Cách Sử Dụng Arguably Debatable Opinion Trong IELTS – Công Thức & Ví Dụ Band 8.0

Arguably Debatable Opinion là cụm từ chuyên biệt thường xuất hiện trong IELTS Writing Task 2 và Speaking Part 3, đặc biệt khi bạn cần thể hiện quan điểm một cách học thuật và tinh tế. Đây là cấu trúc ngữ pháp nâng cao giúp người học đạt điểm số cao bằng cách trình bày ý kiến có thể bàn cãi một cách khách quan và chuyên nghiệp.

Theo phân tích từ các đề thi IELTS Cambridge 10-19, cấu trúc này xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong:

• Speaking: Part 3 (thảo luận sâu về các vấn đề xã hội, đưa ra quan điểm có cân nhắc)
• Writing Task 2: Opinion essays, Discussion essays, Advantage-Disadvantage essays
• Reading: Nhận diện được giúp hiểu rõ quan điểm của tác giả

Ví dụ vận dụng trong IELTS:

Speaking Part 3 (Discussing education):
“Arguably, traditional classroom learning is still more effective than online education for most students.”
→ Phân tích: Arguably + Subject + Verb + Complement – Thể hiện ý kiến có cơ sở nhưng không tuyệt đối.

Writing Task 2 (Opinion essay):
“It is debatable whether technological advancement has improved or diminished the quality of human relationships.”
→ Phân tích: It is debatable whether + clause – Giới thiệu một vấn đề còn tranh cãi.

Speaking Part 3 (Giving nuanced opinion):
“This is a debatable issue, but I believe that governments should prioritize environmental protection over economic growth.”
→ Phân tích: This is a debatable issue + Main clause – Thừa nhận tính phức tạp trước khi đưa quan điểm.

Writing Task 2 (Discussion essay):
“While some argue that social media connects people, it is arguable that it has actually increased feelings of isolation.”
→ Phân tích: Kết hợp nhiều cấu trúc để thể hiện sự cân bằng trong lập luận.

Speaking Part 3 (Advanced response):
“That’s a highly debatable opinion. Some economists claim that globalization benefits everyone, but this view is contested by many researchers.”
→ Phân tích: Highly debatable opinion – Nhấn mạnh tính tranh cãi cao của vấn đề.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học:

✅ Định nghĩa và ý nghĩa của Arguably Debatable Opinion trong IELTS
✅ Công thức chi tiết với 6 cấu trúc cốt lõi
✅ Cách vận dụng vào 4 kỹ năng IELTS với phân tích cụ thể
✅ 25+ câu ví dụ Band 7-9 từ đề thi thật
✅ Các biến thể nâng cao cho Band 8+ với collocations học thuật
✅ 7 lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách tránh
✅ Bài tập thực hành với đáp án chi tiết

Arguably Debatable Opinion Là Gì?

Định Nghĩa

Arguably Debatable Opinion là nhóm cấu trúc ngữ pháp được sử dụng để thể hiện quan điểm có tính tranh cãi, có thể bàn luận hoặc chưa có kết luận chắc chắn. Đây là đặc điểm quan trọng của văn phong học thuật (academic style) trong IELTS.

Chức năng chính:

• Thể hiện tính khách quan: Cho thấy bạn nhận thức được nhiều góc nhìn khác nhau về một vấn đề
• Tăng độ tinh tế: Tránh cách diễn đạt quá cứng nhắc hay tuyệt đối
• Nâng cao Band điểm: Thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ học thuật phù hợp với bối cảnh IELTS

Khi nào dùng trong IELTS:

• Speaking Part 3: Khi examiner hỏi về các vấn đề phức tạp có nhiều quan điểm trái chiều
• Writing Task 2: Trong Opinion essays, Discussion essays, hoặc khi cần thừa nhận complexity của vấn đề
• Tăng Band điểm: Từ Band 6 lên Band 7-8 bằng cách thể hiện nuanced opinions

Tần Suất Xuất Hiện Trong IELTS

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 10-19:

Speaking:

• Part 1: Hiếm khi cần thiết – Câu hỏi thường về personal information
• Part 2: Thỉnh thoảng – Khi mô tả controversial topics (khoảng 15%)
• Part 3: Rất thường xuyên (60-70%) – Đặc biệt với câu hỏi dạng “Do you think…”, “Is it better to…”, “Should people…”

Writing:

• Task 1: Không cần thiết – Task 1 yêu cầu miêu tả khách quan data
• Task 2: Thường xuyên xuất hiện (50-60%) – Đặc biệt trong Opinion essays, Discussion essays, và Advantage-Disadvantage essays khi cần thừa nhận complexity

Listening/Reading:

• Xuất hiện thường xuyên trong academic contexts
• Cần nhận diện để hiểu được tone và stance của speaker/writer
• Giúp phân biệt facts và opinions

Band Score Impact:

• Band 6: Chỉ sử dụng “I think”, “In my opinion” – Thiếu variety
• Band 7: Có thể dùng “arguably” hoặc “debatable” nhưng không tự nhiên
• Band 8-9: Sử dụng linh hoạt nhiều cấu trúc, phù hợp context, thể hiện được sophisticated thinking

Công Thức & Cấu Trúc

Công Thức Cơ Bản

📌 CẤU TRÚC 1: ARGUABLY

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Arguably, + [Main clause]                       │
│                                                  │
│ Ví dụ: Arguably, online education offers more   │
│ flexibility than traditional schooling.          │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần câu:

• Arguably: Adverb (trạng từ) – đứng đầu câu, ngăn cách bởi dấu phẩy
• Main clause: Câu chính chứa opinion statement
• Function: Làm mềm mại quan điểm, thể hiện có thể có người không đồng ý

Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết:

Câu: “Arguably, social media has done more harm than good to society.”

Phân tích:

• Arguably: Discourse marker – tín hiệu cho biết đây là quan điểm có thể tranh cãi
• Subject: social media
• Main verb: has done
• Comparative structure: more harm than good
• Prepositional phrase: to society

📌 CẤU TRÚC 2: IT IS ARGUABLE THAT

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ It is arguable that + [clause]                  │
│                                                  │
│ Ví dụ: It is arguable that economic growth      │
│ should be prioritized over environmental        │
│ protection.                                      │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần câu:

• It: Dummy subject (chủ ngữ giả)
• is arguable: Adjective phrase – thể hiện tính có thể lập luận
• that-clause: Mệnh đề danh từ chứa nội dung quan điểm

📌 CẤU TRÚC 3: DEBATABLE

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ It is debatable whether/if + [clause]           │
│                                                  │
│ Ví dụ: It is debatable whether technology       │
│ makes people happier or more isolated.          │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

📌 CẤU TRÚC 4: NOUN FORM

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [Subject] + is + a debatable issue/question/     │
│ matter/point                                     │
│                                                  │
│ Ví dụ: Immigration policy is a highly debatable │
│ issue in most developed countries.              │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Các Biến Thể

Dạng khẳng định:

• “Arguably, remote work is the future of employment.”
• “It is arguable that artificial intelligence will replace many jobs.”
• “This is a debatable point, but personal freedom should have limits.”

Dạng phủ định:

• “It is not debatable that education is a fundamental human right.” (= điều này rõ ràng, không còn tranh cãi)
• “Arguably, this approach is not effective for most students.”

Dạng nghi vấn (trong Speaking):

• “Is it arguable that social media benefits outweigh the drawbacks? I would say yes.”
• “Whether this is debatable or not, I believe stricter laws are necessary.”

Dạng nhấn mạnh:

• “This is highly debatable.”
• “It is strongly arguable that…”
• “One could certainly argue that…”

Signal Words & Collocations

Các từ/cụm từ thường đi kèm Arguably Debatable Opinion:

Signal Words	Ý nghĩa	Ví dụ
arguably	có thể lập luận rằng	Arguably, electric cars are not as environmentally friendly as claimed.
it is arguable that	có thể lập luận được rằng	It is arguable that remote learning cannot fully replace classroom education.
debatable	có thể tranh luận	The effectiveness of standardized testing is debatable.
it is debatable whether	còn tranh cãi việc liệu	It is debatable whether space exploration is worth the investment.
a debatable issue	một vấn đề còn tranh cãi	Climate change policy is a debatable issue among politicians.
a debatable question	một câu hỏi còn bàn cãi	Whether AI will benefit humanity is a debatable question.
open to debate	mở cho việc tranh luận	The best education system is open to debate.
subject to debate	là đối tượng tranh luận	Immigration policies are subject to debate worldwide.

Sơ đồ minh họa các cấu trúc ngữ pháp Arguably Debatable Opinion trong IELTS Writing và Speaking

Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS

Speaking

Part 1 – Introduction & Interview:

Part 1 ít khi yêu cầu sử dụng arguably/debatable vì câu hỏi thường về personal preferences và experiences. Tuy nhiên, có thể dùng trong một số trường hợp:

Topic thường gặp: Personal opinions về lifestyle choices

Ví dụ câu hỏi & trả lời:

Q: “Do you think it’s better to live in the city or the countryside?”

A: “Well, that’s a debatable question. Personally, I prefer city life because of the convenience, but arguably, the countryside offers a better quality of life with less stress and cleaner air.”

→ Phân tích: Sử dụng “debatable question” và “arguably” thể hiện khả năng nhìn nhận nhiều góc độ, tránh câu trả lời quá đơn giản.

Part 2 – Long Turn:

Trong Part 2, bạn có thể sử dụng arguably/debatable khi topic card yêu cầu describe một controversial issue hoặc khi bạn muốn thêm depth vào câu trả lời.

Cue card example:

Describe a decision that was difficult to make.

Sample answer:

“I’d like to talk about my decision to study abroad, which was incredibly challenging. Arguably, this was one of the most important choices in my life. My parents believed that staying in Vietnam would be more practical and cost-effective, and it’s debatable whether the benefits of overseas education justify the high expenses. However, I felt that the international exposure and language skills would be invaluable. Looking back, it’s still arguable that I made the right choice, as both paths had their merits. The experience taught me that some decisions don’t have clear right or wrong answers…”

→ Phân tích: Sử dụng ba cấu trúc khác nhau (arguably, it’s debatable whether, it’s still arguable that) cho thấy flexibility và giúp tránh repetition. Điều này thể hiện lexical resource ở mức Band 8.

Part 3 – Discussion:

Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để sử dụng arguably/debatable vì examiner thường hỏi về complex social issues.

Typical questions using arguable/debatable structures:

Q: “Do you think technology has improved people’s lives?”

A (Band 8+ response): “That’s a highly debatable issue. Arguably, technology has brought tremendous convenience – we can now communicate instantly with people across the globe and access unlimited information. However, it is debatable whether these benefits outweigh the drawbacks, such as reduced face-to-face interaction and increased screen addiction. I would say that it’s arguable that the impact varies depending on how people use technology. For older generations, who remember life before smartphones, arguably the changes have been more disruptive, while younger people who grew up with technology might find it more natural and beneficial.”

→ Band 8+ features:

• Sử dụng 4 cấu trúc khác nhau một cách tự nhiên
• Thể hiện balanced view
• Elaborate với examples và explanations
• Demonstrates sophisticated thinking

Q: “Should governments spend more money on space exploration?”

A: “It is debatable whether space exploration should be a priority for government spending. On one hand, arguably, investing in space research has led to technological breakthroughs that benefit everyday life, such as satellite communications and medical innovations. On the other hand, it’s a debatable point when millions of people still lack access to basic healthcare and education. Whether space exploration is worthwhile or not depends on a country’s economic situation and immediate needs.”

→ Phân tích: Cấu trúc này giúp tránh being too absolute và shows critical thinking – yếu tố quan trọng cho Band 7+.

Writing Task 2

Essay types sử dụng Arguably Debatable Opinion:

Opinion Essay

Topic: “Some people believe that social media has had a negative impact on society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Introduction paragraph:

“In the digital age, social media platforms have become ubiquitous in daily life. While some argue that these platforms have damaged social cohesion and mental health, it is debatable whether their overall impact has been predominantly negative. Arguably, social media has brought both significant benefits and serious drawbacks, and the extent of its negative impact largely depends on how individuals and societies manage its use.”

→ Phân tích: Sử dụng “it is debatable whether” và “arguably” trong introduction giúp:

• Present a nuanced thesis statement
• Show awareness of complexity
• Set up a balanced argument

Body paragraph (Band 8):

“It is arguable that social media has fundamentally transformed how people maintain relationships, though not always positively. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have made it easier to stay connected with friends and family across distances, which arguably strengthens social bonds. However, it is debatable whether these online interactions can truly replace face-to-face communication. Research from Oxford University suggests that while people have more contacts online, they report feeling lonelier than previous generations. This paradox indicates that it is still debatable whether increased connectivity translates to meaningful relationships or merely superficial exchanges.”

→ Phân tích Band 8 features:

• Multiple uses of target structures naturally integrated
• Supported with evidence (research reference)
• Acknowledges complexity while maintaining clear position
• Cohesive devices connect ideas smoothly

Discussion Essay

Topic: “Some people think that economic development should be a government’s priority, while others believe environmental protection is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

Body paragraph 1:

“Arguably, economic growth remains the foundation for improving living standards in developing nations. Governments prioritizing economic development can create jobs, reduce poverty, and fund essential public services such as healthcare and education. China’s rapid economic expansion over the past four decades, for instance, has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty. It is debatable whether such dramatic improvements in living standards could have been achieved while simultaneously prioritizing environmental conservation, given the trade-offs involved in industrial development.”

Body paragraph 2:

“Conversely, it is highly debatable whether short-term economic gains justify long-term environmental destruction. Climate scientists warn that unchecked industrial growth has led to irreversible damage to ecosystems and accelerated global warming. Arguably, this poses existential risks that outweigh immediate economic benefits. The case of India illustrates this tension – while its economy has grown substantially, air pollution in major cities has reached hazardous levels, creating massive public health costs that may ultimately burden the economy.”

→ Phân tích: Trong Discussion essays, arguably/debatable đặc biệt hữu ích vì:

• Shows balanced consideration of both views
• Demonstrates critical thinking
• Avoids being too one-sided

Advantage-Disadvantage Essay

Topic: “Working from home is becoming more common. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”

Sample paragraph:

“The flexibility offered by remote work is arguably its most significant advantage. Employees can design their schedules around personal commitments, potentially achieving better work-life balance. However, it is debatable whether this flexibility actually increases productivity or simply creates more distractions. Studies show mixed results – some workers thrive with autonomy, while others struggle with motivation. It is therefore arguable that the advantages of remote work may be overstated, particularly for roles requiring close collaboration or for individuals who lack self-discipline.”

→ Vận dụng: Arguably/debatable giúp acknowledge rằng advantages and disadvantages không absolute mà depend on contexts.

Ví dụ mẫu sử dụng Arguably và Debatable trong IELTS Writing Task 2 đạt Band 8

Writing Task 1

Khi nào dùng:

Trong Task 1, arguably/debatable ít khi cần thiết vì nhiệm vụ là describe data objectively, không phải express opinions. Tuy nhiên, có một số trường hợp ngoại lệ:

• Khi interpret unclear trends
• Khi data có thể hiểu theo nhiều cách

Ví dụ (sử dụng cẩn thận):

Task: Line graph showing fluctuating unemployment rates

Sample sentence:

“The unemployment rate fluctuated considerably between 2015 and 2020, and it is arguable that the sharp increase in 2020 was directly caused by the pandemic rather than underlying economic weaknesses.”

→ Lưu ý quan trọng: Chỉ dùng khi cần interpret ambiguous data. Overusing opinions trong Task 1 có thể làm giảm điểm Task Achievement. Tốt nhất là stick to objective descriptions.

Nâng Cao – Cách Dùng Để Đạt Band 8+

Kết Hợp Với Các Cấu Trúc Khác

Arguably/Debatable + Conditional Sentences:

“It is debatable whether technology would have advanced so rapidly if governments had not invested heavily in research and development.”

→ Band 8+ features: Kết hợp với Mixed Conditional để thể hiện sophisticated speculation về past và present.

Arguably/Debatable + Relative Clause:

“Climate change, which is arguably the most pressing issue of our time, requires immediate international cooperation.”

→ Advanced usage: Embedded arguably trong relative clause để add extra information một cách natural.

Arguably/Debatable + Passive Voice:

“It has been argued that standardized testing provides an objective measure of student ability, though this view is increasingly challenged by education experts.”

→ Sophistication: Sử dụng passive form “has been argued” thêm academic tone và distance from personal opinion.

Arguably/Debatable + Concessive Clauses:

“While it is arguable that social media connects people globally, the extent to which these connections are meaningful remains questionable.”

→ Complexity: Kết hợp concessive clause với noun clause tạo sentence complexity cao.

Arguably/Debatable + Modal Verbs:

“It could be argued that governments should have acted earlier to prevent the economic crisis.”

→ Nuance: Modal verbs (could, should have) + arguable structures tạo layers of meaning.

Cụm Từ Nâng Cao

Academic collocations with arguably/debatable:

Collocation	Ví dụ	Band Level
arguably the most significant	Arguably the most significant development in education is the shift to digital learning.	7+
highly debatable	The effectiveness of capital punishment is highly debatable.	7+
it is strongly arguable that	It is strongly arguable that income inequality poses the greatest threat to social stability.	8+
remains debatable	Whether artificial intelligence will benefit humanity remains debatable.	8+
subject to considerable debate	The causes of the economic crisis are subject to considerable debate among economists.	8+
open to debate	The best approach to language learning is open to debate.	7+
it could certainly be argued	It could certainly be argued that globalization has widened the gap between rich and poor.	8+
a matter of ongoing debate	Educational reform is a matter of ongoing debate in most countries.	8+
contentious/controversial (synonyms)	This is a contentious issue that divides public opinion.	8+
a point of contention	Immigration policy remains a point of contention between political parties.	9

Advanced sentence patterns:

1. “What is arguably more important is not the quantity but the quality of education.”

   • Band 9: Cleft sentence với arguably tạo emphasis sophisticated

2. “The extent to which technology improves education is debatable, given the mixed research findings.”

   • Band 8+: Noun clause làm subject + complex structure

3. “It is perhaps arguable that, in some contexts, traditional methods remain superior to modern approaches.”

   • Band 8+: Adding hedging với “perhaps” tăng academic caution

4. “Not only is this debatable, but it also oversimplifies a complex issue.”

   • Band 9: Inversion + coordination tạo emphatic statement

Câu Phức & Ghép

Tích hợp vào câu phức (Complex Sentences):

“Although it is arguable that technological unemployment is inevitable, governments can mitigate its impact through proactive education and retraining programs.”

→ Phân tích structure:

• Subordinate clause: Although it is arguable that + clause
• Main clause: governments can mitigate…
• Shows ability to handle multiple clauses smoothly

“The education system, which is arguably in need of fundamental reform, continues to rely on outdated teaching methodologies that fail to prepare students for modern careers.”

→ Complexity: Non-defining relative clause với arguably embedded naturally.

Câu ghép (Compound-Complex Sentences):

“It is debatable whether remote work increases productivity, but what is certain is that it has fundamentally changed workplace culture, and many companies are now reconsidering their office space requirements.”

→ Band 9 features:

• Multiple clauses coordinated smoothly
• Contrast between debatable và certain
• Natural flow despite complexity

Parallel structures:

“Arguably, technology has made communication faster, information more accessible, and education more flexible, yet it is debatable whether these changes have made people happier or merely busier.”

→ Advanced technique: Parallel structure trong first clause + contrast với yet + debatable structure = sophisticated expression.

So Sánh Với Cấu Trúc Tương Tự

Arguably/Debatable vs Perhaps/Possibly/Maybe

Tiêu chí	Arguably/Debatable	Perhaps/Possibly/Maybe
Công thức	Arguably + statement / It is debatable that/whether	Perhaps/Possibly/Maybe + statement
Ý nghĩa	Có cơ sở để tranh luận, nhiều quan điểm hợp lý	Không chắc chắn, suy đoán
Độ chính thức	Formal, academic	Less formal, conversational
Dùng khi	Thể hiện ý kiến có thể bàn cãi dựa trên logic	Thể hiện uncertainty hoặc speculation
Ví dụ Speaking	“Arguably, this is the most effective solution.”	“Perhaps this could work, I’m not sure.”
Ví dụ Writing	“It is debatable whether economic growth benefits all social classes equally.”	“Possibly, stricter regulations may reduce pollution levels.”

Khi nào dùng cấu trúc nào:

• Dùng Arguably/Debatable: Khi bạn muốn present một quan điểm mạnh mẽ nhưng acknowledge rằng có người có thể disagree với logical reasons. Thích hợp cho formal academic contexts.

• Dùng Perhaps/Possibly: Khi bạn genuine không chắc chắn hoặc đang speculate. Thích hợp hơn cho Speaking Part 1 hoặc less formal contexts.

Ví dụ so sánh:

❌ Weak (Band 6): “Maybe technology is good for education.”

✅ Better (Band 7+): “Arguably, technology has revolutionized educational delivery.”

Arguably/Debatable vs In My Opinion/I Believe

Tiêu chí	Arguably/Debatable	In My Opinion/I Believe
Focus	Acknowledge multiple perspectives	State personal view directly
Academic tone	High	Medium to Low
Objectivity	More objective, impersonal	Subjective, personal
IELTS Writing	Preferred for Band 8+	Acceptable but less sophisticated
Frequency in Speaking	Part 3 mainly	All parts
Example	“It is arguable that remote work benefits employers more than employees.”	“I believe that remote work is beneficial.”

Strategic use trong IELTS:

• Writing Task 2: Prefer arguably/debatable over “I think/believe” để sound more academic
• Speaking Part 3: Mix both – use “I believe” cho personal stance, “arguably” cho broader analysis

Ví dụ kết hợp:

“Arguably, globalization has created both winners and losers in the global economy. Personally, I believe that governments have a responsibility to support those who have been negatively affected by these changes.”

→ Effective strategy: Use arguably để present objective analysis, then transition to personal opinion với I believe.

Lỗi Thường Gặp & Cách Sửa

Lỗi 1: Overusing Arguably/Debatable

❌ SAI:

“Arguably, education is important. Arguably, students need good teachers. It is debatable whether online learning works. Arguably, technology helps learning.”

✅ ĐÚNG:

“Education quality depends heavily on teacher expertise. Arguably, the shift to online learning has highlighted this dependency even more clearly, as students require not only knowledgeable instructors but also those skilled in digital pedagogy.”

Giải thích:

Sử dụng arguably/debatable quá nhiều làm mất hiệu quả và có vẻ không tự nhiên. Trong một paragraph (4-5 câu), nên chỉ dùng 1-2 lần. Nhiều câu không cần arguably vì chúng là facts hoặc uncontroversial statements.

Lưu ý:

• Chỉ dùng cho statements that genuinely có multiple valid perspectives
• Không dùng cho facts or widely accepted truths
• Trong Speaking, over-hedging có thể khiến bạn sound uncertain về knowledge của mình

Lỗi 2: Dùng Sai Cấu Trúc Ngữ Pháp

❌ SAI:

“It is arguably that technology improves education.”

✅ ĐÚNG:

“It is arguable that technology improves education.”
OR
“Arguably, technology improves education.”

Giải thích:

• “Arguably” là adverb → đứng đầu câu với comma hoặc midposition
• “Arguable” là adjective → dùng trong cấu trúc “It is arguable that…”
• KHÔNG BAO GIỜ dùng “It is arguably that…”

Lưu ý:

✅ Arguably, + clause
✅ It is arguable that + clause
✅ This is arguable
❌ It is arguably that + clause
❌ This is arguably

Lỗi 3: Sử Dụng Với Statement Không Phù Hợp

❌ SAI:

“Arguably, water is essential for human survival.”
“It is debatable whether people need food to live.”

✅ ĐÚNG:

“Arguably, access to clean water should be recognized as a fundamental human right, not a commodity.”
“It is debatable whether governments or private companies should control water resources.”

Giải thích:

Arguably/debatable chỉ dùng cho controversial or opinion-based statements. KHÔNG dùng cho:

• Scientific facts
• Universal truths
• Statements mà không ai reasonable có thể disagree

Lưu ý:

Trước khi dùng arguably/debatable, tự hỏi: “Could intelligent people reasonably disagree about this?” Nếu không → không dùng.

Test yourself:

• ❌ “Arguably, the Earth is round.” → Fact, không tranh cãi
• ✅ “Arguably, space exploration should be humanity’s top priority.” → Opinion, có thể tranh cãi

Lỗi 4: Thiếu Support Cho Debatable Statement

❌ SAI:

“Arguably, online education is better than traditional classrooms.”
[Không có explanation hay evidence]

✅ ĐÚNG:

“Arguably, online education offers superior flexibility compared to traditional classrooms. Students can access materials at any time, replay lectures, and learn at their own pace – advantages particularly valuable for working adults or those with family commitments. However, this flexibility may come at the cost of reduced social interaction and immediate feedback.”

Giải thích:

Khi sử dụng arguably/debatable, bạn phải elaborate why this is arguable và provide reasoning. Nếu không, statement của bạn sẽ empty và không convincing.

Lưu ý:

Pattern hiệu quả:

1. Make arguable statement
2. Provide reasons/evidence supporting this view
3. Optionally acknowledge counter-view (cho Band 8+)

Lỗi 5: Confusing “Arguable” với “Argue”

❌ SAI:

“Some people arguable that technology is harmful.”
“Many experts make it arguable that climate change is serious.”

✅ ĐÚNG:

“Some people argue that technology is harmful.”
“Many experts argue that climate change is serious.”
OR
“It is arguable that technology has both benefits and drawbacks.”

Giải thích:

• Argue (verb): lập luận, tranh luận → “People argue that…”
• Arguable (adjective): có thể lập luận được → “It is arguable that…”
• Đây là hai từ khác nhau về word class và usage

Lưu ý:

✅ argue that... (verb)
✅ it is arguable that... (adjective)
✅ arguably (adverb)
❌ people arguable that...
❌ it is argue that...

Lỗi 6: Dùng Debatable Làm Động Từ

❌ SAI:

“We can debate whether this is true.”
[Đây không sai grammar, nhưng không phải target structure]

“This issue is debating.”

✅ ĐÚNG:

“It is debatable whether this is true.”
“This issue is debatable / is subject to debate.”
“This issue is being debated by experts.” (passive)

Giải thích:

• “Debate” là verb (regular verb)
• “Debatable” là adjective (không dùng trong continuous tense)
• Để nói về một issue đang được tranh luận: “is being debated” (passive) hoặc “is under debate”

Lỗi 7: Kết Hợp Sai Với Các Cấu Trúc Khác

❌ SAI:

“It is arguably debatable that technology helps education.”

✅ ĐÚNG:

“It is arguable that technology benefits education.”
OR
“It is debatable whether technology truly benefits education.”

Giải thích:

Không combine “arguably” và “debatable” together – đây là redundancy. Chọn một trong hai structure.

Top 5 mistakes Vietnamese learners make:

1. Word class confusion: Mixing up arguably (adverb), arguable (adjective), argue (verb)

   • Fix: Học thuộc patterns: “Arguably, …” / “It is arguable that…” / “People argue that…”

2. Overuse with facts: Dùng arguably cho statements không controversial

   • Fix: Chỉ dùng khi genuinely có multiple reasonable perspectives

3. Lack of elaboration: Đưa ra arguable claim nhưng không explain why

   • Fix: Luôn follow up với reasoning or evidence

4. Wrong grammatical structure: “It is arguably that…”

   • Fix: “It is arguable that…” hoặc “Arguably, …”

5. Redundancy: “arguably debatable”, “it is possibly arguable that”

   • Fix: Chọn một hedging device, không stack nhiều cái

Các lỗi thường gặp khi sử dụng Arguably Debatable trong IELTS của học viên Việt Nam

Bài Tập Thực Hành

Bài Tập 1: Chọn Cấu Trúc Đúng

Chọn cấu trúc phù hợp để hoàn thành câu:

1. __, social media has changed the way people communicate.
   a) Arguably
   b) It is arguable
   c) Arguable
   d) Argue

2. __ whether online education is as effective as traditional schooling.
   a) Arguably
   b) It is debatable
   c) Debatable
   d) Debate

3. Climate change is __ among scientists.
   a) arguably
   b) a debatable issue
   c) it is debatable
   d) argue

4. __ that governments should invest more in renewable energy.
   a) Arguably
   b) It is arguably
   c) It is arguable
   d) Arguable

5. Many experts __ that technology will replace many jobs.
   a) arguable
   b) arguably
   c) argue
   d) debatable

6. The effectiveness of standardized testing __.
   a) is highly debatable
   b) is arguably
   c) argues that
   d) debates whether

7. __ the most significant challenge facing modern education is student motivation.
   a) It is arguable that
   b) Arguably
   c) Both a and b
   d) Debatable

8. Whether artificial intelligence will benefit humanity __.
   a) is debatable
   b) remains debatable
   c) is a debatable question
   d) All of the above

Bài Tập 2: Tìm Và Sửa Lỗi

Tìm lỗi sai trong các câu sau và sửa lại:

1. It is arguably that remote work increases productivity. [❌]

2. Some people arguable that social media is harmful to mental health. [❌]

3. Arguably, water is necessary for human survival. [❌]

4. The benefits of technology is a highly debatable. [❌]

5. It is debatable that whether governments should control internet content. [❌]

6. This problem is debating by many experts worldwide. [❌]

7. Arguably it is true that education improves career prospects. [❌]

8. Many researchers argue it is important to reduce carbon emissions, and arguably this should be a global priority. [✅ or ❌?]

9. It is arguably debatable whether electric cars are truly environmentally friendly. [❌]

10. Arguably, education is arguably the most important factor in social mobility. [❌]

Bài Tập 3: Viết Câu Hoàn Chỉnh

Viết câu hoàn chỉnh sử dụng arguably/debatable với các prompts sau:

1. (technology / change / education / positive ways)
   → Your answer: ___

2. (question / whether / social media / benefit / outweigh / drawback)
   → Your answer: ___

3. (economic growth / should be / government’s / priority)
   → Your answer: ___

4. (debate / whether / space exploration / worth / investment)
   → Your answer: ___

5. (most important / skill / 21st century / digital literacy)
   → Your answer: ___

Bài Tập 4: IELTS Speaking Practice

Trả lời các câu hỏi sau, sử dụng arguably/debatable ít nhất một lần:

Part 3 Questions:

1. “Do you think traditional books will disappear in the future?”
   → Your answer (50-70 words): ___

2. “Is economic development more important than environmental protection?”
   → Your answer (50-70 words): ___

3. “Should governments control what information people can access online?”
   → Your answer (50-70 words): ___

Bài Tập 5: IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice

Viết một body paragraph (khoảng 150 words) cho topic sau, sử dụng arguably/debatable 2-3 lần một cách tự nhiên:

Topic: “Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others believe that there are better alternative ways to reduce crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

Your paragraph: ___

Đáp Án Chi Tiết

Bài tập 1:

1. a) Arguably ✅

   • Giải thích: Đứng đầu câu, cần adverb + comma

2. b) It is debatable ✅

   • Giải thích: “It is debatable whether…” là cấu trúc standard

3. b) a debatable issue ✅

   • Giải thích: Cần noun phrase sau “is”

4. c) It is arguable ✅

   • Giải thích: “It is arguable that…” là cấu trúc đúng, KHÔNG dùng “arguably”

5. c) argue ✅

   • Giải thích: Cần verb sau subject “experts”

6. a) is highly debatable ✅

   • Giải thích: Adjective phrase làm complement

7. c) Both a and b ✅

   • Giải thích: Cả hai cấu trúc đều đúng grammar
   • “Arguably” đứng đầu câu
   • “It is arguable that” làm dummy subject

8. d) All of the above ✅

   • Giải thích: Ba cấu trúc đều correct và natural

Bài tập 2:

1. ❌ “It is arguably that” → ✅ “It is arguable that” hoặc “Arguably,”

   • Lỗi: Word class confusion. “Arguably” là adverb, không dùng trong “It is … that” structure

2. ❌ “arguable” → ✅ “argue“

   • Lỗi: Cần verb sau subject “people”

3. ❌ Statement không phù hợp → ✅ “Arguably, access to clean water should be considered a fundamental human right.”

   • Lỗi: “Water is necessary for survival” là universal truth, không controversial

4. ❌ “is a highly debatable” → ✅ “is highly debatable” hoặc “is a highly debatable issue“

   • Lỗi: Không cần article “a” trước adjective alone

5. ❌ “debatable that whether” → ✅ “debatable whether“

   • Lỗi: Redundancy. Chỉ dùng “whether”, không dùng “that whether”

6. ❌ “is debating” → ✅ “is being debated” hoặc “is subject to debate“

   • Lỗi: “Debatable” là adjective, không dùng continuous. Cần passive voice cho nghĩa “đang được tranh luận”

7. ❌ Thiếu comma → ✅ “Arguably, it is true that…”

   • Lỗi: “Arguably” đứng đầu câu phải có comma

8. ✅ Câu này correct!

   • “Argue” ở clause đầu là verb
   • “Arguably” ở clause sau là adverb
   • Không bị redundancy vì đây là hai clauses riêng biệt

9. ❌ “arguably debatable” → ✅ “arguable” hoặc “debatable“

   • Lỗi: Redundancy. Chọn một trong hai

10. ❌ “arguably… arguably” → ✅ Bỏ một trong hai “arguably”

    • Lỗi: Repetition trong cùng một câu

Bài tập 3 – Sample Answers:

1. “Arguably, technology has changed education in predominantly positive ways, making learning more accessible and interactive.”

2. “It is debatable whether the benefits of social media outweigh the drawbacks, particularly concerning mental health impacts.”

3. “It is arguable that economic growth should be a government’s top priority, especially in developing nations where poverty remains widespread.”

4. “It is highly debatable whether space exploration is worth the enormous investment, given pressing issues on Earth.”

5. “Arguably, digital literacy is the most important skill for success in the 21st century workplace.”

Bài tập 4 – Sample Answers:

Question 1:
“That’s a debatable question. Arguably, traditional books will never completely disappear because many people still prefer the tactile experience of reading physical books. However, it is debatable whether they will remain the dominant format. Digital books offer convenience and portability, and younger generations are growing up with screens. Personally, I think both formats will coexist, serving different preferences and purposes.”

→ Phân tích: Sử dụng 3 cấu trúc khác nhau + balanced view = Band 8 features

Question 2:
“This is a highly contentious issue. Arguably, economic development provides the resources necessary for environmental protection – wealthy nations can afford green technologies and conservation programs. However, it is debatable whether this justifies environmental destruction in pursuit of growth. I would say that it’s arguable that we need sustainable development that balances both priorities rather than choosing one over the other.”

→ Phân tích: Sophisticated response với multiple uses + nuanced opinion

Question 3:
“It is debatable whether governments should have such control. On one hand, arguably, some regulation is necessary to prevent harmful content like terrorism propaganda or child exploitation. On the other hand, it’s a debatable point where to draw the line between protection and censorship. Too much control could restrict freedom of expression and access to information, which are fundamental rights in democratic societies.”

→ Phân tích: Balanced discussion + acknowledges complexity

Bài tập 5 – Sample Paragraph:

“The effectiveness of longer prison sentences as a crime deterrent is highly debatable. Proponents of this approach argue that harsh punishments discourage potential criminals and protect society by removing offenders from communities. Arguably, this logic has some merit for violent crimes where public safety is paramount. However, it is debatable whether extended incarceration addresses the root causes of criminal behavior, such as poverty, lack of education, or substance abuse. Research from Scandinavian countries suggests that rehabilitation programs and addressing socioeconomic factors may be more effective in reducing recidivism rates. For instance, Norway’s prison system focuses on education and skill development rather than punishment, and it is arguable that this approach has contributed to their significantly lower reoffending rates compared to countries with longer sentences. Therefore, while imprisonment has a role in the justice system, alternative approaches deserve serious consideration.”

→ Phân tích Band 8+ features:

• 3 uses of arguably/debatable naturally integrated
• Supported with evidence (Scandinavian example)
• Balanced discussion of both views
• Clear position with nuance
• Cohesive and well-developed (177 words)

Kết Bài

Arguably và Debatable là hai công cụ ngữ pháp vô cùng powerful để nâng band điểm IELTS của bạn từ 6.5-7.0 lên 7.5-8.5. Những cấu trúc này không chỉ giúp bạn thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ học thuật mà còn demonstrates critical thinking – một trong những criteria quan trọng nhất trong rubric chấm điểm IELTS.

Key takeaways:

✅ Sử dụng đúng word class: Arguably (adverb), Arguable (adjective), Argue (verb) có usage khác nhau hoàn toàn

✅ Chọn context phù hợp: Chỉ dùng cho controversial opinions, không dùng cho facts hay universal truths

✅ Elaborate your points: Luôn provide reasoning sau khi sử dụng arguably/debatable

✅ Balance frequency: 1-2 lần per paragraph, không overuse

✅ Combine với các structures khác: Conditional, relative clauses, passive voice để tăng complexity

✅ Speaking vs Writing: Cả hai đều quan trọng nhưng especially valuable trong Writing Task 2 và Speaking Part 3

Next steps – Roadmap to mastery:

1. Week 1-2: Học thuộc 6 cấu trúc cơ bản và practice với controlled exercises
2. Week 3-4: Incorporate vào Speaking practice, focus on Part 3 responses
3. Week 5-6: Apply vào Writing Task 2, analyze sample essays
4. Week 7-8: Mix với advanced structures, aim for natural integration

Đề Luyện Tập

Speaking Topics:

1. Describe a controversial decision in your country

   • Yêu cầu: Use “arguably” khi analyze why it was controversial
   • Target: 2-3 uses trong 2-minute response

2. Talk about how technology has changed communication

   • Yêu cầu: Use “it is debatable whether” khi discuss positive/negative impacts
   • Target: Balance both perspectives

3. Discuss whether traditional culture should be preserved

   • Yêu cầu: Use multiple arguably/debatable structures
   • Target: Demonstrate nuanced thinking

Part 3 Discussion Questions:

1. Is economic growth more important than environmental protection?
2. Should governments control what people can access online?
3. Do celebrities have a responsibility to be good role models?
4. Is artificial intelligence more beneficial or harmful to society?
5. Should universities focus on practical skills or theoretical knowledge?

Writing Topics:

Opinion Essay:
“Some people believe that the best way to reduce traffic congestion is to increase taxes on private car owners. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

• Yêu cầu: Use arguably 2 times, debatable 1 time

Discussion Essay:
“Some people think that environmental problems should be solved on a global scale, while others believe individual countries should deal with them. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

• Yêu cầu: Use “it is debatable whether” in introduction, “arguably” in each body paragraph

Advantage-Disadvantage:
“Working from home is becoming increasingly common. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?”

• Yêu cầu: Use arguably khi discuss both advantages and disadvantages

Problem-Solution:
“Many young people are leaving rural areas to live in cities. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?”

• Yêu cầu: Use “it is arguable that” khi present problems, maintain academic tone

Practice routine:

• Daily: Viết 3 câu using different arguably/debatable structures về current news topics
• Weekly: Record 1 Speaking Part 3 response, transcribe, và analyze usage
• Bi-weekly: Write 1 full Writing Task 2 essay incorporating target structures naturally

Remember: The goal không phải là maximize số lần sử dụng mà là integrate these structures naturally và appropriately. Quality over quantity luôn là principle trong IELTS!

Chúc bạn học tốt và đạt band điểm mong muốn! Arguably, mastering these structures sẽ là một trong những most valuable investments trong IELTS preparation journey của bạn.