Chủ đề về nơi thư giãn, nghỉ ngơi là một trong những đề tài phổ biến và “ưa thích” của giám khảo IELTS Speaking. Qua hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi, tôi nhận thấy chủ đề “Describe A Place Where You Like To Go To Unwind” xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ 2020 đến nay, đặc biệt trong giai đoạn sau đại dịch khi vấn đề sức khỏe tinh thần được chú trọng hơn. Khả năng xuất hiện của chủ đề này trong các kỳ thi sắp tới là Cao.
Điều làm cho chủ đề này đặc biệt quan trọng là nó không chỉ kiểm tra khả năng mô tả địa điểm mà còn đánh giá khả năng diễn đạt cảm xúc, giải thích lý do và phản ánh sâu sắc về nhu cầu cá nhân. Từ góc nhìn của một examiner, tôi thấy nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam gặp khó khăn khi cần diễn đạt các khái niệm trừu tượng về cảm giác thư giãn, bình yên hay sự cân bằng trong cuộc sống.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:
- Câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part về chủ đề relaxation và unwinding
- Bài mẫu chi tiết theo 3 band điểm khác nhau (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích sâu
- Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm chuyên biệt cho chủ đề
- Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn examiner
- Các lỗi phổ biến nhất 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. Đây là phần “warm-up” để bạn làm quen với giám khảo và môi trường thi. Tuy nhiên, đừng xem nhẹ phần này vì ấn tượng đầu tiên rất quan trọng.
Chiến lược quan trọng: Mỗi câu trả lời nên có 2-3 câu, bao gồm: direct answer + reason/explanation + example (nếu phù hợp). Tránh trả lời chỉ 1 câu hoặc quá dài dòng.
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn kiểu “Yes, I do” hoặc “No, I don’t” không mở rộng
- Dùng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “nice”, “interesting” lặp đi lặp lại
- Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
- Nói quá nhanh do lo lắng, dẫn đến pronunciation không rõ ràng
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Question 1: Do you often feel stressed?
Question 2: What do you usually do to relax after work or study?
Question 3: Do you prefer to relax alone or with other people?
Question 4: Is it important to have time to unwind? Why?
Question 5: Where do people in your country usually go to relax?
Question 6: Do you think modern life makes it harder to relax?
Question 7: What places help you feel calm?
Question 8: How much time do you spend relaxing each week?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: What do you usually do to relax after work or study?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời trực tiếp hoạt động cụ thể bạn làm
- Giải thích tại sao hoạt động đó giúp bạn thư giãn
- Thêm chi tiết về tần suất hoặc cảm giác
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I usually listen to music to relax. It helps me forget about my problems at work. Sometimes I also watch TV shows or play games on my phone. These activities make me feel better after a stressful day.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, đưa ra nhiều hoạt động, có giải thích đơn giản về tác dụng
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng khá basic (relax, problems, feel better), thiếu cụm từ collocations, ý tưởng chưa sâu
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Vocabulary đủ để truyền đạt ý nghĩa nhưng chưa flexible và precise. Grammatical range có nhưng mostly simple structures. Fluency ổn nhưng chưa có paraphrasing.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Well, my go-to way of unwinding after a long day is putting on some soothing music, particularly classical or acoustic pieces. I find that it really helps me decompress and clear my head of all the work-related thoughts that tend to linger. I’d also say that I’m quite fond of taking leisurely walks in my neighborhood park, especially during sunset, as the tranquil atmosphere really helps me recharge my batteries.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary sophisticated: “go-to way”, “unwinding”, “soothing”, “decompress”, “linger”, “tranquil atmosphere”, “recharge my batteries”
- Grammar đa dạng: present continuous for habits, relative clause (that tend to linger), gerund phrases
- Discourse marker tự nhiên: “Well”, “particularly”, “I’d also say”
- Ý tưởng cụ thể và personal: classical/acoustic music, sunset walks
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Smooth, natural flow với appropriate pausing
- Vocabulary: Wide range, precise, colloquial expressions (go-to, recharge batteries)
- Grammar: Complex structures used naturally (participle clauses, relative clauses)
- Pronunciation: Stress patterns in compound phrases (work-related thoughts, leisure walks)
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/: thư giãn, xả stress
- decompress /ˌdiːkəmˈpres/: giảm áp lực, thả lỏng
- clear my head: làm tỉnh đầu óc, quên đi lo lắng
- linger /ˈlɪŋɡər/: kéo dài, ám ảnh trong đầu
- recharge my batteries: nạp lại năng lượng
- tranquil atmosphere /ˈtræŋkwɪl/: bầu không khí yên bình
Question: Do you prefer to relax alone or with other people?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra preference rõ ràng (hoặc cả hai tùy tình huống)
- Giải thích lý do cho sự lựa chọn
- Có thể contrast hai cách để làm câu trả lời phong phú hơn
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I prefer to relax alone most of the time. When I’m alone, I can do whatever I want without thinking about other people. I can read books or just lie down and think about nothing. But sometimes I also like spending time with my close friends to chat and have fun together.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng preference, có explanation, mention cả hai options
- Hạn chế: Vocabulary repetitive (alone xuất hiện 3 lần), phrases đơn giản (do whatever I want, have fun), thiếu depth trong explanation
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates meaning clearly nhưng lacks sophistication trong cách diễn đạt và ý tưởng.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“I’d say it really depends on my mood and the level of stress I’m dealing with. When I need to properly decompress, I definitely prefer solitude – there’s something incredibly restorative about having uninterrupted time to myself where I can just zone out without any social obligations. That said, sometimes engaging in light-hearted conversations with close friends can be equally therapeutic, especially when I need to get things off my chest. So I guess I value both, but for different reasons.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Shows nuanced thinking: “depends on my mood”, “for different reasons”
- Sophisticated vocabulary: solitude, restorative, therapeutic, zone out
- Natural hedging: “I’d say”, “I guess”
- Balanced view with clear contrast
- Idiomatic expressions: “get things off my chest”, “zone out”
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Well-developed answer với natural discourse management
- Vocabulary: Precise, idiomatic, contextually appropriate
- Grammar: Complex conditionals (When I need to…), gerund subjects
- Critical Thinking: Acknowledges complexity, provides balanced perspective
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- solitude /ˈsɒlɪtjuːd/: sự cô đơn, yên tĩnh một mình (mang nghĩa tích cực)
- restorative /rɪˈstɒrətɪv/: có tác dụng phục hồi, hồi phục
- zone out: ngắt kết nối, thả trôi suy nghĩ
- get things off my chest: tâm sự, giải tỏa tâm tư
- light-hearted conversations: cuộc trò chuyện nhẹ nhàng, vui vẻ
- therapeutic /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/: có tính chất trị liệu, giúp chữa lành
Học viên đang luyện tập IELTS Speaking Part 1 về chủ đề thư giãn với giáo viên
Question: Is it important to have time to unwind? Why?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra stance rõ ràng (Yes/Definitely)
- Provide multiple reasons với examples
- Link đến broader context (work-life balance, mental health)
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I think it’s very important to have time to relax. If we work or study too much, we will feel tired and stressed. Taking time to relax helps us feel fresh and ready to work again. It’s also good for our health because stress can make us sick.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Clear position, logical reasoning, mentions health benefit
- Hạn chế: Very general statements, basic vocabulary (very important, feel tired, feel fresh), lacks specific examples or deeper analysis
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate communication nhưng lacks range và precision trong vocabulary và ideas.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely, I’d say it’s crucial for maintaining both mental and physical well-being. In today’s fast-paced society, we’re constantly bombarded with stimuli and demands, which can lead to chronic stress if we don’t give ourselves adequate downtime. Regular periods of relaxation allow our minds to reset, help prevent burnout, and actually boost our productivity in the long run. Plus, from what I understand, research has shown that people who prioritize self-care tend to have stronger immune systems and better overall quality of life. So it’s not just about feeling good – it’s genuinely essential for our health.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Strong opening: “Absolutely, I’d say it’s crucial”
- Topic-specific vocabulary: chronic stress, downtime, burnout, self-care
- References broader context: fast-paced society, research findings
- Multiple dimensions: mental, physical, productivity
- Natural hedging: “from what I understand”
- Cause-effect reasoning well-articulated
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Extended discourse with clear progression of ideas
- Vocabulary: Wide range of precise, topic-specific lexis
- Grammar: Complex structures (relative clauses, conditional forms, passive voice)
- Coherence: Well-organized với clear linking (Plus, So)
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- crucial /ˈkruːʃəl/: cực kỳ quan trọng, thiết yếu
- bombarded with: bị tấn công, áp đảo bởi
- chronic stress: stress mãn tính
- adequate downtime: thời gian nghỉ ngơi đầy đủ
- prevent burnout: ngăn ngừa kiệt sức
- prioritize self-care: ưu tiên chăm sóc bản thân
- overall quality of life: chất lượng cuộc sống tổng thể
Để hiểu rõ hơn về cách mô tả địa điểm yêu thích, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm describe a place in your country that you want to visit again để học cách tạo câu trả lời đa chiều và phong phú hơn.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Tổng Quan Về Part 2
Part 2 là phần quan trọng nhất, chiếm thời gian 3-4 phút (bao gồm 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút nói). Đây là lúc bạn phải thể hiện khả năng duy trì một độc thoại mạch lạc, sử dụng từ vựng phong phú và cấu trúc ngữ pháp đa dạng.
Chiến lược quan trọng:
- Sử dụng hiệu quả 1 phút chuẩn bị: Chỉ ghi keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Ghi theo từng bullet point của đề bài.
- Nói đủ thời gian: Mục tiêu là 2-2.5 phút. Nếu dưới 1.5 phút, điểm của bạn sẽ bị ảnh hưởng nghiêm trọng.
- Cover tất cả bullet points: Đừng bỏ sót bất kỳ yêu cầu nào, đặc biệt là câu “explain” cuối cùng.
- Sử dụng tenses chính xác: Với câu hỏi “describe a place where you like to go”, bạn nên dùng chủ yếu present tense vì đây là thói quen hiện tại.
Lỗi thường gặp:
- Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, vội vàng bắt đầu nói
- Nói dưới 1.5 phút do thiếu ý tưởng hoặc không mở rộng
- Bỏ sót bullet points, đặc biệt là phần “explain”
- Lạc đề, nói về những thứ không liên quan
- Dừng đột ngột không có kết luận
Cue Card
Describe a place where you like to go to unwind
You should say:
- Where this place is
- How often you go there
- What you do there
- And explain why this place helps you relax
Phân Tích Đề Bài
- Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a place – yêu cầu mô tả địa điểm cụ thể
- Thì động từ: Chủ yếu Present Simple (vì đây là thói quen hiện tại) và Present Continuous (khi mô tả activities)
- Bullet points phải cover:
- Location (địa điểm cụ thể, không quá chung chung)
- Frequency (얼마나 자주 đi – hàng tuần, hàng tháng, khi nào stressed)
- Activities (làm gì cụ thể khi ở đó)
- Explanation (phần quan trọng nhất – tại sao nơi này giúp bạn relax)
- Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất. Bạn cần analyze feelings, impacts, reasons một cách sâu sắc, không chỉ “because it’s quiet” hoặc “because I like it”.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
“I’d like to talk about a small coffee shop near my house where I often go to relax. It’s located on a quiet street, just about ten minutes walk from where I live. The shop has a nice, cozy atmosphere with comfortable seats and soft music playing in the background.
I try to go there at least once or twice a week, usually on weekends or after work when I feel tired. Sometimes I go there alone, and sometimes I meet my friends there. When I’m at this coffee shop, I usually order a cappuccino and sit by the window. I like to read books or just look outside and watch people passing by. Sometimes I bring my laptop to do some work, but mostly I just enjoy the peaceful environment.
This place helps me relax for several reasons. First, it’s very quiet and not too crowded, so I can think clearly. The coffee is also very good, which makes me feel comfortable. The staff there are friendly and they don’t disturb me, so I can stay there for hours. When I’m there, I feel like I can escape from my busy life and just focus on myself. After spending time there, I always feel refreshed and ready to face my problems again.
Overall, this coffee shop has become my favorite place to unwind, and I always look forward to going there whenever I need a break.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Speaks at length without noticeable effort. Shows clear progression through topics. Uses basic cohesive devices (First, Overall) but somewhat mechanically. Some repetition (I go there, I feel). |
| Lexical Resource | 6-7 | Adequate vocabulary for the task (cozy atmosphere, peaceful environment). Some collocation attempts (quiet street, soft music) but mostly common words. Limited flexibility in paraphrasing. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Mix of simple and complex structures. Uses present simple consistently. Some subordinate clauses (when I feel tired, so I can think clearly) but not highly varied. Generally accurate with few errors. |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Generally clear and intelligible. Word stress mostly accurate. Intonation adequate but may be flat at times. |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- ✅ Có structure rõ ràng với introduction và conclusion
- ✅ Thời lượng đủ (khoảng 2 phút)
- ✅ Sử dụng present tense correctly và consistently
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic: “nice”, “good”, “comfortable” – thiếu descriptive words
- ⚠️ Explanation section chưa sâu: “I feel refreshed” nhưng không elaborate how/why
- ⚠️ Thiếu personal details và sensory descriptions
- ⚠️ Grammar structures không diverse: mostly simple sentences hoặc compound với “and”, “but”
- ⚠️ Cohesive devices mechanical: “First”, “Overall”
Quán cà phê yên tĩnh với không gian ấm cúng lý tưởng để thư giãn trong IELTS Speaking
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
“I’d like to describe a place that’s become my sanctuary whenever I need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life – a small botanical garden located in the suburbs, about 30 minutes by motorbike from my apartment.
I’d say I make it a point to visit this garden at least two or three times a month, particularly when I’m feeling overwhelmed by work or just need some mental clarity. It’s become somewhat of a ritual for me, especially during weekends when the weather is pleasant.
When I’m there, I usually spend a good couple of hours just wandering along the winding paths surrounded by various types of plants and flowers. What I particularly enjoy is finding a secluded bench near the lotus pond, where I can sit and soak in the natural surroundings. Sometimes I bring a book, but more often than not, I just sit there people-watching or lost in thought. There’s also a small café inside the garden where I occasionally grab a herbal tea, which adds to the whole therapeutic experience.
Now, what makes this place so effective for unwinding is really multifaceted. First and foremost, the abundance of greenery and fresh air provides such a stark contrast to the concrete jungle I live in. There’s something incredibly grounding about being surrounded by nature – it helps me gain perspective on whatever’s troubling me. The gentle sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling create this soothing ambiance that you simply can’t replicate elsewhere.
Moreover, the fact that it’s not too well-known means it’s never overcrowded, which is crucial for me. I can truly disconnect from my phone and social media, and just be present in the moment. By the time I leave, I always feel like my batteries are recharged and I have this renewed sense of energy to tackle whatever challenges await me. It’s genuinely become an indispensable part of my self-care routine.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Speaks fluently with only occasional repetition or self-correction. Develops topics coherently and appropriately. Uses a range of cohesive devices flexibly (particularly, more often than not, moreover). Clear progression with good topic management. |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Uses vocabulary resource flexibly (sanctuary, hustle and bustle, multifaceted, grounding). Shows awareness of style and collocation (mental clarity, stark contrast, soothing ambiance). Uses less common items with occasional inaccuracies. Paraphrases effectively. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Uses a wide range of structures flexibly (relative clauses, participle clauses, compound-complex sentences). Frequently produces error-free sentences. Good control of grammar with only minor errors that don’t impede communication. |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Easy to understand throughout. Uses features of connected speech (contractions, linking). Stress and intonation generally appropriate. L1 accent has minimal effect on intelligibility. |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “nice atmosphere”, “peaceful environment” | “sanctuary”, “soothing ambiance”, “therapeutic experience”, “stark contrast” |
| Grammar | “I go there to relax” (simple) | “It’s become somewhat of a ritual for me” (present perfect + prep phrase); “by the time I leave” (time clause) |
| Ideas | “It’s quiet so I can think” | “The abundance of greenery provides a stark contrast… helps me gain perspective… grounding effect of nature” |
| Cohesion | “First”, “Also”, “Overall” | “First and foremost”, “Moreover”, “What I particularly enjoy”, “more often than not” |
| Details | General description | Specific sensory details (sounds of birds, leaves rustling, lotus pond, winding paths) |
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
“I’d like to tell you about a place that’s become absolutely integral to my well-being – a secluded section of beach that I discovered quite by accident about two years ago, roughly an hour’s drive from where I live on the outskirts of Da Nang.
The interesting thing about this spot is that it’s tucked away from the main tourist beaches, accessible only via a rather narrow, winding road that deters most casual visitors. This relative obscurity is precisely what makes it so special. I make a concerted effort to visit at least once every couple of weeks, though I confess that during particularly demanding periods at work, I’ve been known to make impromptu trips there just to recalibrate.
When I arrive, I typically gravitate towards the same stretch of sand near some weathered rock formations that provide natural shade. What I’ve come to appreciate most is the ritualistic nature of my visits – I’ll usually arrive around late afternoon, just as the harsh midday sun begins to mellow. The first thing I do is simply sit and attune myself to the environment – listening to the rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves, feeling the sea breeze, watching the interplay of light on the water’s surface. Sometimes I’ll bring a notebook to jot down thoughts or do some reflective writing, but equally often, I’ll simply let my mind wander without any particular agenda.
Now, the reason this place is so profoundly restorative for me operates on multiple levels. On the most visceral level, there’s the sensory experience – the salt-tinged air, the hypnotic sound of waves, the tactile sensation of sand beneath my feet. These elements seem to trigger an almost immediate physiological response; I can literally feel my stress hormones beginning to dissipate.
But beyond the immediate sensory gratification, there’s something deeper and more psychological at play. The vastness of the ocean has this humbling effect that helps me contextualize whatever problems I’m grappling with. When you’re confronted with something so immense and timeless, your daily concerns suddenly seem far more manageable – it’s what psychologists might call gaining perspective through nature exposure. The solitude I experience there also allows for genuine introspection without the constant barrage of notifications and social demands that characterize modern life.
What I find particularly therapeutic is that this place has become a psychological anchor for me – a physical space that’s inextricably linked with feelings of peace and mental clarity. Merely anticipating a visit there can have a calming effect, almost like a form of meditation. And the cumulative effect of these regular visits has been quite remarkable – I’ve noticed I’m far better at stress management generally, more emotionally resilient, and simply more grounded in my day-to-day life. It’s become less of just a place to visit and more of an essential component of how I maintain my psychological equilibrium.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 8.5-9 | Speaks fluently with only very occasional repetition or self-correction. Develops topics fully and appropriately. Uses cohesion in such a way that attracts no attention. Sequences ideas logically and develops all points extensively. |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5-9 | Uses vocabulary with full flexibility and precision in all topics. Uses idiomatic language naturally and accurately (tucked away, gravitates towards, let my mind wander). Demonstrates sophisticated control of lexical features with rare minor errors. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8.5-9 | Uses a full range of structures naturally and appropriately. Produces consistently accurate structures apart from ‘slips’. Maintains grammatical control across extended discourse. |
| Pronunciation | 8.5-9 | Uses a full range of pronunciation features with precision and subtlety. Sustains flexible use of features throughout. L1 accent has no effect on intelligibility. |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
- Extended discourse (3 phút) maintained effortlessly without any noticeable hesitation
- Natural self-correction: “roughly an hour’s drive” – cho thấy spontaneous speech
- Sophisticated discourse markers used appropriately: “The interesting thing is”, “Now, the reason”, “But beyond”
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- Academic/sophisticated lexis: “integral to my well-being”, “relative obscurity”, “visceral level”, “psychological anchor”, “inextricably linked”
- Precise collocations: “concerted effort”, “impromptu trips”, “weathered rock formations”, “harsh midday sun”, “rhythmic ebb and flow”
- Idiomatic expressions used naturally: “tucked away”, “gravitates towards”, “jot down thoughts”, “grappling with”
- Topic-specific terminology: “stress hormones dissipate”, “psychological equilibrium”, “nature exposure”
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- Complex relative clauses: “a secluded section of beach that I discovered quite by accident”
- Participle clauses: “accessible only via a narrow, winding road that deters most casual visitors”
- Inversion for emphasis: “Merely anticipating a visit there can have a calming effect”
- Cleft sentences: “What I find particularly therapeutic is…”
- Passive constructions: “It’s what psychologists might call…”
- Conditional phrases: “during particularly demanding periods”
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
- Multi-layered analysis: visceral level → psychological level → long-term effects
- References to psychology: “stress hormones”, “psychological anchor”, “emotional resilience”
- Sophisticated reasoning: không chỉ describe mà còn analyze why và long-term impact
- Personal insight combined with universal themes
- Demonstrates reflective thinking: “ritualistic nature”, “cumulative effect”
Nếu bạn muốn khám phá thêm các kỹ năng hữu ích trong cuộc sống hàng ngày, hãy tham khảo describe a skill you have that you find useful in everyday life để mở rộng vốn ý tưởng cho các chủ đề tương tự.
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 là câu hỏi đơn giản, trả lời ngắn gọn trong 2-3 câu là đủ.
Question 1: How long have you been going to this place?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’ve been going there for about two years now. I discovered it by chance when I was looking for a quiet place to relax on weekends.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say I’ve been frequenting this spot for roughly two years now. I actually stumbled upon it quite serendipitously while exploring the area, and it’s since become something of a personal refuge that I couldn’t imagine being without.”
💡 Key expressions: frequenting (thường xuyên lui tới), stumbled upon (tình cờ phát hiện), serendipitously (một cách tình cờ may mắn), personal refuge (nơi trú ẩn cá nhân)
Question 2: Do you think you’ll continue going there in the future?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, definitely. I think I will keep going there because it really helps me relax. Unless I move to another city, I will continue visiting this place regularly.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I can’t envisage a time when I wouldn’t visit this place. It’s become so deeply ingrained in my self-care routine that I’d actually feel quite bereft without it. Even if circumstances change, I imagine I’d make a concerted effort to maintain this connection.”
💡 Key expressions: envisage (hình dung, tưởng tượng), deeply ingrained (ăn sâu vào), bereft (mất mát, trống vắng), maintain this connection (duy trì sự kết nối này)
Bãi biển yên tĩnh lý tưởng để thư giãn và thiền định cho IELTS Speaking
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 là phần thử thách nhất, kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi trừu tượng và analytical. Đây là lúc examiner đánh giá khả năng discussion, critical thinking và depth of ideas của bạn. Nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam struggle ở phần này vì không quen với việc analyze và discuss abstract concepts bằng tiếng Anh.
Yêu cầu:
- Phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá các vấn đề xã hội rộng hơn
- Đưa ra quan điểm có lý lẽ rõ ràng với supporting evidence
- Xem xét nhiều góc độ (not just personal experience)
- Demonstrate critical thinking
Chiến lược:
- Structure rõ ràng: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Conclusion/Nuance
- Mở rộng câu trả lời: Mỗi câu trả lời nên 4-6 câu (30-45 giây)
- Sử dụng discourse markers: Well, Actually, To be honest, From my perspective, On the one hand
- Acknowledge complexity: “It depends on…”, “To some extent…”, “There are pros and cons…”
- Provide examples: Không chỉ từ personal experience mà từ society, research, trends
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn (1-2 câu) như Part 1
- Chỉ nói về personal experience, không generalize
- Thiếu abstract vocabulary và topic-specific terms
- Không structure ideas logically
- Đưa opinion nhưng không có reasoning/evidence
- Nói yes/no absolute, không acknowledge grey areas
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Modern Lifestyle and Stress
Question 1: Why do you think more people feel stressed nowadays compared to the past?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare past vs present + Explain causes
- Key words: “more people”, “stressed”, “nowadays”, “compared to the past”
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Acknowledge the trend (agree/partially agree)
- Analyze multiple factors (work culture, technology, social expectations)
- Provide specific examples
- Consider counter-arguments if relevant
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think there are several reasons why people feel more stressed today. First, work is more demanding now. People have to work longer hours and there is more competition in jobs. Also, technology makes things worse because we are always connected to work through emails and phones, so we can never really rest. Another reason is that life is more expensive now, especially in cities, so people worry about money more. Social media also creates stress because people compare themselves to others and feel pressure to be successful.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists multiple reasons clearly (First, Also, Another reason)
- Vocabulary: Adequate but basic (demanding, connected, expensive, pressure)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates main ideas effectively nhưng lacks sophistication trong vocabulary và depth trong analysis. Không có examples cụ thể, không acknowledge complexity.
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
“Well, I think this is quite a multifaceted phenomenon that stems from several interconnected factors. First and foremost, there’s the relentless pace of modern life – we’re living in what’s often called a 24/7 culture where the boundaries between work and personal time have become increasingly blurred. Unlike previous generations who could leave work at the office, today’s professionals are perpetually accessible via smartphones and emails, which creates this constant underlying anxiety about being responsive and available.
On top of that, I’d say social expectations have intensified dramatically. We’re constantly bombarded with curated images of others’ seemingly perfect lives on social media, which fuels a sense of inadequacy and creates unrealistic benchmarks for success. Previous generations didn’t have to contend with this kind of comparison culture on such a pervasive scale.
There’s also the economic dimension to consider. The cost of living has skyrocketed in most urban centers, while wage growth has stagnated, creating genuine financial precarity for many people. This economic pressure compounds other stressors and creates a vicious cycle of working harder just to maintain one’s standard of living.
That said, it’s worth acknowledging that our awareness of mental health has also improved, so perhaps people aren’t necessarily more stressed, but rather more vocal about and attuned to their stress levels than in the past.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Well-organized với clear progression: modern work culture → social media impact → economic factors → nuanced conclusion
- Vocabulary:
- Abstract nouns: phenomenon, precarity, anxiety, inadequacy
- Precise verbs: intensified, compounds, fuels, stagnated
- Collocations: relentless pace, underlying anxiety, vicious cycle
- Grammar:
- Complex relative clauses: “where the boundaries have become blurred”
- Passive constructions: “we’re constantly bombarded with”
- Comparative structures: “unlike previous generations”
- Critical Thinking:
- Multi-causal analysis
- Acknowledges counter-argument (awareness vs actual increase)
- Uses hedging appropriately: “I think”, “perhaps”, “worth acknowledging”
- Demonstrates balanced perspective
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: “First and foremost”, “On top of that”, “That said”
- Tentative language: “I’d say”, “perhaps”, “it’s worth acknowledging”
- Abstract nouns: phenomenon, precarity, inadequacy, dimension
- Cause-effect language: “stems from”, “creates”, “compounds”, “fuels”
Question 2: Do you think it’s the individual’s responsibility to manage their stress, or should employers do more to help?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Evaluate two perspectives / Balanced argument
- Key words: “individual’s responsibility”, “employers”, “do more”
- Cách tiếp cận: Present both sides, then give balanced conclusion or preference with reasoning
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think both individuals and employers have responsibilities for managing stress. Individuals should take care of themselves by exercising, eating well, and finding ways to relax. They need to learn how to manage their time better and not overwork. However, employers should also help their employees. They can provide better working conditions, not give too much work, and offer things like gym memberships or counseling services. So I believe it’s a shared responsibility between both sides.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Presents both sides (individuals, employers) và conclusion
- Vocabulary: Basic management vocabulary but adequate
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear position nhưng lacks depth trong arguments và sophisticated language
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
“This is actually quite a nuanced question that I think requires a balanced perspective. While I’d argue that personal accountability is certainly important, I don’t think we can absolve employers of their duty of care towards their workforce.
On the individual level, yes, people do need to take proactive steps to manage their well-being – developing healthy coping mechanisms, setting appropriate boundaries, prioritizing self-care. These are fundamental life skills that no employer can really provide. However, I think it’s somewhat naive to place the onus entirely on individuals when systemic workplace factors often contribute significantly to stress.
Companies have a vested interest in employee well-being – after all, chronic stress leads to burnout, absenteeism, and diminished productivity. From this standpoint, it’s not just ethically responsible but also economically prudent for employers to foster a supportive work environment. This could mean implementing flexible working arrangements, promoting a culture that discourages overwork, providing access to mental health resources, or even just modeling healthy work-life balance at the leadership level.
I’d say the most effective approach is really a collaborative one – individuals taking personal responsibility for their well-being while employers create conditions that enable rather than hinder that process. It’s about creating a mutually supportive ecosystem rather than pointing fingers about whose responsibility it is.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Question acknowledgment → Individual responsibility → Employer responsibility → Balanced conclusion
- Vocabulary:
- Precise: absolve, onus, vested interest, prudent, hinder
- Topic-specific: burnout, absenteeism, duty of care
- Advanced collocations: nuanced question, systemic factors, mutually supportive ecosystem
- Grammar:
- Conditional reasoning: “when systemic factors contribute”
- Noun phrases: “fundamental life skills”, “economically prudent”
- Gerund subjects: “developing healthy coping mechanisms”
- Critical Thinking:
- Acknowledges complexity from the start
- Presents multiple stakeholder perspectives
- Uses economic reasoning alongside ethical considerations
- Proposes synthesis rather than binary choice
- Demonstrates sophisticated reasoning
💡 Key Language Features:
- Hedging: “I’d argue”, “I think”, “somewhat naive”
- Evaluative language: “naive”, “prudent”, “effective approach”
- Contrast markers: “However”, “while”, “rather than”
- Cause-effect: “leads to”, “contributes to”, “enable/hinder”
Bạn cũng có thể tìm hiểu về địa điểm thư giãn khác qua describe a place where you like to relax để có thêm ý tưởng cho phần thi nói của mình.
Theme 2: Places and Relaxation
Question 3: How have the places where people relax changed over the years?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Describe change over time
- Key words: “places”, “relax”, “changed”, “over the years”
- Cách tiếp cận: Compare past vs present, explain reasons for changes, consider future implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“In the past, people usually relaxed at home with their families or went to parks and nature areas. They spent time outdoors more often. But nowadays, things have changed a lot. Many people go to cafes, shopping malls, or entertainment centers to relax. Also, some people prefer to relax at home but they use technology like watching Netflix or playing video games instead of talking to family. I think the main reason is that our lifestyle has become more modern and technology-focused. Cities are also more developed with more options for entertainment.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Past → Present → Reason for change
- Vocabulary: Basic descriptive vocabulary (outdoor, modern, developed)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear comparison nhưng lacks detailed analysis và sophisticated expressions
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
“This is a fascinating evolution to consider. If we look back several decades, relaxation spaces were predominantly nature-based or home-centered – people would frequent local parks, riversides, or simply gather in their homes or neighbors’ houses for social interaction. There was this communal aspect to relaxation that’s somewhat diminished today.
In recent years, we’ve witnessed a proliferation of what I’d call commercial relaxation spaces – specialty coffee shops, themed cafes, spas, wellness centers, even co-working spaces with recreational facilities. These venues have become destination spots rather than just utilitarian places. This shift reflects broader societal changes – urbanization has meant less access to natural spaces, while rising disposable incomes have created a market for curated experiences.
What’s particularly interesting is the emergence of hybrid spaces that blur traditional categories. Bookstores now have cafes, shopping malls incorporate parks and art installations, gyms offer meditation classes. There’s also been a conscious pushback against the commercialization of relaxation, with movements promoting forest bathing, minimalism, and digital detox retreats – essentially a return to simpler forms of unwinding.
Looking ahead, I suspect we’ll see even more tailored relaxation environments that cater to specific needs – sensory-deprivation chambers, virtual reality relaxation experiences, biophilic design in urban spaces. The challenge will be striking a balance between technological innovation and the fundamental human need for authentic connection with nature and other people.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Historical context → Current trends → Interesting developments → Future prediction
- Vocabulary:
- Sophisticated: proliferation, utilitarian, biophilic, curated experiences
- Topic-specific: commercialization, digital detox, forest bathing, hybrid spaces
- Precise collocations: communal aspect, conscious pushback, authentic connection
- Grammar:
- Present perfect for changes: “we’ve witnessed”
- Passive for trends: “has meant”, “have created”
- Future speculation: “I suspect we’ll see”
- Critical Thinking:
- Multi-dimensional analysis (social, economic, cultural factors)
- Identifies counter-trends
- Forward-looking perspective
- Demonstrates breadth of knowledge
Question 4: Do you think natural environments are better for relaxation than indoor spaces?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare and evaluate
- Key words: “natural environments”, “better”, “indoor spaces”
- Cách tiếp cận: Acknowledge both have merits, discuss contextual factors, give nuanced conclusion
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
“Well, I’d say it’s not quite a straightforward either/or proposition. While there’s compelling evidence that natural environments offer unique benefits – research in environmental psychology consistently shows that exposure to nature reduces cortisol levels and promotes psychological restoration – I think the efficacy of a relaxation space depends heavily on individual preferences and specific circumstances.
Natural environments certainly have inherent advantages. The biophilia hypothesis suggests we have an innate affinity for nature, and there’s something profoundly calming about being in green spaces – the absence of artificial stimuli, the organic patterns and sounds, the sense of spaciousness. For many people, myself included, nature provides a kind of mental reset that’s hard to replicate indoors.
However, indoor spaces shouldn’t be dismissed entirely. For some individuals – perhaps those with mobility issues, certain phobias, or sensory sensitivities – controlled indoor environments might actually be more conducive to relaxation. Additionally, well-designed indoor spaces that incorporate natural elements – what’s called biophilic design – can offer some of nature’s benefits while providing climate control, accessibility, and predictability.
I’d argue the optimal scenario is having access to both and the flexibility to choose based on one’s momentary needs. Sometimes you need the vastness and wildness of nature; other times, the coziness and containment of an indoor sanctuary might be what’s required. The key is diversity of options rather than privileging one over the other.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Nuanced opening → Nature’s benefits → Indoor space merits → Balanced conclusion
- Vocabulary:
- Academic: efficacy, inherent, biophilia hypothesis, innate affinity
- Precise descriptors: organic patterns, sensory sensitivities, climate control
- Advanced collocations: compelling evidence, profoundly calming, optimal scenario
- Grammar:
- Complex noun phrases: “the efficacy of a relaxation space”
- Relative clauses for elaboration
- Conditional reasoning: “might be more conducive”
- Critical Thinking:
- Rejects binary thinking from the start
- Cites research/theories (environmental psychology, biophilia)
- Considers accessibility and inclusivity
- Proposes sophisticated synthesis
- Demonstrates intellectual maturity
Nếu bạn quan tâm đến cách sách có thể ảnh hưởng đến cuộc sống, hãy xem describe a book that had a major impact on your life để mở rộng vốn từ vựng về chủ đề ảnh hưởng cá nhân.
Theme 3: Work-Life Balance and Society
Question 5: What can governments do to help people achieve better work-life balance?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Problem-solution (policy recommendations)
- Key words: “governments”, “help”, “better work-life balance”
- Cách tiếp cận: Propose multiple policy areas with rationale and examples from other countries if possible
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
“This is actually a really pressing issue that requires multi-pronged policy interventions. I think governments have several levers they can pull to facilitate healthier work-life balance.
First and foremost, labor legislation is crucial. Governments could mandate reasonable working hours, enforce mandatory rest periods, and penalize companies that consistently violate these regulations. We’ve seen successful models in countries like France with their ‘right to disconnect‘ law, which prohibits employers from contacting employees outside working hours. This kind of protective legislation sends a clear message about societal priorities.
Beyond regulations, there’s the issue of parental leave policies. Countries with generous, gender-neutral parental leave – like the Scandinavian nations – tend to have better work-life balance metrics. When both parents can take substantial time off without career penalties, it normalizes the idea that work isn’t the sole defining aspect of one’s identity.
I’d also argue for infrastructure investments that reduce commuting time – better public transport, incentivizing remote work through tax breaks, developing satellite business hubs in residential areas. The time saved from commuting could significantly enhance people’s ability to pursue personal interests.
Additionally, governments could lead by example by implementing flexible arrangements within the public sector and promoting a culture of output-based assessment rather than presenteeism. There’s also scope for public education campaigns that challenge the glorification of overwork and promote healthier attitudes toward rest and leisure.
Of course, these measures require political will and often face resistance from certain business lobbies, but I think the long-term societal benefits – improved mental health, higher productivity, stronger family units – far outweigh the short-term adjustment costs.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Introduction → Multiple policy areas (legislation, parental leave, infrastructure, culture change) → Implementation challenges → Benefits
- Vocabulary:
- Policy language: mandate, enforce, penalize, incentivize, facilitate
- Academic: multi-pronged interventions, metrics, presenteeism
- Sophisticated collocations: pressing issue, political will, adjustment costs
- Grammar:
- Modal verbs for suggestions: could, should
- Conditional structures: “when both parents can take time off”
- Comparative references: “better than”, “far outweigh”
- Critical Thinking:
- Provides concrete examples from other countries
- Acknowledges implementation challenges
- Considers cost-benefit analysis
- Multiple stakeholder perspectives
- Shows policy literacy
Công viên đô thị nơi gia đình tụ họp vui chơi và thư giãn cuối tuần
Question 6: Some people say that the ability to relax is becoming a luxury. Do you agree?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion/Evaluation with implicit social commentary
- Key words: “ability to relax”, “becoming a luxury”, “agree”
- Cách tiếp cận: Define what makes something a luxury, analyze socioeconomic dimensions, give nuanced position
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
“I find this statement quite provocative and, unfortunately, increasingly accurate, though perhaps not in the way it first appears. When we talk about relaxation as a luxury, I think we need to distinguish between different dimensions of this issue.
On one level, if we’re talking about access to relaxation spaces – spas, wellness retreats, dedicated vacation time – then yes, these have undeniably become class markers. The ‘wellness industry‘ has commodified relaxation to such an extent that people with limited financial resources are effectively priced out of many relaxation activities. A yoga retreat or spa weekend that costs hundreds of dollars is objectively a luxury that many working-class families simply cannot afford.
However, there’s a more insidious dimension to consider – the luxury of time itself. For people working multiple jobs to make ends meet, or those in precarious employment with unpredictable hours, the simple ability to set aside time for rest becomes a luxury. They can’t afford – either literally or figuratively – to switch off because their economic survival depends on constant availability. This creates a troubling paradox where those who most need relaxation – those under chronic financial stress – have the least access to it.
What’s particularly concerning is that this exacerbates health inequalities. When relaxation becomes accessible only to the privileged, we see diverging health outcomes based on socioeconomic status. Those who can afford regular holidays, leisure activities, and stress-management resources maintain better health, while those who can’t face compounding stress that leads to both physical and mental health issues.
That said, I do want to push back slightly against the idea that genuine relaxation necessarily requires money. Some of the most restorative activities – walking in nature, meditation, spending quality time with loved ones – are technically free. The challenge is that even these require time, mental space, and energy – resources that are increasingly scarce commodities for many people in our hyper-capitalist society.
So yes, I’d agree that relaxation has become a luxury, but it’s less about the material cost of relaxation itself and more about the structural inequalities that determine who has the time, space, and security to actually relax.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Statement analysis → Economic dimension → Time dimension → Health implications → Nuanced counter-argument → Sophisticated conclusion
- Vocabulary:
- Advanced: provocative, insidious, commodified, exacerbates, diverging outcomes
- Socioeconomic terms: class markers, precarious employment, structural inequalities
- Academic style: “I need to distinguish”, “there’s a more insidious dimension”
- Grammar:
- Complex conditional structures
- Noun clauses as subjects: “the ability to set aside time”
- Relative clauses for elaboration
- Passive constructions: “are priced out”, “has been commodified”
- Critical Thinking:
- Multi-dimensional analysis (economic, temporal, health)
- Challenges assumptions in the question itself
- Acknowledges complexity and paradoxes
- Engages with social justice issues
- Demonstrates sophisticated socioeconomic awareness
- Uses hedging appropriately while maintaining clear position
Để tìm hiểu về các công viên lý tưởng cho gia đình thư giãn, bạn có thể tham khảo describe a park in your area where families like to gather để mở rộng vốn từ về không gian công cộng.
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| unwind | v | /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ | thư giãn, xả stress | I like to unwind by reading books after work. | unwind after work, help someone unwind, unwind completely |
| decompress | v | /ˌdiːkəmˈpres/ | giảm áp lực, thả lỏng | After a stressful week, I need time to decompress. | decompress mentally, need to decompress, help decompress |
| sanctuary | n | /ˈsæŋktʃuəri/ | nơi trú ẩn, nơi bình yên | This garden has become my sanctuary from city life. | personal sanctuary, peaceful sanctuary, find sanctuary |
| therapeutic | adj | /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ | có tính trị liệu, chữa lành | Being in nature has a therapeutic effect on me. | therapeutic effect, therapeutic benefits, therapeutic environment |
| restorative | adj | /rɪˈstɒrətɪv/ | có tác dụng phục hồi | Sleep is deeply restorative for both body and mind. | restorative power, deeply restorative, restorative experience |
| solitude | n | /ˈsɒlɪtjuːd/ | sự một mình (tích cực) | I find solitude essential for mental clarity. | seek solitude, embrace solitude, moments of solitude |
| tranquil | adj | /ˈtræŋkwɪl/ | yên bình, thanh thản | The tranquil atmosphere helps me think clearly. | tranquil environment, tranquil setting, perfectly tranquil |
| recharge batteries | idiom | /riːˈtʃɑːdʒ ˈbætəriz/ | nạp lại năng lượng | Weekend trips help me recharge my batteries. | need to recharge, fully recharge, help recharge batteries |
| zone out | phrasal v | /zəʊn aʊt/ | ngắt kết nối, mơ màng | Sometimes I just need to zone out and not think. | zone out completely, allow myself to zone out |
| get away from it all | idiom | /ɡet əˈweɪ frɒm ɪt ɔːl/ | thoát khỏi mọi thứ | I go to the beach to get away from it all. | need to get away, want to get away, finally get away |
| hustle and bustle | idiom | /ˈhʌsəl ənd ˈbʌsəl/ | náo nhiệt, hối hả | I love escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. | escape the hustle and bustle, away from the hustle and bustle |
| chronic stress | n | /ˈkrɒnɪk stres/ | stress mãn tính | Chronic stress can lead to serious health problems. | suffer from chronic stress, cause chronic stress |
| burnout | n | /ˈbɜːnaʊt/ | kiệt sức, cạn kiệt | Working 60 hours a week led to complete burnout. | prevent burnout, experience burnout, lead to burnout |
| mental clarity | n | /ˈmentl ˈklærəti/ | sự minh mẫn trí óc | Meditation gives me mental clarity and focus. | achieve mental clarity, lack mental clarity, regain mental clarity |
| wind down | phrasal v | /waɪnd daʊn/ | thư giãn dần, chậm lại | I spend an hour winding down before bed. | wind down gradually, help wind down, wind down after work |
| de-stress | v | /diːˈstres/ | giảm stress | I go for walks to de-stress after difficult days. | need to de-stress, help de-stress, de-stress effectively |
| overwhelming | adj | /ˌəʊvəˈwelmɪŋ/ | áp đảo, quá sức | The workload can be overwhelming at times. | feel overwhelming, become overwhelming, overwhelming pressure |
| soothing | adj | /ˈsuːðɪŋ/ | dịu dàng, xoa dịu | The soothing music helps me relax instantly. | soothing atmosphere, soothing effect, soothing sounds |
| secluded | adj | /sɪˈkluːdɪd/ | hẻo lánh, riêng tư | I prefer secluded beaches with fewer people. | secluded spot, secluded area, perfectly secluded |
| pristine | adj | /ˈprɪstiːn/ | nguyên sơ, tinh khiết | The pristine nature makes this place special. | pristine environment, pristine condition, pristine beauty |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| clear my head | làm tỉnh đầu óc, xóa bỏ suy nghĩ | I need a walk to clear my head before making this decision. | 7.5-8 |
| get things off my chest | tâm sự, giải tỏa tâm tư | Talking to friends helps me get things off my chest. | 7.5-8 |
| a breath of fresh air | luồng gió mới, sự thay đổi dễ chịu | Visiting this place is like a breath of fresh air. | 7-8 |
| peace of mind | sự bình yên trong tâm hồn | This quiet spot gives me peace of mind. | 7-8 |
| escape the rat race | thoát khỏi cuộc đua xô bồ | I come here to escape the rat race for a while. | 8-9 |
| tune out | ngắt kết nối, không chú ý | I can completely tune out distractions here. | 7.5-8 |
| switch off | ngắt kết nối (đầu óc) | It’s hard to switch off from work sometimes. | 7-8 |
| at peace with myself | hòa hợp với bản thân | When I’m here, I feel completely at peace with myself. | 8-9 |
| psychological anchor | neo tâm lý, điểm tựa tinh thần | This place serves as my psychological anchor. | 8.5-9 |
| mental reset | làm mới tâm trí, khởi động lại | Nature walks provide a complete mental reset for me. | 8-9 |
| sensory overload | quá tải giác quan | Modern life often causes sensory overload. | 8-9 |
| emotional resilience | sức bền cảm xúc, khả năng phục hồi | Regular relaxation builds emotional resilience. | 8.5-9 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Sử dụng khi cần một giây để suy nghĩ, tạo tính tự nhiên
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
- 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn thể hiện sự chân thành
- 📝 I’d say that… – Cách lịch sự để đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân
- 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là quan điểm cá nhân
- 📝 The way I see it,… – Biến thể của “from my perspective”
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó (trang trọng hơn “also”)
- 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, thêm vào đó
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (thường dùng cho điểm quan trọng)
- 📝 Beyond that,… – Xa hơn thế nữa
- 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó (formal)
- 📝 On another note,… – Chuyển sang khía cạnh khác
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…, ta cũng cần xem xét
- 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, dù vậy (để đưa ra điểm ngược lại)
- 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó
- 📝 To put it another way,… – Nói cách khác
- 📝 From another angle,… – Từ góc độ khác
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, xét tất cả
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì (idiom)
- 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, rốt cuộc
- 📝 In the final analysis,… – Xét cho cùng
- 📝 All things considered,… – Khi xem xét mọi yếu tố
Để thừa nhận phức tạp/không chắc chắn:
- 📝 It depends on… – Tùy thuộc vào
- 📝 To some extent,… – Ở một mức độ nào đó
- 📝 I’d argue that… – Tôi cho rằng (khi có lập luận)
- 📝 I suppose… – Tôi cho là (không hoàn toàn chắc chắn)
- 📝 It’s worth noting that… – Đáng chú ý là
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
-
Mixed conditional: “If I hadn’t discovered this place two years ago, I would still be struggling with stress management today.”
- Dùng để nói về điều kiện trong quá khứ và kết quả ở hiện tại
-
Inversion for emphasis: “Had I known about this place earlier, I would have started visiting years ago.”
- Dùng để nhấn mạnh, trang trọng hơn conditional thông thường
-
Unless + present tense: “Unless I get some time to unwind each week, I find it hard to concentrate on work.”
- Thay thế cho “if not”, nghe academic hơn
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
-
Non-defining (which): “The garden, which I discovered quite by accident, has become essential to my well-being.”
- Thêm thông tin bổ sung, không thiết yếu
-
Reduced relative clause: “The place being so quiet, I can really focus on my thoughts.”
- Bỏ “which is”, nghe sophisticated hơn
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
-
It is thought/believed/said that…: “It is widely believed that spending time in nature reduces stress hormones.”
- Dùng để reference general knowledge hoặc research
-
Having been + past participle: “Having been constantly stressed at work, I desperately needed somewhere to decompress.”
- Thể hiện action đã hoàn thành trước action khác
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
-
What I find most… is…: “What I find most therapeutic about this place is the complete absence of noise pollution.”
- Nhấn mạnh phần quan trọng nhất
-
The thing that… is…: “The thing that really helps me unwind is knowing I won’t be disturbed.”
- Tương tự câu trên nhưng ít formal hơn một chút
-
It’s not that…, it’s that…: “It’s not that I don’t enjoy socializing, it’s that I need solitude to recharge.”
- Để clarify hoặc correct misconceptions
5. Advanced Gerund & Infinitive Structures:
-
There’s no point in + gerund: “There’s no point in trying to relax if you’re constantly checking your phone.”
- Express futility of an action
-
The ability/capacity to + infinitive: “This place gives me the capacity to disconnect from daily pressures.”
- More sophisticated than “can”
6. Emphasis Structures:
-
Not only… but also…: “This place not only helps me relax but also inspires creative thinking.”
- Nhấn mạnh hai benefits
-
So + adjective + that…: “The atmosphere is so tranquil that I often lose track of time.”
- Nhấn mạnh mức độ
Bài viết này đã cung cấp cho bạn một bộ công cụ toàn diện để xử lý chủ đề “Describe a place where you like to go to unwind” trong IELTS Speaking. Từ góc nhìn của một examiner, những gì tôi muốn nhấn mạnh là: authenticity, depth of ideas, và natural language use quan trọng hơn việc học thuộc template. Hãy thực hành với các sample answers ở đây như một reference point, nhưng luôn personalize chúng với kinh nghiệm thực tế của bạn. Chúc bạn thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking!
