On The Contrary và Opposite: Cách Dùng Để Đạt Band 7-9 IELTS

Giới Thiệu

“On the contrary” và “opposite” là hai cấu trúc thường bị nhầm lẫn trong IELTS, đặc biệt đối với thí sinh Việt Nam. Mặc dù cả hai đều liên quan đến việc thể hiện sự đối lập hoặc trái ngược, chúng có chức năng ngữ pháp và cách dùng hoàn toàn khác nhau. Hiểu rõ sự khác biệt này là yếu tố quan trọng giúp bạn đạt điểm cao trong cả bốn kỹ năng IELTS.

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 12-18, “on the contrary” xuất hiện thường xuyên trong Writing Task 2 (đặc biệt là các dạng bài Opinion và Discussion) và Speaking Part 3 khi thí sinh cần bác bỏ ý kiến trước đó. Trong khi đó, “opposite” là một tính từ/danh từ phổ biến trong cả bốn kỹ năng, đặc biệt trong Writing Task 1 khi mô tả xu hướng đối lập.

Ví dụ vận dụng trong IELTS:

Speaking Part 3 (Discussion):
“Many people think working from home reduces productivity. On the contrary, research has shown that remote workers are often more efficient.”
→ Phân tích: “On the contrary” được dùng để bác bỏ hoàn toàn ý kiến vừa nêu và đưa ra quan điểm đối lập.

Writing Task 2 (Opinion essay):
“Some argue that technology isolates people. On the contrary, it has connected individuals across continents in ways previously unimaginable.”
→ Phân tích: Cụm này đứng đầu câu, theo sau bởi dấu phẩy, để tạo sự nhấn mạnh mạnh mẽ cho luận điểm đối lập.

Writing Task 1 (Line graph):
“While Group A showed an upward trend, Group B displayed the opposite pattern, with figures declining steadily.”
→ Phân tích: “Opposite” đóng vai trò là tính từ bổ nghĩa cho danh từ “pattern”.

Speaking Part 2 (Describing a person):
“My brother and I have opposite personalities – he is extroverted while I prefer solitude.”
→ Phân tích: “Opposite” ở đây là tính từ mô tả sự khác biệt hoàn toàn giữa hai đối tượng.

Listening Section 3 (Academic discussion):
“The results were the opposite of what we expected, showing a decrease rather than an increase.”
→ Phân tích: “Opposite” dùng như danh từ với cấu trúc “the opposite of”.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học:
✅ Định nghĩa chính xác và sự khác biệt giữa “on the contrary” và “opposite”
✅ Công thức chi tiết với vị trí trong câu và thành phần đi kèm
✅ Cách vận dụng vào 4 kỹ năng IELTS một cách tự nhiên
✅ 25+ câu ví dụ Band 7-9 từ đề thi thật
✅ Các biến thể nâng cao và cụm từ thay thế cho Band 8+
✅ 7 lỗi thường gặp nhất của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục
✅ Bài tập thực hành có đáp án chi tiết

On The Contrary và Opposite Là Gì?

Định Nghĩa

On the contrary là một cụm trạng từ liên kết (conjunctive adverb phrase) được sử dụng để bác bỏ hoàn toàn một tuyên bố, ý kiến hoặc giả định vừa được đề cập trước đó, và sau đó đưa ra một luận điểm hoàn toàn đối lập.

Chức năng chính:

• Bác bỏ một quan điểm sai lầm hoặc không chính xác
• Tạo sự tương phản mạnh mẽ giữa hai ý kiến trái ngược nhau
• Nhấn mạnh sự phủ định hoàn toàn của ý trước đó
• Tăng tính thuyết phục cho lập luận trong văn viết học thuật

Opposite có thể là:

• Tính từ (adjective): Mô tả điều gì đó hoàn toàn khác biệt hoặc trái ngược
• Danh từ (noun): Chỉ người, vật hoặc khái niệm đối lập với cái khác
• Giới từ (preposition): Chỉ vị trí đối diện

Chức năng chính:

• Mô tả sự khác biệt hoàn toàn về tính chất, xu hướng hoặc đặc điểm
• So sánh hai đối tượng có tính chất trái ngược
• Chỉ vị trí đối diện trong không gian

Khi nào dùng trong IELTS:

On the contrary:

• Speaking Part 3: Khi examiner đưa ra một ý kiến và bạn muốn bác bỏ hoàn toàn
• Writing Task 2: Trong các đoạn văn phản biện (counter-argument) hoặc khi bác bỏ quan điểm đối lập
• Formal contexts: Luôn dùng trong ngữ cảnh trang trọng, học thuật

Opposite:

• Writing Task 1: Mô tả xu hướng, số liệu đối lập trong biểu đồ
• Speaking Part 1-2: Mô tả sự khác biệt giữa hai người, hai thời điểm, hai địa điểm
• Writing Task 2: So sánh hai khía cạnh đối lập của một vấn đề
• All contexts: Có thể dùng trong cả formal và informal

Tần Suất Xuất Hiện Trong IELTS

Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 10-19:

Speaking:

• Part 1: “Opposite” xuất hiện với tần suất trung bình khi thí sinh mô tả sự khác biệt (ví dụ: “My taste in music is opposite to my parents'”)
• Part 2: “Opposite” thường xuất hiện khi so sánh (describe a person, describe changes); “On the contrary” hiếm khi cần thiết
• Part 3: “On the contrary” xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các câu trả lời Band 7+ khi thí sinh bác bỏ quan điểm và đưa ra lập luận phản biện

Writing:

• Task 1: “Opposite” xuất hiện thường xuyên trong line graphs, bar charts khi mô tả xu hướng đối lập (40-50% các đề có cơ hội dùng)
• Task 2: “On the contrary” là marker quan trọng cho Band 7+ trong Opinion, Discussion essays (đặc biệt trong đoạn counter-argument); “Opposite” dùng ở mức độ trung bình khi so sánh hai khía cạnh

Listening/Reading:

• “Opposite” xuất hiện thường xuyên trong mô tả địa điểm (Section 1-2) và trong academic contexts
• “On the contrary” xuất hiện trong Section 3-4 (academic discussions, lectures)
• Cần nhận diện để hiểu đúng ý nghĩa phản bác hoặc sự đối lập

Band Score Impact:

• Band 6: Có thể dùng “opposite” đúng cơ bản; thường không dùng hoặc dùng sai “on the contrary”
• Band 7: Sử dụng cả hai chính xác; phân biệt được khi nào dùng cái nào; “on the contrary” xuất hiện ít nhất 1 lần trong Writing Task 2
• Band 8-9: Sử dụng “on the contrary” một cách tự nhiên và chính xác trong counter-arguments; kết hợp “opposite” linh hoạt với các collocations nâng cao (diametrically opposite, polar opposite)

Công Thức & Cấu Trúc

Công Thức On The Contrary

📌 CÔNG THỨC CHÍNH:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [Statement A]. On the contrary, [Statement B (opposite)].    │
│                                                              │
│ Ví dụ: "Some believe technology harms relationships.        │
│         On the contrary, it brings people closer together." │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Thành phần cấu trúc:

• Statement A: Ý kiến/tuyên bố được đưa ra trước (thường là ý kiến bị bác bỏ)
• On the contrary: Cụm trạng từ liên kết, luôn theo sau bởi dấu phẩy
• Statement B: Luận điểm đối lập hoàn toàn với Statement A

Vị trí trong câu:

• Đầu câu (phổ biến nhất): “On the contrary, + [independent clause].”
• Sau dấu chấm phẩy: “…; on the contrary, + [independent clause].”
• KHÔNG đứng cuối câu
• KHÔNG đứng giữa câu

Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết:

Câu 1: “Many assume that elderly people resist technology. On the contrary, recent surveys indicate that seniors are among the fastest-growing groups of internet users.”

Phân tích:

• Statement A: “Many assume that elderly people resist technology” (giả định sai)
• Connector: “On the contrary,” (bác bỏ hoàn toàn)
• Statement B: “recent surveys indicate that seniors are among the fastest-growing groups of internet users” (sự thật đối lập)
• Dấu câu: Dấu chấm sau Statement A; dấu phẩy sau “contrary”

Câu 2: “Critics argue that online education is inferior to traditional classroom learning. On the contrary, numerous studies have demonstrated that e-learning can be equally, if not more, effective.”

Phân tích:

• Context: Writing Task 2 – Opinion Essay
• Function: Bác bỏ quan điểm của critics và đưa ra evidence ngược lại
• Emphasis: “numerous studies” và “equally, if not more, effective” tăng tính thuyết phục

Công Thức Opposite

📌 CẤU TRÚC 1: OPPOSITE LÀ TÍNH TỪ

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [Subject] + [have/has/show] + opposite + [noun]    │
│                                                     │
│ Ví dụ: "The two groups displayed opposite trends." │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Ví dụ:

• “My sister and I have opposite personalities.”
• “The two countries adopted opposite approaches to the crisis.”
• “The data revealed opposite patterns in urban and rural areas.”

📌 CẤU TRÚC 2: OPPOSITE LÀ DANH TỪ

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ the opposite of + [noun/noun phrase]               │
│                                                    │
│ Ví dụ: "Success is the opposite of failure."      │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Ví dụ:

• “The results were the opposite of what researchers predicted.”
• “He did the opposite of what I advised.”
• “This policy represents the opposite of progress.”

📌 CẤU TRÚC 3: OPPOSITE LÀ GIỚI TỪ

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [Subject] + [be/sit/stand] + opposite + [object]   │
│                                                     │
│ Ví dụ: "The bank is opposite the post office."     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Ví dụ:

• “The restaurant is located opposite the train station.”
• “She sat opposite me during the interview.”
• “The two buildings stand opposite each other.”

Các Biến Thể

On the contrary – Formal variations:

Dạng chuẩn (Standard):
“Some think students need more homework. On the contrary, excessive assignments can harm learning.”

Với cấu trúc nhấn mạnh (Emphasis):
“Far from being beneficial, on the contrary, excessive screen time has proven detrimental to children’s development.”

Trong câu phức (Complex sentence):
“While opponents claim that renewable energy is unreliable, supporters argue, on the contrary, that it offers consistent power when properly implemented.”

Opposite – Flexibility variations:

Tính từ + intensifiers:

• “completely opposite directions”
• “diametrically opposite views” (Band 8+)
• “polar opposite perspectives” (Band 9)
• “directly opposite results”

Danh từ với modifiers:

• “the exact opposite of”
• “quite the opposite”
• “precisely the opposite”
• “the very opposite of”

Signal Words & Related Expressions

Các cụm từ tương đồng với “On the contrary”:

Cụm từ	Mức độ formal	Ví dụ	Band Level
quite the opposite	Semi-formal	“The project didn’t fail. Quite the opposite, it exceeded expectations.”	7
quite the reverse	Formal	“Prices didn’t increase. Quite the reverse, they fell by 20%.”	7-8
au contraire (literary)	Very formal	“He is not lazy. Au contraire, he is one of the most diligent workers.”	8+
far from it	Informal-neutral	“Is the task easy? Far from it – it’s extremely challenging.”	6-7

LÀM RÕ: On the contrary ≠ On the other hand

KHÁC BIỆT QUAN TRỌNG:

On the contrary = BÁC BỎ HOÀN TOÀN (complete contradiction)

• Dùng khi ý thứ hai PHỦ ĐỊNH hoàn toàn ý thứ nhất
• Ví dụ: “He’s not lazy. On the contrary, he works 12 hours daily.”

On the other hand = ĐƯA RA GÓC NHÌN KHÁC (alternative perspective)

• Dùng khi ý thứ hai là một khía cạnh khác, không nhất thiết phủ định
• Ví dụ: “Living in the city is convenient. On the other hand, it can be noisy.”

Các từ đi kèm với “Opposite”:

Collocation	Ý nghĩa	Ví dụ	IELTS Context
in the opposite direction	theo hướng ngược lại	“The economy moved in the opposite direction to predictions.”	Writing T1
have opposite effects	có tác động trái ngược	“These two policies have opposite effects on employment.”	Writing T2
opposite sides of	hai phía đối lập	“They stand on opposite sides of the debate.”	Speaking P3
opposite ends of the spectrum	hai cực đối lập	“Their views are at opposite ends of the political spectrum.”	Writing T2

Sơ đồ phân biệt cách sử dụng on the contrary và opposite trong IELTS với ví dụ cụ thể cho từng trường hợp

Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS

Speaking

Part 1 – Introduction & Interview:

Topic thường gặp: Hobbies, Family, Hometown, Daily routine

Ví dụ câu hỏi & trả lời với “Opposite”:

Q: “Are you and your siblings similar?”
A: “Not really. My brother and I have opposite personalities. While I’m quite introverted and prefer staying home, he’s extremely outgoing and loves socializing. We also have opposite tastes in music – I enjoy classical, whereas he’s into hip-hop.”
→ Phân tích: Dùng “opposite” như tính từ để mô tả sự khác biệt. Band 7+ vì có comparison structures và vocabulary range tốt.

Q: “Has your hometown changed much?”
A: “Yes, dramatically. The development has gone in the opposite direction to what I expected. I thought it would become more industrial, but instead, it’s focused on eco-tourism and green spaces.”
→ Phân tích: Cụm “opposite direction” thể hiện sự tương phản về xu hướng phát triển.

Part 2 – Long Turn:

Cue card example:
Describe two people you know who are very different.

Sample answer (Band 8):
“I’d like to talk about my two close friends, Anna and Sarah, who have completely opposite characteristics. Anna is methodical and organized – she plans everything weeks in advance and keeps detailed schedules. Sarah, on the contrary, is spontaneous and flexible. She often makes decisions on the spot and rarely sticks to plans.

In terms of lifestyle, they also show opposite tendencies. Anna follows a strict routine: she wakes at 6 AM, exercises regularly, and maintains a healthy diet. Sarah, however, has an irregular schedule and believes in living in the moment.

What’s interesting is that their career choices reflect these opposite approaches to life. Anna works in accounting, where precision is crucial, while Sarah is a freelance artist who thrives on creativity and unpredictability.

Despite their differences – or perhaps because of them – they complement each other perfectly. When they collaborate, Anna provides structure while Sarah brings innovation, proving that opposite personalities can create remarkable synergy.”

→ Phân tích Band 8 features:

• Sử dụng “opposite” linh hoạt với nhiều collocations khác nhau
• Dùng “on the contrary” chính xác để nhấn mạnh sự đối lập
• Cấu trúc câu đa dạng và phức tạp
• Vocabulary range rộng và chính xác

Part 3 – Discussion:

Typical questions requiring “On the contrary”:

Q: “Some people say that technology makes us less creative. What do you think?”
A (Band 7): “I disagree with that view. On the contrary, I believe technology has expanded creative possibilities enormously. Take digital art, for example – artists can now experiment with techniques that were impossible with traditional media. Similarly, musicians can produce complex compositions using software that would have required an entire orchestra in the past. So rather than limiting creativity, technology has actually amplified it.”
→ Phân tích: Bác bỏ rõ ràng quan điểm trong câu hỏi và đưa ra examples cụ thể. “On the contrary” tạo điểm nhấn mạnh mẽ.

Q: “Do you think young people and old people have similar views on environmental issues?”
A (Band 8+): “Many assume that older generations are less concerned about the environment. On the contrary, research indicates that older individuals often show greater commitment to sustainable practices. They grew up in an era of reuse and conservation, whereas younger people, despite their awareness, have been raised in a throwaway culture. However, I’d say the two groups have opposite approaches – older people focus on practical conservation, while youth tend toward activism and systemic change.”
→ Phân tích: Kết hợp cả “on the contrary” (bác bỏ assumption) và “opposite approaches” (mô tả sự khác biệt). Thể hiện critical thinking cao.

Writing Task 1

Khi nào dùng “Opposite” trong Task 1:

• Mô tả xu hướng đối lập (one increases, one decreases)
• So sánh số liệu trái ngược giữa các nhóm/thời kỳ
• Chỉ vị trí đối diện trong maps

Ví dụ Line Graph:

Đề bài: The graph shows employment rates for men and women from 1980 to 2020.

Sample sentence (Band 7):
“While male employment declined steadily from 75% to 60%, female participation showed the opposite trend, rising from 45% to 65% over the same period.”
→ Vận dụng: “Opposite trend” mô tả xu hướng đối lập một cách súc tích và chính xác.

Sample sentence (Band 8+):
“The two demographics displayed diametrically opposite trajectories: as men’s workforce participation contracted by 15 percentage points, women’s involvement expanded proportionally, with the lines intersecting around 2005.”
→ Nâng cao: “Diametrically opposite” + “trajectories” = Band 8-9 vocabulary; thêm detail về điểm giao nhau.

Ví dụ Bar Chart:

Sample sentence:
“Urban areas recorded significant population growth, whereas rural regions experienced the opposite phenomenon, with numbers declining by 20% between 2000 and 2020.”

Ví dụ Map:

Sample sentence:
“The new hospital will be constructed opposite the existing library, on the eastern side of Main Street, replacing the current parking facility.”
→ Vận dụng: Dùng “opposite” như preposition để chỉ vị trí.

Writing Task 2

Essay types sử dụng “On the contrary” hiệu quả:

Opinion Essay:

Topic: Some people think that competition in school is harmful. Discuss this view and give your opinion.

Body paragraph with counter-argument (Band 8):
“Opponents argue that academic competition creates excessive stress and damages students’ mental health. While this concern has some validity in extreme cases, I believe on the contrary that well-managed competition serves as a crucial preparation for real-world challenges. Students who learn to handle competitive pressure in controlled educational environments develop resilience and coping strategies. Furthermore, competition drives innovation and excellence – many groundbreaking discoveries originated from competitive academic settings. Rather than eliminating competition, schools should focus on fostering healthy competitiveness that motivates without overwhelming.”

→ Phân tích:

• “On the contrary” đánh dấu điểm chuyển từ acknowledging opposing view sang presenting own argument
• Có “While this concern has some validity” trước “on the contrary” thể hiện balanced approach
• Followed by strong supporting points and examples

Discussion Essay:

Topic: Some believe technology isolates people, while others think it connects them. Discuss both views.

Sample paragraph (Band 7-8):
“Many critics contend that digital devices have made society more isolated, pointing to individuals absorbed in their phones rather than engaging with those around them. On the contrary, technology has facilitated unprecedented levels of global connection. Video calling enables families separated by continents to maintain close relationships, while social media allows people with niche interests to find communities they could never access locally. The apparent isolation is often superficial – people may seem physically distant but are actually engaged in meaningful interactions across digital platforms.”

→ Vận dụng: “On the contrary” giúp transition mạnh mẽ từ view 1 sang view 2 trong discussion essay.

Problem-Solution Essay:

Topic: Traffic congestion in cities is getting worse. What are the causes and solutions?

Sample paragraph:
“Some suggest that building more roads is the solution to urban congestion. On the contrary, research from numerous cities demonstrates that increased road capacity typically leads to more traffic – a phenomenon called ‘induced demand.’ When roads expand, more people choose to drive, ultimately recreating the original congestion. The opposite approach – reducing road space and investing in public transport – has proven more effective in cities like Copenhagen and Singapore.”

→ Phân tích: Kết hợp “on the contrary” (bác bỏ solution sai) và “the opposite approach” (giới thiệu solution đúng).

Advantage-Disadvantage Essay:

Topic: Working from home has become more common. Discuss advantages and disadvantages.

Sample paragraph:
“While remote work offers flexibility, critics worry it diminishes productivity. On the contrary, multiple studies from 2020-2023 indicate that work-from-home employees often accomplish more than their office-based counterparts. Without commute time and office distractions, remote workers can focus for longer periods. However, this productivity gain shows opposite effects across different personality types – extroverts may struggle with isolation while introverts thrive in quiet home environments.”

→ Vận dụng: Dùng cả hai structures để thể hiện contrasts phức tạp.

Sample Paragraphs Band 7-9

Band 7 Sample – Writing Task 2:

Topic: Is learning a foreign language essential in the modern world?

“Some argue that translation technology has made language learning unnecessary. On the contrary, studying another language remains vital for several reasons. Firstly, automated translation cannot capture cultural nuances and contextual meanings that native speakers understand instinctively. Secondly, language learning develops cognitive abilities – bilingual individuals show enhanced problem-solving skills and creativity. Finally, professional opportunities often favor multilingual candidates, particularly in international business and diplomacy. Therefore, despite technological advances, the benefits of language acquisition extend far beyond simple communication.”

Phân tích Band 7:

• Sử dụng “on the contrary” chính xác
• Clear structure với “firstly, secondly, finally”
• Good range of vocabulary
• Grammatically accurate
• Thiếu: Complex sentence structures và sophisticated vocabulary để đạt Band 8+

Band 8-9 Sample – Writing Task 2:

Topic: Should governments invest more in space exploration or in addressing Earth’s problems?

“Proponents of terrestrial spending contend that channeling billions into space programs constitutes fiscal irresponsibility while millions lack basic necessities. This argument, though emotionally compelling, fails to recognize the multifaceted returns on space investment. On the contrary, space research has consistently yielded technologies that address earthly challenges. Water purification systems developed for space stations now serve remote communities; satellite technology enables precision agriculture, reducing resource waste; materials science advances from spacecraft engineering have improved medical devices and renewable energy infrastructure. Moreover, the opposite effect to critics’ predictions has materialized – rather than diverting resources from social programs, space industries have generated economic growth that funds broader development initiatives. The dichotomy between space exploration and terrestrial problem-solving represents a false choice; these endeavors are complementary rather than mutually exclusive.”

Phân tích Band 8-9:

• “On the contrary” trong complex argumentation
• Advanced vocabulary: “multifaceted returns,” “fiscal irresponsibility,” “dichotomy,” “mutually exclusive”
• Sophisticated sentence structures: nominalization, relative clauses
• “Opposite effect” integrated naturally
• Critical thinking: challenges the premise of the question
• Cohesion devices varied and appropriate

Ví dụ đoạn văn Writing Task 2 IELTS Band 8 sử dụng on the contrary với phân tích chi tiết các thành phần

Nâng Cao – Cách Dùng Để Đạt Band 8+

Kết Hợp Với Các Cấu Trúc Khác

“On the contrary” + Perfect Tenses:

Example (Band 8): “Critics suggested the policy would increase unemployment. On the contrary, it has created over 50,000 jobs and has stimulated economic growth in previously depressed regions.”
→ Band 8+ features: Kết hợp present perfect để nhấn mạnh results hiện tại của action trong quá khứ; shows evidence-based argumentation.

“On the contrary” + Passive Voice:

Example (Band 8+): “It was widely assumed that automation would eliminate human jobs. On the contrary, new employment categories have been generated, and workers are being retrained for more skilled positions.”
→ Sophistication: Passive voice tạo academic tone; focus vào actions hơn là actors; appropriate cho formal writing.

“On the contrary” + Modal Verbs:

Example (Band 9): “Some believe that strict parenting may damage children’s confidence. On the contrary, when implemented with consistent affection, firm boundaries can enhance a child’s sense of security and might actually strengthen parent-child relationships.”
→ Advanced usage: Modal verbs (can, might) thể hiện nuanced reasoning thay vì absolute statements; shows sophisticated thinking.

“Opposite” + Conditional Sentences:

Example (Band 8): “If the government had taken the opposite approach to economic reform, reducing rather than increasing public spending, the recession would have been far more severe.”
→ Complexity: Third conditional với “opposite approach” demonstrates ability to discuss hypothetical past situations.

“Opposite” + Relative Clauses:

Example (Band 8+): “The strategy, which produced the opposite results to those anticipated, forced policymakers to reconsider their fundamental assumptions about market behavior.”
→ Band 8+ features: Non-defining relative clause adds sophisticated detail; “which” refers to entire previous clause.

“Opposite” + Comparative Structures:

Example (Band 9): “Rather than converging, the two economies moved in increasingly opposite directions, with the wealth gap widening more dramatically than any economist had predicted.”
→ Sophistication: Comparative structures + “opposite directions” + advanced vocabulary (converging, widening dramatically).

Cụm Từ Nâng Cao

Academic collocations với “On the contrary” và equivalents:

Cụm từ	Ví dụ IELTS	Band Level	Context
far from [verb]ing	“Far from reducing inequality, the policy has exacerbated existing disparities.”	8	Writing T2 – bác bỏ mạnh mẽ
contrary to popular belief	“Contrary to popular belief, introverts often excel in leadership positions.”	8	Speaking P3 – challenge assumptions
contrary to expectations	“Contrary to expectations, renewable energy has become cost-competitive with fossil fuels.”	7-8	Writing T1/T2 – unexpected results
quite the reverse	“The intervention didn’t fail. Quite the reverse, it exceeded all benchmarks.”	8	Writing T2 – formal emphasis
nothing could be further from the truth	“Some claim social media promotes understanding. Nothing could be further from the truth – it often amplifies divisions.”	8-9	Speaking P3 – strong contradiction

Advanced collocations với “Opposite”:

Collocation	Ví dụ	Band Level	Vocabulary Notes
diametrically opposite	“The two theories are diametrically opposite in their fundamental assumptions.”	8+	“diametrically” = hoàn toàn đối lập 180 độ
polar opposite	“Their management styles are polar opposites – one authoritarian, one democratic.”	8	“polar” = hai cực
at opposite extremes	“These political parties stand at opposite extremes of the ideological spectrum.”	8	sophisticated comparison
move in opposite directions	“Urban and rural populations are moving in opposite directions regarding environmental attitudes.”	7-8	động từ + opposite directions
have the opposite effect	“Strict censorship often has the opposite effect, increasing rather than reducing interest.”	7-8	outcome contrary to intention
the exact opposite	“The outcome was the exact opposite of what planners envisioned.”	7	emphatic form
prove the opposite	“Subsequent research proved the opposite, debunking the original hypothesis.”	8	academic context

Câu Phức & Ghép

Tích hợp “on the contrary” vào câu phức nâng cao:

Example 1 (Band 8):
“Although critics argue that globalization erodes local cultures, on the contrary, evidence suggests that increased global connectivity has actually sparked renewed interest in preserving indigenous traditions, as communities recognize the value of their unique heritage in an increasingly homogenized world.”
→ Phân tích:

• Concessive clause (Although) + main clause với “on the contrary” + result clause (as)
• Demonstrates ability to handle multiple clauses
• Shows complex reasoning: acknowledging opposition then refuting

Example 2 (Band 9):
“While it might be assumed that technological advancement would simplify modern life, the reality has proven quite the contrary: not only has complexity increased exponentially, but individuals now face cognitive demands that previous generations never encountered, a phenomenon that psychologists term ‘decision fatigue.'”
→ Phân tích:

• Nominal clause (while it might be assumed that) = sophisticated opening
• Inverted structure (not only has) = Band 9 grammar
• Apposition with relative clause (a phenomenon that) = advanced cohesion
• Multiple clauses integrated smoothly

Tích hợp “opposite” với complex structures:

Example 3 (Band 8):
“Despite implementing opposite policies – one country prioritizing economic growth over environmental protection, the other reversing these priorities – both nations ultimately achieved comparable sustainability outcomes, suggesting that policy effectiveness depends less on ideology than on implementation quality.”
→ Phân tích:

• Participial phrase (Despite implementing…)
• Em dash for additional detail
• Result clause (suggesting that)
• Demonstrates sophisticated sentence construction

Example 4 (Band 9):
“Had policymakers taken the opposite approach, focusing on prevention rather than treatment, healthcare costs would have been significantly lower, a fact that retrospective analysis has unequivocally confirmed and which should inform future policy decisions.”
→ Phân tích:

• Inversion in conditional (Had policymakers taken) = Band 9
• Multiple relative clauses with different functions
• Modal perfect in result clause
• Academic vocabulary (retrospective, unequivocally)

Strategic Placement for Maximum Impact

Opening strategy (Band 8+):
“On the contrary, the data reveals a more nuanced reality than simplistic narratives suggest.”
→ Strong opening hooks reader with unexpected perspective.

Counter-argument strategy (Band 8+):
“While concerns about privacy are valid, on the contrary, the benefits of data sharing in medical research far outweigh the risks when proper safeguards are implemented.”
→ Balanced approach: acknowledge then refute with “on the contrary.”

Concluding emphasis (Band 8+):
“Far from being an obstacle to progress, tradition can, on the contrary, provide the stable foundation necessary for sustainable innovation.”
→ Memorable closing statement with sophisticated structure.

Sơ đồ minh họa cách kết hợp on the contrary và opposite trong câu phức IELTS Band 8-9

So Sánh Với Cấu Trúc Tương Tự

On The Contrary vs On The Other Hand

Tiêu chí	On The Contrary	On The Other Hand
Công thức	Statement A. On the contrary, Statement B (contradicts A).	Statement A. On the other hand, Statement B (different aspect).
Ý nghĩa	BÁC BỎ HOÀN TOÀN ý trước đó	ĐƯA RA KHÍA CẠNH KHÁC (không nhất thiết bác bỏ)
Mức độ đối lập	Complete contradiction (100% opposite)	Alternative perspective (có thể cùng tồn tại)
Dùng khi	Khi ý B phủ nhận hoàn toàn ý A	Khi so sánh hai mặt của cùng một vấn đề
Ví dụ	“He’s not lazy. On the contrary, he works 80 hours weekly.”	“City life is convenient. On the other hand, it’s expensive.”
IELTS context	Counter-arguments, refuting misconceptions	Discussing both sides, balanced views
Band level	7-9 (requires precise usage)	6-8 (more common, easier to use)

Ví dụ so sánh trực tiếp:

ĐÚNG với “On the contrary”:
“Many believe working from home reduces productivity. On the contrary, studies show remote workers accomplish 20% more.”
→ Bác bỏ hoàn toàn belief về productivity.

SAI nếu dùng “On the contrary”:
❌ “Working from home saves commute time. On the contrary, it offers flexibility.”
→ Hai ý này không mâu thuẫn nhau, cả hai đều là advantages.

ĐÚNG với “On the other hand”:
✅ “Working from home saves commute time. On the other hand, it can be isolating.”
→ Đưa ra một khía cạnh khác (disadvantage) cùng tồn tại với advantage.

Khi nào dùng cái nào:

Dùng “On the contrary” khi:

• Ai đó đưa ra một assumption SAI và bạn muốn correct nó
• Bạn muốn refute một common misconception
• Statement B directly contradicts Statement A
• Trong counter-argument paragraphs của Writing Task 2

Dùng “On the other hand” khi:

• Bạn đang discuss advantages AND disadvantages
• Present hai perspectives khác nhau nhưng equally valid
• Compare and contrast hai aspects của cùng một topic
• Trong discussion essays presenting both views

On The Contrary vs However/Nevertheless

Tiêu chí	On The Contrary	However/Nevertheless
Function	Bác bỏ và thay thế bằng opposite truth	Thừa nhận nhưng add contrasting information
Logic	“A is wrong. B is correct (opposite).”	“A is true. But B is also true (surprising contrast).”
Strength	Very strong contradiction	Moderate contrast
Ví dụ	“It’s not expensive. On the contrary, it’s quite cheap.”	“It’s expensive. However, it’s worth the investment.”

Ví dụ thực tế:

Scenario: Discussing urban planning

With “On the contrary”:
“Opponents claim that bike lanes reduce traffic flow. On the contrary, cities with extensive cycling infrastructure actually experience less congestion.”
→ Directly refutes the claim.

With “However”:
“Bike lanes require significant investment. However, the long-term benefits justify the initial costs.”
→ Acknowledges the challenge but adds contrasting positive point.

Opposite vs Different vs Contrary

Từ	Loại từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ	Khi nào dùng
Opposite	Adj/Noun/Prep	Hoàn toàn trái ngược (180 độ)	“They have opposite views.”	Khi hai thứ là extreme ends của một spectrum
Different	Adjective	Khác nhau (không giống)	“They have different views.”	Khi hai thứ không giống nhau (có thể khác một chút hoặc nhiều)
Contrary	Adjective/Noun	Đối lập, mâu thuẫn	“Their actions are contrary to their words.”	Formal context, khi hai thứ conflict với nhau

Chi tiết về “Contrary” (adjective):

Structure: contrary to + noun

• “Contrary to popular belief, …”
• “Contrary to expectations, …”
• “His behavior was contrary to company policy.”

Difference from “On the contrary”:

• Contrary (adj) = tính từ mô tả tính chất đối lập
• On the contrary (conjunctive adverb) = cụm liên kết để bác bỏ statement

Example:

• “The results were contrary to our predictions.” (adj)
• “We didn’t fail. On the contrary, we succeeded beyond expectations.” (conjunctive adverb)

Choosing between Opposite and Different:

Use OPPOSITE when:

• Hai thứ ở hai đầu cực của một spectrum: hot ↔ cold, success ↔ failure
• Contrast rất mạnh: “His opinion is the opposite of mine.”
• Trong IELTS Writing Task 1 với trends: upward vs downward

Use DIFFERENT when:

• Hai thứ không giống nhau nhưng không nhất thiết là cực đối: “We have different approaches.”
• So sánh general variations
• Less emphatic contrast

Lỗi Thường Gặp & Cách Sửa

Lỗi 1: Dùng “On the contrary” khi nên dùng “On the other hand”

❌ SAI:
“Living in the city is convenient because of public transport. On the contrary, it’s also expensive due to high rent.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Living in the city is convenient because of public transport. On the other hand, it’s also expensive due to high rent.”

Hoặc:
“Living in the city is convenient because of public transport. However, it’s also expensive due to high rent.”

Giải thích:
Đây là lỗi PHỔ BIẾN NHẤT của học viên Việt Nam. Hai ý “convenient” và “expensive” KHÔNG mâu thuẫn nhau – cả hai đều có thể đúng đồng thời. “On the contrary” CHỈ dùng khi ý thứ hai BÁC BỎ HOÀN TOÀN ý thứ nhất.

Lưu ý:
Test đơn giản: Nếu cả hai statements đều có thể đúng cùng lúc → KHÔNG dùng “on the contrary”

• ✅ Both true → use “on the other hand” / “however”
• ❌ One denies the other → use “on the contrary”

Thêm ví dụ sai và sửa:

❌ “Technology brings people together. On the contrary, it can also isolate them.”
✅ “Technology brings people together. However, it can also isolate them.”

❌ “Exercise improves physical health. On the contrary, it also benefits mental wellbeing.”
✅ “Exercise improves physical health. Moreover/Furthermore, it also benefits mental wellbeing.”

Lỗi 2: Dùng “Opposite” như một adverb hoặc connector

❌ SAI:
“He thought the task was easy. Opposite, it was extremely difficult.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“He thought the task was easy. On the contrary / In fact / However, it was extremely difficult.”

Hoặc (nếu muốn dùng “opposite”):
“He thought the task was easy, but the opposite was true – it was extremely difficult.”

Giải thích:
“Opposite” KHÔNG phải là một conjunctive adverb hay linking word. Nó là:

• Adjective: “They have opposite views.”
• Noun: “The opposite is true.”
• Preposition: “The bank is opposite the library.”

Nó KHÔNG THỂ đứng đầu câu để link hai ý như “however” hay “on the contrary”.

Lưu ý:
Các cách đúng để express opposition:

• “On the contrary,” (formal)
• “Quite the opposite,” (semi-formal)
• “Quite the reverse,” (formal)
• “The opposite is true.” (đầy đủ với subject và verb)

Thêm ví dụ sai:

❌ “The policy was meant to help. Opposite, it caused more problems.”
✅ “The policy was meant to help. On the contrary, it caused more problems.”

Lỗi 3: Sai vị trí dấu phẩy với “On the contrary”

❌ SAI:
“On the contrary research shows that remote workers are more productive.”

❌ SAI:
“Research shows on the contrary, that remote workers are more productive.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“On the contrary, research shows that remote workers are more productive.”

Hoặc:
“Research shows that, on the contrary, remote workers are more productive.” (ít phổ biến, chỉ dùng khi nhấn mạnh trong mid-sentence)

Giải thích:
“On the contrary” là một conjunctive adverb phrase và:

• Khi đứng ĐẦU CÂU: PHẢI có dấu phẩy sau nó
• Khi đứng GIỮA CÂU: phải có dấu phẩy cả hai phía
• KHÔNG BAO GIỜ đứng cuối câu

Correct punctuation patterns:

1. Most common: “Statement A. On the contrary, Statement B.”
2. Alternative: “Statement A; on the contrary, Statement B.” (với dấu chấm phẩy)
3. Mid-sentence (rare): “The results, on the contrary, showed improvement.”

Lưu ý:
Nhiều học viên quên dấu phẩy vì translate trực tiếp từ tiếng Việt “ngược lại” – trong tiếng Việt không có dấu phẩy bắt buộc, nhưng tiếng Anh BẮT BUỘC phải có.

Lỗi 4: Dùng “Opposite” với preposition sai

❌ SAI:
“Their opinions are opposite with each other.”

❌ SAI:
“My view is opposite from yours.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Their opinions are opposite to each other.”

Hoặc:
“Their opinions are opposite.” (không cần preposition)

✅ ĐÚNG:
“My view is the opposite of yours.” (dùng như noun)

Giải thích:
Khi “opposite” là adjective theo sau “to be”:

• Correct: opposite to something
• Also correct: just “opposite” (không cần preposition)
• Wrong: opposite with / opposite from

Khi “opposite” là noun:

• Correct: the opposite of something
• Wrong: the opposite to / the opposite with

Pattern summary:
| Usage | Correct pattern | Example |
|——-|—————-|———|
| Adjective | opposite (to) | “Their views are opposite (to mine).” |
| Noun | the opposite of | “This is the opposite of what I expected.” |
| Preposition | opposite (no ‘to’) | “The bank is opposite the post office.” |

Thêm ví dụ đúng:

• “Her personality is opposite to her sister’s.”
• “The two approaches are completely opposite.”
• “What you said is the opposite of the truth.”

Lỗi 5: Nhầm lẫn “Contrary” và “Contrast”

❌ SAI:
“On the contrast to popular belief, elderly people adapt well to technology.”

❌ SAI:
“The contrast to expectations, sales increased.”

✅ ĐÚNG:
“Contrary to popular belief, elderly people adapt well to technology.”

Hoặc với “contrast”:
“In contrast to popular belief, elderly people adapt well to technology.”

Giải thích:
“Contrary” và “contrast” là hai từ khác nhau:

CONTRARY:

• Meaning: mâu thuẫn, đối lập
• Pattern: contrary to + noun
• Examples: “contrary to popular belief,” “contrary to expectations”

CONTRAST:

• Meaning: sự tương phản, khác biệt
• Pattern: in contrast to + noun (có “in” phía trước)
• Examples: “in contrast to previous years,” “in contrast to the first group”

Common mistakes:
❌ “on the contrast”
❌ “in the contrary”
❌ “by contrast to” (correct: “by contrast” without “to”, hoặc “in contrast to”)

Correct patterns:

• ✅ contrary to (adjective phrase)
• ✅ on the contrary (conjunctive adverb)
• ✅ in contrast to (prepositional phrase)
• ✅ by contrast (adverb phrase, no “to”)

Ví dụ đúng:

• “Contrary to popular opinion, introverts can be excellent leaders.”
• “Group A increased. On the contrary, Group B decreased.”
• “In contrast to urban areas, rural regions showed decline.”
• “The first method failed. By contrast, the second succeeded.”

Lỗi 6: Dùng “On the contrary” trong informal speaking

❌ QUẢNG CÁI – KÉM TỰ NHIÊN:
“Do you like coffee? On the contrary, I prefer tea.”

✅ TỰ NHIÊN HƠN:
“Do you like coffee? Actually, I prefer tea.”

Hoặc:
“Do you like coffee? Not really, I’m more of a tea person.”

Giải thích:
“On the contrary” là FORMAL và thường dùng trong:

• Academic writing (Writing Task 2)
• Formal discussions (Speaking Part 3 với complex arguments)
• Rebuttals và counter-arguments

Nó QUÁ FORMAL cho:

• Simple questions trong Speaking Part 1
• Casual conversations
• Personal preferences không có element of contradiction

Better alternatives for informal contexts:

Situation	Instead of “On the contrary”	Example
Correcting misconception	Actually / In fact	“Actually, I found it quite easy.”
Personal preference	Not really / I’d say	“Not really, I prefer staying home.”
Disagreeing politely	I’d argue that / I think	“I’d argue that it’s beneficial.”
Speaking Part 1	To be honest / Personally	“Personally, I enjoy both equally.”

Lưu ý:
Use “On the contrary” in Speaking ONLY when:

• Part 3 với complex argumentation
• Explicitly contradicting a widely-held belief
• Formal register phù hợp với topic (education policy, social issues, etc.)

Ví dụ ĐÚNG trong Speaking Part 3:
“Some people say social media harms relationships. On the contrary, I believe it strengthens connections, particularly for long-distance relationships.”
→ Formal register appropriate for abstract discussion.

Lỗi 7: Overusing “On the contrary”

❌ OVERUSE:
“Many think cities are polluted. On the contrary, modern cities have improved air quality. Some believe urban life is stressful. On the contrary, it offers more opportunities for relaxation. Critics say cities are expensive. On the contrary, they provide better value for services.”

✅ VARIED:
“Many think cities are polluted. However, modern cities have significantly improved air quality. Some believe urban life is stressful, but it actually offers more diverse opportunities for relaxation. While critics say cities are expensive, they often provide better value for services when considering accessibility and quality.”

Giải thích:
Sử dụng “on the contrary” quá nhiều trong một đoạn văn:

• Làm văn trở nên repetitive và mechanical
• Mất điểm Lexical Resource (Band 7+ cần variety)
• Không tự nhiên ngay cả trong formal writing

Best practice:

• Dùng “on the contrary” tối đa 1-2 lần trong toàn bộ Writing Task 2 (250 words)
• Alternate với: however, nevertheless, in fact, actually, while, although
• Save “on the contrary” cho những điểm nhấn QUAN TRỌNG nhất

Top 7 mistakes summary Vietnamese learners make:

1. Mixing up “on the contrary” and “on the other hand” → Use test: “Can both be true?” If yes, don’t use “on the contrary”
2. Using “opposite” as a connector → It’s not an adverb; use “on the contrary” instead
3. Wrong punctuation with “on the contrary” → Always comma after when starting sentence
4. Wrong preposition with “opposite” → “opposite to” or “opposite of” (as noun), NOT “opposite with/from”
5. Confusing “contrary” and “contrast” → “contrary to” vs “in contrast to”
6. Using “on the contrary” too informally → Save for formal arguments, not casual answers
7. Overusing “on the contrary” → Maximum 1-2 times per essay; vary your discourse markers

Bảng tổng hợp 7 lỗi thường gặp khi sử dụng on the contrary và opposite trong IELTS kèm cách sửa

Bài Tập Thực Hành

Bài Tập 1: Chọn “On the contrary” hoặc “On the other hand”

Hướng dẫn: Chọn linking phrase phù hợp cho mỗi câu. Suy nghĩ xem hai ý có mâu thuẫn nhau không.

1. Some people believe city life is better. __, others prefer the countryside.

2. Many assume old buildings are useless. __, they often have significant historical value.

3. Technology offers convenience. __, it can be expensive to maintain.

4. Critics say the program failed. __, data shows it exceeded all targets.

5. Working from home saves commute time. __, it can lead to social isolation.

6. People think learning languages is difficult. __, with proper methods, it becomes enjoyable.

7. Solar energy is renewable. __, it requires significant initial investment.

8. Some argue that competition harms students. __, research indicates it can motivate learning.

9. Living abroad provides valuable experience. __, it can be challenging emotionally.

10. Many believe wealth brings happiness. __, studies show little correlation beyond basic needs.

Bài Tập 2: Điền dạng đúng của “Opposite”

Hướng dẫn: Điền vào chỗ trống với: “opposite” / “the opposite” / “opposite to” / “the opposite of”

1. My brother and I have __ personalities.

2. His actions were __ what he promised.

3. The new policy produced __ effect to what was intended.

4. The two trends moved in __ directions.

5. The restaurant is located __ the train station.

6. Her opinion is __ mine on this matter.

7. What you’re saying is __ the truth.

8. The two groups showed __ patterns of behavior.

9. Success is not __ failure; they’re part of the same journey.

10. The data revealed results that were __ our predictions.

Bài Tập 3: Tìm và Sửa Lỗi

Hướng dẫn: Mỗi câu có một lỗi sai liên quan đến “on the contrary” hoặc “opposite”. Tìm và sửa lỗi.

1. Technology makes life easier. On the contrary it also creates new challenges. [Lỗi: ___]

2. Their views are opposite with each other. [Lỗi: ___]

3. Many think remote work reduces productivity. Opposite, studies show it increases output. [Lỗi: ___]

4. On the contrast to popular belief, elderly people adapt well to technology. [Lỗi: ___]

5. The results were the opposite from what we expected. [Lỗi: ___]

6. Exercise improves health. On the contrary, it also boosts mental wellbeing. [Lỗi: ___]

7. Do you like coffee? On the contrary, I prefer tea. [Lỗi: ___]

8. Their strategies have opposite effects from each other. [Lỗi: ___]

9. The policy was meant to help, on the contrary it caused problems. [Lỗi: ___]

10. Living in the city is convenient. On the contrary, it’s expensive. [Lỗi: ___]

Bài Tập 4: Viết Lại Câu

Hướng dẫn: Viết lại câu sử dụng cấu trúc trong ngoặc, giữ nguyên nghĩa.

1. People think the exam is easy, but it’s actually very difficult. (on the contrary)
   → ___

2. My taste in music is completely different from my sister’s. (opposite)
   → ___

3. While the first group increased, the second group decreased. (opposite trend)
   → ___

4. Many believe social media isolates people, but it actually connects them. (on the contrary)
   → ___

5. His personality is totally different from mine. (diametrically opposite)
   → ___

Bài Tập 5: Hoàn Thành Đoạn Văn

Hướng dẫn: Điền “on the contrary”, “on the other hand”, “opposite”, hoặc “however” vào chỗ trống.

Topic: Online vs Traditional Education

Many people believe that online education is inferior to traditional classroom learning. (1) __, recent research suggests that e-learning can be equally effective when properly implemented. Traditional education offers face-to-face interaction. (2) __, online learning provides flexibility and accessibility.

Some critics argue that students lack motivation in online courses. (3) __, data from universities shows that completion rates are often comparable to traditional courses. The two approaches have (4) __ strengths – traditional education excels in hands-on training, while online education works well for theoretical subjects.

Employers used to prefer candidates with traditional degrees. (5) __ views are now changing, with many companies valuing skills over the format of education. The trend is moving in the (6) __ direction from a decade ago, when online degrees were stigmatized.

Bài Tập 6: IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice

Hướng dẫn: Viết body paragraph (150-180 words) cho đề bài sau, SỬ DỤNG “on the contrary” ít nhất một lần và “opposite” ít nhất một lần.

Topic:
“Some people think that competition in school, college, and university has positive effects. Others believe that competition is harmful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

Yêu cầu:

• Có counter-argument sử dụng “on the contrary”
• Có so sánh sử dụng “opposite”
• Band 7-8 level vocabulary and grammar
• Clear topic sentence and conclusion

---

---

---

---

Bài Tập 7: Speaking Part 3 Response

Hướng dẫn: Chuẩn bị câu trả lời (60-90 giây) cho câu hỏi sau. Ghi chú outline của bạn, sử dụng “on the contrary” hoặc “opposite” ít nhất một lần.

Question: “Some people say that technology makes us less creative. What’s your opinion?”

Your outline:

• Opening: ___
• Point 1 (with on the contrary/opposite): ___
• Point 2: ___
• Example: ___
• Conclusion: ___

Đáp Án Bài Tập

Đáp Án Bài Tập 1:

1. On the other hand (hai preference khác nhau, không mâu thuẫn)
2. On the contrary (bác bỏ “useless”)
3. On the other hand / However (cả hai đều true – convenient và expensive)
4. On the contrary (bác bỏ hoàn toàn “failed”)
5. On the other hand / However (cả hai đều true)
6. On the contrary (bác bỏ “difficult”)
7. On the other hand / However (cả hai đều true – renewable và expensive)
8. On the contrary (bác bỏ “harms”)
9. On the other hand / However (cả hai đều true)
10. On the contrary (bác bỏ correlation)

Quy tắc nhớ:

• Nếu CẢ HAI ý đều có thể đúng → on the other hand / however
• Nếu ý thứ hai BÁC BỎ hoàn toàn ý thứ nhất → on the contrary

Đáp Án Bài Tập 2:

1. opposite (adjective)
2. the opposite of (noun)
3. the opposite (noun as object)
4. opposite (adjective bổ nghĩa “directions”)
5. opposite (preposition)
6. opposite to (adjective + preposition) HOẶC just opposite (không cần “to”)
7. the opposite of (noun)
8. opposite (adjective)
9. the opposite of (noun)
10. opposite to (adjective + preposition)

Pattern summary:

• Adjective: “opposite (to)” – có thể có hoặc không có “to”
• Noun: “the opposite of” – BẮT BUỘC phải có “of”
• Preposition: “opposite” (no “to”) – chỉ vị trí

Đáp Án Bài Tập 3:

1. Lỗi: Thiếu dấu phẩy sau “contrary”
   ✅ Sửa: “On the contrary, it also creates new challenges.”
   Hoặc đổi thành “However” hoặc “On the other hand” (vì cả hai đều true)

2. Lỗi: Sai preposition “with”
   ✅ Sửa: “Their views are opposite to each other.” HOẶC “Their views are opposite.”

3. Lỗi: “Opposite” không thể dùng như connector
   ✅ Sửa: “On the contrary, studies show it increases output.”

4. Lỗi: “On the contrast” → sai cấu trúc
   ✅ Sửa: “Contrary to popular belief” HOẶC “In contrast to popular belief”

5. Lỗi: Sai preposition “from”
   ✅ Sửa: “The results were the opposite of what we expected.”

6. Lỗi: Dùng sai “on the contrary” (cả hai statement đều positive và true)
   ✅ Sửa: “Exercise improves health. Moreover / Furthermore, it also boosts mental wellbeing.”

7. Lỗi: “On the contrary” quá formal cho simple preference
   ✅ Sửa: “Do you like coffee? Actually / Not really, I prefer tea.”

8. Lỗi: Không cần “from” với “opposite effects”
   ✅ Sửa: “Their strategies have opposite effects to each other.” HOẶC “…opposite effects.”

9. Lỗi: Sai punctuation – thiếu dấu chấm hoặc dấu chấm phẩy
   ✅ Sửa: “The policy was meant to help. On the contrary, it caused problems.”
   HOẶC: “…to help; on the contrary, it caused…”

10. Lỗi: Cả hai statement đều có thể true – không mâu thuẫn
    ✅ Sửa: “Living in the city is convenient. However / On the other hand, it’s expensive.”

Đáp Án Bài Tập 4:

1. “People think the exam is easy. On the contrary, it is very difficult.”
   HOẶC: “Many assume the exam is easy. On the contrary, it presents significant challenges.” (Band 8)

2. “My taste in music is completely opposite to my sister’s.”
   HOẶC: “My sister and I have opposite tastes in music.“

3. “While the first group increased, the second group showed the opposite trend, declining steadily.”
   HOẶC: “The two groups displayed opposite trends – the first rising while the second fell.”

4. “Many believe social media isolates people. On the contrary, it actually connects them across vast distances.”
   HOẶC: “Some argue that social media creates isolation. On the contrary, it has fostered unprecedented global connectivity.” (Band 8+)

5. “His personality is diametrically opposite to mine.”
   HOẶC: “We have diametrically opposite personalities.“

Đáp Án Bài Tập 5:

1. On the contrary (bác bỏ “inferior”)
2. On the other hand (hai khía cạnh khác nhau, không mâu thuẫn)
3. On the contrary (bác bỏ “lack motivation”)
4. opposite (adjective – “opposite strengths”)
5. However / Nevertheless (transition nhẹ nhàng hơn)
   HOẶC có thể dùng: “Employers used to prefer traditional degrees, but opposite views are now emerging…”
6. opposite (adjective – “opposite direction”)

Đoạn văn hoàn chỉnh:

“Many people believe that online education is inferior to traditional classroom learning. On the contrary, recent research suggests that e-learning can be equally effective when properly implemented. Traditional education offers face-to-face interaction. On the other hand, online learning provides flexibility and accessibility.

Some critics argue that students lack motivation in online courses. On the contrary, data from universities shows that completion rates are often comparable to traditional courses. The two approaches have opposite strengths – traditional education excels in hands-on training, while online education works well for theoretical subjects.

Employers used to prefer candidates with traditional degrees. However, views are now changing, with many companies valuing skills over the format of education. The trend is moving in the opposite direction from a decade ago, when online degrees were stigmatized.”

Đáp Án Bài Tập 6: Sample Paragraph (Band 8)

Topic sentence: While critics argue that academic competition creates excessive pressure, I believe that, on the contrary, it serves as essential preparation for professional life.

Body: Those who oppose competition in education claim that it damages students’ mental health and fosters unhealthy rivalry. However, this perspective overlooks the benefits of well-managed competition. On the contrary, competitive environments, when properly structured, develop resilience and motivation. Students learn to handle pressure, set goals, and strive for excellence – skills that prove invaluable in their careers. Moreover, competition and cooperation need not be opposite forces; effective educational systems cultivate both simultaneously. For instance, team projects in competitive academic settings teach students to collaborate while maintaining high standards. Rather than eliminating competition, institutions should focus on creating balanced frameworks that harness its motivational power while minimizing stress through adequate support systems.

Conclusion sentence: Thus, the issue is not whether competition should exist, but how it should be implemented to maximize benefits while protecting student wellbeing.

Analysis:

• ✅ “On the contrary” used correctly to refute opposing view
• ✅ “Opposite forces” integrated naturally
• ✅ Band 8 features: complex sentences, academic vocabulary (resilience, cultivate, harness, framework)
• ✅ Clear argumentation with examples
• ✅ Approximately 170 words

Đáp Án Bài Tập 7: Sample Speaking Response

Question: “Some people say that technology makes us less creative. What’s your opinion?”

Sample Answer (Band 8):

“I completely disagree with that viewpoint. On the contrary, I’d argue that technology has actually expanded creative possibilities in remarkable ways.

Consider digital art, for example. Artists now have access to tools that allow them to experiment with techniques that would be impossible with traditional media. They can undo mistakes instantly, try infinite color combinations, and create effects that previous generations couldn’t even imagine. This doesn’t replace traditional skills – it augments them.

Similarly, in music production, technology enables independent musicians to create professional-quality recordings from home studios. Twenty years ago, this would have required expensive equipment and studio time. Now, a laptop and creativity are sufficient.

I think the perception that technology reduces creativity comes from observing how people use social media – passively consuming content rather than creating. But that’s a choice, not an inherent limitation of technology. The tools themselves offer opposite effects depending on how we engage with them: they can either facilitate passive consumption or enable active creation.

So rather than making us less creative, technology has democratized creativity, making it accessible to far more people than ever before.”

Analysis:

• ✅ “On the contrary” used naturally in spoken context
• ✅ “Opposite effects” integrated smoothly
• ✅ Clear structure: disagreement → reasons → examples → nuance → conclusion
• ✅ Band 8 features: sophisticated vocabulary, complex ideas, natural flow
• ✅ Appropriate length for Speaking Part 3 (about 90 seconds)

Trang đáp án chi tiết bài tập thực hành on the contrary và opposite với giải thích từng câu

Kết Bài

Việc thành thạo “on the contrary” và “opposite” là một bước quan trọng để nâng band điểm IELTS của bạn từ 6.5 lên 7-8+. Hai cấu trúc này không chỉ giúp bạn diễn đạt sự đối lập một cách chính xác mà còn thể hiện khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ academic một cách tinh tế và tự nhiên.

Những điểm then chốt cần nhớ:

On the contrary:

• Là conjunctive adverb để BÁC BỎ HOÀN TOÀN một statement
• LUÔN có dấu phẩy sau khi đứng đầu câu
• Dùng trong formal contexts (Writing Task 2, Speaking Part 3)
• Không lẫn với “on the other hand” (chỉ đưa ra góc nhìn khác)
• Maximum 1-2 lần trong một bài essay

Opposite:

• Có thể là adjective, noun, hoặc preposition
• Adjective: “opposite (to)” / Noun: “the opposite of” / Preposition: “opposite”
• KHÔNG thể dùng như connector đầu câu
• Linh hoạt cho cả formal và informal contexts
• Kết hợp với intensifiers để đạt Band 8+: “diametrically opposite,” “polar opposite”

7 lỗi thường gặp nhất cần tránh:

1. Nhầm “on the contrary” với “on the other hand”
2. Dùng “opposite” như linking word
3. Quên dấu phẩy với “on the contrary”
4. Sai preposition với “opposite” (with/from thay vì to/of)
5. Nhầm “contrary” và “contrast”
6. Dùng “on the contrary” quá informal
7. Overuse “on the contrary”

Đề Luyện Tập Tại Nhà

Speaking Topics:

Part 2:

1. Describe two cities you have visited that are very different from each other

   • Yêu cầu: Sử dụng “opposite” ít nhất 3 lần để mô tả contrasts
   • Focus: climate, lifestyle, architecture, pace of life

2. Talk about a time when something turned out to be the opposite of what you expected

   • Yêu cầu: Sử dụng “the opposite of” và related phrases
   • Focus: expectations vs reality, lessons learned

Part 3:
3. Do you think modern lifestyles are healthier than in the past?

• Yêu cầu: Sử dụng “on the contrary” nếu bác bỏ common assumption
• Focus: physical health vs mental health, different aspects

4. Some say young people and older people have nothing in common. Do you agree?
   • Yêu cầu: Sử dụng “opposite” và “on the contrary”
   • Focus: values, attitudes, interests, technology use

Writing Topics:

Task 2 – Opinion:
5. Some people believe that competitive sports have positive effects on children’s education. Others believe they have negative effects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

• Yêu cầu: Counter-argument paragraph với “on the contrary”
• Comparison với “opposite effects/approaches”
• 250-280 words, aim for Band 7.5-8

Task 2 – Discussion:
6. Some think that success comes from hard work and determination. Others believe that factors like money and appearance are more important. Discuss both views.

• Yêu cầu: “On the contrary” trong ít nhất một body paragraph
• “Opposite perspectives” trong introduction
• 250-280 words

Task 2 – Advantage/Disadvantage:
7. In many countries, people are living in a “throwaway society” where things are used for a short time and thrown away. What are the causes and what problems does this lead to?

• Yêu cầu: So sánh với past behaviors sử dụng “opposite”
• Có thể dùng “on the contrary” nếu refute common assumptions
• 250-280 words

Task 1 Practice:
8. [Line graph showing opposite trends] Tìm đề thi Task 1 có hai xu hướng đối lập

• Yêu cầu: Mô tả opposite trends/patterns ít nhất 2 lần
• Practice: “diametrically opposite trajectories” (Band 8)
• 150-180 words

Phương Pháp Luyện Tập Hiệu Quả

Tuần 1-2: Recognition & Understanding

• Đọc 5 sample essays Band 8-9, highlight tất cả “on the contrary” và “opposite”
• Phân tích function của mỗi usage
• Note down collocations

Tuần 3-4: Controlled Practice

• Làm tất cả bài tập trong bài viết này
• Viết 10 câu với “on the contrary” (5 formal, 5 very formal)
• Viết 15 câu với “opposite” (5 adjective, 5 noun, 5 preposition)

Tuần 5-6: Integrated Practice

• Viết 3 body paragraphs với “on the contrary” cho các đề Writing khác nhau
• Record yourself answering Speaking Part 3 questions, insert “on the contrary” naturally
• Peer review hoặc teacher feedback

Tuần 7-8: Real Test Conditions

• Mock Writing Task 2 (40 minutes) – PHẢI có “on the contrary” ít nhất 1 lần
• Mock Speaking test – tìm cơ hội tự nhiên để dùng các structures
• Tự chấm dựa trên Band descriptors

Tài Nguyên Bổ Sung

Đọc thêm:

• Cambridge IELTS 14-19: Tìm và phân tích “on the contrary” và “opposite” trong sample answers
• Academic journals (simplified): Quan sát cách scholars dùng “on the contrary” trong arguments
• IELTS Advantage website: Grammar for Band 7-9

Websites hữu ích:

• Cambridge Dictionary: Xem thêm examples với “on the contrary” và “opposite”
• IELTS Liz Blog: Writing Task 2 structures
• IELTS Simon: Natural use of linking words

Chúc bạn học tốt và đạt được band điểm mong muốn! Hãy nhớ rằng việc sử dụng chính xác và tự nhiên những cấu trúc này đòi hỏi thời gian và practice đều đặn. Đừng cố nhét vào bài thi nếu chưa thực sự tự tin – quality over quantity. Một lần dùng “on the contrary” chính xác còn tốt hơn ba lần dùng sai hoặc không tự nhiên.

Key to success: Understand the LOGIC behind the structures, not just memorize formulas. Examiners can immediately detect unnatural usage.