Nominal Relative Clauses Trong IELTS – Cách Dùng Để Đạt Band 8.0+

Nominal Relative Clauses (hay còn gọi là Wh-clauses hoặc Free Relative Clauses) là một cấu trúc ngữ pháp nâng cao đặc biệt quan trọng trong kỳ thi IELTS. Cấu trúc này cho phép người nói/viết diễn đạt ý tưởng một cách súc tích, tự nhiên và học thuật hơn, đặc biệt hữu ích trong IELTS Speaking Part 3 và Writing Task 2 khi bạn cần trình bày quan điểm phức tạp hoặc khái quát hóa thông tin.

Theo phân tích từ các đề thi IELTS thực tế từ Cambridge IELTS 14-19, Nominal Relative Clauses xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các bài mẫu đạt Band 8.0 trở lên. Cấu trúc này giúp tăng điểm Grammatical Range & Accuracy vì nó thể hiện khả năng sử dụng mệnh đề danh ngữ thay vì danh từ đơn giản, tạo ra câu văn phức tạp nhưng tự nhiên.

Ví dụ vận dụng trong IELTS:

Speaking Part 3 (Discussing abstract ideas):
“What matters most in education is not how much students memorize, but how well they can apply knowledge in real situations.”
→ Phân tích: “What matters most” là Nominal Relative Clause đóng vai trò chủ ngữ của câu, thay thế cho “The thing that matters most”.

Writing Task 2 (Opinion essay):
“Whatever career path young people choose, they should follow their passion rather than just pursuing money.”
→ Phân tích: “Whatever career path young people choose” là Nominal Relative Clause, tạo sự khái quát cho mọi trường hợp.

Speaking Part 3 (Giving examples):
“Whoever wants to succeed in the digital age needs to continuously update their skills and adapt to change.”
→ Phân tích: “Whoever wants to succeed” là Nominal Relative Clause chỉ bất kỳ người nào, thể hiện tính tổng quát.

Writing Task 2 (Discussion essay):
“What governments decide today regarding environmental policies will significantly impact future generations.”
→ Phân tích: “What governments decide today” hoạt động như chủ ngữ của câu, thay thế cụm danh từ dài.

Speaking Part 2 (Describing experiences):
“I learned that whatever challenges you face in life, maintaining a positive attitude makes everything more manageable.”
→ Phân tích: “whatever challenges you face” là mệnh đề danh ngữ trong câu phức, thể hiện sự trưởng thành trong diễn đạt.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học:

✅ Định nghĩa và bản chất của Nominal Relative Clauses
✅ Công thức chi tiết với 5 loại từ để hỏi (what/which/who/whoever/whatever…)
✅ Cách vận dụng vào 4 kỹ năng IELTS để tăng band điểm
✅ 25+ câu ví dụ Band 7-9 từ đề thi thực tế
✅ Các biến thể nâng cao cho Band 8+
✅ Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách tránh
✅ Bài tập thực hành có đáp án chi tiết

Nominal Relative Clauses Là Gì?

Định Nghĩa

Nominal Relative Clauses là mệnh đề quan hệ đặc biệt không cần danh từ đứng trước (antecedent) mà tự nó đóng vai trò như một cụm danh từ hoàn chỉnh trong câu. Khác với Relative Clauses thông thường (which/that/who cần danh từ đứng trước), Nominal Relative Clauses bắt đầu bằng các từ như what/whatever/whoever/whichever/wherever và tự nó đã là một thành phần danh từ.

Chức năng chính:

• Thay thế cụm danh từ dài: Thay vì nói “The thing that I need”, bạn chỉ cần “What I need” – ngắn gọn và tự nhiên hơn
• Khái quát hóa thông tin: Dùng “Whatever/Whoever/Wherever” để nói về mọi trường hợp mà không cần liệt kê cụ thể
• Tạo câu học thuật: Làm cho câu văn có tính chính thức, phù hợp với văn phong IELTS Writing Task 2
• Nhấn mạnh ý tưởng: Đặt mệnh đề ở đầu câu để tạo trọng tâm cho thông tin quan trọng

Khi nào dùng trong IELTS:

• Speaking Part 3: Khi bạn cần khái quát hóa quan điểm hoặc đưa ra nhận định chung về vấn đề xã hội
• Writing Task 2: Trong câu chủ đề (topic sentence) hoặc khi tổng kết luận điểm, đặc biệt trong Opinion và Discussion essays
• Diễn đạt quan điểm mạnh mẽ: “What I believe is that…” thay vì “I believe that…”
• Tạo sự linh hoạt: “Wherever you go” thay vì “In any place you go”

Tần Suất Xuất Hiện Trong IELTS

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 14-19:

Speaking:

• Part 1: Hiếm khi xuất hiện (cấu trúc quá phức tạp cho câu hỏi ngắn về bản thân)
• Part 2: Thỉnh thoảng – trong phần kết luận cue card khi tổng kết trải nghiệm: “What I learned from this experience was invaluable”
• Part 3: Tần suất cao – xuất hiện trong 60-70% câu trả lời Band 8.0+, đặc biệt khi thảo luận về xu hướng xã hội, giáo dục, công nghệ

Writing:

• Task 1: Rất hiếm – chỉ trong Academic Task 1 khi tổng kết xu hướng tổng quát: “What is noticeable is that…”
• Task 2: Tần suất rất cao – xuất hiện trong 80% bài Band 8.0+, đặc biệt trong câu mở đầu thân bài, câu chủ đề và kết luận

Listening/Reading:

• Xuất hiện thường xuyên trong academic contexts, lectures, và formal discussions
• Cần nhận diện để hiểu chính xác ý định của người nói/tác giả, đặc biệt khi họ đưa ra generalizations

Band Score Impact:

• Band 6.0: Hiếm khi sử dụng, thường dùng cấu trúc đơn giản hơn với “the thing that…”
• Band 7.0: Sử dụng được “what” clauses cơ bản nhưng còn hạn chế về variety
• Band 8.0-9.0: Sử dụng linh hoạt đa dạng (what/whatever/whoever/whichever), tự nhiên, chính xác và phù hợp context

Công Thức & Cấu Trúc

Công Thức Cơ Bản

📌 CÔNG THỨC CHÍNH:

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [Wh-word] + [Subject] + [Verb] = NOUN PHRASE          │
│                                                        │
│ Ví dụ: What she said surprised everyone.              │
│        (= The thing that she said...)                 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần câu:

• Wh-word: what/whatever/whoever/whichever/wherever/whenever/however – từ mở đầu mệnh đề, đóng vai trò kết nối
• Subject + Verb: Mệnh đề hoàn chỉnh theo sau wh-word, tạo thành noun phrase
• Vai trò trong câu chính: Toàn bộ mệnh đề có thể là Subject, Object, hoặc Complement của câu

Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết:

Câu: “What matters most is gaining practical experience.”

Phân tích:

• Nominal Relative Clause: “What matters most” (toàn bộ mệnh đề)
• Vai trò: Subject của câu chính
• Wh-word: What
• Verb trong mệnh đề: matters
• Main verb của câu: is
• Complement: gaining practical experience

So sánh với câu thông thường:
“The thing that matters most is gaining practical experience.” → dài dòng, kém tự nhiên

Các Biến Thể Theo Wh-words

1. WHAT (cái gì/điều gì):

Công thức: What + S + V = “The thing(s) that”

Ví dụ:

• “What I appreciate about my job is the flexibility it offers.” (Object của appreciate)
• “We should focus on what really matters in life.” (Object của focus on)

2. WHATEVER (bất cứ cái gì):

Công thức: Whatever + S + V = “Anything that” / “No matter what”

Ví dụ:

• “Whatever decision you make, I will support you.” (Object của make)
• “Students can choose whatever subjects interest them most.” (Object của choose)

3. WHOEVER (bất cứ ai):

Công thức: Whoever + V = “Anyone who” / “The person who”

Ví dụ:

• “Whoever finishes first will receive a prize.” (Subject của câu)
• “You can invite whoever you want to the party.” (Object của invite)

4. WHICHEVER (bất kỳ cái nào):

Công thức: Whichever + Noun + S + V = “Any… that”

Ví dụ:

• “Whichever option you select, there will be consequences.” (Object của select)
• “Students can study whichever topics they find most interesting.” (Object)

5. WHEREVER (bất cứ nơi đâu):

Công thức: Wherever + S + V = “Any place where”

Ví dụ:

• “Wherever you travel, you should respect local customs.” (Adverbial)
• “I’ll follow you wherever you go.” (Adverbial)

6. WHENEVER (bất cứ khi nào):

Công thức: Whenever + S + V = “Any time that”

Ví dụ:

• “Whenever I visit that café, I order the same drink.” (Adverbial)
• “You can call me whenever you need help.” (Adverbial)

7. HOWEVER (dù thế nào):

Công thức: However + Adjective/Adverb + S + V

Ví dụ:

• “However difficult the task may be, we must complete it.” (Adverbial)
• “You can decorate the room however you like.” (Adverbial)

Sơ đồ công thức cơ bản của Nominal Relative Clauses trong IELTS với 7 loại wh-words

Vai Trò Trong Câu

Làm chủ ngữ (Subject):

“What surprised me was his honesty.” – Mệnh đề đóng vai trò chủ ngữ, động từ chính là “was”

Làm tân ngữ (Object):

“I don’t understand what you mean.” – Mệnh đề là object của “understand”

Làm bổ ngữ (Complement):

“The problem is what we discussed yesterday.” – Mệnh đề là complement của “is”

Sau giới từ (Object of Preposition):

“I’m interested in whatever makes students engaged.” – Mệnh đề là object của giới từ “in”

Dạng Câu Khác Nhau

Dạng khẳng định:

“What technology offers is unprecedented access to information.”

Dạng phủ định:

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” (có “not” trong mệnh đề)

Dạng nghi vấn:

“Do you know what he said about the project?” (toàn câu là câu hỏi, có mệnh đề danh ngữ)

Dạng nhấn mạnh với cleft sentence:

“What I want to emphasize is the importance of critical thinking.” – nhấn mạnh mạnh mẽ hơn “I want to emphasize…”

Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS

Speaking

Part 1 – Introduction & Interview:

Nominal Relative Clauses ít xuất hiện ở Part 1 vì câu hỏi thường ngắn gọn về bản thân. Tuy nhiên, bạn có thể dùng để làm nổi bật câu trả lời:

Topic: Hobbies

Q: “What do you like to do in your free time?”
A: “What I enjoy most in my free time is reading books, especially science fiction novels. I find that whatever story I pick up, it helps me relax after a stressful day at work.”
→ Phân tích: “What I enjoy most” thay thế “The thing I enjoy most” – tự nhiên hơn, thể hiện trình độ ngữ pháp tốt.

Part 2 – Long Turn:

Cue card example:
Describe a difficult decision you had to make.

Sample answer (Band 8.0):

“I’d like to talk about a challenging decision I faced last year regarding my career path. What made this decision so difficult was that I had to choose between staying at my stable job or pursuing a master’s degree abroad.

On one hand, my current position offered security and good income. On the other hand, whatever choice I made would significantly impact my future. I consulted my family, friends, and mentors, and what they all emphasized was the importance of long-term growth over short-term comfort.

Eventually, I decided to apply for the master’s program. What I learned from this experience is that sometimes we need to take calculated risks to achieve our goals. Whoever wants to progress in their career must be willing to step out of their comfort zone occasionally.”

→ Phân tích Band 8+:

• Sử dụng 5 Nominal Relative Clauses tự nhiên
• Variety: what made/whatever choice/what they emphasized/what I learned/whoever wants
• Không lạm dụng, phân bố đều trong câu chuyện
• Kết hợp với các cấu trúc khác (On one hand, Eventually, sometimes)

Part 3 – Discussion:

Đây là phần Nominal Relative Clauses tỏa sáng nhất vì yêu cầu bạn thảo luận ý tưởng trừu tượng.

Q: “How has technology changed the way people communicate?”

A (Band 8.5): “Technology has revolutionized communication in numerous ways. What stands out most is how social media platforms have made instant global communication possible. In the past, people relied on letters or expensive phone calls, but now, whoever has a smartphone can connect with anyone worldwide instantly.

However, what concerns many experts is that this convenience has led to more superficial relationships. People spend hours online but have fewer meaningful face-to-face interactions. Whatever benefits technology brings, we shouldn’t forget the value of in-person communication.

Personally, I believe what matters most is finding a balance. We should embrace whatever tools make our lives easier while maintaining genuine human connections.”

→ Phân tích Band 8.5:

• 6 Nominal Relative Clauses đa dạng
• Academic tone phù hợp Part 3
• Thể hiện nhiều góc nhìn (benefits + concerns + personal view)
• Collocations mạnh: stands out, concerns experts, finding a balance

Ví dụ minh họa cách sử dụng Nominal Relative Clauses trong IELTS Speaking Part 2 và 3

Writing Task 2

Essay types sử dụng Nominal Relative Clauses:

Opinion Essay:

Topic: Some people believe that university education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Introduction:
“The question of whether higher education should be publicly funded has sparked considerable debate. What I firmly believe is that while free university education has merits, a mixed funding model would be more sustainable and equitable.”

Body Paragraph 1:
“What proponents of free education argue is that it promotes social equality and gives talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds opportunities they might otherwise miss. Whatever financial circumstances a student comes from, they should have access to quality education based on merit rather than wealth. Countries like Germany and Norway have demonstrated that what matters in education policy is not just economic considerations but social justice. Whoever shows academic potential deserves the chance to develop their abilities fully.”

Body Paragraph 2:
“However, what critics point out is that completely free university education places an enormous burden on taxpayers, many of whom never attend university themselves. Whatever system a country adopts, it must be financially viable long-term. Additionally, when education is entirely free, students may not value it as highly. What research suggests is that those who contribute financially to their education tend to be more committed and perform better academically.”

Conclusion:
“In conclusion, while free university education sounds ideal, what seems most practical is a balanced approach combining government subsidies with reasonable tuition fees and scholarship programs. This ensures whoever deserves higher education can access it without creating unsustainable fiscal pressure.”

→ Phân tích Band 9:

• 10 Nominal Relative Clauses được phân bố đều
• Mỗi đoạn sử dụng 2-3 mệnh đề, không quá dày đặc
• Variety hoàn hảo: what I believe/what proponents argue/whatever circumstances/whoever shows/what critics point out
• Tạo academic tone mạnh mẽ
• Giúp paraphrase hiệu quả (thay vì lặp lại “I think/people say”)

Problem-Solution Essay:

Topic: Environmental pollution is increasing. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?

Body Paragraph (Problems):
“What concerns environmentalists most is the long-term health impact of air and water pollution on human populations. Whatever region we examine, from industrialized cities to developing nations, pollution-related diseases are rising dramatically. What medical research reveals is a direct correlation between air quality and respiratory illnesses, particularly among children and elderly people. Moreover, what affects one community often spreads to neighboring areas, as pollutants travel through air currents and water systems.”

Body Paragraph (Solutions):
“Addressing this requires multi-faceted approaches. What governments must prioritize is implementing and enforcing stricter environmental regulations on industries. Whoever violates these standards should face substantial penalties that genuinely deter future infractions. Additionally, what has proven effective in countries like Sweden is investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure. Whatever initial costs this involves, the long-term benefits to public health and environmental sustainability far outweigh the investment.”

→ Phân tích:

• Sử dụng để link ideas: “What concerns…” → “What must be prioritized…”
• Tạo authority cho argument: “What medical research reveals…”
• Generalizing effectively: “Whatever region we examine…”

Discussion Essay:

Topic: Some believe cultural traditions are being destroyed by technology. Others think technology helps preserve culture. Discuss both views.

Body Paragraph 1:
“What technology skeptics argue is that digital devices erode traditional practices and face-to-face cultural transmission. Whatever ancient customs existed in communities, they are being replaced by globalized digital culture. Young people spend more time on social media than learning traditional crafts or languages. What worries cultural preservationists is the potential loss of intangible heritage that has been passed down through generations.”

Body Paragraph 2:
“Conversely, what technology advocates emphasize is how digital tools actually preserve and spread cultural knowledge. Whoever wants to learn about indigenous traditions can now access online archives, virtual museums, and documentary films. Whatever cultural practices might have disappeared due to limited geographical reach can now be documented and shared globally. What platforms like YouTube and cultural apps provide is unprecedented access to traditional music, dance, and storytelling.”

→ Phân tích:

• Balanced discussion với “What X argue” vs “What Y emphasize”
• Mỗi view có 2-3 Nominal Relative Clauses support
• Tạo cohesion giữa hai body paragraphs

Writing Task 1

Nominal Relative Clauses ít phổ biến trong Task 1 vì yêu cầu mô tả data cụ thể, nhưng vẫn có thể dùng trong overview hoặc conclusion:

Academic Task 1 (Line Graph):

Overview:
“What is immediately noticeable from the graph is that all three countries experienced significant population growth between 1990 and 2020. What stands out particularly is the dramatic increase in China’s urban population, which nearly tripled during this period.”

Conclusion:
“Overall, what the data demonstrates clearly is an unmistakable global trend toward urbanization, with whatever regional differences existing being overshadowed by the universal movement of populations from rural to urban areas.”

→ Phân tích: Sử dụng để tạo academic tone cho overview, tránh “We can see that…” quá đơn giản

Sample Paragraphs Band 7-9

Band 7.0 Sample (Good but limited variety):

Topic: Impact of social media on society

“Social media has changed how we interact with each other significantly. What I think is important is that these platforms have both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, what social media allows is easy communication with friends and family regardless of distance. People can share what they are doing instantly through photos and updates. However, what many people worry about is the impact on mental health, especially for young users who compare themselves to others online.”

Phân tích Band 7:

• Sử dụng 4 Nominal Relative Clauses đúng ngữ pháp
• Variety hạn chế (chủ yếu dùng “what”)
• Một số cụm từ đơn giản: “what I think”, “what they are doing”
• Chưa có whoever/whatever/whichever để tăng complexity

Band 8.5 Sample (Excellent variety and sophistication):

Topic: The role of failure in personal development

“What distinguishes successful individuals from those who struggle is not the absence of failure, but their response to setbacks. Whoever examines the biographies of renowned entrepreneurs, scientists, or artists will discover that failure played a crucial role in their eventual achievements. What psychologists have established through extensive research is that experiencing and overcoming failure builds resilience—a quality essential for long-term success.

Whatever challenges people encounter, those who view them as learning opportunities rather than insurmountable obstacles develop stronger problem-solving capabilities. What concerns me about modern education systems is the tendency to shield students from failure, thereby depriving them of valuable growth experiences. Whichever field one pursues—whether business, academia, or creative arts—the ability to persist through failures often determines what ultimately separates those who achieve their goals from those who abandon them prematurely.”

Phân tích Band 8.5:

• 7 Nominal Relative Clauses với variety xuất sắc
• Mix giữa what/whoever/whatever/whichever
• Academic collocations: “distinguishes…from”, “psychologists have established”, “insurmountable obstacles”
• Complex sentence structures kết hợp mệnh đề danh ngữ
• Natural flow không bị forced
• Embedded clause cuối cùng rất sophisticated: “what ultimately separates those who…from those who…”

Band 9.0 Sample (Near-native sophistication):

Topic: Balance between tradition and modernization

“What characterizes societies that successfully navigate modernization while preserving cultural identity is their ability to selectively integrate innovation without wholesale rejection of ancestral values. Whoever studies Japan’s post-war transformation observes a nation that adopted Western technology and business practices yet maintained distinctive cultural traditions in social etiquette, arts, and family structures.

Whatever technological advances emerge, their integration need not necessitate cultural homogenization. What anthropological research increasingly demonstrates is that cultural resilience depends less on resisting external influences than on communities’ capacity for adaptive synthesis—absorbing whatever elements prove beneficial while retaining core identity markers. Whichever path developing nations choose, the false dichotomy between tradition and progress should be rejected.

What history teaches us is that cultures have always been dynamic entities, continuously evolving through encounters with others. Whoever insists on static preservation of traditions misunderstands culture’s fundamental nature. Conversely, what modernization advocates sometimes overlook is that severing connections to cultural heritage creates social disorientation and identity crises. The optimal approach involves whatever strategies enable communities to honor their past while embracing necessary change.”

Phân tích Band 9:

• 10 Nominal Relative Clauses với maximum variety và sophistication
• Advanced academic vocabulary: “necessitate”, “homogenization”, “adaptive synthesis”, “dichotomy”
• Complex embedded structures: “What characterizes societies that successfully navigate…”
• Native-like collocations: “wholesale rejection”, “identity markers”, “social disorientation”
• Nuanced argument với multiple perspectives
• Perfect integration – không một mệnh đề nào bị forced

So sánh cách sử dụng Nominal Relative Clauses ở các band điểm IELTS Writing khác nhau

Nâng Cao – Cách Dùng Để Đạt Band 8+

Kết Hợp Với Các Cấu Trúc Khác

Nominal Relative Clauses + Relative Clause:

“What concerns many parents, which is understandable, is the amount of screen time children have nowadays.”
→ Band 8+ features: Kết hợp hai loại mệnh đề – “what concerns…” là Nominal Relative, “which is understandable” là non-defining relative clause bổ sung comment

Nominal Relative Clauses + Passive Voice:

“What has been achieved over the past decade demonstrates the power of international cooperation.”
→ Advanced usage: Passive voice trong Nominal Relative Clause tạo academic tone mạnh mẽ, focus vào achievement thay vì người thực hiện

“Whatever measures are implemented must be thoroughly evaluated for effectiveness.”
→ Sophistication: Passive + modal verb trong mệnh đề danh ngữ, rất phù hợp formal writing

Nominal Relative Clauses + Conditional:

“Whatever decision the government makes, if it fails to consider economic impact, the policy will not succeed.”
→ Complexity: Nominal Relative Clause + conditional sentence tạo logic phức tạp

“What would happen if global temperatures rose by 3 degrees is beyond most people’s imagination.”
→ Advanced: Conditional structure embedded trong Nominal Relative Clause

Nominal Relative Clauses + Modal Verbs:

“What governments should prioritize is investment in renewable energy infrastructure.”
→ Academic: Modal “should” trong mệnh đề tạo recommendation tone

“Whoever may disagree with this approach must acknowledge the supporting evidence.”
→ Formal: Modal “may” thêm uncertainty nhưng vẫn formal

Nominal Relative Clauses + Perfect Tenses:

“What has been overlooked in previous research is the psychological impact on families.”
→ Academic writing: Present perfect trong mệnh đề chỉ gap trong research

“Whatever strategies have proven effective in developed countries may not work in different contexts.”
→ Sophistication: Perfect tense + modal tạo nuanced argument

Nominal Relative Clauses + Participle Clauses:

“What distinguishes exceptional leaders, setting them apart from average managers, is their ability to inspire others.”
→ Band 9: Participle clause “setting them apart” embedded giữa mệnh đề danh ngữ

Nominal Relative Clauses + Inversion:

“What rarely does the public realize is the complexity behind policy decisions.”
→ Very advanced: Inversion với “rarely” trong Nominal Relative Clause – cực kỳ formal

Cụm Từ Nâng Cao

Academic collocations with Nominal Relative Clauses:

Collocation	Ví dụ	Band Level
What distinguishes X from Y	“What distinguishes successful companies from struggling ones is their ability to adapt to market changes.”	8+
What characterizes X	“What characterizes effective education systems is a balance between academic rigor and student well-being.”	8+
What concerns/worries experts	“What concerns environmental experts most urgently is the accelerating rate of biodiversity loss.”	7+
What research/evidence suggests	“What recent neurological research suggests is that bilingualism enhances cognitive flexibility.”	8+
What stands out/emerges	“What stands out from the data is the stark inequality between urban and rural areas.”	7+
What remains unclear/uncertain	“What remains unclear from current studies is the long-term impact of social media on adolescent development.”	8+
What has been established/demonstrated	“What has been firmly established through decades of research is the link between poverty and educational outcomes.”	9
Whatever factors/variables contribute	“Whatever socioeconomic factors contribute to inequality must be systematically addressed.”	8+
Whoever possesses/demonstrates	“Whoever demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities will be considered for the management position.”	7+
Whichever approach/strategy proves	“Whichever approach proves most cost-effective will be implemented across all departments.”	8+

Advanced Subject-focused structures:

Structure	Ví dụ	Analysis
What makes X [adjective]	“What makes this solution particularly attractive is its simplicity and low cost.”	Emphasizes the special quality
What renders X [adjective]	“What renders traditional methods obsolete is the superior efficiency of modern technology.”	Very formal, academic tone
What drives X	“What drives innovation in successful companies is a culture that tolerates failure.”	Shows causation elegantly
What underpins X	“What underpins economic stability is prudent fiscal policy and transparent governance.”	Academic, shows foundation
What constitutes X	“What constitutes effective leadership varies across cultures and contexts.”	Definitional, sophisticated

Câu Phức & Ghép

Tích hợp vào câu phức với multiple clauses:

“Although technology has brought numerous benefits, what many critics argue, and I tend to agree, is that it has also created unprecedented challenges in terms of privacy and mental health that society has struggled to address effectively.”

→ Phân tích complexity:

• Concession clause: “Although technology…”
• Nominal Relative Clause: “what many critics argue”
• Parenthetical insertion: “and I tend to agree”
• Relative clause: “that society has struggled…”
• Band 9 feature: Multiple subordinate clauses tích hợp tự nhiên

Parallel structure với Nominal Relative Clauses:

“What governments invest in today determines future prosperity; what educators prioritize now shapes the next generation; what individuals choose in their daily lives collectively impacts our planet’s future.”

→ Rhetorical power: Ba parallel Nominal Relative Clauses tạo rhythm và emphasis, phù hợp conclusion hoặc emphatic statements

Embedded Nominal Relative Clauses:

“The committee will decide what measures should be taken to address what researchers have identified as the most pressing environmental concerns.”

→ Band 9 complexity: Nominal Relative Clause trong Nominal Relative Clause – “what measures should be taken” chứa “what researchers have identified”

Nominal Relative Clauses trong reported speech:

“The minister stated that what the government intends to implement are comprehensive reforms, though critics question whether what has been proposed will actually materialize.”

→ Advanced: Reported speech kết hợp với hai Nominal Relative Clauses và noun clause

So Sánh Với Cấu Trúc Tương Tự

Nominal Relative Clauses vs. Standard Relative Clauses

Tiêu chí	Nominal Relative Clauses	Standard Relative Clauses
Công thức	What/Whatever/Whoever + S + V (standalone noun phrase)	Noun + that/which/who + S + V
Antecedent	KHÔNG cần danh từ đứng trước	CẦN danh từ đứng trước
Ý nghĩa	“The thing that” / “Anything that” / “Anyone who”	Bổ sung thông tin cho danh từ trước đó
Vai trò	Tự nó là một noun phrase hoàn chỉnh	Chỉ là adjective clause mô tả noun
Dùng khi	Khái quát hóa, không muốn nhắc cụ thể danh từ	Cung cấp thông tin về danh từ cụ thể
Ví dụ	“What I need is more time.” (What = chủ ngữ)	“The thing that I need is more time.” (thing = chủ ngữ, that clause mô tả)

Ví dụ so sánh trực tiếp:

Nominal Relative: “What she said surprised me.”
Standard Relative: “The comment that she made surprised me.”

→ Nominal Relative ngắn gọn hơn, focus vào nội dung lời nói thay vì “comment”

Nominal Relative: “Whoever arrives first gets the best seat.”
Standard Relative: “The person who arrives first gets the best seat.”

→ Nominal Relative không cần specify “person”, tổng quát hơn

Khi nào dùng cấu trúc nào:

Dùng Nominal Relative Clauses khi:

• Bạn muốn câu văn súc tích, academic
• Không cần/không muốn nhắc đến danh từ cụ thể
• Khái quát hóa (whatever, whoever, wherever)
• Writing Task 2 formal essays
• Speaking Part 3 abstract discussions

Dùng Standard Relative Clauses khi:

• Cần mô tả danh từ cụ thể, rõ ràng
• Danh từ là thuật ngữ chuyên môn cần nhắc đến
• Writing Task 1 mô tả data (cần specific nouns)
• Speaking Part 2 kể chuyện cá nhân (concrete nouns)

Nominal Relative Clauses vs. Noun Clauses with “That”

Tiêu chí	Nominal Relative Clauses	Noun Clauses with That
Công thức	Wh-word + S + V	That + S + V
Ý nghĩa	Hỏi “cái gì/ai/đâu” – mang element of uncertainty/generality	Nội dung cụ thể, chắc chắn
Sau động từ	Không theo say/think/believe thông thường	Thường theo verbs of reporting/thinking
Ví dụ	“What he did was wrong.”	“The fact that he lied was wrong.”
Focus	Hành động/sự vật không xác định	Statement/fact cụ thể

So sánh cụ thể:

“I believe what you’re saying.” (tôi tin những gì bạn đang nói – chưa biết cụ thể)
“I believe that you’re telling the truth.” (tôi tin rằng bạn đang nói sự thật – statement cụ thể)

“What concerns me is the lack of transparency.” (điều khiến tôi lo – focus vào “điều gì”)
“The fact that there is no transparency concerns me.” (sự thật về việc thiếu transparency – focus vào fact)

Bảng so sánh chi tiết giữa Nominal Relative Clauses và Standard Relative Clauses trong IELTS

Lỗi Thường Gặp & Cách Sửa

Lỗi 1: Thêm “that” hoặc “which” không cần thiết sau wh-word

Đây là lỗi phổ biến nhất của học viên Việt Nam vì họ nghĩ cần kết nối thêm.

❌ SAI:
“What that I need is more practice.”
“Whatever that you choose will be fine.”
“Whoever that finishes first wins the prize.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“What I need is more practice.”
“Whatever you choose will be fine.”
“Whoever finishes first wins the prize.”

Giải thích:
Nominal Relative Clauses ĐÃ có wh-word làm connector rồi, không cần thêm “that” hay “which”. Đây khác với Standard Relative Clauses cần “that/which” sau danh từ. Cấu trúc là: Wh-word + Subject + Verb ngay lập tức.

Lưu ý:
Nếu bạn đang nghĩ “The thing that…”, hãy bỏ “The thing” và giữ lại “that” thành “what”. Không bao giờ có cả hai.

Lỗi 2: Sử dụng sai subject-verb agreement

❌ SAI:
“What I want to say are that education is important.”
“Whatever problems exists need to be solved.”
“Whoever come late will miss the introduction.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“What I want to say is that education is important.”
“Whatever problems exist need to be solved.”
“Whoever comes late will miss the introduction.”

Giải thích:

• “What I want to say” = singular subject → dùng “is”
• “Whatever problems exist” → “problems” là subject thật sự trong mệnh đề → dùng “exist” (plural)
• “Whoever comes” → whoever luôn singular trong mệnh đề của nó → dùng “comes”

Quy tắc:

• Toàn bộ Nominal Relative Clause khi làm subject thường được coi là SINGULAR
• Nhưng bên TRONG mệnh đề, verb phải agree với subject của mệnh đề đó

Lưu ý:
“What I need is books” (is – singular) vs “What I need are more resources” (are – có thể dùng plural nếu complement là plural và bạn muốn nhấn mạnh nhiều items)

Lỗi 3: Nhầm lẫn giữa “what” và “that” trong noun clauses

❌ SAI:
“I don’t know what you are right.”
“The problem is that he said yesterday.”
“That surprises me is his attitude.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“I don’t know that you are right.” (hoặc tốt hơn: “I’m not sure that you are right.”)
“The problem is what he said yesterday.”
“What surprises me is his attitude.”

Giải thích:

• “What” dùng khi câu thiếu object/subject trong mệnh đề → “what he said” (said cần object)
• “That” dùng khi câu ĐÃ ĐỦ subject + verb + object → “that you are right” (câu hoàn chỉnh)
• Test: Nếu có thể thay bằng “the thing that”, dùng “what”

Lưu ý:

• “I know what you did.” (what = the thing that you did – object của did)
• “I know that you did it.” (that = conjunction, câu sau đã hoàn chỉnh)

Lỗi 4: Dùng “whatever” khi cần “what” và ngược lại

❌ SAI:
“Whatever I like most about IELTS is the Speaking test.”
“You can do what you want – I don’t care.”
“What difficulties you face, don’t give up.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“What I like most about IELTS is the Speaking test.”
“You can do whatever you want – I don’t care.”
“Whatever difficulties you face, don’t give up.”

Giải thích:

• What = specific thing (cái cụ thể tôi thích nhất)
• Whatever = anything, no matter what (bất cứ cái gì, có tính tổng quát/không giới hạn)

Phân biệt:

• “Tell me what you think.” (ý kiến cụ thể của bạn)
• “Tell me whatever comes to your mind.” (bất cứ điều gì, không giới hạn)

Lưu ý:
Whatever/whoever/wherever/whenever có nghĩa “bất cứ…nào” hoặc “dù…đi nữa”. Nếu không có ý này, dùng what/who/where/when.

Lỗi 5: Thiếu verb chính trong câu

❌ SAI:
“What I learned from this experience very valuable.”
“Whatever you decide my support.”
“Whoever wants to join welcome to contact me.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“What I learned from this experience was very valuable.”
“Whatever you decide, you have my support.”
“Whoever wants to join is welcome to contact me.”

Giải thích:
Nominal Relative Clause chỉ là một phần của câu (thường là subject), CẦN có main verb của câu chính. Nhiều học viên quên mất verb chính vì nghĩ mệnh đề danh ngữ đã có verb rồi.

Cấu trúc đúng:
[Nominal Relative Clause as Subject] + [Main Verb] + [Complement]

Lưu ý:
Luôn check: Sau khi viết Nominal Relative Clause, câu có verb chính chưa? Nếu chưa, bạn chỉ viết được một mệnh đề, chưa phải câu hoàn chỉnh.

Lỗi 6: Dùng trong context không phù hợp (quá formal cho Speaking Part 1)

❌ SAI (quá formal cho Part 1):
Q: “Do you like reading?”
A: “What I find particularly engaging about literature is the capacity to transport readers to different realms.”

✅ ĐÚNG (phù hợp Part 1):
A: “Yes, I do. I really enjoy reading, especially fiction books. What I like most is how stories help me relax after work.”

Giải thích:
Nominal Relative Clauses là advanced structure, phù hợp formal contexts. Speaking Part 1 cần natural, conversational. Quá nhiều cấu trúc phức tạp trong Part 1 sẽ nghe unnatural.

Phân bố hợp lý:

• Part 1: 0-1 lần, chỉ với cấu trúc đơn giản như “what I like/enjoy/think”
• Part 2: 1-2 lần, trong phần triển khai hoặc conclusion
• Part 3: 3-5 lần, thoải mái vì đang discuss abstract ideas

Lỗi 7: Thêm danh từ không cần thiết trước wh-word

❌ SAI:
“The thing what I want is more time.”
“The person whoever arrives first gets the prize.”
“The place wherever you go, take this with you.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“What I want is more time.”
“Whoever arrives first gets the prize.”
“Wherever you go, take this with you.”

Giải thích:
Đây là confusion giữa Standard Relative Clauses và Nominal Relative Clauses. Nominal Relative ĐÃ BAO GỒM nghĩa của danh từ rồi:

• “What” = “The thing that”
• “Whoever” = “The person who” / “Anyone who”
• “Wherever” = “Any place where”

Lưu ý:
Nếu có danh từ trước, dùng Standard Relative Clauses:

• “The thing that I want” ✓
• “The person who arrives first” ✓

Lỗi 8: Nhầm lẫn giữa “whoever” và “who”

❌ SAI:
“I will hire who is most qualified.”
“Whoever is that man over there?”
“The teacher whoever taught me was excellent.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“I will hire whoever is most qualified.”
“Who is that man over there?”
“The teacher who taught me was excellent.”

Giải thích:

• Whoever = anyone who (bất kỳ ai, không xác định) → dùng trong Nominal Relative Clauses
• Who = which person (ai – câu hỏi) hoặc relative pronoun sau danh từ cụ thể

Phân biệt:

• “Whoever wants to come can join us.” (bất kỳ ai muốn đến)
• “Who wants to come?” (câu hỏi – ai muốn đến?)
• “The students who want to come…” (những học sinh nào muốn – có antecedent)

Top 5 mistakes Vietnamese learners make:

1. Thêm “that” thừa: “What that I need…” – Lỗi này chiếm 40% vì tiếng Việt thường dùng “cái mà”, học viên dịch trực tiếp thành “what that”

2. Subject-verb agreement sai: “What I need are…” – Chiếm 25%, vì học viên focus vào plural noun sau “are” mà quên “what clause” là singular subject

3. Nhầm what vs that: Chiếm 15%, vì cả hai đều dịch thành “rằng” trong tiếng Việt, gây confusion

4. Dùng sai what/whatever: Chiếm 10%, vì tiếng Việt không phân biệt rõ giữa “cái gì” (specific) và “bất cứ cái gì” (general)

5. Thiếu main verb: Chiếm 10%, vì học viên nghĩ có verb trong mệnh đề danh ngữ là đủ rồi

Bài Tập Thực Hành

Bài Tập 1: Điền từ phù hợp (what/whatever/whoever/whichever/wherever)

Hoàn thành câu với wh-word thích hợp:

1. __ the government decides will affect millions of citizens.
2. __ matters most in education is the quality of teachers, not just facilities.
3. You can invite __ you want to the party – there’s no restriction.
4. __ candidate demonstrates the strongest leadership skills will get the promotion.
5. __ you travel in the world, you’ll find different cultural practices.
6. I don’t understand __ you mean by that statement.
7. __ challenges we face, we must remain optimistic and persistent.
8. __ option you select from these three will have different consequences.
9. __ has the highest qualifications should apply for the senior position.
10. The teacher explained __ the students needed to know for the exam.
11. __ technology brings, we shouldn’t forget human values.
12. __ you go for vacation, remember to take travel insurance.
13. __ distinguishes successful companies is their ability to innovate.
14. Students can choose __ subjects interest them most.
15. __ really concerns environmentalists is the rate of deforestation.

Bài Tập 2: Tìm và sửa lỗi sai

Mỗi câu có một lỗi. Tìm và sửa:

1. What that I appreciate most about my job is the flexibility.
2. Whatever problems exists in the system need immediate attention.
3. The thing what surprises me is the low turnout.
4. I will support who you decide to hire for the position.
5. Wherever you will go, I’ll follow you.
6. What concern many parents are the effects of social media.
7. Whoever arrive first will get the best seats.
8. The idea that he proposed yesterday very innovative.
9. Which you choose doesn’t matter to me at all.
10. What I learned from this experience were invaluable lessons.
11. Whatever that happens, don’t panic and stay calm.
12. Who wants to succeed must be willing to work hard.
13. What stands out from the data are the significant increase.
14. Wherever place you visit, respect local customs.
15. The person whoever taught me English was excellent.

Bài Tập 3: Kết hợp câu sử dụng Nominal Relative Clauses

Viết lại câu sử dụng wh-word cho sẵn:

1. The thing is important. Quality matters more than quantity. (What)
   → ___

2. I need something. I need more time to complete the project. (What)
   → ___

3. Any person can apply. That person has relevant experience. (Whoever)
   → ___

4. You can choose any option. All options are acceptable. (Whatever)
   → ___

5. The place doesn’t matter. You can study anywhere. (Wherever)
   → ___

6. Something surprised everyone. His sudden resignation surprised us. (What)
   → ___

7. Any difficulties may arise. We will overcome them. (Whatever)
   → ___

8. The thing distinguishes them. Their dedication sets them apart. (What)
   → ___

9. Anyone wants the position. They should submit applications. (Whoever)
   → ___

10. You can select any method. Choose the most efficient one. (Whichever)
    → ___

Bài Tập 4: Viết câu hoàn chỉnh cho IELTS

Viết câu hoàn chỉnh cho các tình huống IELTS sau, sử dụng Nominal Relative Clauses:

Speaking Part 3:

1. (Technology and education – what/concerns)
   Topic: How has technology changed education?
   → ___

2. (Career success – whoever/wants)
   Topic: What qualities lead to career success?
   → ___

3. (Environmental problems – whatever/solutions)
   Topic: How can we solve environmental problems?
   → ___

Writing Task 2 – Topic Sentences:

4. (Cultural preservation – what/matters)
   Essay: The importance of preserving traditional culture
   → ___

5. (Government spending – whatever/policies)
   Essay: Government investment in arts vs. infrastructure
   → ___

Writing Task 2 – Conclusions:

6. (Education reform – what/has been discussed)
   Conclude an essay about education system changes
   → ___

7. (Work-life balance – whoever/seeks)
   Conclude an essay about achieving work-life balance
   → ___

Bài Tập 5: Phân tích và cải thiện

Các câu sau đúng ngữ pháp nhưng chưa sophisticated. Viết lại sử dụng Nominal Relative Clauses:

1. The thing that I find most interesting about history is how past events shape the present.
   → ___

2. Any person who wants to improve their English must practice regularly.
   → ___

3. The matter that concerns scientists most is climate change.
   → ___

4. You can choose any career path that appeals to you.
   → ___

5. The place where you study is less important than your motivation.
   → ___

6. The factor that distinguishes excellent students from average ones is their curiosity.
   → ___

7. Any challenges that may appear should be viewed as opportunities.
   → ___

8. The thing that research has shown is that exercise benefits mental health.
   → ___

Hình minh họa các dạng bài tập thực hành Nominal Relative Clauses cho IELTS

Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Bài tập 1: Điền từ

1. Whatever the government decides will affect millions of citizens.

   • Giải thích: “Bất cứ điều gì” chính phủ quyết định – tính tổng quát

2. What matters most in education is the quality of teachers, not just facilities.

   • Giải thích: “Điều” quan trọng nhất – specific thing, dùng “what”

3. You can invite whoever you want to the party – there’s no restriction.

   • Giải thích: “Bất cứ ai” bạn muốn – về người, không giới hạn

4. Whichever candidate demonstrates the strongest leadership skills will get the promotion.

   • Giải thích: “Ứng viên nào” (trong số các ứng viên) – có lựa chọn giới hạn

5. Wherever you travel in the world, you’ll find different cultural practices.

   • Giải thích: “Bất cứ nơi đâu” – về địa điểm, không giới hạn

6. I don’t understand what you mean by that statement.

   • Giải thích: “Cái gì/điều gì” bạn có ý nghĩa – specific content

7. Whatever challenges we face, we must remain optimistic and persistent.

   • Giải thích: “Bất cứ thử thách nào” – tổng quát tất cả challenges

8. Whichever option you select from these three will have different consequences.

   • Giải thích: “Lựa chọn nào” (trong 3 options) – có giới hạn số lượng

9. Whoever has the highest qualifications should apply for the senior position.

   • Giải thích: “Bất cứ ai” có trình độ cao nhất – về người

10. The teacher explained what the students needed to know for the exam.

    • Giải thích: “Những gì” sinh viên cần biết – specific content

11. Whatever technology brings, we shouldn’t forget human values.

    • Giải thích: “Bất cứ cái gì” công nghệ mang lại – tổng quát

12. Wherever you go for vacation, remember to take travel insurance.

    • Giải thích: “Bất cứ đâu” bạn đi – địa điểm không giới hạn

13. What distinguishes successful companies is their ability to innovate.

    • Giải thích: “Điều” làm khác biệt – specific distinguishing factor

14. Students can choose whatever subjects interest them most.

    • Giải thích: “Bất cứ môn học nào” – tự do lựa chọn, không giới hạn

15. What really concerns environmentalists is the rate of deforestation.

    • Giải thích: “Điều” thực sự lo ngại – specific concern

Bài tập 2: Tìm lỗi

1. ❌ “What that I appreciate” → ✅ “What I appreciate”

   • Lỗi: Thêm “that” thừa sau “what”

2. ❌ “problems exists” → ✅ “problems exist“

   • Lỗi: “problems” là plural, cần “exist”

3. ❌ “The thing what” → ✅ “What / The thing that“

   • Lỗi: Không dùng “the thing” + “what” cùng lúc

4. ❌ “support who” → ✅ “support whoever“

   • Lỗi: Cần “whoever” (bất kỳ ai) không phải “who” (câu hỏi)

5. ❌ “you will go” → ✅ “you go“

   • Lỗi: Sau “wherever” dùng present simple, không dùng future

6. ❌ “What concern… are” → ✅ “What concerns… is“

   • Lỗi: “What concerns” là singular subject, cần “is”

7. ❌ “Whoever arrive” → ✅ “Whoever arrives“

   • Lỗi: “Whoever” là singular, cần “arrives”

8. ❌ “yesterday very innovative” → ✅ “yesterday was/is very innovative“

   • Lỗi: Thiếu main verb “was”

9. ❌ “Which you choose” → ✅ “Whichever you choose”

   • Lỗi: Cần “whichever” (bất kỳ cái nào), không phải “which”

10. ❌ “What I learned… were” → ✅ “What I learned… was“

    • Lỗi: “What I learned” là singular, dùng “was”

11. ❌ “Whatever that happens” → ✅ “Whatever happens”

    • Lỗi: Thêm “that” thừa sau “whatever”

12. ❌ “Who wants to succeed” → ✅ “Whoever wants to succeed”

    • Lỗi: Cần “whoever” (bất kỳ ai), “who” dùng cho câu hỏi

13. ❌ “What stands out… are” → ✅ “What stands out… is“

    • Lỗi: “What stands out” là singular, dùng “is”

14. ❌ “Wherever place” → ✅ “Wherever” (bỏ “place”)

    • Lỗi: “Wherever” đã bao hàm “place”, không cần thêm

15. ❌ “The person whoever” → ✅ “The person who“

    • Lỗi: Có “the person” rồi, dùng “who” (standard relative), không dùng “whoever”

Bài tập 3: Kết hợp câu

1. What is important is that quality matters more than quantity.

   • Hoặc: What matters most is quality, not quantity.

2. What I need is more time to complete the project.

3. Whoever has relevant experience can apply.

4. Whatever option you choose is acceptable.

5. Wherever you study doesn’t matter. / You can study wherever you want.

6. What surprised everyone was his sudden resignation.

7. Whatever difficulties arise, we will overcome them.

8. What distinguishes them is their dedication.

9. Whoever wants the position should submit applications.

10. Whichever method you select, choose the most efficient one.

    • Hoặc: You can select whichever method is most efficient.

Bài tập 4: Viết câu IELTS

Speaking Part 3:

1. “What concerns many educators is that while technology provides access to vast information, it may reduce students’ ability to think critically and analyze information deeply.”

2. “Whoever wants to succeed in their career needs not only technical skills but also soft skills like communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.”

3. “Whatever solutions we implement, they must address both individual behavior change and systemic policy reforms at the governmental level.”

Writing Task 2 – Topic Sentences:

4. “What matters most in cultural preservation is not simply maintaining old practices unchanged, but adapting traditions in ways that remain relevant to contemporary society.”

5. “Whatever policies governments adopt regarding public spending, they must balance economic development with cultural enrichment, as both contribute to citizens’ quality of life.”

Writing Task 2 – Conclusions:

6. “In conclusion, what has been discussed above demonstrates that education reform requires comprehensive approaches involving curriculum changes, teacher training, and technology integration.”

7. “To summarize, whoever seeks genuine work-life balance must recognize that it requires conscious effort, clear boundaries, and sometimes difficult career choices that prioritize well-being over advancement.”

Bài tập 5: Cải thiện câu

1. Original: “The thing that I find most interesting…”
   Improved: “What I find most fascinating about history is how past events continue to shape present realities.”

2. Original: “Any person who wants to improve…”
   Improved: “Whoever wants to improve their English must practice regularly and immerse themselves in the language.”

3. Original: “The matter that concerns scientists…”
   Improved: “What concerns scientists most urgently is the accelerating pace of climate change and its irreversible consequences.”

4. Original: “You can choose any career path…”
   Improved: “You can pursue whatever career path appeals to you, as long as it aligns with your values and strengths.”

5. Original: “The place where you study is less important…”
   Improved: “Wherever you choose to study is less crucial than your intrinsic motivation and disciplined approach.”

6. Original: “The factor that distinguishes excellent students…”
   Improved: “What distinguishes exceptional students from average ones is their intellectual curiosity and willingness to explore beyond the curriculum.”

7. Original: “Any challenges that may appear…”
   Improved: “Whatever challenges emerge should be reframed as opportunities for growth and learning rather than obstacles.”

8. Original: “The thing that research has shown…”
   Improved: “What extensive research has consistently demonstrated is that regular physical exercise significantly benefits both mental and physical health.”

Đề Luyện Tập Nâng Cao

Speaking Topics

Topic 1: Describe a skill you have learned

Cue card:
Describe a skill that took you a long time to learn.
You should say:

• What the skill was
• How long it took to learn
• What difficulties you faced
• And explain what you learned from the experience

Yêu cầu: Sử dụng ít nhất 3 Nominal Relative Clauses trong câu trả lời 2 phút. Gợi ý: “What made this skill challenging…”, “Whatever obstacles I encountered…”, “What I ultimately realized…”

Topic 2: Education and technology (Part 3 questions)

1. How has technology changed the way students learn?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online education?
3. Do you think traditional teachers will be replaced by technology?

Yêu cầu: Mỗi câu trả lời nên có 1-2 Nominal Relative Clauses. Practice phrases như: “What concerns me about…”, “Whatever advantages exist…”, “Whoever believes that…”

Topic 3: Work and career (Part 3 questions)

1. What factors make a job satisfying?
2. How important is work-life balance in modern society?
3. What changes do you think will happen in the workplace in the future?

Yêu cầu: Sử dụng sophistication cao hơn với: “What distinguishes satisfying careers…”, “Whoever seeks balance…”, “Whatever transformations occur…”

Writing Topics

Writing Task 2 – Topic 1 (Opinion Essay):

“Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, think there are better alternative ways to reduce crime.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

Yêu cầu:

• Introduction: Sử dụng “What is being debated…” hoặc “What this essay will examine…”
• Body 1: “What advocates of longer sentences argue…”
• Body 2: “What proponents of alternative approaches emphasize…”
• Conclusion: “What seems most effective…” hoặc “Whatever approach is adopted…”
• Tổng cộng: ít nhất 5 Nominal Relative Clauses trong toàn bài

Writing Task 2 – Topic 2 (Problem-Solution Essay):

“Many people today are concerned about the increasing levels of stress in modern life.

What are the main causes of stress? What solutions can you suggest?”

Yêu cầu:

• Introduction: “What characterizes contemporary life…”
• Problems paragraph: “What causes the most stress…”, “Whatever factors contribute…”
• Solutions paragraph: “What individuals can do…”, “What governments should prioritize…”
• Conclusion: “Whatever measures are implemented…”
• Tổng cộng: ít nhất 6 Nominal Relative Clauses

Writing Task 2 – Topic 3 (Discussion Essay):

“Some people think that artificial intelligence will enhance human capabilities, while others fear it will replace human workers and cause unemployment.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

Yêu cầu:

• Sử dụng high-level structures: “What distinguishes AI from previous technologies…”, “Whoever examines historical patterns…”, “Whatever developments occur…”
• Ít nhất 1 embedded Nominal Relative Clause: “The question is what impact AI will have on what economists call ‘job displacement’…”
• Target: 7+ Nominal Relative Clauses với maximum variety

Writing Task 2 – Topic 4 (Advantage-Disadvantage Essay):

“In many countries, people are choosing to have children at a later age.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?”

Yêu cầu:

• Introduction: “What has become increasingly common…”
• Advantages: “What benefits this trend offers…”, “Whatever advantages exist…”
• Disadvantages: “What concerns health professionals…”, “Whoever delays parenthood…”
• Personal view: “What seems most important to consider…”

Hướng dẫn tự đánh giá

Sau khi hoàn thành bài tập, check:

✓ Accuracy: Tất cả Nominal Relative Clauses có đúng ngữ pháp không?

• Có thêm “that” thừa không?
• Subject-verb agreement đúng chưa?
• Có main verb cho câu chính chưa?

✓ Variety: Có đa dạng wh-words không?

• Có dùng cả what/whatever/whoever/whichever?
• Hay chỉ lặp lại “what” suốt?

✓ Appropriacy: Sử dụng có phù hợp context không?

• Speaking Part 1 có quá formal không?
• Writing có đủ academic không?
• Part 3 có sophisticated không?

✓ Natural integration: Câu có tự nhiên không?

• Có bị forced không?
• Flow có smooth không?
• Có lạm dụng quá nhiều không?

✓ Band score features:

• Band 7: 3-4 Nominal Relative Clauses, chủ yếu “what”, đúng ngữ pháp
• Band 8: 5-6 clauses, có variety (what/whatever/whoever), natural
• Band 9: 7+ clauses, maximum variety, embedded structures, native-like

Kết Bài

Nominal Relative Clauses là một công cụ ngữ pháp mạnh mẽ giúp bạn đạt điểm cao trong IELTS, đặc biệt ở Speaking Part 3 và Writing Task 2. Cấu trúc này không chỉ cho phép bạn diễn đạt ý tưởng một cách súc tích và học thuật mà còn thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngữ pháp phức tạp một cách tự nhiên – một yêu cầu thiết yếu cho Band 8.0 trở lên.

Những điểm cần nhớ:

Về công thức: Nominal Relative Clauses bắt đầu bằng wh-words (what/whatever/whoever/whichever/wherever/whenever/however) và tự nó đã là một noun phrase hoàn chỉnh, không cần danh từ đứng trước như relative clauses thông thường.

Về chức năng: Cấu trúc này giúp bạn khái quát hóa thông tin, tránh lặp lại danh từ, tạo academic tone và nhấn mạnh ý tưởng quan trọng trong câu.

Về tần suất sử dụng: Đừng lạm dụng – trong Speaking Part 2 dùng 1-2 lần, Part 3 dùng 3-5 lần, Writing Task 2 dùng 5-7 lần là đủ để ghi điểm mà vẫn tự nhiên.

Về lỗi phổ biến: Học viên Việt Nam thường mắc lỗi thêm “that” thừa sau wh-word, nhầm lẫn giữa what/whatever, và quên main verb của câu chính. Hãy đặc biệt chú ý tránh những lỗi này.

Về band score impact: Sử dụng Nominal Relative Clauses chính xác và đa dạng có thể nâng band điểm Grammatical Range & Accuracy từ 6.5 lên 7.5-8.0. Tuy nhiên, điều quan trọng là phải sử dụng tự nhiên, phù hợp context, không bị forced.

Lộ trình luyện tập hiệu quả:

Tuần 1-2: Nắm vững công thức cơ bản, tập trung vào “what” clauses và tránh các lỗi phổ biến. Làm bài tập điền từ và sửa lỗi để consolidate understanding.

Tuần 3-4: Mở rộng sang whatever/whoever/wherever, luyện tập kết hợp với các cấu trúc khác như passive voice, perfect tenses. Viết paragraph ngắn cho Writing Task 2.

Tuần 5-6: Practice Speaking với timer, record lại và check xem có sử dụng Nominal Relative Clauses không. Viết full essays và self-assess theo band descriptors.

Tuần 7-8: Tích hợp vào actual test practice. Làm mock tests và đảm bảo sử dụng structures này naturally trong cả 4 skills.

Hãy nhớ rằng mục tiêu không phải là nhồi nhét càng nhiều Nominal Relative Clauses càng tốt, mà là sử dụng chúng một cách tự nhiên, chính xác và phù hợp để làm cho câu văn của bạn trở nên sophisticated và academic hơn. Với practice đều đặn và mindful usage, cấu trúc này sẽ trở thành một phần tự nhiên trong English repertoire của bạn, giúp bạn tự tin đạt được band điểm mục tiêu trong kỳ thi IELTS.

Chúc bạn học tốt và đạt kết quả cao trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới.