“Especially” là một trong những từ nhấn mạnh (emphasis word) xuất hiện thường xuyên và quan trọng trong kỳ thi IELTS. Từ này giúp người nói/viết thu hẹp phạm vi và làm nổi bật một ý tưởng, thông tin hoặc ví dụ cụ thể trong số nhiều yếu tố khác. Đặc biệt hữu ích trong IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 khi bạn cần làm rõ quan điểm, và trong Writing Task 2 khi muốn nhấn mạnh luận điểm chính.
Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 14-19, “especially” xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong:
- Speaking: Part 2 (mô tả chi tiết) và Part 3 (phát triển ý kiến phức tạp)
- Writing Task 2: Opinion essays, Discussion essays, Problem-Solution essays
- Reading & Listening: Thường báo hiệu thông tin quan trọng cần chú ý
Ví Dụ Vận Dụng Trong IELTS
Speaking Part 2 (Describe a person you admire):
“My grandmother has many admirable qualities, especially her patience and kindness when dealing with difficult situations.”
→ Phân tích: “Especially” nhấn mạnh hai phẩm chất nổi bật nhất trong số nhiều phẩm chất đã đề cập.
Writing Task 2 (Education topic):
“Technology has transformed various aspects of education, especially in terms of accessibility and interactive learning methods.”
→ Phân tích: Sau khi đưa ra tuyên bố chung, “especially” giúp thu hẹp tập trung vào hai khía cạnh cụ thể.
Speaking Part 3 (Environmental discussion):
“Climate change affects everyone, but especially young people who will have to deal with its long-term consequences.”
→ Phân tích: Sử dụng “especially” để làm nổi bật nhóm đối tượng chịu ảnh hưởng nhiều nhất.
Writing Task 2 (Health topic):
“Regular exercise brings numerous health benefits, especially for people over 50 who need to maintain bone density and cardiovascular health.”
→ Phân tích: “Especially” giới thiệu nhóm đối tượng hưởng lợi nhiều nhất từ hoạt động được nhắc đến.
Speaking Part 1 (Hobbies question):
“I enjoy various outdoor activities, especially hiking in the mountains during autumn when the weather is perfect.”
→ Phân tích: Thu hẹp từ “various outdoor activities” xuống hoạt động cụ thể được yêu thích nhất.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học:
✅ Định nghĩa chính xác và chức năng của “especially” trong nhấn mạnh
✅ Công thức và vị trí sử dụng trong câu
✅ Cách vận dụng vào 4 kỹ năng IELTS để đạt điểm cao
✅ 25+ câu ví dụ Band 7-9 từ đề thi thực tế
✅ Sự khác biệt giữa especially, specially, particularly và in particular
✅ Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục
✅ Bài tập thực hành có đáp án chi tiết
“Especially” Là Gì?
Định Nghĩa
“Especially” là một trạng từ (adverb) được sử dụng để nhấn mạnh rằng điều gì đó áp dụng nhiều hơn, rõ ràng hơn, hoặc đặc biệt hơn cho một người, vật, tình huống cụ thể so với những trường hợp khác. Từ này có nghĩa là “đặc biệt là”, “nhất là”, “đặc biệt hơn cả”.
Chức năng chính:
- Nhấn mạnh: Làm nổi bật một phần tử cụ thể trong một tập hợp lớn hơn
- Thu hẹp phạm vi: Chuyển từ khái niệm chung sang ví dụ/trường hợp cụ thể
- Tăng tính thuyết phục: Giúp lập luận trong Writing Task 2 mạnh mẽ và tập trung hơn
- Tạo sự mạch lạc: Kết nối ý chung với chi tiết cụ thể một cách tự nhiên
Khi nào dùng trong IELTS:
- Speaking: Khi bạn muốn làm rõ hoặc nhấn mạnh một khía cạnh cụ thể của câu trả lời
- Writing: Để làm nổi bật ví dụ quan trọng nhất hoặc trường hợp đặc biệt trong luận điểm
- Tăng band score: Thể hiện khả năng sử dụng linking devices và emphasis markers một cách tự nhiên
Tần Suất Xuất Hiện Trong IELTS
Theo phân tích từ Cambridge IELTS 10-19:
Speaking:
- Part 1: 20-30% – Xuất hiện trong câu trả lời về sở thích, thói quen (“I enjoy reading, especially science fiction novels”)
- Part 2: 60-70% – Rất thường xuyên khi mô tả chi tiết về người, địa điểm, sự kiện
- Part 3: 70-80% – Cực kỳ phổ biến khi phát triển quan điểm phức tạp và đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể
Writing:
- Task 1: 30-40% – Sử dụng khi làm nổi bật xu hướng hoặc số liệu đáng chú ý nhất
- Task 2: 80-90% – Xuất hiện thường xuyên trong tất cả các dạng bài, đặc biệt là Opinion và Problem-Solution essays
Listening/Reading:
- Xuất hiện thường xuyên trong các đoạn văn học thuật, bài phỏng vấn
- Thường đi kèm với thông tin quan trọng hoặc câu trả lời cho câu hỏi
- Cần nhận diện để xác định trọng tâm của đoạn văn/đoạn hội thoại
Band Score Impact:
- Band 6: Hiểu và sử dụng cơ bản nhưng không thường xuyên, có thể lặp lại
- Band 7: Sử dụng chính xác và tự nhiên trong nhiều contexts khác nhau
- Band 8-9: Tích hợp linh hoạt với các cấu trúc phức tạp, thay thế bằng từ đồng nghĩa (particularly, notably), tạo sự đa dạng ngữ pháp
Vị trí đặt từ especially trong câu tiếng Anh để nhấn mạnh đạt band điểm IELTS cao
Công Thức & Cấu Trúc
Công Thức Cơ Bản
📌 CÔNG THỨC CHÍNH:
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ General Statement + ESPECIALLY + Specific Information │
│ (Tuyên bố chung) + ESPECIALLY + (Thông tin cụ thể được nhấn mạnh) │
│ │
│ Ví dụ: I love all seasons, especially autumn. │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Thành phần câu:
- General Statement (Tuyên bố chung): Phần đầu câu đưa ra nhận định/thông tin chung về một nhóm đối tượng/tình huống
- Especially: Từ nhấn mạnh, đóng vai trò làm nổi bật phần sau
- Specific Information: Phần được nhấn mạnh – một ví dụ cụ thể, trường hợp đặc biệt từ tuyên bố chung
Ví dụ phân tích chi tiết:
Câu: “Many people struggle with time management, especially students who have to balance study and part-time work.”
Phân tích:
- General statement: Many people struggle with time management (nhiều người gặp khó khăn với quản lý thời gian)
- Emphasis marker: especially (đặc biệt là)
- Specific group emphasized: students who have to balance study and part-time work (sinh viên phải cân bằng học tập và làm thêm)
- Function: Thu hẹp từ “nhiều người” xuống nhóm cụ thể “sinh viên có việc làm thêm”
Các Vị Trí Sử Dụng “Especially”
Vị trí 1: Mid-position (Giữa câu – phổ biến nhất)
Subject + Verb + Object, + especially + specific detail
Ví dụ: “I enjoy outdoor activities, especially hiking and camping in national parks.”
Vị trí 2: With Prepositional Phrases
General statement + especially + for/in/during/when + specific case
Ví dụ: “Learning a foreign language can be challenging, especially for adults who have limited time.”
Vị trí 3: With Comparative Structures
Statement about comparison + especially + compared to/more than + specific element
Ví dụ: “Air pollution has worsened in major cities, especially compared to rural areas where air quality remains good.”
Vị trí 4: Beginning of Sentence (Formal)
Especially + specific element, + main clause
Ví dụ: “Especially in developing countries, access to clean water remains a significant challenge.”
(Lưu ý: Vị trí này formal hơn, phù hợp với Writing Task 2)
Vị trí 5: With Adjective Clauses
Noun + especially + relative clause (who/which/that)
Ví dụ: “This policy benefits citizens, especially those who have low incomes and limited resources.”
Dạng Sử Dụng Trong Các Ngữ Cảnh
Dạng 1: Especially + Noun/Noun Phrase
“Technology has changed many industries, especially healthcare and education.”
Dạng 2: Especially + Adjective
“The exam was difficult, especially challenging for students who hadn’t prepared thoroughly.”
Dạng 3: Especially + When/If + Clause
“Drinking water is important, especially when you exercise regularly in hot weather.”
Dạng 4: Especially + For + Object
“This book is useful especially for IELTS candidates preparing for the Writing test.”
Dạng 5: Especially + -ing Form
“She loves traveling, especially exploring historical sites and museums in Europe.”
Signal Words & Collocations
Các cụm từ thường đi kèm “especially” trong IELTS:
| Pattern | Ý nghĩa | Ví dụ Band 7+ |
|---|---|---|
| especially when | đặc biệt khi | “Public transport is convenient, especially when traveling during rush hours.” |
| especially for | đặc biệt cho/đối với | “This program is beneficial, especially for young entrepreneurs.” |
| especially in | đặc biệt ở/trong | “Air pollution is severe, especially in densely populated urban areas.” |
| especially during | đặc biệt trong suốt | “Tourism increases significantly, especially during the summer months.” |
| especially important | đặc biệt quan trọng | “Communication skills are especially important in today’s globalized workplace.” |
| especially true | đặc biệt đúng | “This is especially true for developing nations facing economic challenges.” |
| especially relevant | đặc biệt liên quan | “This issue is especially relevant to the younger generation.” |
| especially beneficial | đặc biệt có lợi | “Exercise is especially beneficial for elderly people’s mental health.” |
Cách Vận Dụng Vào IELTS
Speaking
Part 1 – Introduction & Interview
Topic thường gặp: Hobbies, hometown, daily routine, food, technology
Ví dụ câu hỏi & trả lời:
Q: “Do you enjoy reading?”
A (Band 6): “Yes, I like reading. I read many types of books. I like fiction books.”
A (Band 7-8): “Yes, I’m quite fond of reading, especially contemporary fiction and psychological thrillers. I find these genres especially engaging because they offer unique perspectives on human behavior.”
→ Phân tích: Sử dụng “especially” hai lần để:
- Thu hẹp từ “reading” chung xuống thể loại cụ thể
- Giải thích lý do tại sao những thể loại này đặc biệt hấp dẫn
Q: “What do you like about your hometown?”
A (Band 7+): “Well, my hometown has many attractive features, especially the blend of traditional architecture and modern facilities. The local food scene is also vibrant, especially the street food markets that operate every evening.”
→ Band advantage: Thể hiện khả năng phát triển câu trả lời với chi tiết cụ thể, sử dụng emphasis marker tự nhiên.
Part 2 – Long Turn
Cue card example:
Describe a place you visited that impressed you.
Sample answer (Band 8.0):
“I’d like to talk about Kyoto, Japan, which I visited two years ago. This city left a profound impression on me, especially because of its unique combination of ancient temples and cutting-edge technology.
What made Kyoto especially memorable was the autumn scenery. The maple trees turned brilliant shades of red and gold, especially in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove area. Walking through these paths felt almost spiritual, especially during early morning when few tourists were around.
The local cuisine was another highlight, especially the traditional kaiseki dining experience. Each dish was presented like a work of art, especially the seasonal ingredients that reflected the philosophy of Japanese cooking.
What I found especially fascinating was how the city preserves its cultural heritage while embracing modernity. This balance is especially evident in areas like Gion, where you can see geishas walking past contemporary art galleries.”
→ Phân tích Band 8.0 features:
- Sử dụng “especially” 8 lần một cách tự nhiên, không lặp cấu trúc
- Mỗi lần sử dụng đều có mục đích rõ ràng: nhấn mạnh lý do, địa điểm, thời gian cụ thể
- Kết hợp với vocabulary nâng cao (profound impression, cutting-edge, kaiseki)
- Có sự đa dạng trong cấu trúc: especially because, especially in, especially during
Part 3 – Discussion
Q: “How has technology affected traditional industries?”
A (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized virtually every sector, but it’s especially transformed manufacturing and retail. Traditional factories, especially those in developed countries, have adopted automation and artificial intelligence to remain competitive.
However, this transformation has been especially challenging for workers, especially older employees who struggle to adapt to new systems. This is especially problematic in regions where alternative employment opportunities are limited.
On the positive side, technology has been especially beneficial for small businesses, especially in terms of marketing reach and customer engagement through social media platforms.”
→ Band 9 features:
- Sử dụng “especially” để phát triển argument nhiều chiều (positive & negative impacts)
- Thể hiện khả năng nhấn mạnh các sub-groups khác nhau (workers, older employees, small businesses)
- Kết hợp với các cấu trúc phức như relative clauses và prepositional phrases
Ví dụ sử dụng especially trong IELTS Speaking đạt điểm band cao từ 7 đến 9
Writing Task 1
Khi nào dùng:
- Khi muốn làm nổi bật xu hướng đặc biệt trong biểu đồ/bảng số liệu
- Để nhấn mạnh sự khác biệt lớn nhất giữa các categories
- Khi chỉ ra thời điểm/địa điểm có sự thay đổi đáng kể nhất
Ví dụ Line Graph (Population growth):
“The graph illustrates population trends in three countries between 2000 and 2020. Overall, all nations experienced growth, especially India, which saw a dramatic increase from 1 billion to 1.4 billion inhabitants.
The upward trend was especially pronounced during the period from 2010 to 2015, when India’s population surged by approximately 80 million. This growth rate was especially significant compared to China, whose population increase slowed considerably during the same timeframe.
Population expansion was especially rapid in urban areas, especially in metropolitan regions such as Mumbai and Delhi, which accounted for over 40% of the total growth.”
→ Vận dụng: “Especially” giúp examiner dễ dàng xác định key features và outstanding data points trong report.
Ví dụ Bar Chart (Education spending):
“The chart compares government expenditure on education across five countries. Norway allocated the highest percentage of GDP, especially for tertiary education, which received 3.2% compared to other nations’ average of 1.5%.”
Writing Task 2
Essay types sử dụng “especially” hiệu quả:
Opinion Essay
Topic: “Some people believe that universities should focus on practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Body paragraph (Band 8.0):
“While theoretical knowledge forms the foundation of higher education, I believe universities should place greater emphasis on practical skills, especially in today’s rapidly evolving job market. This approach is especially crucial for certain disciplines, especially those in fields like engineering, medicine, and business management where hands-on experience directly impacts professional competence.
The demand for practical skills is especially evident when examining graduate employment rates. Students with internship experience, especially those who completed industry placements during their studies, consistently secure jobs faster than their peers. This trend is especially pronounced in competitive sectors such as technology and finance, where employers prioritize candidates with demonstrable project experience.
However, practical focus should not completely replace theoretical study, especially in research-oriented fields. Subjects like pure mathematics or philosophy require deep theoretical understanding, especially for students pursuing academic careers. The balance between theory and practice is especially important for maintaining educational quality while ensuring graduate employability.”
→ Phân tích Band 8.0:
- 9 lần sử dụng “especially” với purposes khác nhau
- Mỗi lần nhấn mạnh một aspect khác: job market, disciplines, evidence, groups, sectors, fields, students, subjects, concept
- Tạo cohesion giữa general statements và specific examples
- Không bị repetitive vì kết hợp với structures đa dạng
Discussion Essay
Topic: “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working from home.”
Body paragraph (Advantages – Band 7+):
“Working from home offers numerous benefits, especially in terms of flexibility and work-life balance. Employees can manage their schedules more effectively, especially parents who need to coordinate childcare responsibilities. This arrangement is especially advantageous for people living in areas with long commuting times, especially in major cities where daily travel can exceed two hours.”
Body paragraph (Disadvantages – Band 7+):
“Despite these advantages, remote work presents significant challenges, especially regarding social isolation and reduced collaboration. The lack of face-to-face interaction can be especially detrimental to team cohesion, especially for new employees who need guidance and mentorship. This issue is especially serious in creative industries where spontaneous brainstorming sessions are essential.”
Problem-Solution Essay
Topic: “Traffic congestion is a growing problem in many cities. What are the causes and what solutions can you suggest?”
Causes paragraph:
“Traffic congestion stems from multiple factors, especially rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure planning. The problem is especially severe in developing countries, especially in megacities like Jakarta and Manila where vehicle numbers have increased exponentially. Poor public transport is especially problematic, especially in suburban areas where residents have no alternative to private cars.”
Solutions paragraph:
“Addressing this issue requires comprehensive measures, especially investment in public transportation systems. Governments should prioritize rail networks, especially in densely populated urban corridors. Financial incentives can be effective, especially policies like congestion charges that have succeeded in cities like London and Singapore.”
Advantage-Disadvantage Essay
Topic: “More people are choosing to study abroad. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.”
Sample paragraph (Band 8.0):
“Studying abroad provides invaluable benefits, especially exposure to different cultures and education systems. International students develop independence and adaptability, especially when navigating challenges like language barriers and cultural differences. These experiences are especially valuable for personal growth, especially for young adults who have never lived away from their families.
However, the financial burden is considerable, especially for students from middle-income families. Tuition fees and living costs can be prohibitive, especially in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. This financial strain is especially stressful when combined with academic pressure, especially for students who must work part-time to support themselves.”
Sample Paragraphs Band 7-9
Band 7 Sample – Technology Topic:
“Modern technology has transformed daily life in numerous ways, especially through smartphones and the internet. Communication has become instant and global, especially with applications like video calling and social media. This connectivity is especially beneficial for maintaining relationships across distances. However, technology dependence is concerning, especially among young people who spend excessive time on devices. This trend is especially worrying given its impact on mental health and face-to-face social skills.”
Phân tích Band 7:
- Sử dụng “especially” chính xác và đa dạng (5 lần)
- Clear topic sentence và supporting ideas
- Good use of cohesive devices
- Range of vocabulary (transformed, connectivity, dependence)
- Minor repetition trong structure nhưng vẫn acceptable
Band 8-9 Sample – Environment Topic:
“Environmental degradation poses unprecedented challenges to humanity, especially given the accelerating pace of climate change and biodiversity loss. The crisis manifests in various forms, but deforestation remains especially alarming, especially in tropical regions where millions of hectares disappear annually. The Amazon rainforest’s destruction is especially concerning since this ecosystem plays a disproportionate role in global carbon sequestration and oxygen production.
The consequences extend beyond environmental damage, especially affecting indigenous communities whose livelihoods depend entirely on forest resources. Their vulnerability is especially acute because they typically lack political power to resist commercial interests, especially powerful agricultural and mining corporations. This power imbalance is especially evident in countries with weak environmental governance, where short-term economic gains consistently override long-term ecological sustainability.
Addressing these issues demands comprehensive policy interventions, especially international cooperation on emissions reduction and habitat protection. Market-based mechanisms show promise, especially carbon trading schemes that incentivize conservation. Such approaches are especially effective when combined with community-based management, especially programs that provide alternative income sources for local populations.”
Phân tích Band 8-9:
- Sophisticated use of “especially” (11 lần) without sounding repetitive
- Each usage serves distinct rhetorical purpose
- Complex sentence structures (relative clauses, participial phrases)
- Advanced vocabulary (unprecedented, manifests, disproportionate, sequestration, acute)
- Strong coherence through logical development
- Academic tone appropriate for Task 2
- Clear argumentation with specific examples
Cấu trúc câu sử dụng especially trong IELTS Writing Task 2 đạt band 8 đến 9
Nâng Cao – Cách Dùng Để Đạt Band 8+
Kết Hợp Với Các Cấu Trúc Khác
1. Especially + Relative Clause
Band 8+ Example:
“The pandemic affected various sectors, especially those which relied heavily on face-to-face interaction, such as tourism, hospitality, and retail.”
→ Advanced features: Combining emphasis with complex noun modification using relative clause and exemplification
2. Especially + Conditional Clauses
Band 8+ Example:
“Learning a second language requires dedication, especially if you want to achieve fluency within a reasonable timeframe and especially when you’re studying independently without formal instruction.”
→ Sophistication: Layering multiple conditions with emphasis to show nuanced understanding
3. Especially + Passive Voice
Band 8+ Example:
“Significant progress has been made in renewable energy, especially in solar technology, where efficiency rates have been dramatically improved, especially in recent years through nanotechnology innovations.”
→ Band 9 quality: Combining passive construction with double emphasis creates academic formality
4. Especially + Participle Clauses
Band 8+ Example:
“Many students struggle with time management, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities and especially while preparing for high-stakes examinations like IELTS.”
→ Advanced grammar: Using present participles after “especially” creates concise, sophisticated expression
5. Especially + Complex Comparative Structures
Band 9 Example:
“Income inequality has widened considerably, especially in developed economies, where the wealth gap is now even more pronounced than it was three decades ago, especially when comparing the top 1% with median earners.”
→ Sophistication markers: Triple-layer comparison (wider → more pronounced → specific comparison) with emphasis
6. Especially + Inversion
Band 9 Example:
“Rarely do we see such dramatic policy shifts, especially in conservative institutions, and especially rare is the willingness to implement them rapidly.”
→ Maximum sophistication: Combining emphasis with inverted structure for rhetorical impact
Cụm Từ Nâng Cao
Academic collocations với “especially” cho Band 8-9:
| Collocation | Ví dụ IELTS Context | Band Level |
|---|---|---|
| especially pronounced | “The digital divide is especially pronounced in rural communities where infrastructure investment has been minimal.” | 8+ |
| especially pertinent | “This argument is especially pertinent to developing nations grappling with rapid industrialization.” | 8+ |
| especially salient | “Environmental concerns are especially salient among younger voters who prioritize sustainability.” | 8-9 |
| especially acute | “The housing shortage is especially acute in metropolitan areas experiencing population influx.” | 8+ |
| especially conducive to | “Remote work environments are especially conducive to independent tasks requiring deep concentration.” | 8+ |
| especially vulnerable | “Coastal communities are especially vulnerable to climate change impacts such as rising sea levels.” | 7-8 |
| especially noteworthy | “The study’s findings are especially noteworthy because they challenge conventional wisdom.” | 8+ |
| especially detrimental | “Sleep deprivation is especially detrimental to cognitive performance during adolescence.” | 8+ |
| especially pivotal | “Education plays an especially pivotal role in social mobility and economic development.” | 9 |
| especially instrumental | “Technology has been especially instrumental in democratizing access to information.” | 8-9 |
Patterns Nâng Cao Cho Writing Task 2
Pattern 1: Double Emphasis với “Especially”
Formula: Statement, especially [aspect A], and especially [aspect B]
Band 9 Example:
“Cultural preservation requires multifaceted approaches, especially governmental support through funding and legislation, and especially grassroots engagement that ensures community ownership of heritage sites.”
Pattern 2: Especially với Appositive Phrases
Formula: Statement, especially + noun phrase + appositive
Band 8+ Example:
“Renewable energy investments have surged, especially solar installations, a technology that has seen costs plummet by 90% since 2010.”
Pattern 3: Especially trong Complex Cause-Effect Chains
Band 9 Example:
“Income stagnation has far-reaching consequences, especially reduced consumer spending, which in turn dampens economic growth, especially in retail-dependent economies where discretionary purchases drive GDP.”
Pattern 4: Especially với Nested Clauses
Band 9 Example:
“While globalization benefits many stakeholders, critics argue that its advantages are unevenly distributed, especially accruing to multinational corporations, which can exploit regulatory arbitrage, especially in jurisdictions with lax labor laws.”
Variations & Synonyms For Band 9
Thay thế “especially” để tạo variety:
| Synonym | Register | Example | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| particularly | Formal/Academic | “This approach is particularly effective in…” | Writing Task 2 |
| notably | Formal | “Crime rates decreased, notably in urban centers.” | Task 1 descriptions |
| specifically | Precise/Academic | “The policy targets youth unemployment, specifically those aged 18-25.” | Task 2 precision |
| in particular | Formal | “Several factors contribute, in particular economic instability.” | Academic writing |
| most notably | Very formal | “Several reforms were implemented, most notably the education overhaul.” | Task 2 introduction |
| more specifically | Academic | “We must address pollution, more specifically industrial emissions.” | Task 2 body |
| above all | Emphatic | “Many skills matter, but above all, critical thinking.” | Speaking Part 3 |
Band 9 Paragraph demonstrating variety:
“Educational reform requires comprehensive changes, particularly in curriculum design and teacher training. Investment must increase, especially for underfunded schools in disadvantaged areas. Technology integration is crucial, more specifically interactive platforms that facilitate personalized learning. Most notably, Finland’s education system demonstrates these principles effectively. Assessment methods need revision, in particular reducing emphasis on standardized testing. Above all, reforms must prioritize equity, ensuring all students receive quality education regardless of socioeconomic background.”
→ Analysis: Uses 6 different emphasis markers, avoiding repetition while maintaining sophisticated emphasis throughout.
Từ đồng nghĩa thay thế especially trong IELTS để đạt band 9 với mức độ formal khác nhau
So Sánh Với Cấu Trúc Tương Tự
Especially vs Specially
Đây là cặp từ gây nhầm lẫn nhiều nhất cho học viên Việt Nam vì đều dịch là “đặc biệt”.
| Tiêu chí | Especially | Specially |
|---|---|---|
| Nghĩa | “Đặc biệt là” (nhấn mạnh mức độ) | “Một cách đặc biệt” (for a specific purpose) |
| Chức năng | Nhấn mạnh một phần tử trong tập hợp | Chỉ mục đích cụ thể, được thiết kế riêng |
| Công thức | General statement + especially + specific case | Something done/made specially for/to do something |
| IELTS Context | Speaking & Writing (very common) | Speaking only (less common) |
| Ví dụ | “I enjoy sports, especially swimming.” | “This course is specially designed for IELTS candidates.” |
| Vị trí | Before nouns, adjectives, phrases | Usually before past participles (designed, created, made) |
Chi tiết phân biệt:
ESPECIALLY (Adverb of degree – Trạng từ chỉ mức độ):
- Ý nghĩa: Hơn bất kỳ cái gì khác, đặc biệt hơn
- Function: Làm nổi bật một element so với others
Ví dụ IELTS:
-
Writing Task 2: “Air pollution affects everyone, especially children and elderly people.”
→ Trong tất cả mọi người, trẻ em và người già bị ảnh hưởng nhiều nhất/đặc biệt nhất -
Speaking Part 2: “I love Italian cuisine, especially pasta dishes from the northern regions.”
→ Trong tất cả món Ý, món pasta được yêu thích đặc biệt nhất
SPECIALLY (Adverb of manner – Trạng từ chỉ cách thức):
- Ý nghĩa: Được làm/thiết kế cho mục đích cụ thể
- Function: Chỉ purpose hoặc intention
Ví dụ IELTS:
-
Speaking Part 2: “My grandmother made this scarf specially for my birthday.”
→ Chiếc khăn được làm có mục đích cụ thể cho sinh nhật -
Writing Task 2: “The government has launched programs specially designed to support small businesses.”
→ Các chương trình được thiết kế với mục đích riêng hỗ trợ doanh nghiệp nhỏ
Lỗi thường gặp:
❌ SAI: “This book is specially useful for IELTS preparation.”
✅ ĐÚNG: “This book is especially useful for IELTS preparation.”
→ Giải thích: Không phải sách được thiết kế cho mục đích gì, mà là nhấn mạnh độ hữu ích của nó.
❌ SAI: “I love fruits, especially apples which were bought especially for me.”
✅ ĐÚNG: “I love fruits, especially apples which were bought specially for me.”
→ Giải thích: Lần đầu nhấn mạnh loại quả yêu thích, lần hai nói về mục đích mua.
Especially vs Particularly
| Tiêu chí | Especially | Particularly |
|---|---|---|
| Register | Neutral (Speaking & Writing) | More formal (Mainly Writing) |
| Frequency | Very common in all IELTS sections | Common in Writing Task 2 |
| Emphasis Degree | Strong emphasis | Slightly more formal, academic emphasis |
| Interchangeability | Can usually replace “particularly” | Can usually replace “especially” |
| IELTS Preference | Natural for Speaking | Preferred for academic Writing |
| Ví dụ | “I enjoy sports, especially tennis.” | “This finding is particularly significant for policy makers.” |
Khi nào dùng “particularly” thay vì “especially”:
-
Academic Writing contexts (Band 8-9):
- “The research is particularly relevant to urban planning.”
- “This phenomenon is particularly evident in developing economies.”
-
After negative statements:
- “The weather wasn’t particularly good.” (More natural than “especially good”)
- “I’m not particularly interested in politics.”
-
With formal collocations:
- “Particularly important/significant/noteworthy/relevant”
Ví dụ so sánh:
Speaking (Especially more natural):
- “I love traveling, especially to Southeast Asian countries.”
- ✓ Natural, conversational
Writing Task 2 (Particularly more sophisticated):
- “This argument is particularly pertinent to contemporary debates about privacy.”
- ✓ Academic, formal tone
Especially vs In Particular
| Tiêu chí | Especially | In Particular |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Single adverb | Prepositional phrase |
| Position | Mid-sentence usually | Can start sentence or mid-sentence |
| Formality | Neutral | Formal/Academic |
| Emphasis Type | Highlights one among many | Specifies/singles out specifically |
| Writing Task 2 | Common | Less common but more formal |
| Ví dụ | “Many factors matter, especially education.” | “Many factors matter. In particular, education plays a crucial role.” |
“In particular” patterns:
Pattern 1: Beginning of sentence (Very formal)
“Several measures can reduce pollution. In particular, electric vehicles should be promoted.”
Pattern 2: Mid-sentence
“The government should focus on infrastructure, in particular public transportation systems.”
Pattern 3: After be-verb
“One factor is in particular worthy of attention: teacher training.”
Khi nào dùng “in particular”:
- Để tạo variety trong Writing Task 2 (Band 8+)
- Khi muốn formal tone hơn “especially”
- Khi bắt đầu câu mới để emphasize
Bảng Tổng Hợp So Sánh
| Aspect | Especially | Specially | Particularly | In Particular |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Nhấn mạnh mức độ | Mục đích cụ thể | Nhấn mạnh (formal) | Chỉ định cụ thể |
| Speaking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Writing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Band 6-7 | Recommended | Sometimes | Sometimes | Rare |
| Band 8-9 | Common | Rare | Very common | Common |
| Can replace each other | With “particularly” ✓ | No ✗ | With “especially” ✓ | With “particularly” ✓ |
Lỗi Thường Gặp & Cách Sửa
Lỗi 1: Dùng Specially Thay Vì Especially
❌ SAI:
“I enjoy outdoor activities, specially hiking in the mountains.”
✅ ĐÚNG:
“I enjoy outdoor activities, especially hiking in the mountains.”
Giải thích:
Đây là lỗi phổ biến nhất của học viên Việt Nam. “Specially” chỉ được dùng khi nói về mục đích cụ thể (designed for, made for), không dùng để nhấn mạnh trong số nhiều lựa chọn. Trong câu này, hiking là một trong nhiều outdoor activities được yêu thích đặc biệt, không phải được thiết kế cho mục đích gì.
Lưu ý:
- Specially + designed/made/created/prepared + for + purpose
- Especially + để nhấn mạnh một phần tử trong tập hợp
Thêm ví dụ:
- ❌ “Traffic is bad in cities, specially during rush hour.”
- ✅ “Traffic is bad in cities, especially during rush hour.”
Lỗi 2: Vị Trí Sai Của Especially
❌ SAI:
“Students especially who study abroad face many challenges.”
✅ ĐÚNG:
“Students, especially those who study abroad, face many challenges.”
Giải thích:
Khi “especially” đi với relative clause, cần có “those/people/the ones” sau “especially” và dấu phзапятая trước “especially”. Không thể đặt “especially” trực tiếp trước “who/which/that”.
Cấu trúc đúng:
- Noun, especially + those/the ones/people + who/which + clause
- Hoặc: Noun + especially + specific noun + relative clause
Ví dụ đúng:
- “Technology benefits everyone, especially those who live in remote areas.”
- “Books are valuable, especially novels which explore human psychology.”
❌ SAI:
“Especially I like summer because of the warm weather.”
✅ ĐÚNG:
“I especially like summer because of the warm weather.”
HOẶC “In particular, I like summer because of the warm weather.”
Giải thích:
“Especially” không thể đứng đầu câu trong cấu trúc này. Để đứng đầu câu, phải dùng “In particular” hoặc đặt lại cấu trúc câu.
Lỗi 3: Quá Lạm Dụng Especially
❌ SAI:
“I love traveling, especially to Asia, especially to Vietnam, especially to Hanoi, especially the Old Quarter.”
✅ ĐÚNG:
“I love traveling, especially to Asia, particularly to Vietnam. Hanoi is my favorite destination, most notably the Old Quarter which offers authentic cultural experiences.”
Giải thích:
Sử dụng “especially” quá nhiều lần trong một passage ngắn làm cho văn viết repetitive và thiếu sophistication. Cần thay thế bằng synonyms hoặc restructure sentences.
Chiến lược tránh lặp:
- Lần 1: especially
- Lần 2: particularly
- Lần 3: in particular
- Lần 4: most notably
- Lần 5: more specifically
Ví dụ Band 8:
“Environmental issues affect numerous countries, especially developing nations. Air pollution poses serious risks, particularly in densely populated cities. In particular, industrial emissions contribute significantly to respiratory diseases. Most notably, China and India have implemented stringent regulations. More specifically, carbon taxation policies have shown promising results.”
Lỗi 4: Thiếu Dấu Phẩy
❌ SAI:
“This program benefits many people especially low-income families.”
✅ ĐÚNG:
“This program benefits many people, especially low-income families.”
Giải thích:
Trong hầu hết trường hợp, cần dấu phẩy (comma) trước “especially” khi nó đứng giữa câu để giới thiệu specific information. Dấu phẩy này tạo natural pause và làm rõ cấu trúc câu.
Rules về dấu phẩy:
Có dấu phẩy (Common pattern):
- “I love fruits, especially tropical ones.”
- “The book is useful, especially for beginners.”
- “Climate change affects everyone, especially coastal communities.”
Không cần dấu phẩy (Less common):
- “She is especially talented in mathematics.” (modifying adjective directly)
- “This is especially true for young people.” (part of fixed expression)
Lỗi 5: Dùng Especially Với Nghĩa “Đặc Biệt Hơn Bình Thường”
❌ SAI:
“Today is an especially day because it’s my birthday.”
✅ ĐÚNG:
“Today is a special day because it’s my birthday.”
HOẶC “Today is especially important because it’s my birthday.”
Giải thích:
“Especially” là adverb (trạng từ), không thể đứng trước noun như “day” để modify trực tiếp. Phải dùng adjective “special” hoặc đặt “especially” trước adjective.
Pattern đúng:
- Especially + adjective: especially important/difficult/useful
- Special + noun: special day/occasion/moment
Ví dụ sửa lỗi:
❌ “She has an especially talent.”
✅ “She has a special talent.” / “She is especially talented.”
❌ “This is an especially opportunity.”
✅ “This is a special opportunity.” / “This is especially important.”
❌ “We need especially attention to this issue.”
✅ “We need special attention to this issue.” / “We need to pay especially close attention to this issue.”
Lỗi 6: Nhầm Lẫn Cấu Trúc Với Especially When/If
❌ SAI:
“Learning English is difficult, especially you don’t have much practice.”
✅ ĐÚNG:
“Learning English is difficult, especially when/if you don’t have much practice.”
Giải thích:
Sau “especially” nếu có clause (mệnh đề có subject + verb), phải có “when/if/for” trước clause. Không thể để “especially” + subject + verb trực tiếp.
Patterns đúng:
- Especially when + clause: “I feel tired, especially when I don’t sleep well.”
- Especially if + clause: “It’s challenging, especially if you’re new to the field.”
- Especially for + noun/pronoun: “This is difficult, especially for beginners.”
Ví dụ đúng:
- “Exercise is beneficial, especially when combined with a healthy diet.”
- “The task becomes easier, especially if you practice regularly.”
- “The book is helpful, especially for those preparing for IELTS.”
Lỗi 7: Confusion Với “Special” và “Especially” Trong Collocations
❌ SAI:
“This course is especially designed for IELTS candidates.”
✅ ĐÚNG:
“This course is specially designed for IELTS candidates.”
Giải thích:
Với các past participles chỉ mục đích thiết kế (designed, made, created, prepared, tailored), phải dùng “specially” không phải “especially”.
Fixed collocations với “specially”:
- specially designed for/to
- specially made for/to
- specially created for/to
- specially prepared for/to
- specially adapted for/to
- specially tailored for/to
Fixed collocations với “especially”:
- especially important/significant for
- especially useful/helpful for
- especially relevant/suitable for
- especially challenging/difficult for
Lỗi thường gặp khi sử dụng especially của học viên IELTS Việt Nam và cách sửa đúng
Bài Tập Thực Hành
Bài Tập 1: Chọn Especially hoặc Specially
Chọn từ đúng trong ngoặc:
- This restaurant is (especially / specially) famous for its seafood dishes.
- The program was (especially / specially) designed to help students improve their writing skills.
- I love all seasons, (especially / specially) autumn when the leaves change color.
- These shoes were (especially / specially) made for professional athletes.
- Air pollution is a serious problem, (especially / specially) in large cities.
- The chef (especially / specially) prepared this dish for the VIP guests.
- Learning vocabulary is important, (especially / specially) for the Reading test.
- This software is (especially / specially) developed for graphic designers.
- I enjoy reading, (especially / specially) historical novels set in ancient times.
- The course is (especially / specially) tailored to meet individual learning needs.
Bài Tập 2: Sửa Lỗi Về Vị Trí Và Dấu Câu
Tìm và sửa lỗi trong các câu sau:
- Students especially international students struggle with academic writing.
- I love traveling especially I enjoy exploring historical sites.
- Technology has changed education especially in terms of accessibility especially for students in remote areas especially in developing countries.
- The program is useful especially for people who want to improve their skills.
- Especially pollution is a major problem in urban areas.
- Reading books is beneficial especially those which expand your vocabulary.
- Exercise is important especially you want to maintain good health.
- The weather is pleasant especially during spring season.
- This method is effective especially it is combined with regular practice.
- Learning grammar is challenging especially for people their native language has different structure.
Bài Tập 3: Viết Lại Câu Sử Dụng Especially
Viết lại các câu sau, sử dụng “especially” để kết hợp ý:
-
Technology has changed many industries. Healthcare has changed the most.
→ Your answer: ____ -
Many people enjoy sports. Young people enjoy sports very much.
→ Your answer: ____ -
The exam tests various skills. Writing skills are tested thoroughly.
→ Your answer: ____ -
Climate change affects all countries. Island nations are affected severely.
→ Your answer: ____ -
Learning languages requires dedication. Learning tonal languages like Vietnamese requires more dedication.
→ Your answer: ____ -
All employees need training. New employees need comprehensive training.
→ Your answer: ____ -
Many factors influence success. Hard work and persistence influence success significantly.
→ Your answer: ____ -
The museum attracts visitors. The ancient artifacts section attracts many visitors.
→ Your answer: ____ -
Pollution harms health. Air pollution harms respiratory health seriously.
→ Your answer: ____ -
Students face challenges abroad. Students from non-English speaking countries face language challenges.
→ Your answer: ____
Bài Tập 4: Điền “Especially” Vào Vị Trí Đúng
Chèn “especially” vào vị trí phù hợp trong câu (có thể có nhiều vị trí đúng):
-
Modern technology has transformed communication in business contexts where instant messaging is essential.
-
Learning a foreign language brings cognitive benefits for children whose brains are still developing.
-
Environmental protection requires international cooperation from developed nations that produce the most emissions.
-
Regular exercise improves mental health during stressful periods when anxiety levels are high.
-
Online education provides flexibility for working professionals who cannot attend traditional classes.
Bài Tập 5: Writing Task 2 Application
Viết body paragraph (khoảng 150 từ) cho topic sau, sử dụng “especially” ít nhất 3 lần một cách tự nhiên:
Topic: “Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
Your paragraph (focus on first viewpoint):
Bài Tập 6: Speaking Practice
Trả lời các câu hỏi sau, mỗi câu sử dụng “especially” ít nhất một lần:
Part 1 Questions:
-
What kind of music do you like?
Your answer: ____ -
Do you prefer to study in the morning or evening?
Your answer: ____
Part 2 Cue Card:
Describe a skill you would like to learn.
You should say:
- What the skill is
- Why you want to learn it
- How you would learn it
And explain why this skill would be useful.
Your answer (60-90 seconds, use “especially” 2-3 times):
Part 3 Question:
How has technology changed the way people work?
Your answer (use “especially” 2-3 times):
Bài Tập 7: Thay Thế Để Tránh Lặp
Viết lại đoạn văn sau, thay thế một số “especially” bằng synonyms (particularly, in particular, notably, specifically) để tránh lặp:
“Environmental problems are serious, especially in developing countries. Air pollution is concerning, especially in major cities. Water contamination affects health, especially children’s health. Deforestation causes habitat loss, especially in tropical regions. Climate change impacts agriculture, especially in areas dependent on rainfall. Governments must act, especially by implementing strict regulations.”
Your improved version:
Đáp Án & Giải Thích Chi Tiết
Đáp Án Bài Tập 1: Especially vs Specially
- especially – Nhấn mạnh món nổi tiếng nhất (emphasis on fame)
- specially – Được thiết kế cho mục đích cụ thể (designed for purpose)
- especially – Mùa được yêu thích nhất trong số các mùa (preference among seasons)
- specially – Được làm riêng cho mục đích cụ thể (made for specific purpose)
- especially – Nhấn mạnh nơi vấn đề nghiêm trọng nhất (emphasis on location)
- specially – Được chuẩn bị cho mục đích/người cụ thể (prepared for purpose)
- especially – Nhấn mạnh tầm quan trọng cho Reading test (emphasis on importance)
- specially – Được phát triển cho người dùng cụ thể (developed for purpose)
- especially – Thể loại được yêu thích nhất (preference among genres)
- specially – Được thiết kế riêng cho nhu cầu cụ thể (tailored for purpose)
Quy tắc tổng quát:
- Specially: designed/made/created/prepared/tailored/developed + for + purpose/person
- Especially: nhấn mạnh một element trong số nhiều elements
Đáp Án Bài Tập 2: Sửa Lỗi
-
❌ “Students especially international students…”
✅ “Students, especially international students, struggle with academic writing.”
→ Lỗi: Thiếu dấu phẩy trước và sau cụm “especially international students” -
❌ “I love traveling especially I enjoy…”
✅ “I love traveling. Especially, I enjoy exploring historical sites.” / “I love traveling, especially when I can explore historical sites.”
→ Lỗi: Thiếu dấu chấm hoặc liên từ; không thể nối hai independent clauses chỉ bằng “especially” -
❌ “…especially in terms of accessibility especially for students in remote areas especially in developing countries.”
✅ “Technology has changed education, especially in terms of accessibility. In particular, students in remote areas have benefited, most notably in developing countries.”
→ Lỗi: Lạm dụng “especially” – cần dùng synonyms để tránh lặp -
✅ “The program is useful, especially for people who want to improve their skills.”
→ Đúng: Đã có dấu phẩy trước “especially” -
❌ “Especially pollution is a major problem…”
✅ “Pollution is especially problematic in urban areas.” / “In particular, pollution is a major problem in urban areas.”
→ Lỗi: “Especially” không thể đứng đầu câu với cấu trúc này -
❌ “…beneficial especially those which…”
✅ “Reading books is beneficial, especially those which expand your vocabulary.”
→ Lỗi: Thiếu dấu phẩy và thiếu “those” trước relative clause -
❌ “…important especially you want…”
✅ “Exercise is important, especially if/when you want to maintain good health.”
→ Lỗi: Thiếu “when/if” trước clause -
✅ “The weather is pleasant, especially during spring season.”
→ Gần đúng: Có thể bỏ “season” vì “spring” đã là season (The weather is pleasant, especially during spring.) -
❌ “…effective especially it is combined…”
✅ “This method is effective, especially when it is combined with regular practice.”
→ Lỗi: Thiếu “when/if” trước clause -
❌ “…challenging especially for people their native language…”
✅ “Learning grammar is challenging, especially for people whose native language has different structure.”
→ Lỗi: Thiếu relative pronoun “whose”; không thể dùng “their” trong cấu trúc này
Đáp Án Bài Tập 3: Viết Lại Câu
-
Technology has changed many industries, especially healthcare / Technology has transformed various industries, especially the healthcare sector, where digitalization has revolutionized patient care.
-
Many people enjoy sports, especially young people / Sports are popular among various demographics, especially young people who participate actively in both team and individual activities.
-
The exam tests various skills, especially writing skills / The exam assesses multiple competencies, especially writing skills, which require both accuracy and fluency.
-
Climate change affects all countries, especially island nations / Climate change poses threats globally, especially to island nations that face rising sea levels and increased storm intensity.
-
Learning languages requires dedication, especially learning tonal languages like Vietnamese / Language acquisition demands commitment, especially when learning tonal languages like Vietnamese where pitch variations convey meaning.
-
All employees need training, especially new employees / Training is essential for the workforce, especially new employees who require comprehensive orientation and skill development.
-
Many factors influence success, especially hard work and persistence / Success depends on various elements, especially hard work and persistence, which consistently prove more valuable than innate talent.
-
The museum attracts visitors, especially to the ancient artifacts section / The museum draws tourists from around the world, especially to the ancient artifacts section, which houses rare archaeological discoveries.
-
Pollution harms health, especially air pollution which affects respiratory health / Environmental pollution poses health risks, especially air pollution, which has been linked to serious respiratory diseases and reduced life expectancy.
-
Students face challenges abroad, especially students from non-English speaking countries who encounter language barriers / Studying internationally presents difficulties, especially for students from non-English speaking countries who must navigate both academic content and language barriers simultaneously.
Đáp Án Bài Tập 4: Điền Vị Trí
-
“Modern technology has transformed communication, especially in business contexts where instant messaging is essential.”
-
“Learning a foreign language brings cognitive benefits, especially for children whose brains are still developing.”
-
“Environmental protection requires international cooperation, especially from developed nations that produce the most emissions.”
-
“Regular exercise improves mental health, especially during stressful periods when anxiety levels are high.”
-
“Online education provides flexibility, especially for working professionals who cannot attend traditional classes.”
Đáp Án Bài Tập 5: Writing Sample (Band 8.0)
Sample Answer:
“Proponents of practical education argue that universities should prioritize workforce preparation, and I find this perspective compelling, especially in today’s competitive job market. Graduates need applicable skills to secure employment, especially in technical fields such as engineering, medicine, and information technology where theoretical knowledge alone proves insufficient. Employers consistently report skill gaps among recent graduates, especially regarding problem-solving abilities and hands-on experience that can only be developed through practical training and internships.
Furthermore, the financial investment in higher education demands tangible returns, especially for students from modest backgrounds who often accumulate significant debt. Universities that emphasize employability help ensure graduates can repay loans and achieve financial stability, especially important in economies where youth unemployment remains problematically high. This practical approach benefits not only individuals but society broadly, especially by reducing the mismatch between educational outcomes and labor market needs.”
Analysis:
- 6 uses of “especially” across two paragraphs
- Each usage serves distinct purpose: market context, fields, skills, demographics, economic situation, societal benefit
- Combines with relative clauses and complex noun phrases
- Academic vocabulary and sophisticated structures
- Band 8.0 quality
Đáp Án Bài Tập 6: Speaking Sample
Part 1 – Music:
“I enjoy various music genres, but I’m especially fond of jazz and classical music. Jazz is especially appealing because of its improvisation elements and complex rhythms. I find classical music especially relaxing when I need to concentrate on studying or working.”
Part 1 – Study time:
“I’m definitely more productive in the morning, especially between 6 and 10 AM when my mind feels fresh. Morning study sessions are especially effective for challenging subjects like mathematics or grammar that require intense concentration. I find evenings less suitable, especially after a full day of classes when mental fatigue affects my focus.”
Part 2 – Sample (Band 8.0):
“I’d like to talk about digital photography, a skill I’ve been eager to master. Photography fascinates me, especially the technical aspects involving composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques.
I want to learn this skill for several reasons, especially because it combines artistic creativity with technical knowledge. In today’s visual culture, photography has become especially important for personal expression and professional opportunities, especially in fields like marketing, journalism, and social media management.
My learning approach would involve both theoretical study and practical application, especially through online courses and hands-on practice. I’d focus on mastering camera settings initially, especially understanding the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
This skill would prove valuable, especially for documenting travel experiences and preserving family memories. Moreover, photography could become a supplementary income source, especially given the growing demand for professional visual content in the digital marketplace.”
Part 3 – Technology & Work:
“Technology has fundamentally transformed work patterns, especially by enabling remote collaboration and flexible schedules. The shift has been especially dramatic in knowledge-based industries where physical presence is no longer necessary, especially in sectors like software development, consulting, and education.
However, this transformation presents challenges, especially regarding work-life boundaries that have become increasingly blurred. The ‘always available’ culture is especially problematic for employee wellbeing, especially when workers feel pressured to respond to messages outside traditional hours.
Nevertheless, the benefits are substantial, especially for parents and caregivers who can balance professional responsibilities with personal obligations more effectively. Technology has been especially empowering for people in developing regions, especially by providing access to global job markets previously unavailable.”
Đáp Án Bài Tập 7: Tránh Lặp
Original: 6 lần “especially”
Improved version:
“Environmental problems are serious, especially in developing countries. Air pollution is concerning, particularly in major cities where industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust contribute to hazardous air quality. Water contamination affects health, most notably children’s health, as they are more vulnerable to waterborne diseases. Deforestation causes habitat loss, in particular in tropical regions that house the world’s greatest biodiversity. Climate change impacts agriculture, more specifically in areas dependent on seasonal rainfall patterns. Governments must act decisively, above all by implementing strict environmental regulations and enforcement mechanisms.”
Analysis:
- Replaced repetitive “especially” with 5 different synonyms
- Maintains emphasis function throughout
- Added specific details to strengthen arguments
- Creates sophisticated variety suitable for Band 8-9
- Natural flow without sounding forced
Kết Bài
“Especially” là một công cụ ngữ pháp mạnh mẽ giúp bạn tạo sự nhấn mạnh hiệu quả trong cả bốn kỹ năng IELTS. Việc thành thạo cách sử dụng từ này không chỉ giúp bạn đạt điểm cao hơn mà còn làm cho lời nói và văn viết trở nên tự nhiên, logic và thuyết phục hơn.
Key takeaways:
✅ Function: “Especially” thu hẹp phạm vi từ general statement xuống specific case được nhấn mạnh
✅ Position: Thường đứng giữa câu với comma trước đó, có thể kết hợp với when/if/for + clause
✅ Frequency: Xuất hiện rất thường xuyên trong Speaking Part 2-3 và Writing Task 2 (70-90% bài mẫu Band 8+)
✅ Common mistakes: Nhầm với “specially”, thiếu comma, lạm dụng gây lặp, sai vị trí với relative clauses
✅ Band 8-9 strategies: Kết hợp với complex structures, thay thế bằng synonyms (particularly, notably, in particular), tích hợp tự nhiên vào academic collocations
Đề Luyện Tập
Speaking Topics (Practice với “especially” 3-5 lần mỗi topic):
-
Describe a technological device you find useful – Focus: nhấn mạnh features đặc biệt hữu ích, situations khi device especially valuable, groups of people benefit especially
-
Talk about environmental problems in your country – Focus: regions affected especially, types of pollution especially severe, demographics especially vulnerable
-
Describe changes in your hometown over the years – Focus: areas changed especially dramatically, improvements especially noticeable, aspects especially important to residents
-
Discuss the importance of learning foreign languages – Focus: professions where languages especially useful, skills that improve especially through language learning, age groups that benefit especially
Writing Task 2 Topics (Sử dụng “especially” ít nhất 4-6 lần, kết hợp với synonyms):
-
Education: “Some people believe that children should start learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”
- Focus areas: Brain development especially receptive in early years, pronunciation especially difficult to master later, resources especially limited in primary schools
-
Environment: “Many countries are experiencing serious environmental problems. What are the main causes and what solutions can be suggested?”
- Focus areas: Industrial emissions especially harmful, developing nations especially affected, renewable energy especially cost-effective long-term
-
Technology: “Social media has replaced face-to-face interaction among many people in society. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”
- Focus areas: Communication especially convenient for long distances, young people especially dependent, mental health especially affected by comparison culture
-
Work: “Some people prefer to work for a large company while others prefer small companies. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
- Focus areas: Career growth especially rapid in large firms, flexibility especially valued in small companies, job security especially important during economic uncertainty
Yêu cầu thực hành:
- Mỗi topic Speaking: Nói 2 phút, record và self-evaluate việc sử dụng “especially”
- Mỗi topic Writing: Viết full essay 250+ words, highlight tất cả emphasis markers
- Peer review: Trao đổi bài với học viên khác, check for common mistakes
- Rewrite: Viết lại một đoạn văn, thay thế “especially” bằng synonyms để tạo variety
Mục tiêu cuối khóa:
- Sử dụng “especially” tự nhiên, chính xác 100% cases
- Phân biệt rõ “especially” vs “specially” vs “particularly”
- Kết hợp “especially” với complex structures như relative clauses, conditionals, passive voice
- Đạt được variety through synonyms trong Writing Task 2
- Tích hợp seamlessly vào Speaking responses mà không cần suy nghĩ
Chúc bạn luyện tập hiệu quả và đạt band điểm IELTS mục tiêu!