IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời “Describe A Time When You Felt Very Proud Of Yourself” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề về những khoảnh khắc tự hào là một trong những đề bài phổ biến và gần gũi nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Đây là cơ hội tuyệt vời để bạn chia sẻ câu chuyện cá nhân đầy cảm xúc và thể hiện khả năng ngôn ngữ của mình một cách tự nhiên nhất.

Từ kinh nghiệm chấm thi hơn 20 năm, tôi nhận thấy chủ đề “Describe A Time When You Felt Very Proud Of Yourself” xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi IELTS từ 2020 đến nay, đặc biệt trong giai đoạn 2023-2024. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính universal và personal của đề tài.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:

• Câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part liên quan đến chủ đề thành tựu và tự hào
• Bài mẫu chi tiết theo nhiều band điểm từ 6-7, 7.5-8 đến 8.5-9 với phân tích sâu
• Từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm được native speakers sử dụng
• Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn Examiner
• Lời khuyên cụ thể để tránh những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày. Đây là phần khởi động giúp bạn làm quen với giọng examiner và tạo ấn tượng ban đầu.

Đặc điểm chính:

• Câu hỏi về bản thân, gia đình, công việc, sở thích
• Yêu cầu trả lời ngắn gọn nhưng đầy đủ (2-3 câu)
• Không nên nói quá dài (tối đa 30 giây/câu)

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi ngay câu đầu tiên
• Mở rộng bằng lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể
• Sử dụng từ vựng phong phú nhưng tự nhiên

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn kiểu Yes/No mà không giải thích
• Dùng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “nice”, “interesting”
• Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân
• Nói chậm quá mức vì suy nghĩ từng từ

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: What kinds of achievements make you feel proud?

Question 2: Do you often feel proud of yourself?

Question 3: When was the last time you felt proud of yourself?

Question 4: Did your parents praise you when you were a child?

Question 5: Do you think it’s important to celebrate personal achievements?

Question 6: What do you do when you achieve something important?

Question 7: Do you prefer to share your achievements with others or keep them private?

Question 8: How do your family members react when you achieve something?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: What kinds of achievements make you feel proud?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra 1-2 loại thành tựu cụ thể
• Giải thích tại sao chúng quan trọng với bạn
• Có thể thêm ví dụ ngắn gọn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I feel proud when I do well in my studies, especially when I pass difficult exams. Also, I’m happy when I help other people with their problems. These things make me feel good about myself.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời đúng trọng tâm, có 2 ví dụ rõ ràng
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn đơn giản (do well, happy, good), thiếu depth trong giải thích
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Vocabulary adequate nhưng không impressive, grammar đơn giản, thiếu personal touch

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say I feel most proud when I overcome personal challenges, particularly ones that push me out of my comfort zone. For instance, mastering a new skill like public speaking really gives me a sense of accomplishment. I also take pride in making a positive impact on others, whether it’s mentoring younger students or contributing to community projects.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Vocabulary sophisticated (overcome, comfort zone, mastering, sense of accomplishment), có cụm từ natural (I’d say, For instance), ideas sâu sắc hơn với ví dụ cụ thể
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Sử dụng discourse markers tự nhiên (Well, particularly, For instance)
  • Vocabulary: Collocations chính xác (overcome challenges, sense of accomplishment, positive impact)
  • Grammar: Variety với gerunds, relative clauses
  • Ideas: Personal và specific, không generic

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• overcome personal challenges: vượt qua thử thách cá nhân
• out of my comfort zone: ra khỏi vùng an toàn
• sense of accomplishment: cảm giác hoàn thành, đạt được điều gì đó
• make a positive impact: tạo ra tác động tích cực
• mastering a new skill: làm chủ một kỹ năng mới

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Question: When was the last time you felt proud of yourself?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ thời điểm cụ thể
• Miêu tả ngắn gọn sự việc
• Giải thích tại sao tự hào

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“The last time was about two months ago when I finished a big project at work. It was difficult and took a long time, but I completed it successfully. My boss was happy with my work.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Có timeframe rõ ràng, story line đơn giản
• Hạn chế: Thiếu details về project, emotion không được express đầy đủ
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate communication nhưng thiếu colorful language và emotional depth

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Actually, just last month I pulled off something I’d been working towards for quite a while. I successfully coordinated a charity event that raised a substantial amount for local children in need. What made it particularly rewarding was seeing the tangible difference we made, and the fact that I’d stepped up to take the lead despite my initial hesitation. It was a defining moment that really boosted my confidence.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Time marker natural (just last month)
  • Descriptive verbs (pulled off, coordinated, raised)
  • Emotional language (rewarding, defining moment, boosted confidence)
  • Shows reflection (despite my initial hesitation)
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Natural flow với linking words (Actually, What made it particularly…)
  • Vocabulary: Idiomatic (pulled off, stepped up, tangible difference)
  • Grammar: Complex sentences với relative clauses và despite phrase
  • Ideas: Deep personal reflection, not just facts

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• pulled off: hoàn thành thành công (informal but natural)
• raised a substantial amount: quyên góp được số tiền đáng kể
• rewarding: bổ ích, đáng giá
• tangible difference: sự khác biệt rõ ràng, hữu hình
• stepped up: đứng lên, chủ động nhận trách nhiệm
• defining moment: khoảnh khắc quan trọng, đánh dấu
• boosted my confidence: tăng cường sự tự tin

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Question: Do you think it’s important to celebrate personal achievements?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Đưa ra opinion rõ ràng (Yes/No/Depends)
• Giải thích 1-2 lý do
• Có thể thêm personal experience ngắn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Yes, I think it’s important because it makes us feel happy and motivated. When we celebrate our success, we can remember good moments and want to achieve more things in the future.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Opinion clear, có lý do logic
• Hạn chế: Explanation khá surface-level, thiếu examples
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas đơn giản, vocabulary repetitive (happy, good)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

“Absolutely, I believe acknowledging our achievements is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it reinforces positive behavior and motivates us to set even higher goals. It’s also about maintaining a healthy self-esteem, especially in today’s world where we’re constantly bombarded with others’ highlight reels on social media. That said, there’s a fine line between celebrating and becoming complacent, so it’s important to strike a balance.”

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh:
  • Strong opinion với discourse marker (Absolutely)
  • Multiple reasons với sequencing (Firstly)
  • Contemporary reference (social media)
  • Nuanced view (fine line, strike a balance)
• Tại sao Band 8-9:
  • Fluency: Well-organized với clear structure
  • Vocabulary: Academic yet natural (acknowledging, reinforces, bombarded with)
  • Grammar: Complex sentences với gerunds và relative clauses
  • Critical Thinking: Shows balanced perspective, not one-sided

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• acknowledging our achievements: thừa nhận thành tựu của mình
• reinforces positive behavior: củng cố hành vi tích cực
• set even higher goals: đặt ra mục tiêu cao hơn
• maintaining a healthy self-esteem: duy trì lòng tự trọng lành mạnh
• bombarded with: bị tấn công, bị tràn ngập bởi
• fine line: ranh giới mong manh
• becoming complacent: trở nên tự mãn
• strike a balance: đạt được sự cân bằng

Khi nói về những thành tựu đáng tự hào, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm cách kể về Describe a time when you had to lead a project to success để có thêm ý tưởng về cách miêu tả chi tiết quá trình đạt được thành công.

Thí sinh IELTS Speaking tự tin trả lời câu hỏi về thành tựu cá nhân với giám khảo

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần quan trọng nhất trong IELTS Speaking, chiếm thời gian 3-4 phút (bao gồm 1 phút chuẩn bị và 2-3 phút nói).

Đặc điểm:

• Độc thoại liên tục không bị ngắt quãng
• Phải trả lời đủ tất cả bullet points trong cue card
• Examiner sẽ không giúp đỡ trong lúc bạn nói

Chiến lược hiệu quả:

• Sử dụng đầy đủ 1 phút chuẩn bị để note keywords (KHÔNG viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
• Tổ chức note theo đúng thứ tự bullet points
• Nói tối thiểu 1.5 phút, lý tưởng là 2 phút
• Sử dụng thì quá khứ xuyên suốt khi kể chuyện
• Dành thời gian nhiều nhất cho bullet point cuối (explain feelings)

Lỗi thường gặp:

• Viết quá nhiều trong 1 phút chuẩn bị, sau đó đọc như đọc bài
• Nói không đủ 1.5 phút
• Bỏ sót bullet points, đặc biệt là phần “explain”
• Dùng thì hiện tại khi kể về sự việc quá khứ
• Nói theo template cứng nhắc, không tự nhiên

Cue Card

Describe a time when you felt very proud of yourself

You should say:

• What you did
• When and where it happened
• Who was with you
• And explain why you felt very proud of yourself

Phân Tích Đề Bài

Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an event/experience (Personal story)

Thì động từ chính: Quá khứ đơn (Past Simple) và quá khứ tiếp diễn (Past Continuous) cho phần kể chuyện. Có thể dùng Past Perfect để nói về việc diễn ra trước đó.

Bullet points phải cover:

• What you did: Đây là phần core – bạn làm gì cụ thể? Hành động nào tạo ra kết quả?
• When and where: Context về thời gian và địa điểm (không cần quá chi tiết)
• Who was with you: Người đồng hành, hỗ trợ hoặc chứng kiến (nếu không có thì nói “I did it alone”)
• Explain why: Phần QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT – giải thích cảm xúc, ý nghĩa của thành tựu đó

Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần thể hiện depth of thinking và emotional intelligence. Examiner muốn nghe không chỉ về sự việc mà còn về reflection của bạn. Dành ít nhất 30-40 giây cho phần này.

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt really proud of myself. It was about two years ago when I participated in a marathon for the first time.

The event took place in Ho Chi Minh City in October 2022. It was a 10-kilometer run, which was quite challenging for me because I wasn’t very good at sports before. I signed up for this marathon with two of my close friends from university. We trained together every weekend for about three months before the race.

On the day of the marathon, I was very nervous at the beginning. The weather was hot and there were thousands of people running. During the race, I felt tired many times and wanted to stop, but I kept going because my friends encouraged me. When I crossed the finish line, I was extremely happy and tired at the same time.

I felt very proud of myself for several reasons. First, I completed something that I thought was impossible for me. I was never a sporty person, so finishing a 10-kilometer race was a big achievement. Second, I proved to myself that I could overcome difficulties if I tried hard enough. This experience taught me that I’m stronger than I thought. Finally, I felt proud because I didn’t give up even when it was hard. This marathon changed my mindset about challenges in my life.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có sequencing logic (First, Second, Finally), linking words cơ bản (because, when), nhưng thiếu variety. Một vài hesitation nhẹ có thể xảy ra.
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate (participated in, took place, encouraged, achievement), có một số collocations đúng nhưng thiếu sophisticated vocabulary. Một số lặp từ (very, felt).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Mix của simple và complex sentences, sử dụng đúng past tenses. Có relative clauses (which was quite challenging) nhưng thiếu variety của structures.
Pronunciation	6-7	Clear và understandable, stress patterns cơ bản đúng.

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đủ tất cả bullet points
• ✅ Story line rõ ràng với beginning, middle, end
• ✅ Có personal touch và emotions
• ✅ Đủ độ dài tối thiểu

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng còn basic, thiếu idiomatic expressions
• ⚠️ Thiếu vivid descriptions về feelings và atmosphere
• ⚠️ Grammar structures khá đơn giản, repetitive
• ⚠️ Phần explain chưa đủ deep và sophisticated

📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

“I’d like to share an experience that filled me with immense pride. It happened roughly eighteen months ago when I successfully delivered my first independent research project at university.

The project took place throughout my final semester, from February to May 2023. I was conducting research on sustainable urban development in Vietnamese cities, specifically focusing on Da Nang. What made this particularly challenging was that I had to coordinate with local government officials, conduct surveys with over 200 residents, and analyze complex data all on my own. My supervisor, Dr. Nguyen, provided guidance, but the bulk of the work rested on my shoulders.

During those three months, I faced numerous obstacles. There were times when respondents were reluctant to participate in surveys, and I had to modify my approach several times. I remember pulling several all-nighters to meet deadlines, especially when I was compiling the final report. The presentation day was nerve-wracking – I had to present my findings to a panel of five professors.

When I received positive feedback and was told that my research contributed valuable insights, I experienced an overwhelming sense of achievement. I felt proud for multiple reasons. Firstly, I had demonstrated perseverance in the face of setbacks. There were moments when I doubted whether I could pull it off, but I pushed through. Secondly, this project validated my academic abilities – it showed me that I could conduct meaningful research independently. Most importantly, knowing that my work might inform future policy decisions gave me a profound sense of purpose. This experience transformed my confidence and reaffirmed my decision to pursue a career in urban planning.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Smooth delivery với variety of discourse markers (Firstly, Secondly, Most importantly), clear progression, minimal hesitation.
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Wide range of vocabulary (immense pride, conduct surveys, bulk of the work, pulling all-nighters), good collocations, some less common phrases (nerve-wracking, validated my abilities).
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Variety of complex structures (relative clauses, participle clauses), accurate use of past tenses including Past Perfect, passive voice.
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Clear with natural stress and intonation patterns.

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	“participated in a marathon”, “trained together”, “crossed the finish line”	“successfully delivered my research project”, “conducted surveys”, “received positive feedback”, “overwhelming sense of achievement”
Grammar	Simple past: “I was nervous”, “I felt tired”	More complex: “What made this particularly challenging was that…”, “knowing that my work might inform…”
Ideas	Basic explanation: “I proved I could overcome difficulties”	Deeper reflection: “This project validated my academic abilities and transformed my confidence”
Details	General: “hot weather, thousands of people”	Specific: “over 200 residents, panel of five professors, three-month period”

Những tình huống đòi hỏi sự kiên trì như vậy cũng tương tự như Describe a time when you faced an unexpected problem, nơi bạn cần thể hiện khả năng vượt qua khó khăn.

Sinh viên Việt Nam tự hào hoàn thành dự án nghiên cứu độc lập tại trường đại học

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

“I’d like to recount an experience that stands out as a defining moment in my personal development – the time I orchestrated a community literacy program for underprivileged children in my neighborhood.

This initiative unfolded over six months, from September 2022 to February 2023, in a low-income district on the outskirts of Hanoi. The project involved recruiting and training volunteer tutors, securing funding from local businesses, and establishing a learning center in a repurposed community hall. I worked primarily with a dedicated team of eight volunteers, though the lion’s share of coordination fell to me as the project lead.

The journey was fraught with challenges that tested my resolve at every turn. Initially, many parents were skeptical about the program’s value, questioning whether it would genuinely benefit their children. I had to invest considerable time building trust through door-to-door conversations and community meetings. Logistical hurdles were also formidable – from navigating bureaucratic red tape to obtain necessary permits to improvising solutions when our initial venue fell through. I vividly remember one particularly daunting week when our funding nearly collapsed, and I had to scramble to present a compelling pitch to alternative sponsors. The emotional toll was significant; there were nights when I questioned whether I had bitten off more than I could chew.

However, when we finally launched the program and I witnessed forty children eagerly attending classes, something profoundly meaningful crystallized. The pride I felt was multilayered. On one level, there was the straightforward satisfaction of seeing a vision materialize – translating an abstract concept into tangible impact. But more profoundly, I was proud of the person I’d become through this process. I’d transcended my natural introversion to become a persuasive advocate for these children. I’d learned to navigate setbacks with resilience rather than resignation. Perhaps most importantly, I’d discovered that authentic fulfillment comes not from personal accolades but from contributing meaningfully to others’ lives. Six months after the program’s inception, seeing former non-readers confidently navigating storybooks, I experienced what I can only describe as profound contentment – a feeling that I’d aligned my actions with my deepest values. This experience fundamentally reshaped how I define success and continues to inform my life choices to this day.”

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Completely fluent với sophisticated markers (Initially, However, Perhaps most importantly), seamless flow, full development of ideas, zero hesitation expected.
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Sophisticated vocabulary used naturally (orchestrated, fraught with challenges, formidable, transcended, authentic fulfillment), idiomatic language (lion’s share, bitten off more than I could chew), precise collocations.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures including inversion, cleft sentences, complex conditionals, participle phrases, all used accurately and naturally. Errors rare and minor.
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Native-like pronunciation với natural stress, rhythm, và intonation.

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Bài nói không có bất kỳ hesitation nào, ideas flow naturally từ context setting → challenges → resolution → reflection. Sử dụng discourse markers một cách tinh tế (Initially, However, Perhaps most importantly) để guide listener through the narrative.

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• “orchestrated a community literacy program” – sophisticated alternative cho “organized”, shows scale và complexity
• “fraught with challenges” – idiomatic, precise
• “lion’s share of coordination” – idiom tự nhiên
• “bitten off more than I could chew” – conversational idiom cho overwhelming situation
• “transcended my natural introversion” – academic vocabulary used appropriately
• “authentic fulfillment” vs simple “happiness”
• “aligned my actions with my deepest values” – philosophical depth

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Participle phrases: “seeing former non-readers confidently navigating storybooks”
• Cleft sentence: “what I can only describe as profound contentment”
• Complex noun phrases: “the person I’d become through this process”
• Past Perfect Continuous: “I’d been working” (implied understanding)
• Inversion for emphasis: (though không sử dụng trong bài này để giữ naturalness)

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Không chỉ kể story mà còn demonstrate deep reflection:

• Multilayered analysis of pride (personal achievement → character development → contribution to society)
• Acknowledges internal struggle (emotional toll, questioning oneself)
• Shows growth mindset (transcended introversion)
• Philosophical conclusion về meaning of success
• Long-term impact on life values

Emotional Intelligence:
Bài nói thể hiện self-awareness cao (acknowledging natural introversion, admitting doubts) và social awareness (understanding parents’ skepticism, focusing on impact on others)

Storytelling Quality:
Sử dụng vivid details (forty children, six months, door-to-door conversations) và specific examples (funding nearly collapsed, venue fell through) để make story compelling và believable.

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Sau khi bạn kết thúc Part 2, examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn để transition sang Part 3:

Question 1: Do you still volunteer with that program?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“No, I don’t work with that program now because I moved to another city for my studies. But I still keep in contact with some volunteers there.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“While I’m no longer directly involved due to my relocation for postgraduate studies, I remain actively engaged as a remote advisor. I also leverage the experience when advocating for similar initiatives in my current community. The program continues to thrive under new leadership, which itself is deeply satisfying – knowing it’s become self-sustaining.”

💡 Key differences: Band 8-9 uses sophisticated vocabulary (directly involved, relocation, leverage, self-sustaining), shows continued engagement rather than complete disconnection, và demonstrates lasting impact.

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Question 2: Was it difficult to organize such a program?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, it was quite difficult. I had to spend a lot of time planning everything and finding volunteers. Also, getting money was hard.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Immensely challenging, actually. The logistical complexity was one thing – coordinating schedules, securing resources – but the interpersonal dynamics proved equally demanding. Building consensus among stakeholders with divergent priorities required considerable diplomatic skill. That said, these very challenges made the eventual success all the more gratifying.”

💡 Key differences: Band 8-9 acknowledges complexity với specific aspects (logistical vs interpersonal), uses academic vocabulary naturally (divergent priorities, diplomatic skill), và ends với reflection về relationship between difficulty và satisfaction.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 là phần khó nhất và quan trọng nhất trong IELTS Speaking, kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi trừu tượng và sâu sắc.

Đặc điểm:

• Câu hỏi liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2 nhưng ở level rộng hơn, trừu tượng hơn
• Yêu cầu phân tích, so sánh, đánh giá các vấn đề xã hội
• Cần đưa ra opinion có lý lẽ, không chỉ kinh nghiệm cá nhân
• Examiner có thể challenge opinion của bạn để test argumentation skills

Yêu cầu:

• Trả lời 3-5 câu cho mỗi question (30-45 giây)
• Demonstrate critical thinking
• Use examples từ society, world trends, not just personal stories
• Show ability to see multiple perspectives

Chiến lược:

• Sử dụng discourse markers để organize ideas (Well, From my perspective, To some extent)
• Structure: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Conclusion/Nuance
• Acknowledge complexity (It depends, There are both advantages and disadvantages)
• Connect ideas between different questions

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:

• Trả lời quá ngắn như Part 1 (1-2 câu)
• Chỉ nói về kinh nghiệm cá nhân, không generalize
• Thiếu lý lẽ logic để support opinion
• Không có examples cụ thể từ society
• Vocabulary quá đơn giản cho abstract topics
• Không dare to elaborate khi examiner nhìn encourage

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Personal Achievement and Success

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Question 1: Why do some people feel more proud of their achievements than others?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause/Reason question (Why)
• Key words: “some people”, “more proud than others” – so sánh differences
• Cách tiếp cận: Analyze factors (personality, upbringing, cultural values, achievement itself)

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think it depends on the person’s personality. Some people are naturally confident and feel proud easily, while others are more modest. Also, if the achievement is very difficult, people will feel more proud. For example, winning a gold medal is more impressive than a silver medal, so people feel prouder.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Simple comparison (some…while others), có example
• Vocabulary: Basic (confident, proud, difficult, impressive)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas clear nhưng shallow, thiếu depth analysis, vocabulary limited

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Well, I’d say there are multiple factors at play here. From a psychological perspective, individuals’ self-esteem levels and internal locus of control significantly influence how they perceive their accomplishments. Those with higher self-efficacy tend to internalize success and feel genuinely proud, whereas people with impostor syndrome might downplay their achievements despite external recognition.

Cultural conditioning also plays a crucial role. In collectivist societies like Vietnam, there’s often a cultural norm of humility and deflecting praise, which can suppress outward expressions of pride even when it’s felt internally. Conversely, in more individualistic cultures, celebrating personal wins is more socially acceptable.

Additionally, the nature of the achievement itself matters. Accomplishments that involve overcoming significant adversity or represent personal growth tend to generate deeper pride than those that came easily. If someone attributes their success to luck rather than effort, they’re less likely to feel that sense of ownership over the achievement.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với multiple angles (psychological → cultural → situational), clear topic sentences
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated academic terms (self-efficacy, locus of control, impostor syndrome, collectivist societies) used naturally
• Grammar: Complex structures (whereas, Conversely, If someone attributes…), variety of tenses
• Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis, shows deep understanding of human psychology và cultural differences

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: “Well, I’d say”, “From a psychological perspective”, “Additionally”
• Tentative language: “tend to”, “might downplay”, “less likely to”
• Abstract nouns: self-esteem, accomplishment, adversity, ownership
• Collocations: multiple factors at play, internal locus of control, downplay achievements, attribute success

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Question 2: Do you think society places too much emphasis on individual achievement?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion question về social phenomenon
• Key words: “too much emphasis”, “individual achievement”
• Cách tiếp cận: Balanced view – acknowledge both sides, give personal stance

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think in modern society, people focus a lot on personal success like getting good grades or earning high salary. This can be good because it motivates people to work hard. However, it can also cause problems like stress and competition between people. I believe we should balance individual achievement with teamwork and helping others.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có acknowledge both sides (good…however), có personal opinion
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng general (focus a lot, cause problems, balance)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Ideas present nhưng lack sophistication và specific examples

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“To some extent, yes, I believe we’ve cultivated an achievement-obsessed culture that can be detrimental to collective well-being. The relentless pursuit of individual success often comes at the expense of community bonds and collaborative endeavors. We see this manifested in rising rates of burnout, anxiety disorders, and what sociologists call ‘success anxiety’ – the perpetual feeling of not being enough despite accomplishments.

That said, recognizing individual achievement isn’t inherently problematic. The issue arises when success becomes narrowly defined – typically in terms of wealth accumulation or professional status – while undervaluing contributions like caregiving, community building, or environmental stewardship. In meritocratic systems, this focus can also perpetuate inequality by overlooking systemic barriers that prevent certain groups from achieving.

Ideally, we’d strike a balance – celebrating individual excellence while fostering a culture of interdependence where collective achievements are equally valued. Some Scandinavian countries seem to embody this approach, maintaining robust social safety nets while still encouraging personal ambition.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Nuanced three-part argument (acknowledge problem → clarify the real issue → propose balanced solution)
• Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (achievement-obsessed culture, detrimental, at the expense of, perpetuate inequality)
• Grammar: Advanced structures (The issue arises when…, while undervaluing…, what sociologists call…)
• Critical Thinking: Shows depth – không simply agree/disagree mà analyze root cause và propose solutions, có global perspective (Scandinavian example)

💡 Key Language Features:

• Hedging: “To some extent”, “can be detrimental”, “often comes at”
• Academic vocabulary: cultivated, manifested in, meritocratic, systemic barriers, interdependence
• Discourse markers: “That said”, “Ideally”, “while still”
• Sociological references: Cites concepts like “success anxiety”, meritocratic systems

Khi thảo luận về các thành tựu cá nhân trong bối cảnh xã hội, có thể liên hệ đến những tấm gương như describe a famous sports personality from your country để minh họa cách xã hội đánh giá thành công.

Thảo luận sâu về vai trò của thành tích cá nhân trong xã hội hiện đại

Theme 2: Motivation and Goal-Setting

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Question 3: What role do goals play in people’s feelings of pride and accomplishment?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Analyze relationship (What role)
• Key words: “goals”, “feelings of pride and accomplishment”
• Cách tiếp cận: Explain the connection, provide psychological/practical reasons

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Goals are very important for feeling proud. When people set goals and achieve them, they feel successful. If someone has clear goals, they know what they want to do, so when they finish, they can feel proud of themselves. Without goals, people might not feel as proud because they don’t have something specific to achieve.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Linear explanation (goals → achievement → pride)
• Vocabulary: Basic và repetitive (important, proud, successful, clear)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Explanation logical nhưng superficial, lacks sophistication

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Goals serve as crucial benchmarks that transform abstract aspirations into measurable achievements, and this tangibility is fundamental to experiencing pride. From a motivational psychology standpoint, goals provide directional focus and milestones that help us gauge progress. When we attain a goal we’ve consciously set, there’s a clear cause-and-effect relationship between our efforts and outcomes, which amplifies the sense of personal agency and, consequently, pride.

Moreover, goals calibrate our expectations. Someone who achieves a modest goal they set might feel profoundly proud, while another person accomplishing something objectively more impressive but which fell short of their ambitious target might feel disappointed. It’s this subjective evaluation against personal benchmarks rather than absolute achievement that often determines pride levels.

However, I’d add a caveat: an excessive fixation on extrinsic goals – like wealth or status – can paradoxically undermine genuine satisfaction. Research suggests that pride derived from intrinsic goal achievement – personal growth, mastery, contribution – tends to be more sustainable and psychologically fulfilling than pride from external validation.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Three-dimensional analysis (goals as benchmarks → subjective nature of achievement → quality of goals matters)
• Vocabulary: Precise academic language (crucial benchmarks, tangibility, directional focus, calibrate expectations, extrinsic vs intrinsic goals)
• Grammar: Complex structures using relative clauses, participles, comparative structures
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates understanding of psychological research, acknowledges nuance (not all goals equal), shows sophisticated reasoning

💡 Key Language Features:

• Academic discourse: “From a motivational psychology standpoint”, “Research suggests”
• Precise verbs: transform, amplifies, calibrate, undermine
• Abstract concepts: tangibility, personal agency, subjective evaluation
• Contrasts: “modest goal…profoundly proud” vs “objectively impressive…disappointed”

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Theme 3: Cultural Differences in Achievement

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Question 4: How do different cultures view personal achievement differently?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare and contrast question
• Key words: “different cultures”, “view”, “differently”
• Cách tiếp cận: Contrast collectivist vs individualist cultures, give specific examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Different cultures have different opinions about personal achievement. In Western countries like America, people celebrate individual success more openly. They think it’s good to be proud of yourself. But in Asian cultures like Vietnam, people are taught to be modest and not talk too much about their achievements. They think the group or family is more important than one person.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Simple comparison (Western vs Asian)
• Vocabulary: General terms (celebrate, success, modest, important)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Makes valid point nhưng oversimplifies, lacks depth và specific cultural nuances

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is a fascinating area of cross-cultural psychology. Broadly speaking, there’s a fundamental divide between individualistic cultures – predominantly Western societies – and collectivistic cultures common in Asia, where achievement is conceptualized and celebrated quite differently.

In individualistic contexts like the United States or Australia, personal achievement is often viewed through the lens of self-actualization and personal exceptionalism. There’s a cultural narrative around the ‘self-made‘ individual who rises above circumstances through sheer determination. Success is typically attributed to personal qualities and effort, and public acknowledgment of one’s achievements is not only acceptable but often expected.

Conversely, in collectivistic societies like Japan, Korea, or Vietnam, achievement is often contextualized within group success. There’s a cultural premium on humility and deflecting personal credit toward teachers, family, or team. This isn’t false modesty – it reflects a genuine belief that success is inherently interdependent. The concept of ‘face‘ in many Asian cultures also means that excessive self-promotion can be seen as socially gauche or even disrespectful to others.

Interestingly, we’re seeing these distinctions blur in our globalized world. Many young Asians, particularly those in cosmopolitan centers, are adopting more individualistic attitudes toward achievement, while some Western societies are rediscovering the value of communal success and collective responsibility. Vietnam itself presents a fascinating case study – there’s a generational tension between traditional collectivist values and emerging individualistic aspirations, particularly in entrepreneurial contexts.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated four-part structure (framework → individualistic cultures → collectivistic cultures → contemporary evolution)
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated academic vocabulary (cross-cultural psychology, self-actualization, contextualized within, inherently interdependent)
• Grammar: Advanced structures throughout, including nominalizations, passive voice for effect, complex relative clauses
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates nuanced understanding, avoids stereotypes, acknowledges changing dynamics, uses specific cultural concepts (face, self-made), provides contemporary analysis

💡 Key Language Features:

• Academic framing: “Broadly speaking”, “Interestingly”, “This is a fascinating area”
• Sophisticated contrasts: “Conversely”, “while some Western societies”
• Cultural terminology: self-actualization, face, cosmopolitan centers, generational tension
• Hedging: “often viewed”, “can be seen as”, “tends to”
• Contemporary relevance: Mentions globalization, changing trends, specific example (Vietnam)

Các biểu tượng văn hóa như describe a famous historical monument in your country cũng phản ánh cách mỗi nền văn hóa tôn vinh và ghi nhớ những thành tựu tập thể.

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Question 5: Should children be taught to celebrate their achievements, or does this make them arrogant?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion question with potential conflict (Should…or does this…)
• Key words: “children”, “celebrate achievements”, “arrogant”
• Cách tiếp cận: Balanced view, distinguish between healthy pride và arrogance, consider how to celebrate appropriately

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“I think children should learn to feel proud when they do something good, but parents should teach them to be humble too. If children always get too much praise, they might become arrogant and think they’re better than others. But if they never feel proud, they might not have confidence. So parents should find a balance – praise children when they work hard but also teach them to respect others.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced view (should celebrate…but…balance)
• Vocabulary: Simple (proud, praise, arrogant, confidence, respect)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Reasonable argument nhưng lacks depth, psychological insight, và specific strategies

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“This is a nuanced issue that requires us to distinguish between healthy pride and detrimental arrogance. I’d argue that children absolutely should be taught to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements, but the manner and context of celebration are crucial.

Psychologically speaking, children who learn to recognize their accomplishments develop healthier self-esteem and intrinsic motivation. Research in developmental psychology shows that children who receive specific, process-oriented praise – focusing on effort and strategy rather than innate ability – are more likely to embrace challenges and persist through difficulties. This is worlds apart from creating arrogance.

The key is framing achievement within a growth mindset framework. Rather than saying ‘You’re so smart‘, which fosters a fixed mindset and potential arrogance, we should celebrate with phrases like ‘Your hard work paid off‘ or ‘I’m proud of how you persevered‘. This teaches children that achievements result from dedication rather than inherent superiority.

Additionally, celebrating achievements shouldn’t exist in isolation from teaching empathy and social responsibility. Children can simultaneously learn to feel proud of personal accomplishments while valuing others’ contributions and successes. In fact, secure, well-celebrated children often become more generous in acknowledging others’ achievements rather than less.

The problem arises not from celebration itself but from conditional love – when children feel valued only for achievements rather than intrinsically. This breeds either arrogance or crippling perfectionism, both unhealthy. Striking the right balance means celebrating achievements while reinforcing that a child’s worth isn’t contingent on success.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Highly sophisticated five-part argument (distinguish terms → psychological research → proper framing → broader context → root problem analysis)
• Vocabulary: Advanced academic và psychological terminology (nuanced issue, intrinsic motivation, growth mindset, conditional love, contingent on)
• Grammar: Complex structures including nominalizations, multiple embedded clauses, sophisticated conditionals
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates deep understanding of child psychology, cites research frameworks (growth mindset, developmental psychology), provides actionable advice, identifies root causes rather than symptoms

💡 Key Language Features:

• Academic authority: “Research in developmental psychology shows”, “Psychologically speaking”
• Sophisticated contrasts: “This is worlds apart from”, “rather than”, “simultaneously”
• Psychological concepts: growth mindset vs fixed mindset, intrinsic motivation, conditional love
• Precise qualifiers: “specific, process-oriented praise”, “inherent superiority”
• Cause-effect language: “fosters”, “breeds”, “contingent on”

Những người có ảnh hưởng tích cực như describe a person who inspires you to work hard thường là những người biết cân bằng giữa tự hào về thành tích và duy trì sự khiêm tốn.

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Theme 4: Modern Challenges and Achievement

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Question 6: How has social media changed the way people view and share their achievements?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Analyze change/impact (How has…changed)
• Key words: “social media”, “view and share”, “achievements”
• Cách tiếp cận: Discuss both positive và negative impacts, give contemporary examples

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

“Social media has changed things a lot. Now people can share their success with many people quickly through Facebook or Instagram. This can be good because friends can congratulate them easily. But sometimes people only show their best moments and this makes others feel bad about themselves. Some people also share achievements just to get likes, not because they really feel proud.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Simple positive-negative structure
• Vocabulary: Basic (changed a lot, share, good, feel bad)
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Identifies key points nhưng lacks depth analysis và sophisticated vocabulary

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

“Social media has fundamentally transformed not just how we share achievements but how we conceptualize them in the first place. We’ve witnessed the emergence of what sociologists call ‘performative achievement‘ – accomplishments curated and presented primarily for external validation rather than personal satisfaction.

On one hand, social media has democratized achievement sharing. Previously, only major accomplishments might warrant public recognition through traditional media. Now, individuals can celebrate incremental victories and receive immediate positive reinforcement from their networks, which can be genuinely motivating and create supportive communities.

However, there’s a darker dimension. The constant exposure to others’ carefully curated highlight reels has spawned what psychologists call ‘comparison culture‘. Studies show that excessive social media use correlates with increased anxiety and decreased life satisfaction, partly because we’re perpetually measuring ourselves against unrealistic benchmarks. There’s also the phenomenon of ‘achievement inflation‘ – where ordinary experiences are reframed as major accomplishments for content creation purposes, which ultimately dilutes the authentic significance of genuine achievements.

Moreover, the metrics-driven nature of social platforms – likes, shares, comments – has introduced a quantifiable dimension to achievement validation that didn’t exist before. This can distort motivation, shifting people toward achievements that are photogenic or shareable rather than personally meaningful. We’re seeing young people choose experiences based on Instagram-ability rather than intrinsic interest.

Looking forward, I think we’re entering a phase of digital fatigue where people are becoming more discerning about their social media engagement. There’s a growing counter-movement toward authentic sharing and digital minimalism, which might restore a healthier relationship with achievement sharing.”

Phân tích:

• Structure: Comprehensive five-part analysis (transformation → positive impacts → negative impacts → deeper consequences → future trends)
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated và contemporary (performative achievement, curated, democratized, comparison culture, achievement inflation, digital fatigue)
• Grammar: Advanced structures throughout, including nominalizations, passive constructions, complex modifying phrases
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates understanding of sociological research, identifies specific phenomena with technical terms, provides balanced analysis, includes forward-looking perspective

💡 Key Language Features:

• Contemporary terminology: performative achievement, comparison culture, Instagram-ability, digital minimalism
• Sociological framing: “sociologists call”, “Studies show”, “psychologists call”
• Cause-effect chains: “has spawned”, “correlates with”, “distort motivation”
• Sophisticated evaluation: “darker dimension”, “dilutes the authentic significance”
• Future-oriented: “Looking forward”, “counter-movement”, “might restore”

Ảnh hưởng của mạng xã hội đến cách người trẻ chia sẻ và đánh giá thành tích cá nhân

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
overcome challenges	verb phrase	/ˌəʊvəˈkʌm ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/	vượt qua thử thách	I felt proud when I overcame the challenges in my project.	overcome obstacles, overcome difficulties, successfully overcome
sense of accomplishment	noun phrase	/sens əv əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/	cảm giác hoàn thành, đạt được	Finishing the marathon gave me a great sense of accomplishment.	genuine sense of, deep sense of, bring a sense of
perseverance	noun	/ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/	sự kiên trì	My perseverance helped me achieve my goals.	demonstrate perseverance, require perseverance, show great perseverance
milestone	noun	/ˈmaɪlstəʊn/	cột mốc quan trọng	Graduating was an important milestone in my life.	major milestone, significant milestone, reach a milestone
tangible results	noun phrase	/ˈtændʒəbl rɪˈzʌlts/	kết quả hữu hình, cụ thể	I was proud to see tangible results from my efforts.	produce tangible results, achieve tangible results, deliver tangible results
step out of comfort zone	verb phrase	/step aʊt əv ˈkʌmfət zəʊn/	bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn	This achievement required me to step out of my comfort zone.	push out of, move out of, willing to step out
intrinsic motivation	noun phrase	/ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃn/	động lực nội tại	My intrinsic motivation drove me to succeed.	rely on intrinsic, develop intrinsic, based on intrinsic
self-efficacy	noun	/ˌself ˈefɪkəsi/	sự tự tin vào năng lực bản thân	Achieving this goal boosted my self-efficacy.	enhance self-efficacy, develop self-efficacy, sense of self-efficacy
validate	verb	/ˈvælɪdeɪt/	xác nhận giá trị, chứng thực	This success validated my hard work.	validate efforts, validate abilities, validate approach
fulfillment	noun	/fʊlˈfɪlmənt/	sự thỏa mãn, trọn vẹn	I found deep fulfillment in helping others.	sense of fulfillment, bring fulfillment, achieve fulfillment
transformative experience	noun phrase	/trænsˈfɔːmətɪv ɪkˈspɪəriəns/	trải nghiệm có tính chất chuyển hóa	That project was a transformative experience for me.	truly transformative, deeply transformative, prove transformative
resilience	noun	/rɪˈzɪliəns/	khả năng phục hồi, tính kiên cường	Building resilience helped me face difficulties.	develop resilience, demonstrate resilience, build emotional resilience
meaningful contribution	noun phrase	/ˈmiːnɪŋfl ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃn/	đóng góp có ý nghĩa	Making a meaningful contribution to my community made me proud.	make meaningful contribution, provide meaningful contribution, valued for meaningful contribution
personal growth	noun phrase	/ˈpɜːsənl ɡrəʊθ/	sự phát triển cá nhân	This experience led to significant personal growth.	experience personal growth, facilitate personal growth, opportunity for personal growth
exceed expectations	verb phrase	/ɪkˈsiːd ˌekspekˈteɪʃnz/	vượt qua kỳ vọng	I was proud to exceed my own expectations.	exceed initial expectations, consistently exceed, far exceed
breakthrough	noun	/ˈbreɪkθruː/	bước đột phá	Achieving this was a real breakthrough for me.	major breakthrough, significant breakthrough, represent a breakthrough
self-doubt	noun	/ˌself ˈdaʊt/	sự nghi ngờ bản thân	I had to overcome self-doubt to succeed.	overcome self-doubt, experience self-doubt, plagued by self-doubt
gratifying	adjective	/ˈɡrætɪfaɪɪŋ/	làm hài lòng, thỏa mãn	Seeing the results was deeply gratifying.	deeply gratifying, immensely gratifying, particularly gratifying
adversity	noun	/ədˈvɜːsəti/	hoàn cảnh khó khăn	I learned to face adversity with courage.	overcome adversity, face adversity, triumph over adversity
recognition	noun	/ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃn/	sự công nhận	Receiving recognition for my work felt wonderful.	gain recognition, receive public recognition, deserve recognition

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
pull something off	hoàn thành thành công điều khó	I managed to pull off the presentation despite technical difficulties.	7.5-9
step up to the plate	chủ động đảm nhận trách nhiệm	When the leader left, I stepped up to the plate and took charge.	7.5-9
go the extra mile	cố gắng hơn mức cần thiết	I went the extra mile to ensure the project’s success.	7-8
come to fruition	thành hiện thực, đạt kết quả	Seeing my plans come to fruition was incredibly satisfying.	8-9
push the boundaries	vượt qua giới hạn	This achievement showed me I could push the boundaries of what I thought possible.	7.5-9
make one’s mark	tạo dấu ấn, để lại ấn tượng	I felt I’d finally made my mark in my field.	7-8
turn over a new leaf	bắt đầu một chương mới tích cực	This achievement helped me turn over a new leaf in my career.	7-8
rise to the occasion	đáp ứng được yêu cầu trong tình huống khó	When challenges emerged, I was proud to rise to the occasion.	7.5-8.5
a defining moment	khoảnh khắc quyết định, đánh dấu	This was a defining moment in my personal development.	8-9
strike a balance	đạt được sự cân bằng	I learned to strike a balance between ambition and well-being.	7.5-8.5
labor of love	công việc làm vì đam mê, không phải vì lợi ích	The project was a labor of love that took months to complete.	8-9
bear fruit	mang lại kết quả (dùng cho nỗ lực lâu dài)	Years of practice finally bore fruit when I won the competition.	7.5-8.5
break new ground	khám phá lĩnh vực mới, đột phá	My research broke new ground in sustainable development.	8-9
the turning point	bước ngoặt quan trọng	That achievement was the turning point in my confidence.	7-8
scale new heights	đạt được thành tựu cao hơn	This success inspired me to scale new heights.	7.5-8.5

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc điều chính sự việc
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn nói thật, chân thành
• 📝 I’d say that… – Khi đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân
• 📝 From my perspective,… – Từ góc nhìn của tôi
• 📝 In my experience,… – Theo kinh nghiệm của tôi

Để bổ sung ý:

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

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… chúng ta cũng cần xem xét…
• 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, điều đó nói rằng…
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó…
• 📝 Conversely,… – Ngược lại

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
• 📝 Ultimately,… – Cuối cùng, rốt cuộc
• 📝 In the final analysis,… – Khi phân tích cuối cùng
• 📝 Looking at the bigger picture,… – Nhìn vào bức tranh lớn hơn

Để giải thích và làm rõ:

• 📝 What I mean is,… – Ý tôi là…
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác
• 📝 To put it another way,… – Để diễn đạt theo cách khác
• 📝 Specifically,… – Cụ thể là
• 📝 For instance,… – Ví dụ như

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

Mixed conditional:

• Formula: If + Past Perfect, would + base verb (present result of past condition)
• Ví dụ: “If I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone, I wouldn’t have the confidence I have today.”

Inversion (for emphasis):

• Formula: Had/Were + subject + past participle/adjective, would have…
• Ví dụ: “Had I known how challenging it would be, I might have hesitated, but I’m glad I didn’t.”

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

Non-defining relative clauses:

• Formula: …, which/who [adds extra information], …
• Ví dụ: “I coordinated a charity event, which raised substantial funds, throughout last summer.”

Reduced relative clauses:

• Formula: [noun] + participle phrase
• Ví dụ: “The project, spanning three months, taught me valuable lessons about perseverance.”

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

Impersonal passive (for academic tone):

• It is thought/believed/said that…
• Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that personal achievements contribute significantly to self-esteem.”

Advanced passive structures:

• Formula: Subject + be + being + past participle
• Ví dụ: “My efforts were being recognized by people I deeply respected.”

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

What-clefts:

• Formula: What + subject + verb + is/was…
• Ví dụ: “What I found most rewarding was seeing the tangible impact on others’ lives.”
• Ví dụ: “What made me particularly proud wasn’t the recognition, but the personal growth I experienced.”

It-clefts:

• Formula: It + be + emphasized element + that/who…
• Ví dụ: “It was the perseverance through difficulties that made the achievement truly meaningful.”

5. Inversion for Emphasis:

Negative adverbials:

• Formula: Never/Rarely/Seldom + auxiliary + subject + main verb
• Ví dụ: “Never before had I felt such a profound sense of accomplishment.”
• Ví dụ: “Rarely do we get opportunities to genuinely transform our capabilities.”

6. Participle Clauses:

Present participle (simultaneous actions):

• Ví dụ: “Seeing the children eagerly attending classes, I experienced profound satisfaction.”

Past participle (passive meaning):

• Ví dụ: “Faced with numerous obstacles, I learned to adapt my approach.”

7. Subjunctive Mood:

For suggestions/importance:

• Formula: It is important/essential that + subject + base verb
• Ví dụ: “It’s essential that children be taught to celebrate achievements appropriately.”

8. Advanced Comparative Structures:

The more…, the more…:

• Ví dụ: “The more challenges I overcame, the more confident I became in my abilities.”

Nowhere near as… as:

• Ví dụ: “The satisfaction from external recognition was nowhere near as fulfilling as the intrinsic pride I felt.”

Những cấu trúc ngữ pháp này không chỉ giúp bạn đạt band điểm cao mà còn làm cho câu chuyện của bạn trở nên sinh động và thuyết phục hơn. Hãy nhớ rằng, key to success là sử dụng chúng một cách tự nhiên, không cứng nhắc như đang áp dụng công thức.

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Với hướng dẫn chi tiết này, bạn đã có đầy đủ công cụ để tự tin trả lời chủ đề “describe a time when you felt very proud of yourself” trong IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng, authenticity là yếu tố quan trọng nhất – examiner muốn nghe câu chuyện thật của bạn, được kể một cách tự nhiên và trôi chảy, không phải một bài văn được học thuộc. Chúc bạn thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS sắp tới và đừng quên rằng việc chia sẻ những khoảnh khắc tự hào của mình cũng là một cách để reflect on your personal growth journey.