IELTS Speaking: Cách Miêu Tả Sự Kiện Gia Đình Đặc Biệt – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề về các sự kiện gia đình là một trong những topic phổ biến nhất trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt khi giám khảo muốn đánh giá khả năng kể chuyện và miêu tả trải nghiệm cá nhân của thí sinh. Theo thống kê từ các trung tâm luyện thi IELTS và diễn đàn chia sẻ đề thi thực tế, chủ đề “family events” xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ 2020 đến 2024, và khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức Cao.

Điều khiến chủ đề này trở nên thách thức là thí sinh cần kết hợp nhiều kỹ năng: miêu tả chi tiết về sự kiện, diễn đạt cảm xúc, sử dụng đúng thì động từ (đặc biệt là quá khứ), và quan trọng nhất là truyền tải được ý nghĩa đặc biệt của sự kiện đó đối với bản thân và gia đình.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ được trang bị đầy đủ:

• Câu hỏi thực tế xuất hiện trong cả 3 Part của IELTS Speaking
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo 3 band điểm khác nhau (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích cụ thể
• Kho từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm về family events
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một Examiner
• Những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục
• Kỹ thuật mở rộng ý tưởng để đạt điểm cao ở Part 3

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking thường kéo dài 4-5 phút, trong đó giám khảo sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích cá nhân, và những chủ đề quen thuộc. Với topic về family, câu hỏi thường xoay quanh các hoạt động gia đình, thời gian dành cho người thân, và tầm quan trọng của gia đình trong văn hóa.

Chiến lược quan trọng: Mỗi câu trả lời nên có 2-3 câu, bao gồm câu trả lời trực tiếp và phần mở rộng với lý do hoặc ví dụ. Đây là cơ hội để bạn “warm up” và tạo ấn tượng tốt ngay từ đầu.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn kiểu “Yes, I do” hoặc “No, I don’t” mà không mở rộng
• Sử dụng từ vựng đơn giản, lặp lại như “good”, “nice”, “happy”
• Không đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
• Nói quá nhanh hoặc quá chậm do căng thẳng

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you often spend time with your family?

Question 2: What activities do you usually do with your family?

Question 3: Do you prefer spending time with your family or friends?

Question 4: How important are family gatherings in your culture?

Question 5: Did your family celebrate special occasions when you were a child?

Question 6: What is your favorite family tradition?

Question 7: How has the way your family celebrates events changed over the years?

Question 8: Do you think families spend enough time together nowadays?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: Do you often spend time with your family?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời Yes/No một cách rõ ràng
• Giải thích tần suất (how often) và khi nào
• Thêm chi tiết về hoạt động hoặc lý do

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I do. I try to spend time with my family on weekends because I’m quite busy with work during the week. We usually have dinner together and talk about our lives.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Câu trả lời rõ ràng, có lý do (busy with work), có ví dụ cụ thể (dinner together)
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn đơn giản (busy, talk), cấu trúc câu cơ bản, thiếu chi tiết cảm xúc
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đạt yêu cầu cơ bản về nội dung và độ dài, nhưng chưa thể hiện được sự đa dạng về ngôn ngữ và chiều sâu ý tưởng

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, spending quality time with my family is actually one of my top priorities. Despite having a hectic work schedule during weekdays, I make it a point to carve out time on weekends for family dinners and activities. These moments are incredibly precious to me because they allow us to catch up on each other’s lives and strengthen our bonds.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng từ vựng nâng cao (hectic schedule, carve out time, precious, strengthen bonds), cụm từ tự nhiên (make it a point to), thể hiện được tầm quan trọng cảm xúc
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Câu trả lời mạch lạc, tự nhiên, không hesitation
  • Vocabulary: Collocations chính xác (quality time, hectic schedule, catch up on)
  • Grammar: Cấu trúc phức tạp (Despite having…, allow us to…)
  • Pronunciation: Từ ngữ được chọn lọc giúp phát âm tự nhiên hơn

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• top priority: ưu tiên hàng đầu
• hectic work schedule: lịch làm việc bận rộn
• carve out time: dành/sắp xếp thời gian (mặc dù khó khăn)
• catch up on: cập nhật, kể lại những chuyện đã xảy ra
• strengthen bonds: củng cố mối quan hệ

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Question: What activities do you usually do with your family?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Liệt kê 2-3 hoạt động cụ thể
• Giải thích tại sao chọn những hoạt động đó
• Có thể thêm tần suất hoặc thời điểm

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“We usually have meals together, especially dinner. Sometimes we watch movies or go shopping on weekends. During holidays, we might travel to the countryside to visit our relatives.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Liệt kê được nhiều hoạt động khác nhau, có đề cập đến thời gian cụ thể
• Hạn chế: Câu trả lời hơi listing, thiếu sự kết nối giữa các ý, từ vựng cơ bản (have meals, watch movies)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Nội dung đầy đủ nhưng cách diễn đạt chưa sophisticated, thiếu depth

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, our family activities are quite diverse. We have a long-standing tradition of sharing dinner together every Sunday, which gives us a chance to unwind and exchange stories about our week. Beyond that, we’re all quite keen on outdoor activities, so we often go hiking or cycling when the weather’s nice. What I particularly enjoy is our monthly movie nights – we take turns choosing films, which has actually broadened my perspective on different genres.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Cấu trúc rõ ràng (tradition → outdoor activities → movie nights), từ vựng đa dạng và chính xác, có personal touch (what I particularly enjoy)
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency & Coherence: Sử dụng discourse markers tự nhiên (Well, Beyond that, What I particularly enjoy)
  • Lexical Resource: Collocations phong phú (long-standing tradition, exchange stories, keen on, broaden perspective)
  • Grammatical Range: Mixed structures (which gives us…, we take turns…, which has actually…)
  • Ideas: Không chỉ list hoạt động mà còn giải thích ý nghĩa

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• long-standing tradition: truyền thống lâu đời
• unwind: thư giãn, xả stress
• exchange stories: chia sẻ/kể chuyện cho nhau
• keen on: thích thú, say mê
• broaden one’s perspective: mở rộng tầm nhìn/góc nhìn

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Question: How important are family gatherings in your culture?

Cách tiếp cận:

• Đánh giá mức độ quan trọng
• Giải thích bối cảnh văn hóa Việt Nam
• Đưa ví dụ về các dịp sum họp truyền thống

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Family gatherings are very important in Vietnamese culture. We value family relationships a lot. During Tet holiday or important celebrations, the whole family tries to get together. It’s a time to show respect to older family members and maintain family bonds.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời đúng trọng tâm, có đề cập đến văn hóa Việt Nam, có ví dụ cụ thể (Tet holiday)
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (very important, value a lot), thiếu sự phân tích sâu về ý nghĩa văn hóa
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate nhưng chưa impressive, chưa thể hiện được complexity của topic

Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“I’d say family gatherings hold tremendous significance in Vietnamese culture – they’re really the cornerstone of our social fabric. We have a deeply-rooted tradition of extended family reunions, particularly during major festivals like Tet or mid-autumn celebrations. These occasions aren’t just about having fun together; they serve a much deeper purpose of reinforcing family hierarchy, passing down cultural values to younger generations, and maintaining kinship ties even among distant relatives. In fact, it’s considered quite disrespectful if someone misses these gatherings without a compelling reason.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Phân tích đa chiều (social aspect, cultural aspect, moral aspect), vocabulary sophisticated, thể hiện sự understanding sâu sắc về văn hóa
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Opening với “I’d say” rất tự nhiên, câu trả lời coherent
  • Vocabulary: Academic và topic-specific (tremendous significance, cornerstone, deeply-rooted, kinship ties)
  • Grammar: Complex sentences với varied structures
  • Ideas: Không chỉ describe mà còn explain WHY – đây là điểm then chốt của band cao
  • Cultural awareness: Thể hiện được nuance của văn hóa Việt Nam

Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• tremendous significance: ý nghĩa to lớn
• the cornerstone of: nền tảng/trụ cột của
• deeply-rooted tradition: truyền thống ăn sâu
• extended family reunions: sum họp đại gia đình
• reinforce family hierarchy: củng cố thứ bậc gia đình
• pass down cultural values: truyền lại giá trị văn hóa
• kinship ties: mối quan hệ họ hàng
• compelling reason: lý do chính đáng/thuyết phục

Học viên Việt Nam luyện tập IELTS Speaking về chủ đề sự kiện gia đình đặc biệt với giáo viên

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần “độc thoại” kéo dài 2-3 phút, được coi là phần khó nhất vì thí sinh phải nói liên tục mà không bị gián đoạn. Bạn có đúng 1 phút để chuẩn bị và ghi chú trước khi bắt đầu nói.

Chiến lược quan trọng:

• Sử dụng hiệu quả 1 phút chuẩn bị: Ghi keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Lập dàn ý theo các bullet points
• Thời lượng: Phải nói đủ 2 phút, tối thiểu 1.5 phút. Nếu dưới 1.5 phút, điểm sẽ bị ảnh hưởng đáng kể
• Trả lời đầy đủ: Phải cover hết tất cả bullet points trong cue card
• Thì động từ: Với topic “a time you attended”, cần dùng quá khứ chủ yếu
• Cấu trúc: Introduction → Main story (theo bullet points) → Conclusion/Reflection

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị, bắt đầu nói quá sớm
• Nói quá ngắn (dưới 1.5 phút) hoặc ngừng đột ngột
• Bỏ sót bullet points, đặc biệt là câu “explain”
• Kể chuyện thiếu chi tiết, quá chung chung
• Không có introduction hoặc conclusion

Cue Card

Describe a time you attended a special family event

You should say:

• What the event was
• When and where it happened
• Who was there
• And explain why this event was special to you

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an event/experience (quá khứ)

Thì động từ: Chủ yếu là Past Simple và Past Continuous để kể chuyện. Có thể dùng Present Perfect trong phần explain để nói về impact hiện tại.

Bullet points phải cover:

1. What the event was – Sự kiện gì (đám cưới, sinh nhật, lễ kỷ niệm, tất niên…)
2. When and where – Thời gian cụ thể và địa điểm
3. Who was there – Thành viên nào tham gia
4. Explain why special – Đây là phần QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT, cần giải thích sâu về ý nghĩa

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Phần explain thường chiếm 30-40% thời lượng và là nơi bạn thể hiện được depth of thinking. Đừng chỉ nói “I felt happy” mà cần giải thích WHY it was meaningful, lasting impact, emotional connection.

Gợi ý chọn topic: Chọn sự kiện mà bạn thực sự nhớ rõ chi tiết và có cảm xúc thật. Các sự kiện phổ biến: đám cưới anh/chị/em, sinh nhật bất ngờ cho bố/mẹ, lễ kỷ niệm ngày cưới của bố mẹ, sum họp Tết sau thời gian dài xa nhà, lễ tốt nghiệp của em…

Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about my grandmother’s 80th birthday party, which was held two years ago. It was a really memorable event for our family.

The celebration took place at a restaurant near our house in Hanoi. We chose that place because it was convenient for everyone to get there. The party was on a Sunday afternoon, and we invited about 50 people, including all our relatives and some of my grandmother’s old friends.

When I arrived, the restaurant was already decorated with flowers and balloons. Everyone was dressed nicely, and my grandmother wore a beautiful ao dai. During the party, we had a big meal together with traditional Vietnamese food. My cousins and I prepared a small performance to congratulate my grandmother. We sang some old songs that she liked, and she was very happy about it.

The event was special to me for several reasons. First, it was the first time in many years that our whole family gathered together in one place. Some relatives came from very far away, even from other countries. Second, seeing my grandmother so happy made me feel warm inside. She kept smiling the whole time and looked very healthy and energetic.

I also enjoyed spending time with my cousins who I don’t see very often. We took many photos together and talked about our childhood memories. This party reminded me of the importance of family and how precious these moments are. It’s one of my favorite memories, and I’m glad I could be there to celebrate with my grandmother.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có sử dụng linking words cơ bản (First, Second, also), story flow hợp lý nhưng còn mechanical. Một số chỗ có thể develop thêm
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate và appropriate (memorable, convenient, energetic, precious moments) nhưng chưa sophisticated. Có một số collocations đơn giản
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix được các thì (Past Simple chủ yếu), có một số complex sentences (when I arrived…, seeing my grandmother happy made me…) nhưng variety chưa cao
Pronunciation	6-7	Giả định rõ ràng, dễ hiểu, có thể có một số lỗi nhỏ về intonation nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication

Điểm mạnh:

• Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• Có cấu trúc rõ ràng: intro → description → explanation
• Nội dung genuine và personal
• Đủ độ dài (khoảng 1.5-2 phút)

Hạn chế:

• Từ vựng còn basic, thiếu idiomatic expressions
• Grammar structures chưa đa dạng, mostly simple và compound sentences
• Phần explain chưa thực sự sâu, còn surface-level (happy, warm inside)
• Thiếu sensory details để make the story vivid

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Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to share with you an incredibly heartwarming family event that I attended – my parents’ 30th wedding anniversary celebration, which took place about six months ago.

The grand celebration was held at an elegant restaurant in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City on a beautiful Saturday evening in April. We’d been planning this surprise for nearly three months, and my siblings and I were absolutely thrilled to finally pull it off. The guest list included approximately 70 people – close relatives, my parents’ longtime friends, and some of their former colleagues.

When my parents arrived, they were genuinely taken aback by the elaborate decorations and the crowd of familiar faces. The restaurant had been transformed into a romantic venue with soft lighting, fresh flowers, and a slideshow of their cherished memories playing on a large screen. What made it even more special was that we’d managed to fly in my uncle from Australia, whom my parents hadn’t seen for over five years.

The evening unfolded beautifully. We enjoyed a sumptuous Vietnamese feast while people shared touching stories about my parents’ journey together. My siblings and I had prepared a video montage of family moments throughout the years, which brought tears to everyone’s eyes, especially my mother’s.

This event holds tremendous significance for me for several reasons. Firstly, it was a powerful reminder of the enduring love my parents share – 30 years of marriage is no small feat in today’s world. Witnessing their joy and genuine surprise made all the effort worthwhile. Secondly, the celebration allowed our family to reconnect and strengthen our bonds. In our busy lives, we rarely have the chance to gather everyone together, so this occasion was truly precious.

Finally, being part of organizing this surprise taught me valuable lessons about gratitude and expressing appreciation for the people we love. It made me realize that sometimes we take our parents’ sacrifices and unwavering support for granted. This event was my way of showing them how much they mean to us, and the happiness on their faces that night is something I’ll treasure forever.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Flow tự nhiên, logical progression, sử dụng discourse markers sophisticatedly (Firstly, Secondly, Finally). Một số minor hesitations nhưng không ảnh hưởng coherence
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range vocabulary (heartwarming, elaborate, sumptuous, enduring love, unwavering support), collocations chính xác (pull off, taken aback, treasure forever), một số less common items
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Variety of complex structures (which took place…, we’d been planning…, which brought tears…), passive voice, perfect tenses được dùng chính xác. Minimal errors
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation, good word stress và sentence stress, natural intonation patterns, easy to understand với minimal L1 influence

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“very happy”, “nice”, “beautiful”	“heartwarming”, “thrilled”, “elaborate”, “sumptuous”, “enduring love”
Grammar	“It was a really memorable event”	“This event holds tremendous significance for me”
Details	“decorated with flowers and balloons”	“transformed into a romantic venue with soft lighting, fresh flowers, and a slideshow”
Explanation	“made me feel warm inside”	“powerful reminder of the enduring love… taught me valuable lessons about gratitude”
Depth	Surface emotions	Deeper reflection về impact và lessons learned

Những điểm nâng cấp chính:

• Vocabulary precise và evocative hơn
• Grammar structures phức tạp hơn với varied sentence types
• Details cụ thể và vivid hơn (sensory details)
• Explanation có depth – không chỉ emotions mà còn insights và reflections

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Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to recount what I consider to be one of the most emotionally charged and profoundly meaningful family gatherings I’ve ever attended – my younger sister’s wedding ceremony, which took place this past spring.

The lavish celebration was held at a picturesque countryside resort about 50 kilometers outside Hanoi on a glorious May afternoon. The venue itself was absolutely breathtaking – nestled among lush green rice paddies with the majestic mountains serving as a backdrop. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as the weather was impeccable and everything seemed to fall into place beautifully.

The occasion brought together approximately 200 guests, spanning three generations of our extended family, along with close friends from various chapters of our lives. What made it particularly special was that some elderly relatives, who rarely venture out due to health constraints, made the considerable effort to attend, which really underscored the significance of the occasion.

The ceremony itself was a harmonious blend of traditional Vietnamese customs and modern elements. We began with the traditional tea ceremony, where my sister and her husband paid respects to our ancestors and elders – a poignant moment that beautifully encapsulated our cultural heritage. This was followed by a more contemporary reception where the atmosphere was absolutely electric. The carefully curated program included heartfelt speeches, a surprise dance performance that my cousins and I had been rehearsing for weeks, and a touching video montage that chronicled my sister’s journey from childhood to this pivotal moment.

What made this event extraordinarily special to me operates on multiple levels. On a personal level, watching my sister – whom I’ve been incredibly close to throughout our lives – embark on this new chapter filled me with a bittersweet mixture of joy and nostalgia. It was one of those profound moments where you acutely realize that time is indeed fleeting, and that our family dynamics are constantly evolving.

Beyond the personal aspect, the wedding served as a powerful testament to the resilience and unity of our family. You see, the past few years had been particularly challenging for us – my father had been battling a serious illness, and there were times when we weren’t sure he’d make it to this day. Seeing him there, beaming with pride as he walked my sister down the aisle, was incredibly moving. It felt like a collective celebration not just of a marriage, but of our family’s ability to weather storms together and emerge stronger.

Moreover, the event provided a rare opportunity for our geographically scattered family to converge in one place. With relatives living across three continents, such gatherings are increasingly rare in our fast-paced, globalized world. The wedding became more than just a ceremony – it was a reaffirmation of our family bonds, a chance to create new memories together, and a reminder of the unwavering support system we have in each other.

Looking back, this experience has fundamentally shifted my perspective on what truly matters in life. It drove home the importance of cherishing these fleeting moments with loved ones and making the effort to maintain family connections despite geographical distances and busy schedules. The joy and sense of belonging I felt that day continue to resonate with me, serving as an anchor during challenging times and a reminder of where I come from.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation, logical development of topics, sophisticated use of cohesive devices, natural progression from description to deeper reflection
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Wide và sophisticated vocabulary với precise usage (emotionally charged, profoundly meaningful, nestled, underscored, harmonious blend, curated, chronicled), natural idiomatic expressions (fall into place, weather storms together, drive home), skillful use của less common lexical items
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures với high degree of accuracy, complex sentences sử dụng naturally (What made it special…, You see…, Looking back…), variety of verb forms including advanced structures (had been rehearsing, has fundamentally shifted)
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Excellent pronunciation với sustained intelligibility, effective use of intonation patterns, appropriate word và sentence stress, minimal L1 influence

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Opening với sophisticated language ngay từ đầu (“I’d like to recount”)
• Không có unnatural pauses, flow rất smooth
• Transitions tự nhiên giữa các phần (On a personal level…, Beyond the personal aspect…, Moreover…)
• Conclusion reflective và meaningful

Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Descriptive language: “picturesque countryside resort”, “nestled among lush green rice paddies”, “majestic mountains”, “impeccable weather”
• Abstract nouns: “resilience”, “unity”, “nostalgia”, “unwavering support system”, “reaffirmation”
• Collocations chính xác: “emotionally charged”, “profoundly meaningful”, “considerable effort”, “harmonious blend”, “pivotal moment”, “fleeting moments”
• Idiomatic expressions: “fall into place”, “embark on”, “weather storms together”, “drive home”, “resonate with me”

Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Relative clauses: “who rarely venture out”, “whom I’ve been incredibly close to”, “where you acutely realize”
• Participle clauses: “spanning three generations”, “battling a serious illness”, “beaming with pride”
• Perfect tenses: “had been rehearsing”, “has fundamentally shifted”
• Passive voice: “was held”, “was followed by”
• Inversion: “What made this event extraordinary…”
• Complex conditionals implied: “there were times when we weren’t sure he’d make it”

Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ describe event mà còn analyze ở nhiều layers (personal → family → broader perspective)
• Thể hiện emotional intelligence (bittersweet mixture, acutely realize)
• Connect experience với life lessons và lasting impact
• Acknowledge complexity và nuance (challenging circumstances, evolving family dynamics)
• Cultural awareness (traditional tea ceremony, Vietnamese customs)

Structure Excellence:

• Clear introduction với engaging opening
• Systematic coverage của tất cả bullet points
• Natural flow từ description → emotional significance → deeper reflection
• Meaningful conclusion về lasting impact
• Appropriate length (gần 3 phút đầy đủ)

Thí sinh IELTS tự tin trình bày Part 2 về sự kiện gia đình đặc biệt với giám khảo

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn hoàn thành phần độc thoại 2 phút, examiner thường hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn để chuyển sang Part 3. Đây là những câu hỏi đơn giản, trả lời ngắn gọn 2-3 câu là đủ.

Question 1: Do you often attend family events like this?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Well, not very often actually. Our family members live in different cities, so it’s quite difficult to organize big gatherings. We usually only meet during major holidays like Tet.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I wish I could say yes, but realistically, such elaborate family gatherings are relatively rare for us. Given that our family members are scattered across different cities and even countries, coordinating everyone’s schedules is quite challenging. We typically reserve these larger celebrations for milestone occasions like weddings or significant anniversaries.”

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Question 2: Would you like to organize a similar event in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think so. I’d like to organize a big party for my parents’ anniversary someday. It would be nice to bring everyone together like that.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I’d jump at the chance to organize something similar. After witnessing the joy and bonding that such events create, I’m actually keen on planning a special celebration for my parents’ upcoming anniversary. I think these gatherings serve as crucial touchpoints that keep families connected in our increasingly fragmented modern lives.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần thảo luận hai chiều kéo dài 4-5 phút, nơi examiner sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi trừu tượng và sâu sắc hơn liên quan đến chủ đề ở Part 2. Đây là phần khó nhất và cũng là phần quyết định band điểm cao nhất của bạn.

Yêu cầu:

• Phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá các khía cạnh của vấn đề
• Đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ chắc chắn
• Xem xét nhiều góc độ (advantages/disadvantages, past/present/future, different perspectives)
• Sử dụng examples từ society, không chỉ personal experiences

Chiến lược:

• Mở rộng câu trả lời đến 4-6 câu
• Structure: Direct answer → Explanation/Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Conclusion/Balanced view
• Sử dụng discourse markers để tổ chức ý (Well, Actually, On the one hand, Furthermore…)
• Thừa nhận complexity của vấn đề (It depends on…, To some extent…, However…)
• Speak naturally, không cần answer perfect

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn, không develop ideas
• Không có clear structure trong câu trả lời
• Thiếu examples để support arguments
• Sử dụng personal experience quá nhiều thay vì broader perspective
• Không dare to có opinion riêng, chỉ nói general things
• Vocabulary quá simple cho abstract topics

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Changes in Family Celebrations

Question 1: How have family celebrations changed in your country over the past few decades?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare (Past vs Present)
• Key words: “changed”, “past few decades” – cần so sánh specific changes
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify 2-3 key changes → Explain causes → Provide examples → Conclude về overall trend

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think family celebrations have changed a lot in Vietnam. In the past, people celebrated at home with simple food and decorations. Nowadays, many families prefer to hold parties at restaurants or hotels because it’s more convenient. Also, celebrations have become bigger and more expensive than before. For example, wedding parties now often have hundreds of guests, while in the past they were smaller. This is probably because people have more money now and want to show their social status.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có compare past vs present, có example
• Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary (a lot, simple, bigger, more expensive)
• Grammar: Simple structures, mostly present simple và present perfect
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Content adequate nhưng lack sophistication và depth of analysis. Thiếu exploration of underlying reasons.

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“Well, there’s been quite a dramatic transformation in how Vietnamese families celebrate special occasions over the past few decades, and I’d say the changes reflect broader socio-economic shifts in our society.

Perhaps the most striking change is the shift from home-based to venue-based celebrations. Traditionally, family events were intimate affairs held at home, where multiple generations would pitch in to prepare traditional dishes and create a warm, homely atmosphere. Nowadays, there’s been a marked preference for hosting events at restaurants, hotels, or even specialized event venues. This transition is largely attributable to several factors – dual-income families having less time for elaborate home preparations, urbanization leading to smaller living spaces, and frankly, a desire for more polished, Instagram-worthy settings.

Equally significant is the commercialization of family celebrations. What were once modest gatherings have evolved into quite extravagant affairs, particularly weddings and milestone birthdays. There’s been an undeniable inflation in both scale and expenditure – it’s not uncommon now to see weddings with 300-500 guests, elaborate decorations, professional entertainment, and lavish multi-course meals. While some might argue this reflects growing prosperity, I think it also reveals certain societal pressures about maintaining face and demonstrating success.

However, interestingly enough, there’s been a counter-trend emerging recently, especially among younger generations who are increasingly valuing authenticity and meaningful connections over ostentatious displays. Many are now opting for smaller, more intimate gatherings that prioritize quality interactions rather than impressing a large crowd.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized: Overview → Change 1 (venue shift) with causes → Change 2 (commercialization) with analysis → Counter-trend showing nuanced understanding
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (dramatic transformation, socio-economic shifts, marked preference, attributable to, extravagant affairs, ostentatious displays)
• Grammar: Complex structures (there’s been…, what were once…, while some might argue…, many are now opting for…)
• Critical Thinking: Shows deep analysis of causes, acknowledges different perspectives, identifies emerging trends
• Balanced view: Không chỉ describe changes mà còn evaluate implications

Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Well”, “Perhaps the most striking”, “Equally significant”, “However, interestingly enough”
• Tentative language: “I’d say”, “I think”, “to some extent”
• Abstract nouns: “transformation”, “commercialization”, “urbanization”, “prosperity”
• Advanced collocations: “pitch in”, “marked preference”, “lavish multi-course meals”, “maintaining face”

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Question 2: Why do you think some people prefer simple family gatherings while others organize grand celebrations?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Reasons/Causes – explain different preferences
• Key words: “simple” vs “grand” – contrast hai approaches
• Cách tiếp cận: Analyze reasons for each preference → Consider factors (personality, values, circumstances) → Balanced conclusion

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think it depends on personal preferences and financial situations. Some people like simple gatherings because they want to focus on spending quality time with family rather than worrying about organizing a big event. These people value meaningful conversations more than fancy decorations. On the other hand, some families prefer grand celebrations because they want to show respect to the honored person and make the event memorable. They believe bigger parties are more special. Also, some people want to impress their relatives and friends, so they organize expensive celebrations.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có contrast hai preferences với reasons
• Content: Adequate points nhưng relatively superficial
• Vocabulary: Simple và straightforward
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses the question nhưng lacks depth và sophistication

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“This is quite an intriguing question because it really boils down to a complex interplay of personal values, cultural expectations, and practical considerations.

Those who gravitate towards simpler, more intimate gatherings often subscribe to the philosophy that less is more. They tend to prioritize authentic connections and meaningful interactions over superficial grandeur. From their perspective, elaborate celebrations can actually be counterproductive – the stress of planning, the exorbitant costs, and the need to attend to numerous guests can detract from what should be the core purpose: genuine togetherness and heartfelt moments. These individuals might also reject the consumerist mentality that often pervades modern celebrations, viewing grand events as unnecessarily ostentatious or even wasteful.

Conversely, those who favor lavish celebrations often have equally valid motivations. In many Asian cultures, including Vietnamese, there’s a deep-rooted belief that the scale of a celebration reflects the degree of respect and honor bestowed upon the celebrants. A grand wedding or anniversary party isn’t merely about showing off – it’s about publicly acknowledging the importance of the occasion and the people involved. Additionally, these events serve important social functions – they’re opportunities to strengthen social networks, reciprocate hospitality, and maintain social standing within one’s community.

I’d also argue that generational perspectives play a role here. Older generations, who perhaps grew up in times of scarcity, might view grand celebrations as both an aspiration fulfilled and a way to provide their children with experiences they themselves couldn’t have. Meanwhile, younger generations, saturated with commercial influences yet also more globally aware, might be swinging back towards valuing experiences and authenticity over material excess.

Ultimately, I don’t think one approach is inherently superior to the other. Both reflect legitimate values and serve different purposes. What matters most is that the celebration – regardless of scale – is genuine and aligned with the family’s values rather than being driven by external pressures or social obligation.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Perfectly organized – Introduction (boils down to) → Simple gatherings (reasons) → Grand celebrations (reasons) → Generational factor → Balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (intriguing, gravitate towards, subscribe to, counterproductive, ostentatious, reciprocate hospitality)
• Grammar: Complex và varied (Those who gravitate…, viewing grand events as…, I’d also argue that…, What matters most is that…)
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis considering cultural, generational, psychological factors. Shows empathy for different viewpoints.
• Balanced view: Không judge either preference, acknowledges validity của both approaches

Key Language Features:

• Tentative expressions: “often have”, “might view”, “I’d also argue”, “I don’t think”
• Academic style: “interplay of”, “subscribe to”, “detract from”, “inherently superior”
• Contrast markers: “Conversely”, “On the other hand”, “Meanwhile”
• Cohesive devices: “From their perspective”, “Additionally”, “Ultimately”

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Theme 2: Family Values and Modern Society

Question 3: Do you think modern families are becoming less close than in the past?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Compare (Present vs Past)
• Key words: “less close” – đây là loaded question, cần careful analysis
• Cách tiếp cận: State position (agree/disagree/partially) → Present evidence → Counter-argument → Balanced conclusion

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think in some ways families are becoming less close. Nowadays, many people are very busy with work and don’t have much time for family. Also, young people often move to big cities for jobs, so they live far from their parents. Technology also affects family relationships – people spend more time on their phones instead of talking to each other. However, I don’t think all families are like this. Some families still maintain strong relationships by making efforts to stay in touch through video calls and regular visits.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Has clear opinion, provides reasons, acknowledges exceptions
• Content: Relevant points nhưng somewhat predictable
• Development: Each point mentioned nhưng not deeply explored
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Answers adequately nhưng lacks nuance và sophistication

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“This is quite a contentious topic, and I think the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While there are certainly concerning trends, I’d argue that family closeness hasn’t necessarily diminished – rather, it’s manifesting in different forms.

On the surface, there appear to be legitimate reasons for concern. The unprecedented pace of urbanization and economic migration means families are increasingly geographically fragmented. Young people flock to metropolitan areas for education and career opportunities, often leaving behind elderly parents in their hometowns. This physical separation, coupled with demanding work schedules and the pervasive influence of digital technology, has undoubtedly altered the dynamics of family interactions. We’ve seen a shift from regular face-to-face contact to more sporadic and digitally-mediated communication.

However, I’d caution against romanticizing the past or making sweeping generalizations. Traditional families weren’t universally close – hierarchical structures and rigid expectations often stifled open communication and emotional intimacy. Today’s families might actually enjoy healthier, more authentic relationships built on mutual respect rather than obligatory duty. Moreover, technology, which is often villainized, has actually become a powerful tool for maintaining connections. Video calls, instant messaging, and social media enable families to stay updated on each other’s lives in ways that weren’t conceivable a generation ago.

What I think has genuinely changed is not the depth of emotional bonds, but rather the nature and expression of closeness. Modern families might have less quantity of time together but potentially higher quality interactions when they do meet. They’ve had to become more intentional and deliberate about nurturing relationships, which could actually strengthen bonds.

That said, there are undeniable challenges – the erosion of shared meals, the decline of multi-generational households, and competing priorities all pose threats to family cohesion. The key, I believe, lies in consciously adapting traditional values of family closeness to contemporary realities rather than passively allowing modern lifestyles to dictate family dynamics.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated – Challenge the premise → Present apparent evidence → Counter-argument → Nuanced evaluation → Acknowledge real challenges → Thoughtful conclusion
• Vocabulary: Exceptionally rich (contentious, unprecedented, geographically fragmented, sporadic, caution against, romanticizing, villainized, erosion)
• Grammar: Full range (While there are…, Young people flock to…, which is often villainized…, What I think has changed…)
• Critical Thinking: Refuses simple answer, challenges assumptions, considers multiple dimensions, provides balanced perspective
• Coherence: Exceptional flow with sophisticated discourse markers

Key Language Features:

• Hedging: “I think”, “I’d argue”, “appear to be”, “might actually”
• Introducing contrasts: “On the surface”, “However”, “That said”
• Academic vocabulary: “manifesting”, “legitimate concerns”, “pervasive influence”, “hierarchical structures”
• Emphasis structures: “What I think has genuinely changed is…”

Giám khảo IELTS và thí sinh thảo luận sâu về chủ đề gia đình trong Part 3

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Question 4: What role should extended family members play in modern family life?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion/Evaluation (should question – về ideal role)
• Key words: “extended family”, “role”, “modern family life”
• Cách tiếp cận: Define extended family → Discuss potential roles → Consider benefits and challenges → Personal viewpoint

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think extended family members like grandparents, aunts, and uncles should still be involved in family life. They can help take care of children when parents are busy with work, which is very helpful. Also, they can share their experience and wisdom with younger generations. In Vietnamese culture, we respect older family members and value their advice. However, extended family shouldn’t interfere too much in personal decisions like career choices or marriage. Young people should have freedom to make their own choices while still respecting family opinions.”

Phân tích:

• Content: Covers main points về roles và boundaries
• Structure: Basic organization với some development
• Language: Straightforward và clear nhưng not sophisticated
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate response nhưng lacks depth và nuance

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“This touches on a really delicate balance between preserving cultural traditions and adapting to contemporary realities, and I think the ideal role of extended family varies depending on individual circumstances.

In an ideal scenario, extended family members should serve as a supportive network rather than an authoritative presence. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins can provide invaluable contributions to family life – from practical support like childcare, which is increasingly crucial in dual-income households, to emotional support and the transmission of cultural heritage. There’s something irreplaceable about the wisdom and perspective that older generations bring, and children who grow up with strong extended family connections often develop a more robust sense of identity and belonging.

However – and this is crucial – this involvement should be characterized by mutual respect and clear boundaries. One of the friction points in many modern Asian families, including Vietnamese ones, is when extended family members overstep into areas that should be personal choices – dictating career paths, interfering in marital relationships, or imposing outdated expectations on younger generations. This kind of intrusive involvement can actually be detrimental, creating resentment and driving wedges between family members.

What I’d advocate for is what we might call collaborative proximity – extended family being actively involved and readily available for support, while respecting the autonomy of nuclear family units to make their own decisions. This means grandparents offering advice when asked rather than unsolicited criticism, relatives providing help without strings attached, and family gatherings being sources of joy rather than obligation or judgment.

The challenge, of course, is that this requires a fundamental shift in traditional hierarchical thinking where elders automatically command respect and obedience. Modern family dynamics work best when respect is reciprocal – younger generations respecting the experience of elders, while elders respecting the agency and different contexts in which younger people live.

Ultimately, I believe extended family should be a source of strength and continuity – a safety net during difficult times, a repository of shared memories and traditions, and a reminder of one’s roots. But this works only when everyone acknowledges that family structures must evolve to remain relevant and nurturing in modern society.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptionally well-organized – Introduction (ideal balance) → Positive roles → Important caveat (boundaries) → Proposed model → Challenge acknowledged → Thoughtful conclusion
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (delicate balance, invaluable contributions, friction points, intrusive involvement, collaborative proximity, reciprocal respect)
• Grammar: Full range of complex structures perfectly deployed
• Critical Thinking: Shows mature understanding của complexity, proposes nuanced solution, acknowledges challenges
• Cultural awareness: Demonstrates understanding of Asian family dynamics while evaluating them critically

Key Language Features:

• Academic style: “characterized by”, “advocate for”, “fundamental shift”, “repository of”
• Conditional thinking: “this works only when”, “in an ideal scenario”
• Emphasis: “However – and this is crucial”, “Ultimately”
• Metaphorical language: “driving wedges”, “strings attached”, “safety net”, “repository”

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Theme 3: Future Trends

Question 5: How do you think family celebrations will change in the future?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Prediction/Speculation (future trends)
• Key words: “future”, “will change”
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify current trends → Project future developments → Consider factors driving change → Speculate về possible outcomes

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think family celebrations will continue to change in the future. With technology developing, maybe people will use virtual reality to celebrate with family members who live far away. Also, celebrations might become more personalized and unique instead of following traditional formats. Young people today want to express their individuality, so future celebrations will probably reflect this. Environmental concerns might also affect how people celebrate – they might choose more eco-friendly options like reducing waste or choosing sustainable venues.”

Phân tích:

• Content: Identifies relevant trends (technology, personalization, environmental)
• Structure: Lists predictions with brief explanations
• Language: Basic future forms và straightforward vocabulary
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Addresses question adequately nhưng predictions lack depth và detailed reasoning

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“Speculating about the future is always somewhat precarious, but based on current trajectories, I can envision several significant shifts in how families will celebrate special occasions.

First and foremost, I believe technology will fundamentally reshape the concept of family gatherings. We’re already seeing the early stages of this with video conferencing, but I think we’ll move far beyond simple video calls. Immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality could enable truly hybrid celebrations where physically distant family members can participate in remarkably lifelike ways. Imagine a grandmother in Vietnam being able to virtually attend her grandson’s birthday party in Australia, not just watching on a screen but experiencing the event in a three-dimensional, interactive format. This could fundamentally democratize family celebrations, making them more inclusive regardless of geographical barriers.

However, paradoxically, I also anticipate a counter-movement towards more intimate, experience-focused celebrations. As people become increasingly saturated with digital experiences and disillusioned with the performative aspects of social media-driven events, there may be a pronounced shift towards smaller, more meaningful gatherings that prioritize genuine connection over Instagram-worthy moments. We’re already seeing this with the rise of minimalist weddings and intimate destination celebrations.

Environmental consciousness will undoubtedly play an increasingly prominent role. Future celebrations will likely incorporate sustainable practices as a matter of course – zero-waste catering, digital invitations, locally-sourced decorations, and carbon-neutral venues may become standard expectations rather than novelty choices. This reflects a broader generational shift towards environmental responsibility that will only intensify as climate concerns become more pressing.

I’d also speculate that we’ll see greater cultural fusion in celebrations. As societies become more multicultural and people form relationships across cultural boundaries, family events will likely blend traditions from different backgrounds, creating unique hybrid celebrations that reflect the increasingly globalized nature of modern families.

That being said, I think certain fundamental aspects will remain constant – the human need to mark significant milestones, to gather loved ones, and to create shared memories. The form may evolve dramatically, but the essence of why we celebrate together will endure because it speaks to deeply-rooted human needs for belonging and connection.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Masterful – Opening caveat → Technology prediction with detailed vision → Counter-trend → Environmental factor → Cultural fusion → Philosophical conclusion về constants
• Vocabulary: Exceptionally sophisticated (precarious, envision, immersive, democratize, paradoxically, disillusioned with, pronounced shift, carbon-neutral)
• Grammar: Complex predictions (could enable, may become, will undoubtedly play) với perfect accuracy
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates sophisticated thinking về contradictory trends, considers multiple factors, balances change với continuity
• Speculation language: Appropriate use của future forms và hedging

Key Language Features:

• Hedging for predictions: “I believe”, “I think we’ll move”, “I anticipate”, “may become”, “likely incorporate”
• Introducing ideas: “First and foremost”, “However, paradoxically”, “That being said”
• Academic style: “envision”, “fundamental aspects”, “deeply-rooted human needs”
• Emphasis: “far beyond”, “truly hybrid”, “increasingly prominent”

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Question 6: What can governments do to encourage families to spend more time together?

Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Problem-Solution (policy recommendations)
• Key words: “governments”, “encourage” – về government role/policies
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify barriers → Propose government solutions → Consider effectiveness → Acknowledge limitations

Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Governments can do several things to help families spend more time together. First, they should give workers more holidays and flexible working hours so people have time for their families. Second, governments could create more public spaces like parks where families can gather for free activities. They could also organize community events that encourage family participation. Additionally, governments might offer financial support or tax benefits to families who spend time on family activities. Education is important too – schools could teach children about the importance of family values.”

Phân tích:

• Content: Lists reasonable policy suggestions
• Structure: Clear listing of measures
• Development: Each point mentioned briefly nhưng not deeply analyzed
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate range of ideas nhưng lacks sophistication và critical evaluation

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Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“This is a thought-provoking question because it touches on the intersection of government policy and private life, which is always a delicate area. While governments shouldn’t overstep into dictating how families spend their time, there are certainly strategic interventions they could make to facilitate family bonding.

Perhaps the most impactful measure would be progressive labor policies. Governments could mandate more generous parental leave – not just for mothers but equally for fathers, which would help normalize the idea of both parents being actively involved in childcare. They could also incentivize or require flexible working arrangements, remote work options, and reasonable working hour caps. In countries like Denmark and Norway, where such policies are well-established, we see demonstrably stronger work-life balance and, by extension, more time for family life.

Infrastructural investment is another crucial lever. Governments could develop high-quality, affordable public spaces – parks, community centers, libraries – that serve as natural gathering points for families. These shouldn’t just be perfunctory facilities but thoughtfully designed spaces that actively encourage interaction and play. Some innovative cities have created car-free zones, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, and extensive cycling paths that make it easier and more enjoyable for families to spend time together outdoors.

Economic support could also play a role. Subsidizing family-oriented activities – from museum entrance fees to sports facilities to cultural events – would make quality family time more accessible across socioeconomic strata. Some countries offer tax deductions for family activities or provide vouchers that can be used for recreational purposes, which effectively reduces financial barriers.

However, I’d emphasize that governmental measures alone have limited efficacy if they’re not coupled with cultural shifts. Governments can facilitate family time, but they can’t manufacture the desire or motivation for it. Public awareness campaigns about the importance of family connection, educational initiatives that teach parents about quality engagement with children, and societal pressure on corporations to respect employees’ personal time are all necessary complementary elements.

Moreover, there’s a fine line between encouragement and intrusion. Governments must be careful not to impose a particular model of what family time should look like, recognizing that families are increasingly diverse in structure and that different families have different needs and preferences.

In essence, the government’s role should be enabling rather than prescriptive – removing barriers, creating opportunities, and setting conditions that make family time feasible and attractive, while respecting individual family autonomy in deciding how to spend their time together.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Exceptional – Introduction (acknowledge complexity) → Policy 1 (labor) with evidence → Policy 2 (infrastructure) with details → Policy 3 (economic) → Important caveat (limitations) → Warning về overreach → Philosophical conclusion
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (intersection, strategic interventions, perfunctory facilities, coupled with, complementary elements, prescriptive)
• Grammar: Complex structures perfectly deployed throughout
• Critical Thinking: Proposes concrete policies, provides international evidence, acknowledges limitations, considers unintended consequences, respects diversity
• Balanced perspective: Recognizes both potential và limits của government intervention

Key Language Features:

• Academic discourse: “Perhaps the most impactful”, “by extension”, “in essence”, “coupled with”
• Hedging: “could mandate”, “might offer”, “would help”
• Introducing caveats: “However”, “Moreover”, “That being said”
• Emphasis structures: “Perhaps the most impactful measure would be…”, “What’s crucial is…”

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
heartwarming	adj	/ˈhɑːrt.wɔːr.mɪŋ/	ấm lòng, cảm động	The reunion was a heartwarming experience for everyone.	heartwarming moment, heartwarming story, heartwarming scene
elaborate	adj	/ɪˈlæb.ər.ət/	công phu, tỉ mỉ	They organized an elaborate celebration with detailed planning.	elaborate decorations, elaborate ceremony, elaborate preparations
milestone	n	/ˈmaɪl.stoʊn/	cột mốc quan trọng	Her graduation was a significant milestone for the family.	major milestone, important milestone, reach a milestone
cherish	v	/ˈtʃer.ɪʃ/	trân trọng, gìn giữ	We cherish these family moments forever.	cherish memories, cherish moments, cherish relationships
reunion	n	/riːˈjuː.ni.ən/	cuộc đoàn tụ, sum họp	The family reunion brought together relatives from abroad.	family reunion, class reunion, annual reunion
commemorate	v	/kəˈmem.ə.reɪt/	kỷ niệm, tưởng nhớ	We gathered to commemorate my parents’ anniversary.	commemorate an occasion, commemorate an event, commemorate a milestone
festivities	n	/feˈstɪv.ə.tiz/	lễ hội, các hoạt động ăn mừng	The festivities lasted well into the night.	join the festivities, celebrate festivities, festive atmosphere
bonds	n	/bɑːndz/	mối quan hệ, sự gắn kết	Family bonds grow stronger through shared experiences.	strengthen bonds, family bonds, emotional bonds, close bonds
gathering	n	/ˈɡæð.ər.ɪŋ/	buổi tụ họp	We have regular family gatherings on weekends.	family gathering, social gathering, intimate gathering, large gathering
tradition	n	/trəˈdɪʃ.ən/	truyền thống	It’s our tradition to celebrate New Year together.	family tradition, cultural tradition, long-standing tradition, uphold tradition
sumptuous	adj	/ˈsʌmp.tʃu.əs/	xa hoa, thịnh soạn	The wedding featured a sumptuous feast.	sumptuous meal, sumptuous banquet, sumptuous feast
venue	n	/ˈven.juː/	địa điểm tổ chức sự kiện	They chose a beautiful countryside venue for the celebration.	wedding venue, event venue, perfect venue, suitable venue
joyous	adj	/ˈdʒɔɪ.əs/	vui mừng, hân hoan	It was a joyous occasion for everyone involved.	joyous celebration, joyous occasion, joyous atmosphere
poignant	adj	/ˈpɔɪ.njənt/	cảm động sâu sắc	The ceremony included several poignant moments.	poignant moment, poignant memory, poignant scene
enduring	adj	/ɪnˈdʊr.ɪŋ/	bền vững, lâu dài	Their marriage demonstrates enduring love.	enduring love, enduring relationship, enduring bond, enduring legacy
intimate	adj	/ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/	thân mật, riêng tư	We prefer intimate family celebrations.	intimate gathering, intimate ceremony, intimate atmosphere
festive	adj	/ˈfes.tɪv/	có không khí lễ hội	The house had a festive atmosphere with decorations everywhere.	festive mood, festive spirit, festive season, festive occasion
togetherness	n	/təˈɡeð.ə.nəs/	sự sum họp, đoàn tụ	The holiday season emphasizes family togetherness.	sense of togetherness, family togetherness, promote togetherness
kinship	n	/ˈkɪn.ʃɪp/	mối quan hệ họ hàng	Strong kinship ties are valued in our culture.	kinship ties, kinship bonds, sense of kinship
legacy	n	/ˈleg.ə.si/	di sản, thừa kế	Family traditions are part of our cultural legacy.	family legacy, cultural legacy, leave a legacy, lasting legacy

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
make it a point to	cố gắng, quyết tâm làm gì	I make it a point to attend all family gatherings.	7.5-9
carve out time	dành/sắp xếp thời gian (mặc dù khó)	Despite my busy schedule, I carve out time for family dinners.	7.5-9
catch up on	cập nhật, kể lại chuyện	We spent hours catching up on each other’s lives.	7-8
strengthen bonds	củng cố mối quan hệ	Regular gatherings help strengthen family bonds.	7-8
pull off	thực hiện thành công (điều khó)	We managed to pull off a surprise party for my mother.	7.5-9
taken aback	ngạc nhiên, bất ngờ	She was completely taken aback by the surprise celebration.	7.5-8.5
bring tears to one’s eyes	làm ai rơi nước mắt (cảm động)	The touching speech brought tears to everyone’s eyes.	7.5-9
mean the world to someone	vô cùng quan trọng với ai	My family means the world to me.	7-8
treasure forever	gìn giữ/trân trọng mãi mãi	I’ll treasure these memories forever.	7-8
weather storms together	vượt qua khó khăn cùng nhau	Our family has weathered many storms together.	8-9
pay respects	tỏ lòng kính trọng	During the ceremony, we paid respects to our elders.	7.5-8.5
jump at the chance	nắm bắt cơ hội ngay lập tức	I’d jump at the chance to organize another family event.	7.5-8.5
drive home	nhấn mạnh, làm rõ	The event drove home the importance of family unity.	8-9
boil down to	quy về, tóm lại là	It all boils down to spending quality time together.	8-9
take for granted	coi là đương nhiên	We often take our family’s support for granted.	7-8

Bảng từ vựng IELTS Speaking chủ đề sự kiện gia đình với phiên âm và ví dụ

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• Well,… – Sử dụng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ, rất tự nhiên trong conversation
  • “Well, I’d say family gatherings have changed considerably.”
• Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
  • “Actually, I think simple celebrations can be more meaningful.”
• To be honest,… / Honestly,… – Khi nói thật, thể hiện sincerity
  • “To be honest, I don’t attend as many family events as I’d like.”
• I’d say that… – Cách diplomatic để đưa ra opinion
  • “I’d say that family bonds remain strong despite modern challenges.”

Để bổ sung ý:

• On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó (formal hơn “also”)
  • “The event was memorable. On top of that, it brought distant relatives together.”
• What’s more,… / Furthermore,… – Hơn nữa (academic style)
  • “The celebration was well-organized. What’s more, everyone contributed to its success.”
• Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến (emphasize additional point)
  • “The food was delicious, not to mention the beautiful decorations.”
• Beyond that,… – Ngoài ra còn (sophisticated transition)
  • “It was enjoyable. Beyond that, it held deep cultural significance.”

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
  • “On the one hand, grand celebrations show respect. On the other hand, they can be stressful.”
• While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Tuy đúng là… nhưng cũng cần xét đến
  • “While it’s true that families are busier, we also need to consider how technology helps maintain connections.”
• Having said that,… – Dù đã nói vậy (để chuyển sang contrasting point)
  • “Family traditions are important. Having said that, they need to evolve with time.”

Để kết luận:

• All in all,… / All things considered,… – Tóm lại, xét mọi mặt
  • “All in all, family celebrations play a crucial role in maintaining bonds.”
• At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì (informal but effective)
  • “At the end of the day, what matters most is being together.”
• In essence,… / Essentially,… – Về bản chất (academic conclusion)
  • “In essence, family events serve to strengthen our cultural identity.”
• Ultimately,… – Sau cùng, rốt cuộc
  • “Ultimately, the scale of celebration matters less than the genuine connection.”

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional (Type 2 + 3):

• Formula: If + Past Perfect, would + bare infinitive (present result of past condition)
• Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t attended my sister’s wedding, I would regret it now.” (Nếu không tham dự đám cưới em gái, giờ tôi sẽ hối tiếc)

Inversion for emphasis:

• Formula: Had + S + V3, S + would have + V3
• Ví dụ: “Had we known about the surprise earlier, we would have prepared better gifts.” (Đảo ngữ với “had” tạo formal tone)

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: , which/who + clause
• Ví dụ: “The celebration, which lasted for three days, brought together 200 relatives.” (Clause bổ sung thông tin, không thiết yếu)
• Ví dụ 2: “My grandmother, who is 85 years old, was the guest of honor.” (Dùng WHO với người, có dấu phẩy)

Relative clause với preposition:

• Ví dụ: “The event about which everyone is talking was truly spectacular.” (Formal) hoặc “The event which everyone is talking about…” (Informal)

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive (Academic style):

• It is thought/believed/said that…
  • “It is widely believed that family celebrations strengthen social bonds.” (Người ta tin rằng…)
• It is considered/regarded as…
  • “It is considered disrespectful to miss important family gatherings.” (Được coi là…)

Passive with reporting verbs:

• Ví dụ: “The event is expected to attract over 300 guests.” (Sự kiện được kỳ vọng…)
• Ví dụ 2: “Family traditions are said to be declining in urban areas.” (Truyền thống gia đình được cho là…)

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ – nhấn mạnh):

What-cleft:

• What I find most… is…
  • “What I find most meaningful about family events is the sense of belonging they create.” (Điều tôi thấy… nhất là…)
• What matters most is…
  • “What matters most isn’t the scale of celebration but the genuine connection.” (Điều quan trọng nhất là…)

It-cleft:

• It was… that…
  • “It was the emotional reunion that made the event truly special.” (Chính cuộc đoàn tụ đầy cảm xúc đã…)

5. Participle Clauses (Mệnh đề phân từ):

Present participle (-ing):

• Ví dụ: “Having organized many family events, I understand the challenges involved.” (Sau khi đã tổ chức…)
• Ví dụ 2: “The celebration, spanning three days, exhausted everyone but was worth it.” (Kéo dài ba ngày…)

Past participle (V3):

• Ví dụ: “Surrounded by loved ones, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.” (Được bao quanh bởi…)

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

Negative adverbials:

• Never have I…
  • “Never have I experienced such a heartwarming family gathering.” (Chưa bao giờ tôi…)
• Rarely do we…
  • “Rarely do we have the opportunity to gather all family members together.” (Hiếm khi chúng tôi…)

7. Subjunctive Mood (Thức giả định):

It’s important/essential that + S + bare infinitive:

• Ví dụ: “It’s essential that family members make an effort to attend important celebrations.” (Điều quan trọng là… phải…)
• Ví dụ 2: “I suggest that we organize reunions more frequently.” (Tôi đề nghị rằng…)

Bài viết này đã cung cấp cho bạn một hướng dẫn toàn diện về cách trả lời chủ đề “attending a special family event” trong IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng, điểm số cao không chỉ đến từ việc sử dụng từ vựng phức tạp mà còn từ khả năng truyền đạt ý tưởng một cách tự nhiên, mạch lạc và có chiều sâu. Thực hành thường xuyên với các bài mẫu ở các band điểm khác nhau sẽ giúp bạn nhận ra sự khác biệt và cải thiện kỹ năng Speaking của mình. Chúc bạn thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS!