Similarly, hierarchical cultures often have more top-down decision-making, whereas egalitarian societies favor collaborative approaches.

That being said, I should add a caveat – while culture is undeniably influential, we shouldn’t fall into the trap of cultural determinism. Intra-cultural variation can be as significant as inter-cultural differences. Globalization, education, and exposure to diverse perspectives are blurring traditional boundaries, and many people now embody a hybrid decision-making style that draws from multiple cultural influences. Additionally, context matters enormously – someone might adopt a collectivist approach for family decisions but an individualistic one for career choices.

In sum, while culture provides the blueprint for how we approach decisions, it’s one of several intersecting factors including personality, circumstances, and individual experiences that ultimately shape our choices.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Masterful organization: Clear thesis → Collectivist example (detailed) → Individualist contrast → Additional cultural dimensions → Caveats and nuance → Conclusion. Perfect balance của main argument và exceptions
• Vocabulary: Exceptional sophistication (tremendously significant, inherently communal, deeply ingrained, interdependence, cultural determinism, intra-cultural variation, hybrid decision-making style, intersecting factors). Academic terms used precisely
• Grammar: Full grammatical range: complex relative clauses, participle constructions, parallel structures (both conscious and subconscious, we-centric vs me-centric), conditional sentences
• Critical Thinking: Outstanding depth – goes beyond obvious collectivism/individualism to discuss risk tolerance, time orientation, hierarchy. Crucially acknowledges complexity (intra-cultural variation, context dependency, globalization impact). Shows examiner you think critically về generalizations

💡 Key Language Features:

• Strong position language: I’d argue that, tremendously significant impact
• Exemplification: To illustrate, For example, For instance
• Contrast markers: By contrast, whereas, while
• Adding nuance: That being said, I should add a caveat, Additionally
• Conclusion: In sum
• Academic collocations: prevalent across, viewed through, reflects on, places a premium on, fall into the trap of

Đối với những học viên muốn nâng cao khả năng phân tích văn hóa và xã hội như trong describe a recent social gathering you attended, việc hiểu sâu về các yếu tố văn hóa ảnh hưởng đến hành vi con người là vô cùng quan trọng.

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Question 5: Do you think people today have too many choices to make?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Evaluation
• Key words: people today, too many choices
• Cách tiếp cận: Yes/No/Partially agree → Explain reasons → Give examples → Acknowledge counterargument

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think people today have too many choices, especially compared to the past. For example, when we go to a supermarket, there are hundreds of products to choose from, which makes shopping take a long time. Also, when choosing a career or university major, there are so many options that young people feel stressed and confused.

However, having many choices is not always bad. It means we can find something that really fits our needs. But I think the problem is that too many choices make it harder to feel satisfied with our decision because we always wonder if there was a better option.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear yes → example → counterargument → conclusion
• Vocabulary: Basic (hundreds of, stressed, confused, fits our needs)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses both sides với relevant examples, but lacks sophistication

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

Absolutely – I believe we’re currently experiencing what psychologist Barry Schwartz famously termed “the paradox of choice,” and it’s having profound implications for our wellbeing and decision satisfaction.

From a practical standpoint, the sheer abundance of options in modern life is overwhelming. Whether we’re choosing a streaming service, a career path, a romantic partner through dating apps, or even just ordering coffee – we’re inundated with possibilities. While this theoretically should enhance our ability to find the optimal choice, research suggests it actually leads to decision fatigue, analysis paralysis, and ultimately, decreased satisfaction with whatever we choose. There’s always that nagging feeling that we might have missed out on a better alternative.

What’s particularly insidious about this choice proliferation is the psychological burden it creates. Making decisions depletes our cognitive resources, and when we’re forced to make countless micro-decisions throughout the day, we’re left drained for more significant choices. This partly explains why successful people like Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg famously adopted minimal wardrobes – to conserve mental energy for decisions that truly matter. It’s a coping mechanism against choice overload.

Moreover, having excessive options can paralyze action altogether. I’ve witnessed friends endlessly deliberate over relatively minor decisions like which gym membership to purchase, spending hours comparing features and prices, when any reasonable option would have served them well. The opportunity cost of the time spent deciding often exceeds the benefit of finding the supposedly “perfect” choice. This is what economists call “the cost of choice” – the hidden expense of wading through options.

That said, I wouldn’t argue for drastically limiting choices across the board. In certain high-stakes decisions – healthcare options, education paths, financial investments – having comprehensive alternatives is clearly beneficial. The issue isn’t choice per se, but rather our lack of frameworks for managing choice effectively. We need better filtering mechanisms, perhaps through trusted curation rather than overwhelming abundance.

Additionally, I should acknowledge that choice scarcity brings its own severe problems – lack of autonomy, stifled innovation, and one-size-fits-all solutions that serve no one well. The question isn’t whether to have choices, but how to strike a balance between meaningful variety and manageable decision-making.

In essence, while I believe we’ve overshot the optimal amount of choice in many domains of modern life, the solution lies not in restricting options but in developing better decision-making strategies and creating environments where default options are thoughtfully designed, allowing people to opt out of constant choosing when it doesn’t add genuine value.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptional – Clear position → Practical impact + psychological research → Specific example (famous people) → Counterexample (friends) → Counterargument (benefits of choice) → Nuanced conclusion. Shows PhD-level thinking
• Vocabulary: Outstanding sophistication (paradox of choice, inundated with, insidious, choice proliferation, cognitive resources, opportunity cost, filtering mechanisms, strike a balance, overshot). Academic references (Barry Schwartz, economists)
• Grammar: Full range perfectly controlled: cleft sentences (What’s particularly insidious…), conditional structures, relative clauses, participle phrases, abstract noun constructions
• Critical Thinking: Exceptional depth – references psychological research, economic concepts, real-world examples. Acknowledges complexity (not just too much choice bad, but need balance). Proposes solutions. Shows you think like an academic

💡 Key Language Features:

• Strong agreement: Absolutely, I believe
• Academic references: psychologist Barry Schwartz famously termed, research suggests, economists call
• Problem analysis: From a practical standpoint, What’s particularly insidious, Moreover
• Balancing views: That said, Additionally, while…the solution lies not in…but in
• Sophisticated conclusion: In essence

Sơ đồ chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả cho IELTS Speaking Part 3

Theme 4: Decision-Making in Professional Context

Question 6: What qualities do you think leaders need when making important decisions?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion/List qualities
• Key words: qualities, leaders, important decisions
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 3-4 key qualities, explain why each matters, give examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think leaders need several important qualities when making decisions. First, they need to be confident and not afraid to make tough choices. Second, they should be responsible and accept the consequences of their decisions. Leaders also need to be good listeners and consider other people’s opinions before deciding. Finally, they should be able to think about the future and understand how their decisions will affect the company or team in the long term.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear listing với First, Second, Also, Finally
• Vocabulary: Basic leadership terms (confident, responsible, good listeners)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers relevant qualities với adequate explanation, but lacks depth và sophisticated vocabulary

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

Effective leadership decision-making requires a nuanced combination of qualities that often exist in tension with one another.

First and foremost, I’d argue that decisiveness is paramount. Leaders must be capable of making timely decisions even with incomplete information – what military strategists call “operating in the fog of war.” Paralysis by analysis can be as detrimental as hasty judgment. Great leaders like Amazon’s Jeff Bezos have institutionalized the concept of “two-way door decisions” – recognizing that most choices are reversible and shouldn’t warrant excessive deliberation, while truly consequential ones deserve deeper consideration. This discernment between decision types is itself a critical skill.

Equally important is emotional intelligence – the ability to understand and manage both one’s own emotions and those of others. Decisions inevitably impact people, and leaders who lack empathy or fail to anticipate the human reactions to their choices often face implementation challenges or organizational resistance. The best leaders can put themselves in others’ shoes while still making tough calls when necessary. They’re what I’d call “empathetically firm” – they understand the pain a decision might cause but don’t shy away from making it if it’s right.

Furthermore, intellectual humility is vastly underrated. The most dangerous leaders are those who suffer from “the curse of knowledge” or overconfidence bias, believing they have all the answers. Stellar decision-makers actively seek out dissenting opinions, challenge their own assumptions, and recognize the limits of their expertise. Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates built an entire corporate culture around “radical transparency” and “thoughtful disagreement” precisely because he understood that unchallenged thinking leads to flawed decisions.

Additionally, I’d highlight systems thinking – the capacity to see beyond immediate consequences and grasp the ripple effects decisions create across time and systems. Leaders often face trade-offs where a decision might optimize one metric while inadvertently harming another. Those who can model these complex interdependencies and anticipate second- and third-order effects are far more likely to make sustainable decisions rather than ones that backfire later.

Lastly, and perhaps most fundamentally, leaders need moral courage – the backbone to make the right decision even when it’s unpopular, costly, or career-threatening. This means resisting the tyranny of short-term thinking, stakeholder pressure, or personal gain in favor of what’s ethically sound and long-term beneficial. Ultimately, the quality that distinguishes truly great leaders from merely competent managers is their willingness to stand by difficult decisions and take accountability for outcomes, whether positive or negative.

In my view, what makes these qualities particularly challenging is that they must be balanced dynamically based on context. A decision might require swift action in one scenario but patient consultation in another. The art of leadership decision-making lies not in rigidly applying these qualities but in calibrating them appropriately to the situation at hand.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Outstanding organization – Introduction acknowledging complexity → 5 distinct qualities, each thoroughly explained with examples and references → Nuanced conclusion about dynamic balance. Shows executive-level thinking
• Vocabulary: Exceptional sophistication (decisiveness, paralysis by analysis, discernment, empathetically firm, curse of knowledge, stellar decision-makers, systems thinking, ripple effects, moral courage, tyranny of short-term thinking, calibrating). Mix của business terminology, psychological concepts, và philosophical language
• Grammar: Full grammatical mastery: appositive phrases (what military strategists call…), participle constructions (recognizing that…, believing they have…), complex relative clauses, parallel structures (the ability to understand and manage…)
• Critical Thinking: PhD-level analysis – not just listing qualities but explaining tensions between them (decisiveness vs deliberation, empathy vs toughness), citing real business leaders (Bezos, Dalio), discussing cognitive biases, acknowledging context-dependency. Shows you understand leadership at sophisticated level

💡 Key Language Features:

• Prioritizing language: First and foremost, Equally important, Furthermore, Additionally, Lastly, perhaps most fundamentally
• Emphasis: I’d argue that, is paramount, is vastly underrated
• Real-world examples: Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates
• Academic concepts: fog of war, curse of knowledge, overconfidence bias, systems thinking, second- and third-order effects
• Sophisticated conclusion: In my view, The art of…lies not in…but in

Khi thảo luận về các phẩm chất lãnh đạo, việc tham khảo các tình huống thực tế giống như trong describe a time when you had to work towards a tight deadline sẽ giúp câu trả lời của bạn thêm phần thuyết phục và sinh động.

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
pivotal decision	n	/ˈpɪvətl dɪˈsɪʒən/	quyết định then chốt, quan trọng	Making the pivotal decision to change careers transformed my life.	make a pivotal decision, face a pivotal decision
dilemma	n	/dɪˈlemə/	tình thế tiến thoái lưỡng nan	I was in a real dilemma about whether to accept the job offer.	face a dilemma, be in a dilemma, moral dilemma, ethical dilemma
weigh up the pros and cons	v phrase	/weɪ ʌp ðə prəʊz ənd kɒnz/	cân nhắc ưu nhược điểm	Before making any major decision, I always weigh up the pros and cons carefully.	carefully weigh up, thoroughly weigh up
life-changing	adj	/laɪf-ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/	thay đổi cuộc đời	Studying abroad was a life-changing experience for me.	life-changing decision, life-changing experience, life-changing moment
gut-wrenching	adj	/ɡʌt-ˈrentʃɪŋ/	đau đớn, khó khăn về mặt cảm xúc	It was a gut-wrenching decision to leave my family.	gut-wrenching decision, gut-wrenching choice
uproot one’s life	v phrase	/ʌpˈruːt wʌnz laɪf/	thay đổi hoàn toàn cuộc sống, rời bỏ nơi đã quen	Moving to another country meant uprooting my entire life.	completely uproot, uproot from
soul-searching	n	/səʊl-ˈsɜːtʃɪŋ/	sự tự vấn sâu sắc	After much soul-searching, I finally knew what I wanted to do.	deep soul-searching, much soul-searching, period of soul-searching
take the leap	v phrase	/teɪk ðə liːp/	mạo hiểm thực hiện điều gì đó	I decided to take the leap and start my own business.	take the leap of faith, finally take the leap
crossroads	n	/ˈkrɒsrəʊdz/	ngã rẽ quan trọng trong cuộc đời	I was at a crossroads in my career.	at a crossroads, reach a crossroads, stand at a crossroads
deliberate	adj	/dɪˈlɪbərət/	cân nhắc kỹ lưỡng	She took a very deliberate approach to choosing her university.	deliberate decision, deliberate choice, deliberate approach
decisive	adj	/dɪˈsaɪsɪv/	quyết đoán	A good leader needs to be decisive under pressure.	decisive action, decisive moment, be decisive
agonizing	adj	/ˈæɡənaɪzɪŋ/	đau đớn, khó khăn	It was an agonizing choice between two equally good options.	agonizing decision, agonizing choice, agonizing process
bittersweet	adj	/ˌbɪtəˈswiːt/	vừa vui vừa buồn	Leaving home was a bittersweet experience.	bittersweet feeling, bittersweet moment, bittersweet decision
emotional rollercoaster	n phrase	/ɪˈməʊʃənl ˈrəʊləˌkəʊstə/	cảm xúc thất thường	The decision-making process was an emotional rollercoaster.	go through an emotional rollercoaster, be on an emotional rollercoaster
analysis paralysis	n phrase	/əˈnæləsɪs pəˈræləsɪs/	tình trạng suy nghĩ quá nhiều đến mức không thể quyết định	He suffered from analysis paralysis when choosing his career path.	suffer from analysis paralysis, lead to analysis paralysis
fear of regret	n phrase	/fɪər əv rɪˈɡret/	nỗi sợ hối tiếc	Fear of regret often prevents people from making bold decisions.	driven by fear of regret, overcome fear of regret
live with the consequences	v phrase	/lɪv wɪð ðə ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz/	chấp nhận và đối mặt với hậu quả	Whatever you decide, you’ll have to live with the consequences.	learn to live with, be prepared to live with
trust one’s gut instinct	v phrase	/trʌst wʌnz ɡʌt ˈɪnstɪŋkt/	tin vào trực giác	Sometimes you just have to trust your gut instinct.	learn to trust, always trust
bounce ideas off someone	v phrase	/baʊns aɪˈdɪəz ɒf ˈsʌmwʌn/	trao đổi, bàn bạc ý tưởng với ai	I like to bounce ideas off my colleagues before making important decisions.	bounce ideas off, need to bounce ideas off

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
at a crossroads	ở ngã rẽ quan trọng của cuộc đời	I was at a crossroads – either continue my stable job or pursue my passion.	7.5-8
burn bridges	phá hỏng mối quan hệ, cắt đứt quan hệ	I didn’t want to burn bridges with my former employer by leaving abruptly.	8-9
take the plunge	quyết định làm điều gì đó mạo hiểm	After years of planning, I finally took the plunge and started my own business.	7.5-8
have second thoughts	đắn đo, hoài nghi về quyết định đã đưa ra	I began having second thoughts about my decision to move abroad.	7-8
a blessing in disguise	điều may mắn ẩn giấu sau vẻ ngoài xấu	Losing that job turned out to be a blessing in disguise.	7.5-8
turn over a new leaf	bắt đầu lại, thay đổi theo hướng tích cực	Moving to a new city allowed me to turn over a new leaf.	7.5-8
play it safe	chọn cách an toàn, không mạo hiểm	I decided to play it safe and accept the more stable job offer.	7-8
step out of one’s comfort zone	bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn	Accepting the overseas position meant stepping out of my comfort zone.	7-8
a leap of faith	quyết định mạo hiểm dựa trên niềm tin	Moving to a new country was a real leap of faith.	8-9
the lesser of two evils	lựa chọn ít tệ hại hơn giữa hai phương án xấu	I chose to work weekends, which seemed like the lesser of two evils.	8-9
sit on the fence	không quyết định, trung lập	You can’t sit on the fence forever – you need to make a choice.	7.5-8
strike while the iron is hot	tận dụng cơ hội khi còn có thể	I knew I had to strike while the iron was hot and accept the offer immediately.	8-9

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ hoặc khi bạn muốn đưa ra câu trả lời có sắc thái
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc correction
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật về feelings hoặc opinions
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách mềm mại để đưa ra quan điểm
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là quan điểm cá nhân

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó (sophisticated hơn “also”)
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, còn nữa
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
• 📝 Furthermore,… – Hơn nữa (formal hơn)
• 📝 Moreover,… – Ngoài ra (academic tone)

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác (classic comparison)
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Tuy đúng là… nhưng cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, dù vậy (để introduce counterpoint)
• 📝 Having said that,… – Dù đã nói như vậy (để qualify your statement)

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nhìn chung
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì (idiomatic)
• 📝 In sum,… – Tóm lại (formal)
• 📝 To sum up,… – Tóm lại
• 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất thì

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional (Điều kiện hỗn hợp):

• Formula: If + past perfect, would/could + base verb
• Ví dụ: If I hadn’t taken that decision, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
• Dùng khi: Nói về past action với present result

Inversion for emphasis:

• Formula: Had + subject + past participle, subject + would/could + have + past participle
• Ví dụ: Had I known the consequences, I would have chosen differently.
• Dùng khi: Muốn sound formal và emphatic

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: …, which + verb…
• Ví dụ: I chose to study abroad, which turned out to be the best decision of my life.
• Dùng khi: Add extra information về preceding clause

Reduced relative clauses:

• Formula: Noun + -ing/past participle
• Ví dụ: The decision facing me was incredibly difficult. / Options presented to me were all appealing.
• Dùng khi: Make speech more concise và sophisticated

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive:

• Formula: It is thought/believed/said that…
• Ví dụ: It is often said that we learn most from our mistakes.
• Dùng khi: Express general opinions without naming source

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-cleft:

• Formula: What + clause + is/was…
• Ví dụ: What I find most challenging about decision-making is the fear of regret.
• Dùng khi: Emphasize specific information

The thing-cleft:

• Formula: The thing that + clause + is/was…
• Ví dụ: The thing that made this decision so difficult was that both options had merit.
• Dùng khi: Focus attention on particular aspect

5. Inversion for emphasis:

Only when/Not until + inversion:

• Formula: Only when/Not until + auxiliary + subject + verb
• Ví dụ: Only when I moved abroad did I realize how much I valued my family. / Not until I faced that dilemma did I understand the importance of decisive action.
• Dùng khi: Create dramatic effect và sound sophisticated

6. Subjunctive mood:

For suggestions/recommendations:

• Formula: Subject + suggest/recommend/insist + that + subject + base verb
• Ví dụ: I would suggest that anyone facing such a decision take their time to reflect.
• Dùng khi: Give formal suggestions (no “s” for third person)

Nếu bạn đang tìm kiếm thêm các nguồn tài liệu để luyện tập, hãy tham khảo describe a famous actor from your country để xem cách áp dụng những cấu trúc ngữ pháp phức tạp vào các chủ đề khác nhau.

Chiến Lược Tổng Hợp Để Đạt Band 8+

Trước Khi Thi (Preparation Strategy)

1. Xây Dựng “Decision Bank” Cá Nhân

Thay vì học thuộc templates, hãy chuẩn bị 3-4 quyết định thực tế từ cuộc sống bạn có thể adapt cho nhiều đề bài khác nhau:

• Một quyết định về education (chọn trường, chuyên ngành)
• Một quyết định về career (đổi việc, accept offer)
• Một quyết định về personal life (chuyển nhà, relationship)
• Một quyết định về finance (mua gì đó đắt tiền)

2. Practice Storytelling Structure

Luyện kể story theo structure này cho Part 2:

• Setup (20%): Context – when, where, situation
• Conflict (20%): The dilemma – what options, why difficult
• Process (30%): How you decided – factors considered, people consulted
• Resolution (20%): The decision – what you chose and immediate reaction
• Reflection (10%): Looking back – outcome, feelings, lessons learned

3. Record Yourself

• Record câu trả lời 2-minute cho Part 2
• Listen lại và note:
  • Hesitations (um, er, like) – nên dưới 5 lần/2 phút
  • Repetitive vocabulary – highlight và find synonyms
  • Grammar errors – correct và practice lại
  • Timing – ensure 2 phút đầy đủ

4. Build Collocations Not Individual Words

Thay vì học “difficult”, học whole phrases:

• a difficult decision → a gut-wrenching dilemma, a tough call
• think carefully → weigh up the options, deliberate extensively, engage in soul-searching

Trong Phòng Thi (Test Day Strategy)

Part 1 (4-5 minutes):

• ✅ Answer trực tiếp trong câu đầu tiên
• ✅ Extend với reason + example (2-3 câu total)
• ✅ Use varied vocabulary – không repeat cùng adjective
• ✅ Maintain natural pace – không quá nhanh hoặc chậm
• ❌ Avoid yes/no answers
• ❌ Don’t memorize whole sentences – sound robotic

Part 2 (3-4 minutes including prep):

Trong 1 phút chuẩn bị:

• 0-15 seconds: Đọc kỹ cue card, identify tense (quá khứ/hiện tại)
• 15-45 seconds: Note keywords cho mỗi bullet point:
  • What: [3-4 keywords về decision]
  • When/Where: [1-2 keywords]
  • Options: [note 2 options với 1 keyword each]
  • Explain: [2-3 keywords về feelings]
• 45-60 seconds: Quickly plan opening sentence và transition phrases

Trong 2-3 phút nói:

• First 10 seconds: Strong opening – paraphrase topic
• Next 1.5-2 minutes: Cover all bullet points systematically
• Last 30 seconds: Focus on “explain” part – này là scoring opportunity
• Keep talking until examiner stops you – aim for full 2 minutes minimum

Part 3 (4-5 minutes):

• ✅ Expand answers to 4-6 sentences minimum
• ✅ Structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 → Conclusion/nuance
• ✅ Use discourse markers: Well, Actually, On the one hand, That said
• ✅ Acknowledge complexity: “It’s not straightforward…”, “There are multiple factors…”
• ✅ Reference society/culture, not just personal experience
• ✅ Show balanced thinking: present different perspectives
• ❌ Don’t give one-sentence answers
• ❌ Don’t just list points without explanation
• ❌ Don’t speak like written essay – keep conversational

Common Mistakes của Học Viên Việt Nam và Cách Khắc Phục

1. Lỗi: Overthinking và Silent Pauses

• Vấn đề: Stopping completely để think, tạo awkward silence
• Solution: Dùng fillers tự nhiên: “Well, that’s an interesting question…”, “Let me think…”, “How can I put this…”
• Practice: Record yourself và count silent pauses > 3 seconds. Reduce gradually.

2. Lỗi: Dùng Vocabulary Quá Cao Cấp Không Tự Nhiên

• Vấn đề: Cố nhét từ như “plethora”, “myriad” vào speaking – sounds unnatural
• Solution: Focus on natural collocations hơn là individual fancy words. “A wide range of options” sounds better than “a plethora of options” in speaking
• Practice: Read spoken interviews của native speakers, not written articles

3. Lỗi: Switching Tenses Linh Tinh

• Vấn đề: Kể về past decision nhưng lại dùng “I decide” (present) thay vì “I decided”
• Solution: Khi practice Part 2, deliberately mark tense on your notes. Nếu past experience, note “PAST” ở đầu.
• Practice: Record và transcribe một bài Part 2 – highlight all verbs và check tense consistency

4. Lỗi: Không Trả Lời Đủ Bullet Points

• Vấn đề: Quá focus vào “what the decision was” mà bỏ qua “how you felt”
• Solution: During preparation minute, tick off each bullet point as you note keywords
• Practice: Give bài của bạn cho friend/teacher check xem có cover hết bullet points không

5. Lỗi: Part 3 Answers Quá Ngắn Như Part 1

• Vấn đề: Part 3 cần depth, nhưng học viên answer như Part 1 (2-3 câu)
• Solution: Train yourself với “4-sentence minimum rule” cho Part 3. Structure mỗi answer: Opinion → Reason → Example → Conclusion
• Practice: Time your Part 3 answers – should be 30-45 seconds each minimum

6. Lỗi: Memorized Responses

• Vấn đề: Học thuộc whole paragraphs, sounds unnatural và lifeless
• Solution: Memorize structures và key vocabulary, nhưng create content spontaneously
• Practice: Practice same topic 5 times với different wording mỗi lần

Lộ Trình Học Tập 8 Tuần

Tuần 1-2: Foundation Building

• Học 10 collocations mỗi ngày related to decision-making
• Practice Part 1 questions: 5 questions/day, record và listen back
• Build your personal “decision bank”

Tuần 3-4: Part 2 Mastery

• Practice 1 cue card mỗi ngày về decision-making topics
• Focus on timing: hit 2 minutes consistently
• Work on storytelling structure và emotional vocabulary

Tuần 5-6: Part 3 Depth

• Practice abstract questions: 10 questions total
• Focus on extending answers với reasons và examples
• Learn discourse markers và practice using them naturally

Tuần 7: Integration

• Full mock tests: tất cả 3 parts together
• Get feedback từ teacher hoặc study partner
• Identify specific weaknesses và target practice

Tuần 8: Polish

• Fine-tune pronunciation và intonation
• Practice với varied topics để avoid over-preparation cho một topic
• Work on confidence: eye contact, body language, natural delivery

Tâm Lý Và Mental Preparation

Managing Anxiety:

• Remember: Examiner wants you to succeed. Họ không phải enemy.
• Breathe: Nếu nervous, take a visible breath và say “Let me think for a moment”
• Reframe mistakes: Một vài grammar mistakes KHÔNG ruin your score nếu overall communication clear

During the Test:

• If you don’t understand: “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” hoặc “Do you mean…?”
• If you don’t know vocabulary: Paraphrase! “I’m not sure of the exact word, but I mean the situation where…”
• If you run out of things to say: Bring in comparison: “Compared to…”, “Unlike…”, or “Similarly…”

After Part 2:

• Không worry nếu examiner stops you trước 2 phút – có thể bạn đã cover enough
• Part 2 performance KHÔNG determine Part 3 questions – examiner follows standard script

Lịch trình ôn luyện IELTS Speaking 8 tuần hiệu quả cho chủ đề quyết định

Kết Luận

Chủ đề “Describe a time when you had to make a big decision” là một trong những đề tài quan trọng và thường xuyên xuất hiện trong IELTS Speaking. Để đạt band điểm cao, bạn cần:

Về Vocabulary:

• Sử dụng topic-specific collocations (pivotal decision, gut-wrenching, weigh up options)
• Incorporate idiomatic expressions một cách tự nhiên (take the plunge, at a crossroads)
• Demonstrate range với synonyms và varied expressions

Về Grammar:

• Maintain tense consistency, đặc biệt trong Part 2 past narratives
• Use complex structures: conditionals, relative clauses, cleft sentences
• Demonstrate control với inversion và subjunctive mood cho band 8+

Về Content:

• Part 1: Trả lời ngắn gọn nhưng complete (2-3 câu)
• Part 2: Tell complete story với all bullet points, focus on “explain” section
• Part 3: Analyze deeply với multiple perspectives, examples from society

Về Delivery:

• Fluency: Minimize hesitation, use natural fillers
• Coherence: Logical progression với appropriate discourse markers
• Pronunciation: Clear articulation, appropriate intonation patterns
• Confidence: Maintain eye contact, speak naturally không như đọc script

Remember:

• Authenticity > Perfection: Real experiences với minor errors tốt hơn perfect but robotic answers
• Practice ≠ Memorization: Practice để build confidence và fluency, không phải để học thuộc
• Mistakes Are OK: Vài lỗi nhỏ không ảnh hưởng band nếu overall communication effective

Với preparation đúng cách theo hướng dẫn trong bài viết này, combined với consistent practice, bạn hoàn toàn có thể đạt band 7.5-8.5 cho phần IELTS Speaking. Good luck với preparation của bạn!