Chủ đề về du lịch và kỳ nghỉ là một trong những topic phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt là dạng câu hỏi “Describe A Place You Would Like To Go On Vacation”. Với tư cách là một IELTS Examiner có hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi, tôi nhận thấy chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất rất cao – khoảng 30-40% trong các kỳ thi từ 2020 đến 2024. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai vẫn ở mức cao do tính universal và relatable của topic này.
Chủ đề về vacation destination đặc biệt quan trọng vì nó cho phép bạn thể hiện khả năng miêu tả, so sánh, và giải thích sở thích cá nhân – những kỹ năng quan trọng mà examiner đánh giá. Các góc độ thường được hỏi bao gồm: lý do chọn địa điểm, hoạt động dự định, cảm xúc mong đợi, và so sánh với các địa điểm khác.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:
- Tổng hợp câu hỏi thực tế từ các kỳ thi IELTS gần đây về chủ đề vacation
- Bài mẫu chi tiết cho cả 3 Part với band điểm từ 6-7, 7.5-8, đến 8.5-9
- Hơn 50 từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm liên quan đến du lịch
- Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của Examiner
- Phân tích sâu sắc về tiêu chí chấm điểm và cách cải thiện
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Tổng Quan Về Part 1
Thời gian: 4-5 phút
Part 1 là phần khởi động, nơi examiner hỏi những câu hỏi ngắn về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích cá nhân. Đặc điểm của Part 1 là câu hỏi đơn giản, dễ tiếp cận, nhưng nhiều thí sinh Việt Nam thường mắc lỗi trả lời quá ngắn hoặc thiếu mở rộng ý.
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi trong câu đầu tiên
- Mở rộng với lý do hoặc ví dụ cụ thể (tổng 2-3 câu)
- Sử dụng thì động từ chính xác
- Tránh học thuộc lòng, giữ giọng tự nhiên
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời chỉ có “Yes” hoặc “No” không giải thích thêm
- Dùng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “nice”, “interesting”
- Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
- Ngần ngại, dừng quá lâu giữa các câu
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Dưới đây là 10 câu hỏi thực tế thường xuất hiện trong Part 1 liên quan đến vacation và travel:
Question 1: Do you like going on vacation?
Question 2: Where do you usually go on vacation?
Question 3: Do you prefer going on vacation alone or with others?
Question 4: How often do you take a vacation?
Question 5: What do you usually do during your vacation?
Question 6: Do you prefer beach holidays or city breaks?
Question 7: Have you been on vacation recently?
Question 8: Where would you like to go on your next vacation?
Question 9: Do you think it’s important to take regular vacations?
Question 10: What kind of vacation activities do you enjoy most?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: Do you like going on vacation?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời trực tiếp: Yes/No
- Đưa ra lý do tại sao thích/không thích
- Thêm ví dụ hoặc benefit cụ thể
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I really like going on vacation. It helps me relax after working hard. I usually feel very happy when I travel to new places and try different foods.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng, có lý do (relax after working), có cảm xúc (feel happy)
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn basic (really like, very happy), cấu trúc câu đơn giản
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Đủ thông tin nhưng thiếu sophistication trong ngôn ngữ, chưa có depth trong ý tưởng
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about traveling and taking vacations whenever I can. For me, it’s not just about escaping the daily grind, but also about broadening my horizons and immersing myself in different cultures. There’s something incredibly rejuvenating about exploring new destinations and stepping out of my comfort zone.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Từ vựng sophisticated: “passionate about”, “broadening horizons”, “immersing myself”, “rejuvenating”, “stepping out of comfort zone”
- Cấu trúc phức tạp: “it’s not just about… but also about…”
- Ý tưởng sâu sắc: không chỉ nói relax mà còn nói về cultural experience và personal growth
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluent, natural, vocabulary precise và idiomatic, grammar range rộng với complex structures, ideas có depth
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- passionate about: say mê, đam mê điều gì
- escape the daily grind: thoát khỏi công việc nhàm chán hàng ngày
- broaden one’s horizons: mở rộng tầm nhìn
- immerse oneself in: đắm mình vào, trải nghiệm sâu sắc
- rejuvenating: làm trẻ lại, phục hồi năng lượng
- step out of comfort zone: bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn
Question: Where do you usually go on vacation?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Nói địa điểm cụ thể
- Giải thích tại sao chọn những nơi đó
- Có thể đề cập tần suất hoặc pattern
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I usually go to beach destinations in Vietnam like Nha Trang or Da Nang. I choose these places because they are not too expensive and have beautiful beaches. Sometimes I also visit my hometown to see my family.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Specific locations (Nha Trang, Da Nang), có lý do rõ ràng
- Hạn chế: Vocabulary đơn giản (beautiful beaches, not too expensive), thiếu variety trong cấu trúc
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicative và clear nhưng limited range of vocabulary và grammar
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
Well, I tend to gravitate towards coastal destinations, particularly lesser-known beaches in Central Vietnam. I’m drawn to places like Quy Nhon or Phu Yen because they offer a perfect blend of pristine beaches and authentic local culture without the tourist crowds. That said, I also make it a point to visit my family in the countryside at least once a year, which gives me a nice change of pace from city life.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Collocations natural: “gravitate towards”, “drawn to”, “make it a point to”
- Descriptive vocabulary: “pristine beaches”, “authentic local culture”, “tourist crowds”
- Balanced structure: nói về 2 types of vacation với appropriate linking
- Personality shines through: preference for less touristy places
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Natural discourse, sophisticated vocabulary sử dụng chính xác, variety trong grammar, personality và preferences rõ nét
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- gravitate towards: có xu hướng nghiêng về, thích cái gì
- pristine: nguyên sơ, hoang sơ
- authentic: chân thực, đích thực
- tourist crowds: đám đông khách du lịch
- change of pace: sự thay đổi nhịp độ, không khí
- make it a point to: cố gắng đảm bảo làm điều gì
Question: Do you prefer going on vacation alone or with others?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Đưa ra preference rõ ràng (hoặc có thể nói “depends on…”)
- Giải thích advantages của choice
- Có thể contrast với option còn lại
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I prefer traveling with my friends or family. When I go with others, we can share experiences and take photos together. It’s also safer and more fun than traveling alone. We can help each other if we have problems.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Clear preference, có reasons (share experiences, safer, more fun)
- Hạn chế: Ideas khá obvious và surface-level, vocabulary repetitive (more fun, help each other)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate communication nhưng lacks sophistication và depth
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
It really depends on my mood and the purpose of the trip, to be honest. For soul-searching adventures or when I need to recharge my batteries, I actually prefer solo travel because it allows me complete freedom and the chance to be spontaneous. However, when it comes to celebratory trips or exploring new destinations, I’d opt for traveling with close friends because shared experiences tend to create lasting memories, and there’s something special about bonding over new discoveries together.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Nuanced answer: không absolute, shows critical thinking
- Rich vocabulary: “soul-searching”, “recharge batteries”, “spontaneous”, “bonding over”
- Well-structured: presents both sides với clear conditions
- Natural phrases: “It really depends on”, “to be honest”, “when it comes to”
- Personal insight: explains WHY cho từng preference
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Demonstrates flexibility in thinking, sophisticated vocabulary sử dụng naturally, complex ideas expressed clearly, authentic personality
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- depends on my mood: tùy thuộc vào tâm trạng
- soul-searching: tìm kiếm bản thân, suy ngẫm sâu sắc
- recharge one’s batteries: nạp lại năng lượng
- solo travel: du lịch một mình
- be spontaneous: tự phát, linh hoạt
- bonding over: gắn kết thông qua việc gì
Question: What do you usually do during your vacation?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- List 2-3 activities cụ thể
- Thêm detail về một activity đặc biệt thích
- Có thể nói về balance giữa activities
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
During my vacation, I like to relax on the beach and swim in the sea. I also enjoy trying local food and visiting famous places. Sometimes I take many photos to remember the trip. I don’t like to plan too much, I just want to rest.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Mentions multiple activities, có preference (don’t like to plan)
- Hạn chế: Basic verbs (like to, enjoy), simple descriptions, lacks vivid details
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear và comprehensible nhưng vocabulary và grammar range limited
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
I’m quite eclectic in my vacation activities, actually. I usually strike a balance between active exploration and pure relaxation. For instance, I might spend my mornings wandering through local markets or embarking on hiking trails, then dedicate afternoons to unwinding at a café with a good book. I’m also big on trying authentic street food and engaging with locals to get insider tips about hidden gems. I find that this approach keeps the trip exciting while still allowing me to decompress.
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “eclectic”, “strike a balance”, “embarking on”, “unwinding”, “decompress”
- Natural collocations: “wandering through”, “big on”, “engaging with”, “insider tips”
- Structured clearly: general approach → specific examples → personal philosophy
- Shows personality: balance-seeking, curious, values both activity và rest
- Variety in grammar: complex sentences, relative clauses
- Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluent và coherent, precise vocabulary, wide range of structures, ideas well-developed với personal touch
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- eclectic: đa dạng, không theo khuôn mẫu
- strike a balance between: tạo sự cân bằng giữa
- wander through: dạo chơi, lang thang
- embark on: bắt đầu, lên đường
- unwind: thư giãn, nghỉ ngơi
- big on something: rất thích, đam mê cái gì
- engage with locals: giao lưu với người địa phương
- insider tips: lời khuyên từ người trong cuộc
- decompress: giải tỏa căng thẳng
Giám khảo IELTS phỏng vấn thí sinh về chủ đề kỳ nghỉ trong phần thi Speaking Part 1
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Tổng Quan Về Part 2
Thời gian chuẩn bị: 1 phút
Thời gian nói: 2-3 phút (không bị ngắt)
Part 2 là phần độc thoại quan trọng nhất, nơi bạn phải nói liên tục về một topic cụ thể. Đây là lúc examiner đánh giá rõ nhất khả năng fluency và coherence của bạn.
Chiến lược hiệu quả:
- Sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị để ghi note (chỉ keywords, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh)
- Cố gắng nói đủ 2 phút, tối thiểu 1 phút 45 giây
- Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points theo thứ tự
- Dành nhiều thời gian nhất cho câu “explain” cuối – đây là phần ghi điểm cao
- Sử dụng signposting language để chuyển ý mượt mà
Lỗi thường gặp:
- Không sử dụng hết 1 phút chuẩn bị, ghi note quá ít
- Nói dưới 1.5 phút khiến examiner phải hỏi follow-up questions
- Bỏ sót hoặc nói qua loa một số bullet points
- Dành quá nhiều thời gian cho bullet đầu, vội vã ở phần explain
- Dùng quá nhiều filler words khi không chuẩn bị kỹ
Cue Card
Describe a place you would like to go on vacation
You should say:
- Where this place is
- How you know about this place
- What you would do there
- And explain why you would like to go to this place
Phân Tích Đề Bài
Dạng câu hỏi: Describe a place (địa điểm) – future plan/wish
Thì động từ: Mainly future tenses (would like to, will, would do) và present tense khi describe
Bullet points phải cover:
- Where this place is – Location cụ thể, có thể thêm context về geography
- How you know about this place – Source of information, first impression
- What you would do there – Activities dự định, nên liệt kê 2-3 activities chi tiết
- Explain why – Đây là phần QUAN TRỌNG nhất, chiếm 40% thời gian, nên đưa ra multiple reasons với depth
Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là lúc bạn thể hiện critical thinking, personal values, emotional connection. Đừng chỉ nói “because it’s beautiful” – hãy dig deeper về personal significance, life goals, hoặc specific aspects appeal to you.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1 phút 45 giây
I would like to talk about Santorini in Greece, which is a place I really want to visit for my vacation. Santorini is located in the Aegean Sea, and it’s a very famous island in Europe.
I first knew about this place from social media, especially Instagram. Many people post beautiful photos of the white houses with blue roofs there. The pictures looked amazing, so I became interested in visiting.
If I go to Santorini, I would do many things. First, I would walk around the small villages and take lots of photos. The architecture there is very unique and beautiful. I would also try the local Greek food, especially fresh seafood. Another thing I want to do is watch the sunset from Oia village, which is supposed to be one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. If I have time, I might also visit some beaches and swim in the clear blue water.
The reason why I want to go there is because I think it’s a very romantic and beautiful place. I’ve been quite stressed from work lately, so I need a peaceful vacation. Santorini looks like a perfect place to relax and forget about work. Also, I’m interested in Greek culture and history, so it would be interesting to learn more about it. Many of my friends have told me that it’s an unforgettable experience, so I really hope I can visit Santorini someday soon.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Flow tương đối smooth, có basic linking devices (first, another thing, also, so, because). Có một vài hesitations nhẹ. Organization logical nhưng đơn giản. |
| Lexical Resource | 6-7 | Vocabulary adequate: “located in”, “walk around”, “watch the sunset”, “peaceful vacation”. Có attempts ở phrases như “supposed to be” nhưng overall range limited. Một số repetition (beautiful xuất hiện nhiều lần). |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Mix of simple và complex sentences. Sử dụng đúng conditional “If I go”, “If I have time”. Có relative clause “which is supposed to be”. Một số errors minor không ảnh hưởng communication. |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Generally clear và understandable. Features như stress và intonation ở mức adequate. |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points theo structure
- ✅ Có specific details (Instagram, Oia village, Greek food)
- ✅ Time management hợp lý, không bỏ sót phần nào
- ✅ Reasons ở phần explain đa dạng (beauty, stress relief, cultural interest)
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary còn basic và repetitive (beautiful, very, many)
- ⚠️ Thiếu sophisticated descriptive language
- ⚠️ Grammar structures không varied lắm
- ⚠️ Reasons ở phần explain chưa deep, còn surface-level
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2 phút 10 giây
I’d love to talk about Patagonia, which is a region spanning across southern Argentina and Chile in South America. It’s been on my bucket list for quite some time now.
I first came across Patagonia while reading a travel magazine about three years ago. There was this breathtaking photo spread of the Torres del Paine National Park, with its dramatic granite peaks and turquoise glacial lakes. What really caught my attention was how untouched and wild the landscape appeared. Since then, I’ve been devouring documentaries and travel blogs about the region.
If I were to visit Patagonia, I’d definitely want to embark on the famous W Trek, which is a multi-day hiking route through some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. I’d love to get up close to the massive glaciers like Perito Moreno and actually hear them cracking and calving into the water. I’m also keen on trying some wildlife spotting – apparently, you can see penguins, condors, and even pumas if you’re lucky. And of course, I’d make sure to sample some traditional Argentine barbecue, or asado, after those long days of hiking.
What really draws me to Patagonia is the sense of adventure and remoteness. In today’s world where everything feels so connected and accessible, there’s something incredibly appealing about exploring one of the last true wilderness areas. I think it would be a chance to really disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature in its purest form. Plus, I’ve always been fascinated by extreme environments and pushing my physical limits, so the challenging treks would be right up my alley. It’s not just about seeing beautiful places – it’s about having a transformative experience that stays with you long after you return home.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Speaks fluently với minimal hesitation. Linking sophisticated: “What really caught my attention”, “Since then”, “And of course”. Ideas logically organized và well-developed. |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Wide range of vocabulary: “spanning across”, “breathtaking”, “untouched and wild”, “embark on”, “spectacular scenery”, “cracking and calving”. Collocations natural: “on my bucket list”, “devouring documentaries”, “right up my alley”. Some less common items: “transformative experience”. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Variety of complex structures: conditional “If I were to”, relative clauses, present perfect “has been”. Generally error-free. Good use of participle clauses. |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Clear articulation, appropriate intonation patterns, good stress và rhythm. |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “beautiful photos”, “very famous” | “breathtaking photo spread”, “spanning across”, “untouched and wild” |
| Grammar | “I first knew about”, “If I go” | “I first came across”, “If I were to visit”, participle clauses |
| Ideas | “because it’s beautiful and romantic” | “sense of adventure and remoteness”, “disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature”, “transformative experience” |
| Collocations | “walk around”, “watch sunset” | “on my bucket list”, “embark on”, “get up close to”, “right up my alley” |
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2 phút 30 giây
The place I’m absolutely dying to visit is the Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago situated between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic. It’s quite off the beaten track compared to typical tourist destinations, which is precisely what appeals to me.
My fascination with the Faroes actually began quite serendipitously about four years ago when I stumbled upon a documentary about sustainable tourism in Nordic regions. The footage showed these otherworldly landscapes – sheer cliffs plunging into the ocean, lush green valleys blanketed in mist, and these impossibly picturesque villages with grass-roofed houses that look like they’ve sprung straight from a fairytale. What really resonated with me wasn’t just the raw, untamed beauty, but the fact that the islands have managed to preserve their authenticity despite increasing global attention. I’ve since become somewhat obsessed, following several Faroese photographers on Instagram and reading extensively about the island’s unique culture and ecology.
My ideal itinerary would be quite immersive. I’d want to spend at least ten days there, which would allow me to island-hop and truly soak in the atmosphere. I’m particularly drawn to hiking the trail to the dramatic sea stacks at Drangarnir and exploring the abandoned village of Saksun with its lagoon framed by towering mountains. I’d also love to attend a traditional chain dance if my visit coincided with any local festivals, and definitely indulge in some New Nordic cuisine – apparently, the Faroes have this incredible farm-to-table dining scene that showcases local ingredients like wind-dried mutton and fresh seafood. Photography is a huge passion of mine, so I’d be chasing the golden hour light constantly, trying to capture those moody, atmospheric shots the islands are famous for.
But beyond the obvious visual appeal, what really draws me to the Faroe Islands on a deeper level is this idea of finding beauty in isolation. In our increasingly homogenized world where city skylines and shopping districts look virtually identical from Tokyo to Toronto, the Faroes represent something refreshingly authentic and unapologetically distinctive. There’s also something profoundly humbling about standing on the edge of a cliff, dwarfed by the forces of nature, that puts our everyday concerns into perspective. I think it would serve as a powerful reminder to slow down and be present – something that’s increasingly difficult in our hyperconnected age. Plus, as someone who’s passionate about sustainable living, I’m genuinely inspired by how the Faroese have struck this delicate balance between welcoming visitors and protecting their fragile ecosystem. It’s not just a vacation I’m after – it’s more of a pilgrimage to see how humans can coexist harmoniously with nature, which is a lesson I think we all desperately need right now.
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 8.5-9 | Speaks fluently và effortlessly với natural pauses only for emphasis. Sophisticated cohesive devices: “precisely what”, “actually began quite serendipitously”, “What really resonated”, “But beyond”. Discourse highly coherent với clear progression of ideas. |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5-9 | Extensive range với precision: “serendipitously”, “otherworldly”, “untamed beauty”, “preserve authenticity”, “immersive”, “homogenized world”, “unapologetically distinctive”. Natural idioms: “off the beaten track”, “dying to visit”, “right up my alley”. Collocations sophisticated: “struck a delicate balance”, “dwarfed by forces of nature”. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8.5-9 | Full range of structures used naturally: complex conditionals, relative clauses, participle phrases, inversion for emphasis. Consistent accuracy. Sentences vary in length và complexity naturally. |
| Pronunciation | 8.5-9 | Fully intelligible với effective use of phonological features. Intonation, stress, rhythm all contribute to ease of understanding. |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
Candidate nói trôi chảy không ngập ngừng, transitions giữa ideas mượt mà. Không có filler words thừa, mỗi pause đều có mục đích (để nhấn mạnh hoặc tạo dramatic effect).
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- “serendipitously” – từ nâng cao thay cho “by chance”
- “off the beaten track” – idiom natural
- “otherworldly landscapes” – descriptive và evocative
- “homogenized world” – conceptual vocabulary showing sophisticated thinking
- “unapologetically distinctive” – powerful collocation
- “struck a delicate balance” – precise expression
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- Conditional: “if my visit coincided with…”
- Participle phrases: “dwarfed by the forces of nature”
- Relative clauses embedded naturally: “which is precisely what appeals to me”
- Present perfect continuous: “I’ve since become somewhat obsessed”
- Complex sentence structures không cảm giác forced
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
Không chỉ describe surface beauty mà dig deeper vào philosophical reasons:
- Authenticity trong homogenized world
- Finding perspective through nature
- Sustainable tourism model
- Personal growth through isolation
- Uses metaphor “pilgrimage” showing thoughtful approach
🎨 Personality Shines Through:
- Passionate về photography và sustainability
- Values authenticity over mainstream tourism
- Thoughtful về bigger picture issues
- Personal journey từ documentary đến obsession shows genuine interest
Thí sinh đang trình bày bài nói Part 2 về địa điểm muốn đi nghỉ trong IELTS Speaking
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn sau Part 2 để chuyển sang Part 3:
Question 1: Have you told your friends about this place?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I’ve talked about it with some of my close friends. They also think it looks beautiful and want to visit there someday.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Actually, I probably talk about it too much! My friends are always good-naturedly teasing me about my Faroe Islands obsession. A few of them have even said they’d be up for joining me if I ever make the trip a reality, which would be amazing.
Question 2: When do you think you’ll go there?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I hope I can go there in the next two or three years when I save enough money. But it depends on my work schedule too.
Band 8-9 Answer:
That’s the million-dollar question! Realistically, I’m eyeing maybe late 2025 or early 2026, once I’ve squirreled away enough funds and can carve out about two weeks from work. The timing needs to be just right because I want to catch the shoulder season when the weather’s relatively mild but the tourist influx hasn’t peaked.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Thời gian: 4-5 phút
Part 3 là phần thảo luận sâu và trừu tượng nhất, nơi examiner mở rộng topic từ Part 2 sang các vấn đề xã hội, văn hóa, xu hướng tương lai. Đây là lúc truly separate band 7 và band 8+.
Yêu cầu:
- Phân tích issues từ multiple perspectives
- So sánh past, present, future
- Đưa ra opinions có supporting arguments
- Acknowledge complexity của vấn đề (không có absolute answers)
- Sử dụng examples từ society, không chỉ personal experience
Chiến lược:
- Mở rộng câu trả lời (3-5 câu minimum)
- Structure: Direct answer → Reason/Explanation → Example/Evidence → Conclusion/Qualification
- Sử dụng discourse markers để organize thoughts
- Thừa nhận different viewpoints trước khi state your position
- Dùng tentative language (I would say, It seems to me, To some extent) để sound sophisticated
Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn, thiếu elaboration
- Chỉ nói personal experience thay vì analyze broader context
- Đưa ra absolute statements không nuanced
- Thiếu từ vựng abstract và academic
- Không structure câu trả lời logically
- Sợ disagree hoặc present controversial views
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Theme 1: Tourism Industry and Economic Impact
Question 1: How has tourism changed in your country over the past few decades?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Comparison (past vs present), Change analysis
- Key words: “changed”, “past few decades” – cần nói về trend, development
- Cách tiếp cận: Describe past situation → Present situation → Reasons for changes → Impact/Evaluation
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Tourism in Vietnam has changed a lot in the past decades. Before, not many foreign tourists came to Vietnam, but now tourism is very popular. Many new hotels and resorts have been built in cities like Da Nang and Nha Trang. The government has also made it easier for foreigners to get visas. I think these changes are good because tourism brings money and creates jobs for local people. However, some places have become too crowded with tourists now.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Có basic comparison past/present, mentions reasons và impact
- Vocabulary: Limited – “changed a lot”, “very popular”, “too crowded”
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates main ideas nhưng lacks sophistication, analysis shallow, vocabulary range limited
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
Well, the transformation has been quite remarkable, to be honest. If we wind the clock back to the 1990s, Vietnam’s tourism sector was relatively nascent and underdeveloped, primarily attracting backpackers and adventurous travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Fast forward to today, and we’ve witnessed this exponential growth – Vietnam has become a must-visit destination on the Southeast Asian circuit, pulling in upwards of 15 million international visitors annually before the pandemic.
Several factors have catalyzed this shift. The government’s deliberate policy of economic liberalization, or Đổi Mới, opened doors to foreign investment, leading to a proliferation of world-class infrastructure – from international airports to luxury resorts. Additionally, Vietnam’s growing presence in popular media, whether through travel documentaries or even Hollywood films, has significantly boosted its profile on the global stage.
That said, this rapid expansion is a double-edged sword. While tourism has undeniably injected vitality into the economy, creating employment and lifting communities out of poverty, we’re now grappling with challenges like overtourism, environmental degradation, and the erosion of authentic local culture in hotspots like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay. I think the key moving forward is striking a balance between economic growth and sustainable practices – easier said than done, but absolutely crucial.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Perfect organization – Past situation → Present → Causes → Balanced evaluation with both positives and negatives
- Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated: “nascent”, “exponential growth”, “catalyzed”, “proliferation”, “double-edged sword”, “grappling with”, “erosion”, “striking a balance”
- Grammar: Complex structures flow naturally: relative clauses, participle phrases, inversion (“upwards of”), conditional implications
- Critical Thinking: Acknowledges complexity, presents balanced view, uses specific data (15 million visitors), references policy (Đổi Mới), shows awareness of sustainability issues
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: “Well”, “to be honest”, “Fast forward to today”, “That said”, “moving forward”
- Tentative language: “I think”, “easier said than done”
- Abstract nouns: “transformation”, “proliferation”, “degradation”, “erosion”, “vitality”
- Powerful verbs: “catalyzed”, “injected”, “grappling with”, “boosted”
Question 2: Do you think tourism brings more advantages or disadvantages to a destination?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion – Advantages/Disadvantages, Evaluate
- Key words: “more advantages or disadvantages” – cần weigh both sides
- Cách tiếp cận: State position → Advantages with examples → Disadvantages with examples → Nuanced conclusion
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think tourism brings more advantages than disadvantages. The main advantage is economic benefits. Tourism creates many jobs in hotels, restaurants, and tour companies. It also helps develop infrastructure like roads and airports. However, there are some disadvantages too. For example, tourism can damage the environment and historical sites. Also, prices often go up in tourist areas, which is bad for local people. Overall, I believe the advantages are bigger if the government manages tourism properly.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Clear position, mentions both sides, có conclusion
- Vocabulary: Basic – “economic benefits”, “develop infrastructure”, “damage environment”
- Ideas: Adequate nhưng predictable và không sâu
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicative và logical nhưng lacks depth and sophisticated language
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
This is quite a nuanced question, and honestly, my answer is “it depends” – I know that sounds like a cop-out, but hear me out. The impact really hinges on how tourism is managed and at what scale it operates.
When done right, tourism can be an incredible force for good. Beyond the obvious economic windfall – job creation, infrastructure development, and foreign exchange earnings – there’s also what I’d call the soft power benefit. Tourism fosters cross-cultural understanding and can even incentivize conservation efforts. Take Costa Rica, for instance, where ecotourism revenue has made protecting rainforests more economically viable than clearing them for agriculture. There’s a powerful financial imperative to preserve natural assets.
However, the flip side is equally compelling. Unchecked tourism can wreak havoc on destinations. We’ve seen it time and again – Venice buckling under the weight of cruise ship passengers, Maya Bay in Thailand forced to close for ecological recovery, and countless traditional neighborhoods gentrified beyond recognition, their residents priced out by short-term rental markets. There’s also this more insidious effect of cultural commodification – when traditions become performative spectacles for tourist consumption rather than living practices.
So to directly answer your question, I’d argue that tourism itself is morally neutral – it’s the implementation that determines whether it’s a blessing or a curse. The destinations that thrive are those that have put guardrails in place – limiting visitor numbers, channeling tourism revenue back into communities, and maintaining rigorous environmental standards. Without these safeguards, the advantages can quickly be eclipsed by long-term damage that’s often irreversible.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Sophisticated – Establishes nuanced position → Advantages with compelling example → Disadvantages with multiple examples → Thoughtful conclusion that doesn’t oversimplify
- Vocabulary: Exceptional range: “nuanced”, “cop-out”, “hinges on”, “windfall”, “soft power”, “incentivize”, “unchecked”, “wreak havoc”, “buckling under”, “insidious”, “commodification”, “morally neutral”, “guardrails”, “eclipsed by”
- Grammar: Complex structures used effortlessly: conditional “when done right”, inversion “beyond the obvious”, participle clauses, relative clauses
- Critical Thinking:
- Acknowledges complexity upfront (“it depends”)
- Uses concrete, relevant examples (Costa Rica, Venice, Maya Bay)
- Introduces sophisticated concepts (soft power, cultural commodification)
- Provides nuanced conclusion that avoids black-and-white thinking
- Shows awareness of implementation mattering more than concept itself
💡 Key Language Features:
- Hedging language: “quite nuanced”, “I’d argue”, “can be”, showing academic sophistication
- Powerful metaphors: “force for good”, “buckling under weight”, “guardrails in place”
- Contrasting structures: “Beyond… there’s also”, “However, the flip side”, “blessing or curse”
- Academic vocabulary: “incentivize”, “commodification”, “implementation”, “safeguards”
Theme 2: Changing Travel Preferences and Technology
Question 3: How has technology changed the way people plan their vacations?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: How question – Describe change/impact
- Key words: “technology”, “changed”, “plan vacations”
- Cách tiếp cận: Past method → Current method → Specific technologies → Impact/Evaluation
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Technology has changed vacation planning a lot. In the past, people had to go to travel agencies to book trips, but now we can do everything online. We can use websites like Booking.com to find hotels and read reviews from other travelers. Social media like Instagram also helps us discover new places. Google Maps makes it easy to find directions when traveling. I think technology has made planning vacations much easier and more convenient.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Has basic past/present comparison, mentions specific platforms
- Vocabulary: Simple – “changed a lot”, “much easier”, “more convenient”
- Ideas: Obvious points without deep analysis
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear và relevant nhưng lacks sophistication
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
Technology has absolutely revolutionized the entire vacation planning landscape – we’ve gone from painstakingly poring over glossy brochures at travel agencies to having the world quite literally at our fingertips.
The shift has been multifaceted. First, there’s the democratization of information. Platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Reviews have effectively dismantled the information asymmetry that once existed between travel agents and consumers. Now, travelers can access unfiltered, crowd-sourced insights from people who’ve actually been there, which empowers much more informed decision-making. We’re no longer at the mercy of glossy marketing materials that often oversell and underdeliver.
Then there’s the personalization aspect. Algorithms now curate recommendations based on your browsing history, past bookings, and stated preferences – for better or worse, they know what you’re likely to enjoy. Apps like Airbnb have also disrupted traditional accommodation models, offering everything from budget hostels to luxury villas, while platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights use price prediction algorithms to help travelers snag the best deals.
But perhaps most significantly, social media has transformed vacation planning from a purely functional exercise into a highly aspirational one. Instagram in particular has become this incredibly influential discovery tool – destinations can go from relative obscurity to being mobbed by tourists practically overnight thanks to a few viral posts. Think of places like the Pink Lakes in Australia or certain spots in Iceland that became Instagram pilgrimage sites.
However, I think we need to be slightly cautious about this tech-enabled approach. There’s a risk of creating echo chambers where everyone flocks to the same photogenic spots, leading to overtourism in concentrated areas while other equally worthy destinations remain overlooked. Also, the over-reliance on ratings and reviews can sometimes sanitize the travel experience – we might miss out on the serendipitous discoveries that come from actually getting lost or trying something without knowing every detail in advance.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Comprehensive coverage – Introduction establishing scale of change → Information access → Personalization → Social media influence → Critical evaluation
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated throughout: “painstakingly poring over”, “democratization”, “dismantled information asymmetry”, “unfiltered crowd-sourced insights”, “at the mercy of”, “disrupted”, “functional exercise”, “aspirational”, “relative obscurity”, “echo chambers”, “sanitize the experience”, “serendipitous”
- Grammar: Varied complex structures including: present perfect continuous, participle phrases, relative clauses, conditional implications
- Critical Thinking:
- Analyzes multiple dimensions of impact (information, personalization, social influence)
- Uses specific examples (TripAdvisor, Airbnb, Instagram, Pink Lakes)
- Balances positives with thoughtful concerns
- Introduces sophisticated concepts (information asymmetry, echo chambers, serendipity)
- Shows awareness of unintended consequences
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic collocations: “democratization of information”, “information asymmetry”, “crowd-sourced insights”, “functional exercise”
- Powerful verbs: “revolutionized”, “dismantled”, “empowers”, “disrupted”, “snag”, “mobbed”, “flocks to”, “sanitize”
- Nuanced language: “for better or worse”, “slightly cautious”, “there’s a risk”
- Metaphorical language: “at our fingertips”, “echo chambers”, “pilgrimage sites”
Giám khảo và thí sinh thảo luận sâu về xu hướng du lịch trong Part 3 IELTS Speaking
Theme 3: Sustainable Tourism and Future Trends
Question 4: What do you think are the environmental impacts of mass tourism?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion về problems/impacts
- Key words: “environmental impacts”, “mass tourism”
- Cách tiếp cận: Define mass tourism → List impacts with examples → Severity → Possible solutions (optional)
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Mass tourism has many bad effects on the environment. First, it creates a lot of pollution. When many tourists visit a place, there is more garbage and plastic waste. Also, big hotels and resorts use a lot of water and energy, which is not good for the environment. Transportation like planes and cars also cause air pollution. Another problem is that tourism can damage natural areas. For example, coral reefs can be destroyed when too many people go swimming or diving there. I think governments should make rules to protect the environment from tourism.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Lists impacts logically, có examples
- Vocabulary: Basic environmental terms – “pollution”, “garbage”, “plastic waste”
- Ideas: Covers main points nhưng shallow analysis
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate communication of ideas nhưng lacks sophistication và depth
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
The environmental ramifications of mass tourism are quite sobering, and I think we’re only now beginning to fully grasp the magnitude of the problem.
Let’s start with the most visible impact: waste generation. When you concentrate thousands – sometimes millions – of visitors in relatively small geographic areas, you inevitably create enormous waste streams that local infrastructure often wasn’t designed to handle. Think about beach destinations during peak season – the sheer volume of plastic bottles, food packaging, and general refuse can be staggering. But it’s not just solid waste; there’s also wastewater management issues. Many coastal resorts discharge inadequately treated sewage into the ocean, leading to eutrophication and damage to marine ecosystems.
Then there’s the carbon footprint dimension, which is particularly pernicious because it’s less visible. Aviation accounts for roughly 2-3% of global carbon emissions, and that proportion is climbing as travel becomes more accessible. We’re essentially burning through fossil fuels at an unsustainable rate just to move people around for leisure – it’s quite troubling when you really think about it.
But perhaps what concerns me most is the habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. To accommodate tourists, we’re razing forests for resorts, draining wetlands for golf courses, and paving over natural landscapes for parking lots and roads. The fragmentation of ecosystems disrupts wildlife corridors and breeding grounds. Coral reefs, which you mentioned, are particularly vulnerable – they’re being degraded not just by physical damage from divers and boats, but also by runoff from coastal development and warming waters exacerbated by climate change, which tourism contributes to.
There’s also this more insidious problem of resource depletion. Tourist facilities, particularly in water-scarce regions, often divert water resources away from local agriculture and communities. I’ve read about cases in places like Bali where luxury resorts consume more water in a day than entire neighboring villages use in a week – that’s a stark inequality that raises serious ethical questions.
Now, I want to be clear – I’m not saying tourism is inherently destructive. What I am saying is that the current model of mass tourism, which prioritizes volume over sustainability, is clearly untenable in the long run. We need a fundamental paradigm shift toward regenerative tourism models where the industry actually gives back more than it takes. Some destinations are starting to pioneer this – Bhutan’s “high value, low impact” approach comes to mind – but it needs to become the norm rather than the exception.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Masterful organization – Introduction establishing seriousness → Waste → Carbon emissions → Habitat destruction with examples → Resource depletion with inequality → Nuanced conclusion with solution thinking
- Vocabulary: Exceptional range: “ramifications”, “sobering”, “magnitude”, “waste streams”, “staggering”, “discharge”, “eutrophication”, “pernicious”, “razing”, “fragmentation”, “degraded”, “insidious”, “divert”, “untenable”, “paradigm shift”, “regenerative”, “pioneer”
- Grammar: Sophisticated structures: complex conditionals, relative clauses, participle phrases, when-clauses, inversions (“What I am saying is…”)
- Critical Thinking:
- Structures answer from visible to less visible to systemic issues
- Provides specific data (2-3% aviation emissions)
- Uses concrete examples (Bali water inequality, Bhutan model)
- Connects multiple environmental issues (biodiversity, climate, water)
- Acknowledges nuance (“I’m not saying tourism is inherently destructive”)
- Proposes solution framework (regenerative tourism)
- Shows awareness of equity issues beyond environment
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic vocabulary: “ramifications”, “eutrophication”, “pernicious”, “fragmentation”, “paradigm shift”, “regenerative”
- Emphatic language: “enormously”, “staggering”, “particularly vulnerable”, “stark inequality”
- Hedging appropriately: “I think”, “often wasn’t designed”, “roughly 2-3%”
- Discourse markers for structure: “Let’s start with”, “Then there’s”, “But perhaps what concerns me most”, “Now, I want to be clear”
- Rhetorical devices: “it’s quite troubling when you really think about it”
Question 5: Do you think people’s attitudes toward travel will change in the future?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Future prediction, Opinion
- Key words: “attitudes toward travel”, “change”, “future”
- Cách tiếp cận: Current attitudes → Factors driving change → Predicted changes → Implications
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
Yes, I think people’s attitudes toward travel will change in the future. More people are becoming aware of environmental problems, so they might choose more eco-friendly ways to travel. Also, because of COVID-19, people now care more about health and safety when traveling. Virtual reality technology might also change tourism because people can experience places without actually going there. Additionally, younger generations seem to care more about having meaningful experiences rather than just visiting famous places. So overall, I believe travel will become more sustainable and thoughtful in the future.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Identifies several change drivers, logical progression
- Vocabulary: Basic – “eco-friendly”, “meaningful experiences”, “sustainable”
- Ideas: Covers relevant trends nhưng without depth
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear ideas, adequate development, nhưng lacks sophisticated analysis
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
I think we’re absolutely on the cusp of a significant shift in travel attitudes, driven by several converging forces that are reshaping how we think about and engage with tourism.
First and foremost, there’s this growing environmental consciousness, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, who are increasingly scrutinizing the carbon intensity of their lifestyle choices. The notion of “flight shame” that emerged in Scandinavia – or “flygskam” as they call it – reflects this burgeoning awareness. I think we’ll see more people opting for “slow travel” – taking trains instead of planes, staying longer in fewer places rather than whirlwind tours that rack up massive carbon footprints. There might also be a rise in “staycations” or domestic tourism as people seek to minimize their environmental impact.
The pandemic has also indelibly changed our relationship with travel. People are now much more attuned to health and safety considerations, but beyond that, I think it’s instilled a certain appreciation for local experiences that we previously took for granted. The forced pause made many people realize that meaningful experiences don’t necessarily require jetting off to exotic locations – there’s often untapped value in exploring what’s closer to home.
Technology will undoubtedly play a pivotal role as well. While I don’t think virtual reality will replace physical travel entirely – there’s something irreplaceable about actually being in a place – I do think it might democratize access to destinations that are either too expensive, too fragile, or too dangerous for mass tourism. Imagine being able to “visit” endangered ecosystems or culturally sensitive sites without causing harm – that’s actually quite compelling.
But here’s where I think the most profound shift might occur: I believe we’re moving away from checklist tourism – you know, the “been there, done that, got the t-shirt” mentality – toward what I’d call intentional or purposeful travel. People, especially younger travelers, are increasingly seeking experiences that offer personal growth, cultural exchange, or even opportunities to contribute positively to destinations through voluntourism or community-based tourism initiatives. There’s this desire for travel to be transformative rather than just transactional.
However, I should note that these shifts might not be uniform across demographics. While affluent, educated travelers might embrace sustainable and meaningful travel, economic pressures might push others toward budget, convenience-focused options, regardless of environmental cost. So we might actually see a bifurcation of the market – one segment going ultra-sustainable and the other remaining stuck in mass tourism patterns.
In essence, I’m cautiously optimistic that attitudes are evolving, but whether this translates into widespread behavioral change remains to be seen. The key will be whether the tourism industry and policymakers can create frameworks that make sustainable travel the path of least resistance rather than a luxury option for the privileged few.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Exceptional – Introduction predicting change → Environmental consciousness → Pandemic impact → Technology role → Fundamental shift in purpose → Qualification about demographic differences → Nuanced conclusion
- Vocabulary: Outstanding sophistication: “on the cusp of”, “converging forces”, “scrutinizing”, “carbon intensity”, “burgeoning”, “whirlwind tours”, “indelibly changed”, “attuned to”, “instilled”, “untapped value”, “pivotal role”, “democratize access”, “checklist tourism”, “intentional”, “bifurcation”, “path of least resistance”, “privileged few”
- Grammar: Full range of complex structures used naturally and accurately
- Critical Thinking:
- Identifies multiple drivers of change (environment, pandemic, technology, generational values)
- Introduces specific concepts (flight shame, slow travel, intentional travel)
- Uses concrete examples (Scandinavian flygskam, voluntourism)
- Acknowledges complexity (demographic differences, market bifurcation)
- Balances optimism with realism
- Connects individual attitudes to systemic change needs
- Shows awareness of equity issues (sustainable travel as privilege)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Sophisticated predictions: “on the cusp of”, “I think we’ll see”, “might not be uniform”, “remains to be seen”
- Academic discourse: “converging forces”, “carbon intensity”, “bifurcation”, “frameworks”, “path of least resistance”
- Idiomatic expressions: “whirlwind tours”, “rack up”, “been there done that got the t-shirt”, “stepping up”
- Nuanced language: “cautiously optimistic”, “indelibly changed”, “undoubtedly”
- Contrasting structures: “not just… but also”, “While… might…, economic pressures might”
Question 6: Should governments restrict the number of tourists visiting popular destinations?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Should question – Policy recommendation, Present both sides
- Key words: “governments”, “restrict”, “number of tourists”
- Cách tiếp cận: Present the problem → Arguments for restriction → Arguments against → Nuanced position → Implementation considerations
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
I think governments should control the number of tourists in some popular places. When too many people visit one place, it causes problems like pollution and damage to historical sites. For example, some famous beaches become very dirty during tourist season. Limiting tourists can help protect these places. However, this might be difficult because tourism brings money and jobs. Maybe governments can use a booking system or charge higher entrance fees to reduce numbers. This way, they can protect the environment while still getting income from tourism.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Presents opinion, gives reason và example, acknowledges counter-point, suggests solution
- Vocabulary: Functional but basic – “control”, “causes problems”, “protect”
- Ideas: Relevant points nhưng lacking depth
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicates position clearly nhưng analysis không deep, vocabulary limited
📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8.5-9:
This is quite a contentious issue, and I can see compelling arguments on both sides, so I’ll try to tease out the nuances here.
On one hand, there’s an increasingly strong case for intervention. We’ve reached a point where certain destinations are literally being loved to death – Venice is sinking not just from natural subsidence but from the vibrations of millions of footsteps, Machu Picchu’s ancient stones are eroding from constant foot traffic, and the Great Barrier Reef is buckling under the pressure of mass snorkeling and diving tourism. Without restrictions, we risk permanently destroying the very attractions that draw people in the first place – it’s a self-defeating cycle. There’s also a social justice dimension: residents of heavily touristed areas like Barcelona have been vocal about being priced out of their own neighborhoods and having their daily lives disrupted by constant tourist influx. From this perspective, restrictions aren’t just about preservation – they’re about ensuring livability for local communities.
However, the counterargument is equally substantial. Tourism is often an economic lifeline, particularly for developing regions where alternative industries might be limited. Imposing restrictions could disproportionately hurt local business owners, guides, and service workers whose livelihoods depend on tourist spending. There’s also this philosophical question about democratizing access to cultural and natural heritage – should these wonders be reserved only for those who can afford premium prices or win a lottery system? That feels inherently elitist.
So where do I come down on this? I think a blanket approach is probably wrong, but strategic, targeted restrictions can be both necessary and effective when implemented thoughtfully. The key is finding alternative economic models so communities don’t bear the full financial burden of conservation. Bhutan’s model, which I mentioned earlier, is instructive – they charge a hefty daily fee, but that revenue is channeled back into conservation and community development. New Zealand has also introduced visitor taxes that specifically fund environmental protection.
I also think we need to look beyond just numerical caps and consider temporal and spatial distribution strategies. Rather than outright bans, could we stagger visit times, create alternate routes to disperse crowds, or heavily promote less-visited “shoulder season” periods? Technology could help here – smart booking systems that provide real-time capacity information and incentivize off-peak visits through dynamic pricing.
Ultimately, I’d argue that the question isn’t really whether governments should restrict tourism, but rather how they can engineer tourism in ways that optimize for sustainability, community wellbeing, and economic viability simultaneously. It requires holistic thinking and often bold political will to prioritize long-term preservation over short-term revenue, but I think it’s increasingly non-negotiable if we want these destinations to survive for future generations.
Phân tích:
- Structure: Masterful – Establishes complexity → Strong arguments FOR restrictions with examples → Substantial counter-arguments → Personal nuanced position → Implementation strategies → Thoughtful conclusion
- Vocabulary: Exceptional sophistication: “contentious”, “compelling”, “tease out”, “loved to death”, “subsidence”, “vibrations”, “eroding”, “buckling under”, “self-defeating cycle”, “vocal about”, “priced out”, “livability”, “lifeline”, “disproportionately hurt”, “democratizing access”, “inherently elitist”, “blanket approach”, “hefty”, “temporal and spatial distribution”, “stagger”, “disperse”, “shoulder season”, “engineer”, “optimize”, “holistic thinking”, “non-negotiable”
- Grammar: Full range including: conditional structures, relative clauses, participle phrases, inversion, rhetorical questions, complex noun phrases
- Critical Thinking:
- Presents genuinely balanced arguments không biased
- Uses multiple concrete examples (Venice, Machu Picchu, Great Barrier Reef, Barcelona, Bhutan, New Zealand)
- Acknowledges different stakeholders (tourists, locals, businesses, environment)
- Introduces sophisticated concepts (social justice, economic lifeline, democratization, elitism)
- Proposes nuanced solution beyond simple yes/no
- Shows awareness of implementation challenges
- Connects to broader principles (sustainability, equity, long-term thinking)
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic discourse: “compelling arguments”, “tease out nuances”, “temporal and spatial distribution”, “optimize”, “holistic thinking”
- Balanced language: “On one hand”, “However, the counterargument”, “So where do I come down on this”
- Emphatic expressions: “literally being loved to death”, “increasingly non-negotiable”, “bold political will”
- Policy language: “blanket approach”, “strategic targeted restrictions”, “alternative economic models”, “visitor taxes”
- Rhetorical questions: “Should these wonders be reserved…?” to engage listener
- Metaphorical language: “economic lifeline”, “loved to death”, “self-defeating cycle”
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pristine | adj | /ˈprɪstiːn/ | nguyên sơ, hoang sơ | The island has pristine beaches with crystal-clear water. | pristine beaches, pristine nature, pristine environment, pristine condition |
| off the beaten track | idiom | /ɒf ðə ˈbiːtn træk/ | hẻo lánh, ít người biết đến | I prefer destinations that are off the beaten track. | go off the beaten track, well off the beaten track, stay off the beaten track |
| breathtaking | adj | /ˈbreθteɪkɪŋ/ | ngoạn mục, choáng ngợp | The view from the mountain top was absolutely breathtaking. | breathtaking scenery, breathtaking view, breathtaking beauty, breathtaking landscape |
| immerse oneself in | verb phrase | /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself ɪn/ | đắm mình vào, trải nghiệm sâu sắc | I love to immerse myself in local culture when traveling. | immerse in culture, immerse in experience, immerse in nature, fully immerse |
| rejuvenating | adj | /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪtɪŋ/ | làm trẻ lại, phục hồi năng lượng | A vacation to the countryside can be very rejuvenating. | rejuvenating experience, rejuvenating break, rejuvenating holiday, feel rejuvenated |
| unwind | verb | /ˌʌnˈwaɪnd/ | thư giãn, xả stress | After a stressful year, I just want to unwind on a quiet beach. | unwind completely, unwind and relax, help to unwind, need to unwind |
| embark on | verb phrase | /ɪmˈbɑːk ɒn/ | bắt đầu (hành trình), lên đường | We’re planning to embark on a three-week trip across Europe. | embark on a journey, embark on an adventure, embark on a trip, embark on a voyage |
| spectacular | adj | /spekˈtækjələr/ | hùng vĩ, ngoạn mục | The national park offers spectacular mountain scenery. | spectacular views, spectacular scenery, spectacular landscape, spectacular display |
| remote | adj | /rɪˈməʊt/ | xa xôi, hẻo lánh | We visited a remote village in the mountains. | remote location, remote area, remote destination, remote region |
| authentic | adj | /ɔːˈθentɪk/ | chân thực, đích thực | I’m looking for authentic local experiences, not touristy activities. | authentic experience, authentic culture, authentic food, authentic atmosphere |
| iconic | adj | /aɪˈkɒnɪk/ | biểu tượng, mang tính biểu tượng | The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. | iconic landmark, iconic destination, iconic building, iconic symbol |
| picturesque | adj | /ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/ | đẹp như tranh vẽ | The town is surrounded by picturesque countryside. | picturesque village, picturesque scenery, picturesque landscape, picturesque setting |
| venture | verb/noun | /ˈventʃər/ | mạo hiểm đi đến, cuộc phiêu lưu | Few tourists venture to this part of the country. | venture into, venture to, venture out, bold venture |
| getaway | noun | /ˈɡetəweɪ/ | kỳ nghỉ ngắn ngày | We’re planning a romantic weekend getaway. | quick getaway, weekend getaway, perfect getaway, beach getaway |
| bustling | adj | /ˈbʌslɪŋ/ | nhộn nhịp, tấp nập | I love the bustling atmosphere of street markets in Asia. | bustling city, bustling market, bustling streets, bustling atmosphere |
| tranquil | adj | /ˈtræŋkwɪl/ | yên tĩnh, thanh bình | The lake offers a tranquil escape from city life. | tranquil setting, tranquil atmosphere, tranquil place, tranquil environment |
| awe-inspiring | adj | /ˈɔː ɪnˌspaɪərɪŋ/ | gây kinh ngạc, choáng ngợp | The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. | awe-inspiring scenery, awe-inspiring sight, awe-inspiring beauty, awe-inspiring experience |
| bucket list | noun phrase | /ˈbʌkɪt lɪst/ | danh sách những điều muốn làm trước khi chết | Visiting Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list for years. | on one’s bucket list, bucket list destination, bucket list item, add to bucket list |
| wanderlust | noun | /ˈwɒndəlʌst/ | khao khát du lịch, niềm đam mê xê dịch | His wanderlust has taken him to over 50 countries. | satisfy wanderlust, cure wanderlust, wanderlust spirit, feed wanderlust |
| odyssey | noun | /ˈɒdəsi/ | cuộc hành trình dài và nhiều thử thách | Our month-long trip through South America was quite an odyssey. | epic odyssey, long odyssey, travel odyssey, spiritual odyssey |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| hit the road | lên đường, bắt đầu hành trình | We’re planning to hit the road early tomorrow morning. | 7.0-8.0 |
| a stone’s throw away | rất gần, chỉ một đoạn ngắn | The beach is just a stone’s throw away from our hotel. | 7.0-8.0 |
| be big on something | rất thích, đam mê cái gì | I’m big on trying local street food when traveling. | 7.5-8.5 |
| strike a balance between | tạo sự cân bằng giữa | I try to strike a balance between planned activities and spontaneous adventures. | 8.0-9.0 |
| change of pace | sự thay đổi nhịp độ, không khí | A vacation in the countryside offers a nice change of pace from city life. | 7.5-8.5 |
| escape the daily grind | thoát khỏi cuộc sống nhàm chán hàng ngày | Traveling helps me escape the daily grind and recharge. | 7.5-8.5 |
| broaden one’s horizons | mở rộng tầm nhìn, kiến thức | Traveling to different countries really broadens your horizons. | 7.5-8.5 |
| step out of one’s comfort zone | bước ra khỏi vùng an toàn | Solo travel forces you to step out of your comfort zone. | 7.5-8.5 |
| go off the grid | cắt đứt liên lạc với thế giới bên ngoài | Sometimes I just want to go off the grid and disconnect completely. | 8.0-9.0 |
| make memories | tạo ra những kỷ niệm | Traveling with family is all about making memories together. | 7.0-8.0 |
| hidden gem | viên ngọc ẩn, địa điểm ít người biết nhưng tuyệt vời | This small coastal town is a real hidden gem. | 7.5-8.5 |
| right up one’s alley | rất phù hợp với sở thích của ai | Adventure tourism is right up my alley. | 7.5-8.5 |
Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)
Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:
- 📝 Well,… – Sử dụng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ, tạo sự tự nhiên
- 📝 Actually,… – Khi muốn đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
- 📝 To be honest,… / Honestly,… – Khi nói thật về opinion cá nhân
- 📝 I’d say that… – Cách nhẹ nhàng đưa ra quan điểm
- 📝 From my perspective,… – Nhấn mạnh đây là quan điểm chủ quan
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó (mạnh hơn “also”)
- 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến
- 📝 Plus,… / Additionally,… – Ngoài ra
- 📝 On a similar note,… – Theo cùng hướng đó
Để đưa ra quan điểm cân bằng:
- 📝 On the one hand,… On the other hand,… – Một mặt… mặt khác
- 📝 While it’s true that…, we also need to consider… – Tuy đúng là… nhưng cũng cần xem xét
- 📝 That being said,… – Dù vậy thì…
- 📝 Having said that,… – Nói như vậy nhưng…
Để đưa ra ví dụ:
- 📝 For instance,… / For example,… – Ví dụ
- 📝 Take… for example – Lấy… làm ví dụ
- 📝 A case in point is… – Một ví dụ điển hình là
- 📝 To illustrate this,… – Để minh họa điều này
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
- 📝 In essence,… – Về bản chất
- 📝 Ultimately,… – Rốt cuộc thì
- 📝 To sum up,… – Tổng kết lại
Để thể hiện opinion với nuance:
- 📝 I would argue that… – Tôi cho rằng
- 📝 It seems to me that… – Theo tôi thấy thì
- 📝 From where I stand,… – Theo quan điểm của tôi
- 📝 To my mind,… – Theo suy nghĩ của tôi
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
Mixed conditional:
- Formula: If + past perfect, would/could + infinitive
- Ví dụ: “If I had known about this place earlier, I would be planning my trip there right now.”
Inversion for emphasis:
- Formula: Should/Were/Had + subject + verb
- Ví dụ: “Were I to visit Japan, I would definitely spend time in Kyoto’s traditional temples.”
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
Non-defining relative clauses:
- Formula: , which/who/where…
- Ví dụ: “Santorini, which is located in the Aegean Sea, is famous for its stunning sunsets.”
Reduced relative clauses:
- Formula: Noun + V-ing/V-ed
- Ví dụ: “The island, renowned for its pristine beaches, attracts thousands of visitors annually.”
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
Impersonal passive:
- Formula: It is thought/believed/said/considered that…
- Ví dụ: “It is widely believed that traveling broadens the mind and enhances cultural understanding.”
Passive with reporting verbs:
- Formula: Subject + is/are thought/believed/said to…
- Ví dụ: “Patagonia is considered to be one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth.”
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
What-cleft:
- Formula: What + subject + verb + is/was…
- Ví dụ: “What I find most appealing about this destination is its authenticity and lack of commercialization.”
It-cleft:
- Formula: It + be + focus + that/who…
- Ví dụ: “It was the breathtaking photos on Instagram that first sparked my interest in Iceland.”
5. Participle Clauses:
Present participle:
- Formula: V-ing…, main clause
- Ví dụ: “Having researched extensively about the destination, I feel well-prepared for the trip.”
Past participle:
- Formula: V-ed…, main clause
- Ví dụ: “Located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, this lodge offers an immersive eco-tourism experience.”
6. Advanced Noun Phrases:
Pre-modification:
- Ví dụ: “The crystal-clear, turquoise waters and pristine white-sand beaches make this an idyllic vacation spot.”
Post-modification with prepositional phrases:
- Ví dụ: “The sense of adventure and discovery that comes with exploring remote destinations is irreplaceable.”
Với những kiến thức, bài mẫu, và từ vựng trong bài viết này, bạn đã có một nền tảng vững chắc để tự tin trả lời chủ đề “Describe a place you would like to go on vacation” trong IELTS Speaking. Hãy nhớ rằng, điều quan trọng nhất không phải là học thuộc các câu trả lời mẫu, mà là hiểu cách structure ideas, sử dụng vocabulary chính xác trong context, và thể hiện personality của chính bạn.
Từ góc nhìn của một IELTS Examiner, tôi muốn nhấn mạnh rằng những thí sinh đạt band cao không phải là người nói hoàn hảo không lỗi, mà là người communicate effectively, có ideas interesting, và demonstrate một range of language naturally. Đừng quá lo lắng về việc mắc lỗi nhỏ – focus vào việc express yourself clearly và confidently.
Chúc bạn ôn tập hiệu quả và đạt được band điểm mong muốn trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking sắp tới!
