IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe a Recent Digital Tool or App” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Mở bài

Trong kỷ nguyên số hóa, chủ đề về công nghệ, ứng dụng và công cụ kỹ thuật số đã trở thành một trong những topic xuất hiện thường xuyên nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Đặc biệt, câu hỏi yêu cầu bạn “Describe A Recent Digital Tool Or App That You Discovered” đã xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi IELTS từ 2022 đến 2024, và được dự đoán sẽ tiếp tục là một chủ đề hot trong năm 2025.

Chủ đề này thường được khai thác ở nhiều góc độ: từ việc mô tả chức năng của ứng dụng, lý do bạn khám phá ra nó, cách nó ảnh hưởng đến cuộc sống hàng ngày, cho đến những tác động rộng lớn hơn của công nghệ đối với xã hội. Examiner đánh giá cao những thí sinh có thể không chỉ mô tả được app một cách chi tiết mà còn phân tích sâu sắc về vai trò của công nghệ trong đời sống hiện đại.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được: các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part với sample answers chi tiết theo từng band điểm 6-7, 7.5-8 và 8.5-9; hệ thống từ vựng chuyên ngành công nghệ ăn điểm; chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một examiner chính thức; và những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam để tránh mắc phải. Đây là nguồn tài liệu toàn diện giúp bạn tự tin chinh phục chủ đề công nghệ trong IELTS Speaking.

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IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn gọn về cuộc sống hàng ngày. Đây là phần “warm-up” nhưng vẫn được chấm điểm nghiêm túc. Chiến lược hiệu quả là trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trong 1-2 câu đầu, sau đó mở rộng bằng cách đưa ra lý do, ví dụ hoặc chi tiết bổ sung. Mỗi câu trả lời nên dài 2-3 câu (khoảng 15-20 giây).

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 1:

• Trả lời quá ngắn gọn kiểu “Yes, I do” hoặc “No, I don’t” mà không mở rộng
• Dùng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “bad”, “like”, “don’t like”
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân
• Không sử dụng discourse markers để câu trả lời nghe tự nhiên hơn

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: Do you often use apps on your phone?

Question 2: What kinds of apps do you use most frequently?

Question 3: Have you recently downloaded any new apps?

Question 4: Do you prefer using apps or websites?

Question 5: How much time do you spend on apps each day?

Question 6: Are there any apps you couldn’t live without?

Question 7: Do you think we rely too much on technology nowadays?

Question 8: Have you ever deleted an app shortly after downloading it?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

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Question: Do you often use apps on your phone?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời trực tiếp Yes/No
• Nêu tần suất cụ thể (daily, several times a day)
• Đưa ra 1-2 ví dụ app bạn hay dùng

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I use apps quite often, probably every day. I mainly use social media apps like Facebook and messaging apps to keep in touch with my friends. I also use some apps for studying English.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, có mention cụ thể loại app
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản (quite often, keep in touch), thiếu detail về frequency
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Vocabulary adequate nhưng không sophisticated, grammar đơn giản, ý tưởng rõ ràng nhưng chưa phát triển đầy đủ

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, I’m pretty much glued to my phone throughout the day, so I’d say I use various apps constantly. I’m particularly reliant on productivity apps like Notion for organizing my work, and obviously social networking platforms for staying connected with friends and family. I’d estimate I probably interact with at least 15-20 different apps daily.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary nâng cao (glued to, reliant on, interact with), số liệu cụ thể (15-20 apps), cấu trúc đa dạng với phrases như “I’d estimate”
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluent và natural với discourse marker “Absolutely”, từ vựng precise và idiomatic, grammar flexible với nhiều clause types, answer được extended đầy đủ với specific examples

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• glued to my phone: dính chặt vào điện thoại, nghĩa là dùng điện thoại rất nhiều
• reliant on: phụ thuộc vào
• social networking platforms: các nền tảng mạng xã hội (formal hơn “social media apps”)
• interact with: tương tác với

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Question: What kinds of apps do you use most frequently?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Phân loại apps theo chức năng (communication, entertainment, productivity)
• Nêu cụ thể tên app nếu có thể
• Giải thích ngắn gọn tại sao dùng nhiều

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I use different types of apps. For communication, I use Zalo and Messenger to talk with friends. I also use YouTube for watching videos and Spotify for listening to music. Sometimes I use banking apps to check my account.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có categorization (communication, entertainment, banking), nêu được specific apps
• Hạn chế: Sentence structure đơn giản, repetitive (I use… I use…), thiếu elaboration
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas clear nhưng presentation chưa sophisticated, thiếu cohesive devices

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I tend to gravitate towards three main categories. First off, communication tools like WhatsApp and Zoom are absolutely essential for both my personal and professional life. Then there are streaming services – I’m a regular user of Spotify for music and Netflix for entertainment. Lastly, I’m quite dependent on productivity apps, particularly Notion and Google Calendar, which help me stay on top of my commitments and deadlines.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Structure rõ ràng với discourse markers (First off, Then, Lastly), vocabulary sophisticated (gravitate towards, dependent on, stay on top of), natural flow với “Well” và “quite”
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Excellent coherence với clear categorization, less common vocabulary được sử dụng accurately, complex grammar với relative clauses, shows ability to organize ideas effectively

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• gravitate towards: có xu hướng sử dụng, bị thu hút bởi
• communication tools: công cụ giao tiếp (formal)
• streaming services: dịch vụ phát trực tuyến
• stay on top of: theo kịp, quản lý tốt (công việc, deadline)

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Question: Have you recently downloaded any new apps?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Trả lời Yes/No
• Nếu Yes: nêu tên app, khi nào download, tại sao
• Nếu No: giải thích lý do (đã có đủ apps cần thiết, không thích thử app mới)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I downloaded a language learning app called Duolingo last week. I wanted to improve my English vocabulary. It’s quite useful because it has many exercises and games. I try to use it every day for about 15 minutes.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Specific app name, timeframe (last week), reason, frequency
• Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (quite useful, many exercises), câu văn đơn giản
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates ideas clearly nhưng lexical range limited, grammar mainly simple sentences

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Actually, yes! Just a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon an app called Forest, which is designed to boost productivity and combat phone addiction. What really caught my attention was its unique concept – you plant a virtual tree that grows while you stay focused on your work, and it dies if you exit the app to check social media. I’ve been using it religiously since then, and it’s genuinely helped me minimize distractions during study sessions.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Natural discourse markers (Actually, Just), idiomatic expressions (stumbled upon, caught my attention), detailed explanation of app features với relative clause, shows enthusiasm và personal evaluation (genuinely helped)
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Highly fluent và natural, sophisticated vocabulary (combat phone addiction, minimize distractions, religiously), complex sentence structures, detailed và engaging answer

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• stumbled upon: tình cờ phát hiện ra
• boost productivity: tăng năng suất làm việc
• combat phone addiction: chống lại nghiện điện thoại
• caught my attention: thu hút sự chú ý của tôi
• minimize distractions: giảm thiểu sự xao nhãng

Khi đối mặt với những thách thức trong công việc nhóm, việc xử lý khéo léo các tình huống khó khăn rất quan trọng, tương tự như describe a time when you had to work with a difficult team member, khả năng giao tiếp và giải quyết vấn đề sẽ giúp bạn thành công trong nhiều bối cảnh khác nhau.

Giao diện ứng dụng di động hiện đại với các công cụ kỹ thuật số hỗ trợ học tập IELTS Speaking

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và ghi chú. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất vì examiner sẽ không ngắt lời bạn, cho phép họ đánh giá đầy đủ khả năng fluency và coherence của bạn.

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng đủ 60 giây để ghi chú keywords (KHÔNG viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
• Ghi ý cho mỗi bullet point + thêm ý cho phần “explain”
• Nói ít nhất 1.5 phút, tốt nhất là 2-2.5 phút
• Follow structure của cue card nhưng develop ideas naturally
• Sử dụng past tense khi kể về trải nghiệm cụ thể

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Không tận dụng thời gian chuẩn bị, vội vàng bắt đầu
• Nói quá ngắn (dưới 1.5 phút)
• Bỏ sót một trong các bullet points
• Không phát triển đủ phần “explain” (phần ghi điểm cao nhất)
• Dừng đột ngột không có kết luận

Cue Card

Describe a recent digital tool or app that you discovered

You should say:

• What this tool or app is
• How you discovered it
• What features or functions it has
• And explain how this tool or app has been useful to you

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an object/tool (digital product)
• Thì động từ: Primarily past tense (discovered, started using) và present perfect (has been useful)
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Bullet 1: Tên app, loại app (productivity/entertainment/education…)
  • Bullet 2: Hoàn cảnh phát hiện ra (from friend/advertisement/search online)
  • Bullet 3: Các tính năng chính, cách hoạt động
  • Bullet 4: Impact cụ thể đến cuộc sống của bạn
• Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần chiếm nhiều thời gian nhất (30-40 giây), nơi bạn demonstrate critical thinking và vocabulary range. Cần nêu cụ thể benefits, changes, feelings về app.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about an app called Grammarly that I discovered a few months ago.

I found out about this app when I was searching on Google for tools to help me improve my English writing. I saw many people recommended it, so I decided to try it.

Grammarly is a writing assistant app. It has many useful features. The main function is checking grammar mistakes in your writing. It can find errors like wrong verb tenses or spelling mistakes. It also gives suggestions to make your sentences better. You can use it as a browser extension, so it works when you write emails or social media posts. There’s a free version and a paid version with more advanced features.

This app has been very useful to me. Before I used Grammarly, I made many grammar mistakes in my emails and essays. Now, the app helps me catch these errors before I submit my work. It’s especially helpful when I write IELTS essays for practice because it shows me what mistakes I often make. I can learn from these mistakes and improve my writing skills. Thanks to this app, I feel more confident when writing in English. I think my writing has become more accurate and professional.

So yeah, I’m really glad I discovered this tool and I use it almost every day now.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có basic discourse markers (so, before, now), ideas được organize logically theo bullets, nhưng thiếu sophisticated linkers và một số hesitation nhỏ
Lexical Resource	6-7	Vocabulary adequate (writing assistant, browser extension, advanced features) nhưng có repetition (useful, mistakes, improve), thiếu less common words
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences, có relative clauses, nhưng mainly simple structures, một số lỗi nhỏ có thể xảy ra
Pronunciation	6-7	Clear và understandable, có basic intonation patterns

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Cover đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Có ví dụ cụ thể (IELTS essays, emails)
• ✅ Thời lượng đủ khoảng 2 phút
• ✅ Structure rõ ràng, easy to follow

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Vocabulary repetitive (useful, mistakes, improve xuất hiện nhiều lần)
• ⚠️ Sentence structures mainly simple, thiếu variety
• ⚠️ Thiếu sophisticated expressions và idioms

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to describe an app called Notion that I came across about three months ago, and it’s honestly been a game-changer for me.

I actually discovered it through a YouTube video about productivity hacks. The content creator was demonstrating how she organized her entire life using this one platform, and I was immediately intrigued. What caught my eye was how versatile it seemed compared to other apps I’d been using.

So, what makes Notion special? Well, it’s essentially an all-in-one workspace that combines note-taking, project management, and database functions. You can create different types of pages – from simple to-do lists to complex interconnected databases. One feature I particularly appreciate is the ability to embed various types of content, like videos, links, or even live web pages. The interface is incredibly customizable, so you can design your workspace exactly how you want it. Plus, it has seamless synchronization across all devices, which means I can access my information whether I’m on my laptop or phone.

As for how it’s been useful, I’d say it’s revolutionized the way I manage my daily life. Previously, I was juggling multiple apps – one for notes, another for task management, and yet another for project planning. This was not only inefficient but also quite overwhelming. Now, everything is centralized in one place. I use it to track my study progress for IELTS, maintain a reading list, plan my weekly schedule, and even keep a journal. The search functionality is particularly powerful, so I can find any piece of information within seconds.

What I value most is how it’s helped me stay organized and reduced the mental clutter that comes from having information scattered across different platforms. It’s genuinely made me more productive and less stressed about keeping track of everything.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Fluent với natural pauses, sophisticated linkers (Actually, So, As for, Previously), clear progression of ideas, cohesive throughout
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary (game-changer, intrigued, versatile, centralized), good use of collocations (mental clutter, seamless synchronization), some less common words
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Mix of complex structures (relative clauses, passives, compound sentences), flexible use of tenses, mostly error-free
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear pronunciation, good stress và intonation patterns

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“useful features”, “helps me”	“game-changer”, “revolutionized”, “centralized”
Grammar	“It has many useful features. It can find errors.”	“It’s essentially an all-in-one workspace that combines…”
Ideas	Basic description of features	Detailed comparison with previous situation, specific use cases

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d love to tell you about Obsidian, a note-taking application that I stumbled upon roughly four months ago, and it has genuinely transformed my approach to learning and organizing information.

The way I discovered it was quite serendipitous, actually. I was down a rabbit hole on Reddit, reading through discussions about knowledge management systems, when someone mentioned this app in the context of the Zettelkasten method – which is essentially a sophisticated note-linking system developed by a German sociologist. I was immediately captivated by the concept, so I decided to give it a shot.

Now, what makes Obsidian particularly compelling is its underlying philosophy rather than just its features. Unlike conventional note-taking apps that store your notes in proprietary formats, Obsidian works with plain markdown files stored locally on your device. This means you have complete ownership of your data, which I find tremendously reassuring in this age of cloud dependency. But the real selling point is its bi-directional linking capability. You can create interconnected webs of knowledge where notes reference each other, forming what’s called a knowledge graph. It also offers extensive customization through community plugins – there are literally hundreds of ways to tailor the app to your specific workflow.

In terms of practical utility, I can confidently say it’s been nothing short of revolutionary for my learning process. Before Obsidian, my approach to taking notes was rather fragmented – I’d jot down information in various places and inevitably forget where I’d stored certain insights. Now, I’ve built what I like to call my second brain. For my IELTS preparation, for instance, I’ve created interconnected notes linking vocabulary items to sample answers, which in turn connect to grammar structures and topic themes. This networked approach has significantly enhanced my ability to recall and apply what I’ve learned.

But beyond just academic purposes, I use it for personal reflection, project planning, and even as a repository for ideas. What’s particularly gratifying is seeing the knowledge graph grow over time – it’s a visual representation of how my understanding of various subjects has evolved and become more interconnected. The app has fundamentally changed how I think about learning itself – I now view it as building connections between ideas rather than just accumulating isolated facts.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Highly fluent, speaks at length naturally, sophisticated discourse markers (quite serendipitously, In terms of, But beyond), seamless transitions, fully coherent
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Sophisticated vocabulary used naturally (serendipitous, captivated, compelling, proprietary), precise collocations (down a rabbit hole, give it a shot, selling point), idiomatic language, paraphrases skillfully
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures used flexibly và accurately, complex sentences with multiple clauses, varied sentence types, virtually error-free
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Fully intelligible with sophisticated prosodic features

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Speaks naturally với appropriate pauses chỉ để organize thoughts
• No hesitation hay repetition
• Develops ideas fully without prompting
• Natural storytelling flow

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Ví dụ: “down a rabbit hole” – idiomatic expression nghĩa là đi sâu vào tìm hiểu một topic, thể hiện natural English usage
• “bi-directional linking capability” – technical term used accurately
• “second brain” – metaphor cho personal knowledge management system
• “repository” thay vì “storage”, “gratifying” thay vì “satisfying” – shows lexical sophistication

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Ví dụ: “Unlike conventional note-taking apps that store your notes in proprietary formats, Obsidian works with plain markdown files stored locally on your device” – complex sentence với comparative structure, relative clause, và participle phrase
• Mixed conditionals, passive voice used appropriately, compound-complex sentences

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ describe features mà còn explain philosophy behind the app
• Shows metacognition khi discuss về how the app changed thinking about learning
• Compares với previous methods, shows progression
• Uses metaphor effectively (second brain, knowledge graph)

Công cụ học tập kỹ thuật số hỗ trợ luyện thi IELTS Speaking với giao diện trực quan

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Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn nói xong Part 2, examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn để chuyển sang Part 3.

Question 1: Do you think you’ll continue using this app in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, definitely. I find it very useful for my studies and daily life. I think I will keep using it for a long time.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. At this point, it’s become so integral to my workflow that I honestly can’t imagine going back to my old methods. I’m actually planning to expand my use of it even further, perhaps exploring some of the more advanced features I haven’t fully tapped into yet.”

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Question 2: Would you recommend this app to your friends?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I would recommend it to my friends, especially those who want to improve their productivity. I think it can help many people.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I would, but with some caveats. It’s not for everyone – there’s definitely a learning curve, and it requires a certain willingness to invest time in setting it up properly. But for anyone who values organization and wants to optimize their knowledge management, I’d say it’s absolutely worth exploring.”

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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi trừu tượng và sâu sắc hơn, yêu cầu bạn phân tích, so sánh và đánh giá các vấn đề rộng lớn hơn liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2.

Yêu cầu:

• Demonstrate ability to discuss abstract ideas
• Provide reasoned opinions với supporting arguments
• Show awareness of different perspectives
• Use appropriate academic/formal language
• Develop answers fully (4-6 câu, khoảng 30-45 giây)

Chiến lược:

• Structure câu trả lời: Direct answer → Reason/Explanation → Example → Alternative view/Conclusion
• Use discourse markers để organize ideas (Well, I think, On the one hand, However)
• Support opinions với examples từ society, không chỉ personal experience
• Show nuance bằng cách acknowledge complexity (“It depends”, “To some extent”)

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn như Part 1
• Không provide reasoning rõ ràng
• Chỉ nêu opinion cá nhân mà không discuss broader implications
• Thiếu từ vựng abstract/academic
• Không acknowledge different perspectives

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Impact of Technology on Daily Life

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Question 1: How has technology changed the way people communicate compared to the past?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare and contrast (past vs present)
• Key words: technology, changed, communicate, compared to the past
• Cách tiếp cận: Nêu differences, discuss both positive và negative aspects, give specific examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Technology has changed communication a lot. In the past, people mainly talked face-to-face or wrote letters, which took a long time. Now, we can send messages instantly through apps like WhatsApp or make video calls. This makes communication faster and more convenient. However, some people think we don’t talk in person as much as before, which can affect relationships.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Basic comparison (past → present → impact), có mention both sides
• Vocabulary: Simple words (a lot, faster, convenient), thiếu sophisticated expressions
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas clear nhưng development limited, vocabulary adequate, grammar mainly simple, thiếu depth của analysis

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“Well, I’d say the transformation has been nothing short of revolutionary. If we look back just a couple of decades, communication was largely constrained by physical distance and time. People relied on landline phones, letters, or face-to-face interactions, which meant there was often a significant lag between exchanges. Fast forward to today, and we’re living in an era of instantaneous connectivity – we can video call someone on the other side of the world, send messages that arrive in milliseconds, and even collaborate on projects in real-time despite being in different time zones.

However, I think we need to acknowledge both the benefits and drawbacks of this shift. On the positive side, technology has democratized communication, making it more accessible and affordable for the masses. It’s also enhanced productivity in professional settings and allowed people to maintain relationships across vast distances. On the flip side, there’s a growing concern that we’re becoming overly dependent on digital communication at the expense of genuine human connection. Many people now struggle with face-to-face interactions because they’re so accustomed to the mediated nature of online communication. There’s also the issue of information overload – we’re constantly bombarded with messages, which can be quite overwhelming and actually hinder meaningful communication rather than enhance it.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized: Historical context → Current state → Balanced evaluation (benefits + drawbacks) với clear signposting
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (nothing short of revolutionary, constrained by, instantaneous connectivity, democratized, mediated nature)
• Grammar: Complex structures (If we look back…, despite being…, There’s a growing concern that…), varied sentence types
• Critical Thinking: Shows depth bằng cách acknowledge complexity, provide balanced view, discuss societal implications

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Well, I’d say”, “Fast forward to today”, “However”, “On the positive side”, “On the flip side”
• Tentative language: “I think we need to”, “there’s a growing concern”
• Abstract nouns: “transformation”, “connectivity”, “productivity”, “information overload”

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Question 2: Do you think people spend too much time on digital devices nowadays?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion + Evaluation
• Key words: too much time, digital devices, nowadays
• Cách tiếp cận: Give opinion → Reasons/Evidence → Acknowledge counterargument → Conclusion

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think many people spend too much time on their phones and computers. You can see people looking at their phones everywhere, even when they’re with friends or family. This can cause health problems like eye strain and also affects social relationships. However, some people need to use devices for work, so it’s hard to reduce screen time.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Direct opinion → Example → Problems → Counterpoint
• Vocabulary: Basic (too much, health problems, hard to reduce)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear position nhưng limited development, simple vocabulary và grammar

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“I think the answer to this is nuanced rather than a simple yes or no. To a large extent, yes, many people have developed what could be called problematic usage patterns with their devices. We’re witnessing what researchers call ‘digital addiction‘, where people compulsively check their phones hundreds of times a day, often without any real purpose. This excessive screen time has been linked to various issues – everything from disrupted sleep patterns and decreased attention spans to more serious mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. There’s also the phenomenon of ‘phubbing‘ – where people ignore those physically present in favor of their phones, which can erode the quality of real-world relationships.

That being said, I don’t think we can paint everyone with the same brush. For many professionals, substantial device usage is simply a necessity of modern work life. The line between professional obligations and personal overuse can be quite blurred. Moreover, not all screen time is created equal – someone spending hours learning a language through an app or taking online courses is fundamentally different from someone mindlessly scrolling through social media.

What I believe we really need is not necessarily less screen time across the board, but rather more mindful and intentional use of technology. It’s about developing digital literacy and self-awareness regarding our usage patterns, rather than demonizing technology itself.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Nuanced answer → Evidence of problems → Counter-argument → Balanced conclusion
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated (nuanced, compulsively, erode, blurred, demonizing)
• Grammar: Complex: conditional implications, relative clauses, comparative structures
• Critical Thinking: Avoids simplistic answer, distinguishes between different types of usage, proposes thoughtful solution

Tương tự như describe a time when you taught something to someone, việc truyền đạt kiến thức về sử dụng công nghệ có trách nhiệm cũng đòi hỏi sự kiên nhẫn và kỹ năng giao tiếp hiệu quả.

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Theme 2: Technology and Education

Question 3: How has technology affected the way students learn nowadays?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Describe changes/effects
• Key words: technology, affected, students, learn
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify key changes → Positive impacts → Challenges → Overall assessment

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“Technology has fundamentally reshaped the educational landscape in several profound ways. Perhaps the most significant change is the shift from passive learning to more interactive and personalized approaches. Students now have access to vast repositories of information online – they can watch lectures from top universities through platforms like Coursera, use adaptive learning software that adjusts to their pace, and engage with multimedia content that makes abstract concepts more tangible. This has made education more democratized and accessible than ever before.

However, this transformation isn’t without its challenges. There’s the issue of information quality – with so much content available, students need critical thinking skills to discern reliable sources from misinformation. There’s also the digital divide – not all students have equal access to technology, which can exacerbate educational inequalities. Additionally, the abundance of digital distractions means students need stronger self-regulation skills to stay focused on learning.

From my perspective, while technology has created incredible opportunities for learning, it works best when integrated thoughtfully with traditional teaching methods rather than replacing them entirely. The human element – the guidance, motivation, and critical feedback from teachers – remains irreplaceable.”

Phân tích:

• Shows comprehensive understanding của topic
• Balanced view với both opportunities và challenges
• Uses education-specific vocabulary naturally
• Demonstrates ability to synthesize complex ideas

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Theme 3: Future Technology Trends

Question 4: What kinds of new technologies do you think will become popular in the future?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Prediction/Speculation about future
• Key words: new technologies, become popular, future
• Cách tiếp cận: Identify trends → Explain reasons → Potential impacts → Acknowledge uncertainty

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“That’s a fascinating question, and while it’s difficult to predict with certainty, I think we can identify some emerging trends that are likely to gain mainstream adoption.

First and foremost, I believe artificial intelligence will become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, but in more subtle and seamless ways than current chatbots and assistants. We’re likely to see AI that can anticipate our needs before we even express them, curating personalized experiences in everything from entertainment to healthcare. Augmented reality is another technology poised for growth – imagine being able to overlay digital information onto the physical world through lightweight glasses, making navigation, learning, and work far more intuitive.

I also think we’ll see significant developments in health technology, particularly wearable devices that can continuously monitor vital signs and detect health issues before they become serious. This could revolutionize preventive healthcare and help address the burden on medical systems globally.

That said, the actual trajectory of technology adoption often surprises us. What determines whether a technology becomes popular isn’t just its technical capabilities but also factors like affordability, user-friendliness, and whether it addresses genuine needs rather than creating artificial ones. We’ve seen many supposedly revolutionary technologies fail to gain traction simply because they didn’t resonate with how people actually want to live their lives.”

Phân tích:

• Uses appropriate speculative language (I believe, likely to, we’re likely to see)
• Provides specific examples with explanations
• Shows awareness of complexity (economic, social factors)
• Balances prediction với acknowledgment of uncertainty

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Question 5: Do you think older people find it difficult to adapt to new technology?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Generalization + Opinion
• Key words: older people, difficult, adapt, new technology
• Cách tiếp cận: Avoid stereotyping → Acknowledge diversity → Discuss factors → Provide balanced view

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“I think we need to be careful about making sweeping generalizations here, as there’s tremendous diversity within any age group. While it’s true that some older adults do face challenges with technology adoption, this isn’t universally the case, and the reasons behind it are more nuanced than simply age.

Several factors come into play. First off, there’s the issue of familiarity – many older people didn’t grow up immersed in digital technology, so they lack the intuitive understanding that younger digital natives have developed. This learning curve can feel daunting, especially when interfaces are designed primarily with younger users in mind. There’s also sometimes a psychological barrier – a fear of making mistakes or breaking something, which can inhibit exploration and learning.

However, I’ve observed that when technology is purposeful and well-designed, older adults often adapt remarkably well. Many embrace video calling apps to stay connected with grandchildren, or health-tracking devices recommended by their doctors. The key seems to be motivation – when they see clear benefits that enhance their quality of life, age becomes much less of a barrier.

What we really need is more age-inclusive design – interfaces that are intuitive regardless of the user’s background, and perhaps more intergenerational knowledge sharing where younger people can patiently help older relatives navigate new technologies. It’s less about whether older people can adapt, and more about whether we’re creating technology that’s accessible to everyone.”

Phân tích:

• Avoids ageist stereotypes
• Provides sociological analysis (digital natives vs immigrants)
• Discusses psychological and design factors
• Proposes solutions (inclusive design, knowledge sharing)
• Demonstrates mature, balanced thinking

Trong việc quản lý nhiều trách nhiệm công nghệ và học tập, khả năng tổ chức hiệu quả là rất quan trọng, điều này được thể hiện rõ qua describe a time when you managed multiple responsibilities successfully, cho thấy sự liên kết giữa kỹ năng số và quản lý thời gian.

Người cao tuổi học cách sử dụng công nghệ kỹ thuật số với sự hỗ trợ của thế hệ trẻ

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Theme 4: Technology and Society

Question 6: What impact do you think social media has had on society?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Analyze impact/effects
• Key words: impact, social media, society
• Cách tiếp cận: Discuss multiple dimensions (positive + negative) → Provide examples → Consider long-term implications

📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:

“The impact of social media on society has been profound and multifaceted, and I think we’re still grappling with understanding the full extent of its implications.

On the positive side, social media has democratized information and given voice to people who might otherwise have been marginalized. We’ve seen social movements like #MeToo gain momentum through these platforms, creating meaningful social change. Social media has also facilitated unprecedented global connectivity – people can maintain relationships across continents, find like-minded communities, and access diverse perspectives that they wouldn’t encounter in their immediate physical environment.

However, the downsides are equally significant. There’s the issue of echo chambers, where algorithms reinforce our existing beliefs and shield us from opposing viewpoints, leading to increased polarization. The spread of misinformation and disinformation has become a serious threat to democratic processes. We’re also seeing mental health implications, particularly among young people, with studies linking heavy social media use to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and body image issues. The constant pressure to curate a perfect online persona creates inauthentic interactions and can lead to feelings of inadequacy when comparing oneself to others’ highlight reels.

What concerns me most is how social media has commodified human attention and relationships. These platforms are designed to be addictive, using psychological triggers to keep users engaged, often at the expense of their wellbeing. We’re essentially lab rats in a massive behavioral experiment, and the long-term consequences are still unfolding.

Looking ahead, I think society needs to develop a more mature relationship with social media – one that harnesses its benefits while mitigating its harms through better digital literacy education, ethical design practices, and appropriate regulatory frameworks.”

Phân tích:

• Comprehensive analysis covering múltiple dimensions
• Uses sophisticated sociological vocabulary (marginalized, polarization, commodified)
• Provides concrete examples (#MeToo, echo chambers)
• Shows critical thinking về systemic issues
• Proposes forward-looking solutions

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Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
digital native	n	/ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈneɪtɪv/	người bản địa số (lớn lên với công nghệ)	Digital natives find it easier to adapt to new apps than older generations.	digital natives vs digital immigrants
user interface	n	/ˈjuːzər ˈɪntərfeɪs/	giao diện người dùng	The app has an intuitive user interface that makes navigation simple.	user-friendly interface, clean interface, intuitive interface
seamless integration	n	/ˈsiːmləs ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/	tích hợp liền mạch	The seamless integration with other apps saves me a lot of time.	seamless synchronization, seamless experience, seamless transition
learning curve	n	/ˈlɜːnɪŋ kɜːv/	quá trình học tập, độ khó làm quen	There’s a steep learning curve, but it’s worth the effort.	steep learning curve, gradual learning curve, overcome the learning curve
productivity hack	n	/ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti hæk/	mẹo tăng năng suất	I discovered several productivity hacks from YouTube channels.	productivity tips, productivity tools, boost productivity
game-changer	n	/ˈɡeɪm ˌtʃeɪndʒər/	yếu tố thay đổi cuộc chơi, đột phá	This app has been a real game-changer for my study routine.	potential game-changer, absolute game-changer
stay on top of	v phrase	/steɪ ɒn tɒp ɒv/	theo kịp, quản lý tốt	The app helps me stay on top of my deadlines and commitments.	stay on top of things, stay on top of work
minimize distractions	v phrase	/ˈmɪnɪmaɪz dɪˈstrækʃnz/	giảm thiểu sự xao nhãng	I use Focus mode to minimize distractions while studying.	reduce distractions, eliminate distractions, avoid distractions
streamline	v	/ˈstriːmlaɪn/	sắp xếp hợp lý, tối ưu hóa	This tool streamlines my workflow significantly.	streamline processes, streamline operations, streamline tasks
intuitive	adj	/ɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv/	trực quan, dễ hiểu	The design is so intuitive that you don’t need a tutorial.	intuitive interface, intuitive design, intuitive navigation
versatile	adj	/ˈvɜːsətaɪl/	đa năng, linh hoạt	It’s a versatile app that serves multiple purposes.	versatile tool, highly versatile, remarkably versatile
overwhelmed	adj	/ˌəʊvəˈwelmd/	choáng ngợp, quá tải	I used to feel overwhelmed managing multiple apps.	feel overwhelmed, become overwhelmed, totally overwhelmed
centralized	adj	/ˈsentrəlaɪzd/	tập trung	All my information is centralized in one platform now.	centralized system, centralized database, centralized location
time-consuming	adj	/ˈtaɪm kənˌsjuːmɪŋ/	tốn thời gian	The old method was too time-consuming.	time-consuming process, time-consuming task, extremely time-consuming
cutting-edge	adj	/ˌkʌtɪŋ ˈedʒ/	tiên tiến nhất, công nghệ mới nhất	They use cutting-edge AI technology.	cutting-edge technology, cutting-edge features, cutting-edge innovation

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
stumble upon	tình cờ phát hiện ra	I stumbled upon this app while browsing the app store.	7.5-8
down a rabbit hole	đi sâu vào nghiên cứu một topic, mất phương hướng tìm hiểu	I went down a rabbit hole reading about productivity systems on Reddit.	8-9
give it a shot	thử một cái gì đó	I decided to give it a shot after seeing positive reviews.	7-8
nothing short of	không gì khác ngoài, chính là (nhấn mạnh)	The impact has been nothing short of revolutionary.	8-9
the thing that caught my eye	điều thu hút sự chú ý của tôi	The thing that caught my eye was its unique approach to organization.	7-8
at the expense of	với cái giá là, hy sinh cái gì	We’re communicating more but at the expense of quality interactions.	8-9
integral to	là phần không thể thiếu của	Technology has become integral to modern education.	7.5-8
tap into	khai thác, tận dụng	I haven’t fully tapped into all the advanced features yet.	7.5-8
be glued to	dính chặt vào (điện thoại, màn hình)	People are constantly glued to their screens nowadays.	7-8
on the flip side	mặt khác, ngược lại	Social media connects us, but on the flip side, it can be addictive.	7.5-8
paint everyone with the same brush	đánh đồng tất cả mọi người	We can’t paint all older people with the same brush regarding technology.	8-9
grapple with	vật lộn với, cố gắng giải quyết	Society is still grappling with the implications of AI.	8-9

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ, nghe tự nhiên
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra góc nhìn hơi khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi nói thật lòng, thành thật
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách mềm mại để đưa ra quan điểm
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Từ góc nhìn của tôi (formal hơn)

Để bổ sung ý:

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

Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:

• 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác…
• 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Mặc dù đúng là… nhưng chúng ta cũng cần xem xét…
• 📝 Having said that,… – Nói như vậy thì… (để đưa ra contrast)
• 📝 That being said,… – Tuy nhiên, mặc dù vậy

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nhìn chung
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
• 📝 Looking ahead,… – Nhìn về tương lai
• 📝 In the long run,… – Về lâu dài

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional:

• Formula: If + Past Perfect, would + Verb (mixing time frames)
• Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t discovered this app, I would still be struggling with organization today.”

Inversion (đảo ngữ):

• Formula: Had + Subject + Past Participle, would have…
• Ví dụ: “Had I known about this tool earlier, I would have saved countless hours.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining (thêm thông tin):

• Formula: …, which/who + clause
• Ví dụ: “The app, which I discovered three months ago, has completely transformed my workflow.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive:

• Formula: It is thought/believed/said that…
• Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that technology has revolutionized education.”
• Ví dụ: “Technology is said to have both positive and negative impacts on society.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-cleft:

• Formula: What + Subject + Verb + is/was…
• Ví dụ: “What I find most impressive about this app is its versatility.”
• Ví dụ: “What really distinguishes it from competitors is the user experience.”

The thing that:

• Formula: The thing that + clause + is/was…
• Ví dụ: “The thing that caught my attention was how intuitive the interface was.”

5. Participle Clauses:

• Ví dụ: “Having used multiple productivity apps before, I can confidently say this one is superior.”
• Ví dụ: “Being a visual learner, I found the mind-mapping feature particularly useful.”

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Chiến Lược và Lời Khuyên Từ Examiner

Chuẩn Bị Trước Khi Thi

Xây Dựng Vocabulary Bank:

• Tạo list từ vựng theo themes (technology features, benefits, drawbacks, social impacts)
• Practice using trong câu hoàn chỉnh, không chỉ học nghĩa
• Record và nghe lại để cải thiện pronunciation

Tự Luyện Nói:

• Set timer chính xác (1 phút cho Part 2 prep, 2 phút cho Part 2 speaking)
• Record câu trả lời và tự đánh giá
• Identify và fix các từ/cấu trúc bạn lặp đi lặp lại
• Practice với nhiều topic variations về technology

Phát Triển Ideas:

• Đọc tech news/reviews để có ideas mới và vocabulary contextual
• Think about technology từ nhiều góc độ: personal, educational, social, economic
• Prepare examples cụ thể từ experience của bạn

Trong Phòng Thi

Part 1:

• Luôn extend câu trả lời với reasons/examples
• Avoid Yes/No answers
• Use variety trong vocabulary thay vì lặp từ trong câu hỏi

Part 2:

• Sử dụng HẾT 1 phút preparation time
• Ghi keywords cho mỗi bullet point
• Add personal feelings/reflections ở phần explain
• Aim for 2-2.5 phút speaking
• Nếu sắp hết ý, expand phần explain thêm

Part 3:

• Take a moment để organize thoughts trước khi trả lời
• Structure rõ ràng: Answer → Reason → Example → Alternative view
• Show critical thinking bằng cách acknowledge complexity
• Use tentative language (tends to, might, could, to some extent)
• Don’t be afraid to say “That’s an interesting question” để buy time

Những Điều Tuyệt Đối Tránh

• ❌ Học thuộc templates và sử dụng mechanically
• ❌ Overuse cụm từ như “In my opinion” ở mọi câu
• ❌ Nói quá nhanh vì nervous
• ❌ Dừng giữa chừng khi chưa đến 2 phút ở Part 2
• ❌ Contradict bản thân (nói thích technology trong Part 1 nhưng criticize hoàn toàn trong Part 3)
• ❌ Pretend hiểu câu hỏi khi không hiểu – hãy hỏi lại
• ❌ Sử dụng từ vựng quá phức tạp mà không tự tin về meaning/pronunciation

Khi đối mặt với sự thay đổi trong việc áp dụng công nghệ mới, điều quan trọng là phải thích nghi linh hoạt, điều này được thể hiện rõ trong Describe a time when you were part of a change effort, nơi khả năng chấp nhận và thúc đẩy sự thay đổi là chìa khóa thành công.

Mindset Đúng Đắn

Remember:

• Examiner không expect perfect English, họ assess communication ability
• Minor grammatical mistakes không làm bạn fail nếu message clear
• Natural hesitation (um, well) là OK, đó là human
• Personality và enthusiasm có thể make your answer memorable
• Practice makes perfect – record yourself thường xuyên để identify areas for improvement

Show Your Best:

• Smile và maintain appropriate eye contact
• Speak với energy và enthusiasm (nhưng không overact)
• Use gestures naturally nếu đó là cách bạn thường giao tiếp
• Don’t give up nếu stumble – correct yourself và continue confidently

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Lộ Trình Học Tập 4 Tuần

Week 1: Foundation

• Study tất cả vocabulary trong bài viết này
• Practice Part 1 questions (2-3 questions/day)
• Record và listen lại để identify weaknesses
• Goal: Natural responses trong 15-20 seconds

Week 2: Building Fluency

• Practice Part 2 với different cue cards về technology
• Focus on speaking đủ 2 phút
• Learn và apply discourse markers
• Study Band 8-9 samples để analyze structures

Week 3: Critical Thinking

• Practice Part 3 questions
• Focus on developing balanced arguments
• Practice academic vocabulary
• Do mock tests với timer

Week 4: Refinement

• Full mock tests (tất cả 3 Parts)
• Get feedback từ teacher hoặc study partner
• Fine-tune pronunciation và intonation
• Build confidence với repeated practice

Khi bạn phải xử lý những tình huống bất ngờ với công nghệ hay ứng dụng mới, khả năng ứng biến nhanh là rất quan trọng, điều này tương đồng với Describe a time when you had to deal with an unexpected situation, nơi sự linh hoạt và tư duy nhanh nhạy được đánh giá cao.

Học viên luyện thi IELTS Speaking với sự hỗ trợ của công nghệ và ứng dụng học tập

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Kết Luận

Chủ đề “Describe a recent digital tool or app that you discovered” là một trong những topics quan trọng và thường xuyên xuất hiện trong IELTS Speaking. Để đạt band điểm cao, bạn cần không chỉ mô tả được app một cách chi tiết mà còn phải demonstrate được critical thinking về vai trò của technology trong cuộc sống hiện đại.

Key takeaways:

• Vocabulary phong phú: Sử dụng topic-specific vocabulary và idiomatic expressions naturally
• Structure rõ ràng: Organize ideas logically với appropriate discourse markers
• Critical thinking: Show ability to analyze, compare, và evaluate complex issues
• Natural delivery: Speak fluently với appropriate pauses, không như đọc script
• Personal touch: Include genuine personal experiences và reflections

Remember rằng IELTS Speaking không phải là test về technology knowledge mà là test về English communication skills. Focus vào việc express ideas clearly, coherently, và confidently. Với preparation đúng cách và practice thường xuyên, bạn hoàn toàn có thể đạt band điểm mục tiêu.

Chúc bạn ôn tập hiệu quả và tự tin bước vào phòng thi IELTS Speaking. Technology có thể là một chủ đề phức tạp, nhưng với những chiến lược và samples trong bài viết này, bạn đã có đủ tools để succeed. Good luck!