IELTS Speaking: Cách Trả Lời Chủ Đề “Describe A Subject You Didn’t Like At School But Are Interested In Now” – Bài Mẫu Band 6-9

Chủ đề “Describe A Subject You Didn’t Like At School But Are Interested In Now” là một đề bài cực kỳ phổ biến trong IELTS Speaking Part 2. Theo thống kê từ các trung tâm thi thực tế, chủ đề này xuất hiện với tần suất cao trong các kỳ thi từ năm 2020 đến nay, đặc biệt tập trung vào quý 1 và quý 3 hàng năm. Khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai được đánh giá ở mức độ cao do tính phổ biến và khả năng ứng dụng linh hoạt của nó.

Đề bài này đặc biệt thú vị vì nó cho phép bạn thể hiện sự trưởng thành và thay đổi trong tư duy. Từ góc độ của một examiner, tôi nhận thấy đây là cơ hội tuyệt vời để thí sinh thể hiện khả năng phản ánh về bản thân, sử dụng thì quá khứ và hiện tại một cách chính xác, cũng như áp dụng từ vựng về giáo dục và phát triển cá nhân.

Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part liên quan đến chủ đề môn học và giáo dục, bài mẫu chi tiết theo nhiều band điểm từ 6 đến 9, kho từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm, chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của một examiner chính thức, cùng những lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục. Tất cả các câu hỏi và bài mẫu đều được lấy từ các đề thi thực tế và phản ánh đúng chuẩn chấm điểm của IELTS.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Tổng Quan Về Part 1

Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài khoảng 4-5 phút, trong đó examiner sẽ hỏi các câu hỏi về cuộc sống hàng ngày, sở thích, công việc hoặc học tập của bạn. Đối với chủ đề giáo dục và môn học, các câu hỏi thường xoay quanh trải nghiệm học tập ở trường và thái độ của bạn với các môn học khác nhau.

Chiến lược quan trọng nhất là trả lời tự nhiên và mở rộng ý trong 2-3 câu. Không chỉ trả lời Yes/No mà hãy giải thích lý do hoặc đưa ra ví dụ ngắn gọn. Một lỗi phổ biến của học viên Việt Nam là trả lời quá ngắn gọn, sử dụng từ vựng đơn điệu và không đưa ra ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm cá nhân.

Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp

Question 1: What subjects did you study at school?

Question 2: Which subject did you enjoy the most at school?

Question 3: Did you have a favorite teacher?

Question 4: What subject did you find most difficult?

Question 5: Do you think all school subjects are equally important?

Question 6: Would you like to study any new subjects in the future?

Question 7: What was your least favorite subject at school?

Question 8: Do you think students should have more freedom to choose their subjects?

Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết

Question: What subjects did you study at school?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Liệt kê một vài môn học tiêu biểu
• Đề cập đến môn học bạn thích hoặc không thích
• Có thể so sánh với chương trình học hiện nay

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I studied the usual subjects like Math, Literature, English and Science. I also had some extra subjects like History and Geography. Math was quite difficult for me but I liked English because it was interesting.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời đầy đủ câu hỏi, liệt kê được các môn học cụ thể, có đề cập đến cảm xúc cá nhân
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng còn đơn giản như usual, quite difficult, interesting; cấu trúc câu đơn giản; thiếu chi tiết cụ thể
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đáp ứng được yêu cầu cơ bản nhưng chưa thể hiện khả năng ngôn ngữ nâng cao hoặc ý tưởng sâu sắc

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Well, like most Vietnamese students, I followed the standard curriculum which included core subjects such as Mathematics, Vietnamese Literature, and English, along with Science subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Apart from those, we also had complementary subjects like History and Geography. Looking back, I’d say the curriculum was quite academically rigorous, especially during my final years when we had to specialize in either science or humanities.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng từ vựng chuyên ngành giáo dục như standard curriculum, core subjects, complementary subjects, academically rigorous, specialize; cấu trúc câu phức tạp với mệnh đề quan hệ và liên từ; có reflection về quá khứ với looking back; đưa ra context về hệ thống giáo dục Việt Nam
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Thể hiện Fluency tự nhiên với discourse marker như Well, I’d say; Vocabulary đa dạng và precise; Grammar phức tạp với các mệnh đề; Pronunciation được giả định là rõ ràng với word stress chính xác trên các từ nhiều âm tiết

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• standard curriculum: chương trình giảng dạy tiêu chuẩn
• core subjects: các môn học chính, cốt lõi
• complementary subjects: các môn học bổ trợ
• academically rigorous: khắt khe về mặt học thuật
• specialize in: chuyên sâu vào một lĩnh vực

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Question: Which subject did you enjoy the most at school?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu rõ môn học yêu thích
• Giải thích lý do tại sao thích môn đó
• Có thể kể về một trải nghiệm cụ thể hoặc người thầy cô

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I enjoyed English the most because I found it easier than other subjects. My English teacher was very nice and she made the lessons fun. I also liked that we could watch movies and listen to songs in class.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp câu hỏi, đưa ra lý do rõ ràng, có đề cập đến giáo viên
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng lặp lại và đơn giản như nice, fun, liked; cấu trúc câu đơn giản; thiếu depth trong giải thích
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Communication hiệu quả nhưng thiếu sophistication trong ngôn ngữ và ý tưởng

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

I’d have to say Literature was my absolute favorite. What really drew me to this subject was the opportunity to delve into different literary works and explore various perspectives on life. Our teacher had this remarkable ability to bring characters to life and make us think critically about the author’s intentions. I particularly remember analyzing a short story by Nam Cao, which sparked my interest in Vietnamese realist literature. The thought-provoking discussions we had in class really enriched my understanding of both literature and society.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Sử dụng collocation tự nhiên như absolute favorite, drew me to, delve into, bring characters to life, sparked my interest in; cấu trúc ngữ pháp đa dạng với relative clauses; ví dụ cụ thể về tác phẩm văn học; thể hiện critical thinking
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency xuất sắc với linking natural; Vocabulary sophisticated và idiomatic; Grammar phức tạp nhưng accurate; thể hiện khả năng phát triển ý tưởng sâu sắc

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• absolute favorite: yêu thích nhất tuyệt đối
• draw someone to something: thu hút ai đó đến cái gì
• delve into: đào sâu, tìm hiểu kỹ càng
• bring characters to life: làm nhân vật trở nên sống động
• spark interest in: khơi dậy sự quan tâm đến
• thought-provoking discussions: những cuộc thảo luận kích thích tư duy
• enrich understanding: làm giàu, nâng cao sự hiểu biết

Học viên IELTS thảo luận về môn học yêu thích trong bài thi Speaking Part 1

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Question: What subject did you find most difficult?

🎯 Cách tiếp cận:

• Nêu thẳng thắn môn học khó nhất
• Giải thích cụ thể vì sao môn đó khó
• Có thể đề cập đến cách bạn đã cố gắng vượt qua khó khăn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Mathematics was definitely the most difficult subject for me. I found it hard to understand the formulas and solve problems. I had to spend a lot of time studying but still got low marks. It was very stressful during exam time.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Trả lời trực tiếp, đưa ra lý do cụ thể về việc khó hiểu công thức, thừa nhận khó khăn một cách trung thực
• Hạn chế: Từ vựng đơn giản như hard, difficult, low marks, stressful; thiếu cụm từ nâng cao; không có reflection về bài học rút ra
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đủ để truyền đạt thông tin nhưng thiếu range và accuracy trong vocabulary và grammar

📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:

Without a doubt, Physics was my Achilles’ heel throughout secondary school. I really struggled to grasp abstract concepts like quantum mechanics and electromagnetic fields. Unlike other subjects where I could rely on memorization, Physics required a deep conceptual understanding and the ability to apply theories to practical problems. No matter how much effort I put into studying, I always felt like I was barely scratching the surface. That said, this challenge actually taught me perseverance and made me realize that not everyone excels at everything, which was quite a humbling experience.

Phân tích:

• Điểm mạnh: Idiomatic expression như Achilles’ heel, barely scratching the surface; từ vựng academic như abstract concepts, quantum mechanics, conceptual understanding; có reflection về bài học rút ra; thể hiện maturity trong tư duy; cấu trúc câu phức tạp với contrast và clause
• Tại sao Band 8-9: Fluency tự nhiên với discourse markers; Vocabulary rất sophisticated với collocations chính xác; Grammar đa dạng; thể hiện critical thinking và personal development

💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:

• Achilles’ heel: điểm yếu chết người
• struggle to grasp: vật lộn để hiểu, nắm bắt
• rely on memorization: dựa vào việc ghi nhớ
• conceptual understanding: sự hiểu biết về khái niệm
• apply theories to practical problems: áp dụng lý thuyết vào bài toán thực tế
• put effort into: nỗ lực, đầu tư công sức vào
• barely scratching the surface: chỉ mới chạm đến bề mặt, hiểu rất hời hợt
• perseverance: sự kiên trì, bền bỉ
• humbling experience: trải nghiệm khiến người ta khiêm tốn hơn

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Tổng Quan Về Part 2

Part 2 là phần độc thoại kéo dài 2-3 phút, trong đó bạn có 1 phút chuẩn bị và ghi chú. Đây là phần quan trọng nhất để thể hiện khả năng nói liên tục và phát triển ý tưởng một cách có hệ thống.

Chiến lược hiệu quả nhất là sử dụng hết 1 phút để ghi chú các từ khóa quan trọng, không viết câu hoàn chỉnh. Hãy đảm bảo trả lời đủ 2 phút và cover tất cả các bullet points trong đề bài. Với chủ đề này, bạn cần sử dụng cả thì quá khứ để miêu tả thời đi học và thì hiện tại để nói về sở thích hiện tại.

Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam là không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị, nói dưới 1.5 phút, hoặc bỏ sót một số bullet points quan trọng, đặc biệt là phần explain feelings ở cuối.

Cue Card

Describe a subject you didn’t like at school but are interested in now

You should say:

• What the subject was
• Why you didn’t like it at school
• What made you become interested in it
• And explain how you feel about this change

Phân Tích Đề Bài

• Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience – sự thay đổi trong thái độ/sở thích
• Thì động từ: Kết hợp quá khứ simple/continuous cho phần ở trường, hiện tại simple/perfect cho phần hiện tại
• Bullet points phải cover:
  • Môn học nào (tên môn học cụ thể)
  • Tại sao không thích lúc đi học (lý do chi tiết, có thể nhiều lý do)
  • Điều gì khiến bạn quan tâm bây giờ (turning point, sự kiện cụ thể)
  • Cảm xúc về sự thay đổi này (phần quan trọng nhất để ghi điểm cao)
• Câu explain quan trọng: Đây là phần để thể hiện reflection, maturity và critical thinking. Examiner đánh giá cao khả năng phân tích cảm xúc và ý nghĩa của sự thay đổi này đối với bạn

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7

Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút

I’d like to talk about History, which was a subject I really disliked when I was at school, but now I find it quite interesting.

Back in secondary school, I found History extremely boring. The main reason was that we had to memorize so many dates, names, and events. Our teacher just asked us to read the textbook and remember everything for the exam. I remember spending hours trying to learn all the historical dates, but I kept forgetting them. The lessons were very dry and I couldn’t see why we needed to learn about things that happened so long ago. I always got low marks in History tests, which made me dislike it even more.

However, things changed after I finished school. A few years ago, I started watching historical documentaries on Netflix. They were completely different from what I learned at school. The documentaries showed real places, used interesting visual effects, and told stories about people’s lives in the past. I became particularly interested in Vietnamese history and how our country developed. I also started reading some history books that my friend recommended, and they were written in a much more engaging way than our school textbooks.

Now I feel quite happy about this change. I realize that History is actually fascinating when it’s taught in the right way. I wish I had better teachers at school who could make the subject more interesting. This experience taught me that sometimes we just need a different approach to appreciate something we didn’t like before.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	6-7	Có linking words cơ bản như however, back in, but, now; mạch lạc nhưng còn đơn giản; một số hesitation nhỏ có thể xảy ra
Lexical Resource	6-7	Từ vựng adequate như extremely boring, memorize, dry, engaging; có một số collocations như low marks, historical documentaries; nhưng còn lặp lại như interesting, boring
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6-7	Sử dụng được các thì quá khứ và hiện tại đúng; có một số câu phức như which made me dislike it, that happened so long ago; nhưng đa số là câu đơn giản
Pronunciation	6-7	Giả định phát âm rõ ràng, có thể hiểu được; word stress cơ bản chính xác

Điểm mạnh:

• ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả các bullet points
• ✅ Có ví dụ cụ thể về documentaries, textbooks
• ✅ Thời lượng đủ khoảng 2 phút
• ✅ Có cấu trúc rõ ràng: past – turning point – present

Hạn chế:

• ⚠️ Từ vựng còn lặp lại và đơn giản, thiếu sophistication
• ⚠️ Thiếu depth trong phân tích cảm xúc và reflection
• ⚠️ Cấu trúc câu chủ yếu đơn giản, ít variety

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8

Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút

I’d like to describe my relationship with History, which has undergone a complete transformation over the years. This was definitely one of my least favorite subjects at school, but surprisingly, it’s become something I’m genuinely passionate about nowadays.

During my school years, History was absolutely tedious for me. The way it was taught was incredibly monotonous – we basically had to rote-learn endless lists of dates, dynasties, and battles without understanding the bigger picture. Our textbooks were dense and uninspiring, filled with facts but lacking any real narrative or human element. I remember feeling completely disconnected from the material because everything seemed so abstract and irrelevant to my life as a teenager. The assessment method didn’t help either – we were tested purely on our ability to regurgitate information rather than analyze or interpret historical events.

The turning point came about three years ago when I stumbled upon a podcast series about Vietnamese revolutionary history. Unlike the dry textbooks, these podcasts brought history to life through compelling storytelling and firsthand accounts from people who lived through those times. I was captivated by how the presenters contextualized historical events within broader social and cultural movements. This sparked my curiosity, and I started exploring more content – from documentaries to historical novels. I’ve even visited several historical sites around Vietnam to get a sense of what life was like in different periods.

Looking back, I feel quite grateful for this transformation in perspective. It’s made me realize that the subject itself wasn’t the problem – it was how it was presented. I now understand that history isn’t just about memorizing dates; it’s about understanding human nature, learning from past mistakes, and seeing patterns that still resonate today. This change has actually enriched my worldview and made me a more thoughtful person. I only wish I’d had access to these engaging resources when I was younger.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	7.5-8	Linking sophisticated như surprisingly, unlike, looking back; ít hesitation; ideas phát triển logic với clear progression
Lexical Resource	7.5-8	Vocabulary range rộng với collocations chính xác: complete transformation, rote-learn, regurgitate information, compelling storytelling, firsthand accounts; một số paraphrasing tốt
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7.5-8	Mix tốt simple và complex structures; passive voice used appropriately; relative clauses; present perfect cho experience; ít lỗi
Pronunciation	7.5-8	Giả định phát âm tự nhiên với intonation tốt; stress patterns chính xác trên multi-syllable words

So Sánh Với Band 6-7

Khía cạnh	Band 6-7	Band 7.5-8
Vocabulary	boring, interesting, engaging	tedious, monotonous, captivated, compelling
Grammar	I found History boring / They were different	History was tedious for me / These podcasts brought history to life
Ideas	Teacher asked us to read textbook	Assessment tested ability to regurgitate rather than analyze

Sự thay đổi thái độ của học sinh với môn Lịch sử từ nhàm chán đến đam mê

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📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9

Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ

I’d like to talk about my evolving relationship with Economics, a subject that I found utterly mind-numbing during my school years but which has now become one of my most compelling intellectual interests.

Back when I was in high school, Economics struck me as excruciatingly dull. The curriculum was heavily focused on theoretical concepts and abstract models that seemed to have no bearing on real life whatsoever. I remember struggling through topics like supply and demand curves, market equilibrium, and fiscal policy without any sense of how these ideas translated into actual economic situations. Our teacher had a rather didactic approach – everything was taught through rote memorization and mathematical formulas, which completely stripped away any potential for critical thinking or debate. The assessments were equally uninspiring, consisting mainly of regurgitating definitions and plugging numbers into equations. Honestly, I couldn’t wait for those classes to end, and I scraped by with barely passing grades.

The catalyst for change came about four years ago when I started working at a startup company. I suddenly found myself immersed in real-world business decisions – pricing strategies, market competition, consumer behavior – and I realized that all those concepts I’d dismissed were actually fundamental to understanding how businesses operate and economies function. This revelation prompted me to delve deeper into economics through a different lens. I started following economic analysts on social media, reading books like “Freakonomics” that made economics accessible and relevant, and listening to podcasts that discussed current economic issues like inflation, cryptocurrency, and sustainable development. What really resonated with me was discovering behavioral economics, which examines the psychological factors behind economic decisions – a far cry from the dry textbook version I’d encountered at school.

What’s fascinating about this transformation is how it’s completely reshaped my perspective on education itself. I’ve come to realize that pedagogical approach matters just as much as the subject matter itself. The Economics I studied at school was presented as a set of immutable laws to memorize, but the Economics I engage with now is dynamic, multifaceted, and deeply connected to pressing social issues like inequality, climate change, and globalization. This shift has made me quite introspective about my learning process – I now understand that my initial aversion wasn’t to the subject itself, but to the way it was decontextualized from real-world applications.

Looking back, I feel a mixture of regret and gratitude. Regret because I missed opportunities to engage with these ideas when they were formally taught, but gratitude because discovering them independently has been far more rewarding and meaningful. This experience has taught me that intellectual curiosity can be kindled at any stage of life, and sometimes the most valuable learning happens outside traditional educational settings. It’s also made me more empathetic toward students who struggle with certain subjects – often the problem isn’t the student’s capability but rather the pedagogical framework that fails to make the content compelling or relevant.

Phân Tích Band Điểm

Tiêu chí	Band	Nhận xét
Fluency & Coherence	8.5-9	Hoàn toàn fluent với natural discourse markers; coherence devices sophisticated; ideas develop với depth và nuance; không hesitation
Lexical Resource	8.5-9	Vocabulary rất wide và precise: mind-numbing, excruciatingly dull, didactic approach, scraped by, immersed in, catalyst, revelation, a far cry from; idioms used naturally; collocations perfect
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8.5-9	Full range of structures: complex conditionals, cleft sentences, inversion, passive constructions; accuracy maintained throughout; variety impressive
Pronunciation	8.5-9	Giả định native-like pronunciation với features như chunking, weak forms, connected speech, appropriate intonation patterns

Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc

🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:

• Không có hesitation, discourse markers được sử dụng một cách tự nhiên và đa dạng như honestly, what’s fascinating, looking back
• Ý tưởng chảy liền mạch với logical progression từ past experience → turning point → current interest → reflection

📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:

• Ví dụ: “excruciatingly dull” thay vì just “very boring” – intensifier + precise adjective
• “pedagogical approach” và “pedagogical framework” – academic vocabulary used naturally
• “a far cry from” – idiomatic expression showing contrast
• “stripped away” – phrasal verb showing removal of something important

📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:

• Ví dụ: “What’s fascinating about this transformation is how it’s completely reshaped…” – cleft sentence để emphasize
• “The Economics I studied at school was presented as…” vs “the Economics I engage with now is…” – parallel structure với contrast
• “sometimes the most valuable learning happens outside…” – inversion for emphasis

💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:

• Không chỉ nói về sự thay đổi thái độ mà còn reflect về education system, pedagogical methods
• Kết nối Economics với các vấn đề xã hội rộng hơn như inequality, climate change
• Thể hiện personal growth và empathy toward other students

Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)

Examiner có thể hỏi thêm 1-2 câu ngắn sau Part 2:

Question 1: Do you think you’ll continue studying this subject in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think I will. I find it interesting now and I want to learn more about it. Maybe I’ll take some online courses or read more books about it.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. In fact, I’ve been considering enrolling in some online courses to deepen my understanding of certain areas, particularly behavioral economics and sustainable finance. I think it’s one of those subjects that becomes more relevant the more you understand about how the world works, so I definitely see it as a lifelong learning pursuit rather than just a passing interest.

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Question 2: Was there anything your school could have done to make the subject more interesting?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think they could have used more real-life examples and made the lessons more practical. Also, having better teachers who could explain things in a more interesting way would have helped.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Looking back, I think the key would have been to ground the theoretical concepts in real-world applications from the outset. If teachers had incorporated case studies, invited guest speakers from the business world, or even facilitated debates about current economic issues, it would have made the subject far more tangible and engaging. The problem was that everything felt abstract and divorced from reality, which made it difficult for students like me to see its practical relevance.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Tổng Quan Về Part 3

Part 3 kéo dài 4-5 phút và là phần thách thức nhất vì đòi hỏi bạn phải thảo luận về các vấn đề trừu tượng, xã hội, và phức tạp hơn liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2. Examiner muốn thấy khả năng phân tích, so sánh, đưa ra quan điểm có lý lẽ và xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề.

Chiến lược quan trọng là mở rộng câu trả lời trong 3-5 câu, sử dụng discourse markers như Well, Actually, I think để tạo thời gian suy nghĩ, đưa ra examples từ xã hội chứ không chỉ kinh nghiệm cá nhân, và thừa nhận rằng nhiều vấn đề có complexity chứ không chỉ có một câu trả lời đúng sai.

Lỗi phổ biến của học viên Việt Nam trong Part 3 là trả lời quá ngắn như Part 1, thiếu phân tích sâu, không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng, và không có đủ từ vựng trừu tượng để thảo luận về các vấn đề xã hội.

Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu

Theme 1: Education System and Teaching Methods

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Question 1: Why do you think some students dislike certain subjects at school?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-Effect analysis
• Key words: students dislike, certain subjects, school
• Cách tiếp cận: Nêu nhiều reasons khác nhau, từ teaching methods đến personal factors đến curriculum design

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think there are several reasons why students dislike some subjects. First, the teaching method might be boring and not interesting. If the teacher just reads from the textbook, students will not pay attention. Second, some subjects are very difficult and students cannot understand them easily. Also, students might not see how the subject is useful for their future, so they don’t want to study it. Finally, some students just don’t have talent for certain subjects like Math or Science.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Có listing reasons với first, second, also, finally
• Vocabulary: Từ vựng cơ bản như boring, difficult, useful, talent
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Đủ để truyền đạt ý tưởng nhưng thiếu depth và sophisticated language

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Well, I think there are multiple factors at play here. First and foremost, the pedagogical approach makes a huge difference. When subjects are taught in a didactic, one-way manner without any interactive elements or real-world applications, they naturally become disengaging for many students. On top of that, there’s often a mismatch between the curriculum and students’ developmental stage – for instance, teaching abstract concepts before students have developed the necessary cognitive skills to grasp them.

Another crucial factor is individual learning styles. Some students are visual learners while others are kinesthetic, and when teaching methods don’t accommodate this diversity, certain students inevitably struggle. I’d also argue that societal attitudes play a role – if a subject is stigmatized as being only for “smart kids” or is seen as impractical, students are more likely to develop an aversion to it.

What’s more, the assessment-driven culture in many education systems means subjects are taught purely for exams rather than for genuine understanding, which really strips away any potential enjoyment.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Well-organized với clear signposting: First and foremost, On top of that, Another crucial factor, What’s more
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated với pedagogical approach, didactic manner, developmental stage, cognitive skills, stigmatized, aversion, assessment-driven culture
• Grammar: Complex structures với relative clauses, conditionals, và present/present perfect tenses; When teaching methods don’t accommodate…, certain students inevitably struggle – conditional logic
• Critical Thinking: Multiple perspectives – teaching methods, curriculum design, individual differences, social factors, assessment culture

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Well, First and foremost, On top of that, What’s more, I’d also argue that
• Tentative language: I think, naturally, often, inevitably – showing nuance
• Abstract nouns: pedagogical approach, mismatch, cognitive skills, societal attitudes, aversion

Phương pháp giảng dạy hiện đại tương tác giúp học sinh yêu thích môn học

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Question 2: Do you think the way subjects are taught has changed compared to the past?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Compare past and present
• Key words: way subjects are taught, changed, compared to the past
• Cách tiếp cận: So sánh teaching methods trước và nay, mention technology, student-centered vs teacher-centered

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Yes, I think teaching methods have changed a lot. In the past, teachers just stood in front of the class and talked while students listened and took notes. Now, teaching is more interactive with group work and discussions. Also, technology like computers and projectors are used in classrooms. Teachers try to make lessons more interesting and fun now. However, in some schools, especially in rural areas, teaching methods are still quite traditional.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Yes + comparison + however cho balanced view
• Vocabulary: Interactive, group work, traditional – cơ bản nhưng adequate
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Có comparison rõ ràng nhưng thiếu specific examples và sophisticated vocabulary

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

Absolutely, there’s been a dramatic shift in pedagogical approaches over the past few decades. Traditionally, education was very much teacher-centric, with instructors delivering content through lectures and students being passive recipients of information. The focus was primarily on rote learning and memorization rather than critical thinking or problem-solving skills.

Nowadays, there’s been a marked transition toward more student-centered learning. Teachers increasingly facilitate rather than simply disseminate knowledge. We’re seeing much more collaborative learning, where students work in groups to tackle problems collectively. Technology has been a game-changer too – from interactive whiteboards to online learning platforms that allow for personalized learning paths. There’s also greater emphasis on practical application and real-world relevance, moving away from the purely theoretical approach of the past.

That said, I think it’s important to note that this transformation is far from universal. There’s still a significant disparity between well-resourced urban schools and those in rural or underprivileged areas, where traditional methods persist largely due to infrastructural limitations and resource constraints. So while the trajectory is certainly positive, the pace of change varies considerably depending on socioeconomic context.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Absolutely opening → Past description → Present description → Balanced view với That said → Conclusion
• Vocabulary: dramatic shift, teacher-centric, passive recipients, rote learning, marked transition toward, student-centered learning, facilitate, disseminate, game-changer, disparity, trajectory
• Grammar: Perfect tenses cho changes over time; passive voice appropriately; complex noun phrases
• Critical Thinking: Acknowledges progress but also inequality; nuanced view với socioeconomic factors

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: Absolutely, Traditionally, Nowadays, That said
• Tentative language: I think it’s important to note, largely, certainly, considerably
• Abstract nouns: pedagogical approaches, transition, collaborative learning, transformation, disparity, trajectory

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Theme 2: Lifelong Learning and Adult Education

Question 3: Why do you think adults sometimes develop interests in subjects they didn’t like as children?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Cause-Effect explanation
• Key words: adults, develop interests, didn’t like as children
• Cách tiếp cận: Explain maturity, relevance to work/life, different learning contexts, freedom of choice

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think adults can appreciate subjects more because they are more mature now. When they were children, they didn’t understand why the subject was important, but as adults they can see how it relates to real life. Also, adults can choose what they want to learn, so they feel more interested. Another reason is that they can learn at their own pace and use different resources like books or videos, not just textbooks like at school.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Linear explanation với because, also, another reason
• Vocabulary: Adequate nhưng simple: mature, important, relates to real life
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear explanation nhưng lacks sophistication và depth

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

This is actually a fascinating phenomenon, and I think it stems from several interconnected factors. To begin with, adults have cognitive maturity that children lack. They can see the broader implications and practical applications of subjects that seemed abstract and irrelevant during their school years. For instance, someone might have found Economics boring as a teenager but then discover its relevance when they’re managing their own finances or running a business.

Moreover, adults have autonomy over their learning journey. Unlike in school where the curriculum is imposed and assessment-driven, adults can pursue subjects purely out of intrinsic motivation and genuine curiosity. There’s no pressure of grades or exams, which fundamentally changes the dynamic. They can also engage with subjects through diverse mediums – podcasts, documentaries, online courses – that are far more engaging than traditional textbooks.

Another key factor is life experience. As we go through different life stages and encounter various challenges, we naturally develop interests in subjects that resonate with our current circumstances. Someone who’s become a parent might suddenly find psychology or child development fascinating, even if they were indifferent to it at school.

Lastly, I think there’s a psychological element here too. Adults are free from the peer pressure and stigma that often surrounds certain subjects in school. They can embrace interests without worrying about being labeled as nerdy or uncool, which is liberating in itself.

Phân tích:

• Structure: This is fascinating opening → Multiple factors với To begin with, Moreover, Another key factor, Lastly → Each point developed fully
• Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated: stems from, cognitive maturity, broader implications, autonomy, imposed, intrinsic motivation, resonate with, indifferent to, stigma, liberating
• Grammar: Complex structures including relative clauses, conditionals, parallel structures
• Critical Thinking: Multiple interconnected reasons; psychological, social, and cognitive factors considered

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: This is actually…, To begin with, Moreover, Another key factor, Lastly
• Tentative language: I think, naturally, might
• Abstract nouns: phenomenon, autonomy, intrinsic motivation, life stages, peer pressure, stigma

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Question 4: What are the benefits of adults continuing to learn new things?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Benefits/Advantages
• Key words: adults, continuing to learn, new things
• Cách tiếp cận: Personal development, career, cognitive health, social connections, fulfillment

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

There are many benefits when adults keep learning. First, it helps them improve their job skills and get better career opportunities. Learning new things also keeps the brain active and healthy. It can prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s when people get old. Additionally, learning gives people confidence and makes them feel good about themselves. They can also meet new people who have similar interests when they take classes or courses together.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear với first, also, additionally
• Vocabulary: Job skills, career opportunities, brain active, confidence – appropriate nhưng not sophisticated
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Covers main points nhưng lacks depth và advanced vocabulary

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I’d argue that lifelong learning offers multifaceted benefits that extend well beyond simple skill acquisition. From a cognitive perspective, continuous learning is absolutely crucial for maintaining mental agility and neuroplasticity – essentially keeping the brain active and warding off age-related cognitive decline. Research consistently shows that people who engage in regular intellectual activities tend to have better cognitive function as they age.

Career-wise, we’re living in an era of rapid technological advancement and economic disruption. Adults who continuously upskill or reskill themselves are much better positioned to remain competitive in the job market and adapt to changing industry demands. This is particularly crucial given that many jobs that existed a decade ago are now obsolete, and new roles are constantly emerging.

Beyond the practical benefits, there’s also a profound psychological dimension. Learning new things fosters a sense of accomplishment and personal growth, which significantly contributes to overall well-being and life satisfaction. It can combat feelings of stagnation and give people a renewed sense of purpose, especially during major life transitions like retirement.

On a social level, adult learning often provides opportunities to forge connections with like-minded individuals, combating social isolation which is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern in modern society. What’s more, continuous learning cultivates qualities like intellectual humility, curiosity, and adaptability – all of which make people more open-minded and well-rounded individuals.

Phân tích:

• Structure: I’d argue opening → Cognitive benefits → Career benefits → Psychological benefits → Social benefits → Concluding with personal qualities
• Vocabulary: Exceptional range: multifaceted, neuroplasticity, warding off, upskill, reskill, obsolete, stagnation, forge connections, cultivates, intellectual humility
• Grammar: Complex structures throughout; cleft sentences; relative clauses; present perfect for research
• Critical Thinking: Multiple dimensions considered; supported by reference to research; acknowledges modern context

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: I’d argue that, From a cognitive perspective, Career-wise, Beyond the practical benefits, On a social level, What’s more
• Tentative language: tend to, can, often
• Abstract nouns: lifelong learning, skill acquisition, mental agility, neuroplasticity, cognitive decline, disruption, accomplishment, well-being, stagnation, transitions, intellectual humility

Theme 3: Education Reform and Future Trends

Question 5: How do you think schools could make subjects more interesting for students?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Solution/Suggestion
• Key words: schools, make subjects more interesting, students
• Cách tiếp cận: Practical suggestions về teaching methods, technology, real-world connections, student choice

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

Schools can do several things to make subjects more interesting. They should use more technology like videos and computers in class. Teachers should also include more practical activities and experiments instead of just lecturing. Schools could invite guest speakers from different professions to show students how subjects are used in real jobs. Also, giving students some choice in what they learn would make them more motivated. Finally, connecting lessons to current events and real-world problems would help students see the relevance of what they’re studying.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Clear suggestions với should, could, would
• Vocabulary: Practical, practical activities, guest speakers, motivated, relevance
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Good suggestions nhưng presentation lacks sophistication

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

I think schools need to fundamentally rethink their approach to make learning more engaging. First and foremost, there needs to be a shift from purely content-based teaching to inquiry-based learning, where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore problems, and construct their own understanding rather than just passively absorbing information. This approach naturally fosters curiosity and makes subjects feel more relevant and dynamic.

Technology integration is another critical avenue, but it needs to go beyond just using projectors or tablets. We’re talking about leveraging tools like virtual reality for immersive historical experiences, data visualization software for science and mathematics, or collaborative online platforms that allow students to work on projects with peers globally. The key is using technology to enhance rather than simply replace traditional methods.

Crucially, schools should establish stronger connections between classroom content and real-world applications. This could involve partnerships with local businesses, field trips to relevant sites, or project-based learning where students tackle actual community problems. When students can see the tangible impact of what they’re learning, engagement naturally follows.

I’d also advocate for more student agency in curriculum design. While core subjects need to remain mandatory, students should have greater flexibility to explore areas that align with their interests and career aspirations. This could be achieved through elective systems, independent study options, or personalized learning paths.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we need to move away from the high-stakes testing culture that dominates many education systems. When assessment focuses on demonstrating understanding through diverse formats – presentations, portfolios, practical demonstrations – rather than just standardized exams, subjects become less about memorization and more about genuine learning.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Sophisticated với First and foremost, another critical avenue, Crucially, I’d also advocate for, Lastly → Each point thoroughly developed
• Vocabulary: Exceptionally advanced: fundamentally rethink, inquiry-based learning, construct understanding, fosters curiosity, leveraging, immersive, tangible impact, student agency, elective systems, high-stakes testing
• Grammar: Full range including conditionals, relative clauses, cleft sentences, passive voice appropriately used
• Critical Thinking: Comprehensive solutions covering pedagogy, technology, real-world connections, student choice, and assessment reform; nuanced understanding of education system

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: First and foremost, another critical avenue, Crucially, I’d also advocate for, Lastly, perhaps most importantly
• Tentative language: I think, needs to, could involve, should have
• Abstract nouns: inquiry-based learning, technology integration, student agency, curriculum design, career aspirations, high-stakes testing culture

Học sinh tham gia dự án học tập dựa trên thực tiễn kết nối với cộng đồng

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Question 6: Do you think online learning can be as effective as traditional classroom learning?

🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:

• Dạng: Opinion with comparison
• Key words: online learning, as effective as, traditional classroom learning
• Cách tiếp cận: Balanced view với advantages và disadvantages của cả hai; depends on factors like subject, learner type, implementation quality

📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:

I think online learning has both advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional classroom learning. Online learning is more flexible because students can study at their own time and pace. It’s also more convenient for people who live far from schools or have jobs. However, online learning lacks face-to-face interaction with teachers and classmates, which is important for some subjects like languages. Also, some students might not have self-discipline to study alone at home. So I think it depends on the subject and the student’s learning style. For some people and subjects, online learning can be just as effective, but for others, traditional classroom is better.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Balanced với advantages, disadvantages, conclusion
• Vocabulary: Flexible, convenient, face-to-face interaction, self-discipline – appropriate
• Tại sao Band 6-7: Balanced view nhưng analysis lacks depth và sophisticated vocabulary

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📝 Câu trả lời mẫu – Band 8-9:

This is quite a nuanced question, and I don’t think there’s a simple yes or no answer. The effectiveness of online learning versus traditional classroom learning really depends on multiple variables – the subject matter, the learner’s characteristics, and critically, the quality of implementation.

In terms of advantages, online learning offers unprecedented flexibility and accessibility. It breaks down geographical barriers, allowing people in remote areas to access quality education, and it caters to different learning paces – students can revisit content as many times as needed. For certain subjects, particularly those that are more self-directed and content-heavy like history or literature, well-designed online courses can be extraordinarily effective. The asynchronous nature also allows for deeper reflection on material before responding.

However, I think online learning has inherent limitations when it comes to subjects requiring hands-on practice, real-time collaboration, or immediate feedback. Laboratory sciences, performing arts, or languages benefit tremendously from the spontaneous interaction and physical presence that traditional classrooms offer. There’s also the social dimension of learning – the informal exchanges, peer learning, and sense of community that naturally emerge in physical classrooms are difficult to replicate virtually.

A critical factor that’s often overlooked is digital literacy and self-regulation. Not all learners have the intrinsic motivation or time-management skills necessary for online learning to be effective. There’s also the digital divide issue – unequal access to technology and reliable internet exacerbates existing educational inequalities.

In my view, rather than seeing them as competing alternatives, we should embrace a hybrid model that leverages the strengths of both. The future likely lies in blended learning approaches where online and offline elements complement each other – perhaps using online platforms for content delivery and independent practice, while reserving in-person time for collaborative activities, hands-on experiments, and personalized support. This way, we can maximize the benefits while mitigating the limitations of each format.

Phân tích:

• Structure: Nuanced opening → Advantages of online → Limitations/disadvantages → Critical factors often overlooked → Balanced conclusion advocating hybrid model
• Vocabulary: Exceptionally sophisticated: nuanced, unprecedented, breaks down barriers, caters to, asynchronous nature, inherent limitations, spontaneous interaction, replicate virtually, digital divide, exacerbates, competing alternatives, hybrid model, leverages strengths, mitigating limitations
• Grammar: Full grammatical range with conditionals, relative clauses, participle clauses, passive structures
• Critical Thinking: Highly nuanced analysis; considers multiple variables; acknowledges complexity; proposes forward-thinking solution

💡 Key Language Features:

• Discourse markers: In terms of advantages, However, A critical factor, In my view, rather than
• Tentative language: quite a nuanced question, I don’t think, really depends on, likely
• Abstract nouns: unprecedented flexibility, accessibility, asynchronous nature, inherent limitations, spontaneous interaction, digital literacy, self-regulation, intrinsic motivation, digital divide, educational inequalities

Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Từ vựng/Cụm từ	Loại từ	Phiên âm	Nghĩa tiếng Việt	Ví dụ	Collocation
curriculum	n	/kəˈrɪkjələm/	chương trình giảng dạy	The curriculum should include more practical subjects.	standard curriculum, rigid curriculum, design curriculum, reform curriculum
pedagogical approach	n phrase	/ˌpedəˈɡɒdʒɪkəl əˈprəʊtʃ/	phương pháp sư phạm	The teacher’s pedagogical approach was very student-centered.	innovative pedagogical approach, traditional pedagogical approach, effective pedagogical approach
rote learning	n phrase	/rəʊt ˈlɜːnɪŋ/	học vẹt, học thuộc lòng máy móc	Rote learning doesn’t promote critical thinking.	rely on rote learning, move away from rote learning, rote learning method
conceptual understanding	n phrase	/kənˈseptʃuəl ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/	sự hiểu biết về khái niệm	Physics requires deep conceptual understanding, not just memorization.	develop conceptual understanding, lack conceptual understanding, deepen conceptual understanding
hands-on experience	n phrase	/ˌhændz ˈɒn ɪkˈspɪəriəns/	trải nghiệm thực hành	Students need hands-on experience to understand scientific concepts.	gain hands-on experience, provide hands-on experience, valuable hands-on experience
engagement	n	/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/	sự tham gia tích cực, sự hứng thú	Student engagement increased with the new teaching method.	boost engagement, student engagement, active engagement, lack of engagement
intrinsic motivation	n phrase	/ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃən/	động lực nội tại	Learning should come from intrinsic motivation, not just grades.	develop intrinsic motivation, driven by intrinsic motivation, foster intrinsic motivation
cognitive skills	n phrase	/ˈkɒɡnətɪv skɪlz/	kỹ năng nhận thức	The activity helps develop various cognitive skills.	develop cognitive skills, enhance cognitive skills, advanced cognitive skills
practical application	n phrase	/ˈpræktɪkəl ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃən/	ứng dụng thực tế	Students need to see the practical application of what they learn.	real-world practical application, lack practical application, demonstrate practical application
abstract concepts	n phrase	/ˈæbstrækt ˈkɒnsepts/	các khái niệm trừu tượng	Physics involves many abstract concepts that are difficult to visualize.	grasp abstract concepts, teach abstract concepts, understand abstract concepts
lifelong learning	n phrase	/ˈlaɪflɒŋ ˈlɜːnɪŋ/	học tập suốt đời	Lifelong learning is essential in today’s rapidly changing world.	promote lifelong learning, commitment to lifelong learning, culture of lifelong learning
didactic	adj	/daɪˈdæktɪk/	mang tính thuyết giáo, áp đặt	The teacher’s didactic approach made the class boring.	didactic approach, didactic teaching, overly didactic
facilitate	v	/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/	tạo điều kiện thuận lợi, hỗ trợ	The teacher facilitates learning rather than just lecturing.	facilitate learning, facilitate discussion, facilitate understanding
foster	v	/ˈfɒstə(r)/	nuôi dưỡng, khuyến khích phát triển	Good teaching fosters curiosity and creativity.	foster curiosity, foster interest, foster development, foster engagement
resonate with	v phrase	/ˈrezəneɪt wɪð/	gây được tiếng vang với, phù hợp với	This topic really resonated with my personal experience.	resonate with experience, resonate with students, deeply resonate with
grasp	v	/ɡrɑːsp/	nắm bắt, hiểu	I struggled to grasp the basic concepts at first.	grasp concept, grasp meaning, easily grasp, fail to grasp
rigorous	adj	/ˈrɪɡərəs/	nghiêm ngặt, khắt khe	The course was academically rigorous but very rewarding.	academically rigorous, rigorous training, rigorous standards
engaging	adj	/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ/	hấp dẫn, lôi cuốn	The documentary was much more engaging than the textbook.	highly engaging, engaging content, engaging teaching style
tedious	adj	/ˈtiːdiəs/	tẻ nhạt, nhàm chán	Memorizing dates was tedious and unfulfilling.	tedious task, tedious process, extremely tedious
inquiry-based learning	n phrase	/ɪnˈkwaɪəri beɪst ˈlɜːnɪŋ/	học tập dựa trên khám phá	Inquiry-based learning encourages students to ask questions.	adopt inquiry-based learning, inquiry-based learning approach, promote inquiry-based learning

Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases

Cụm từ	Nghĩa	Ví dụ sử dụng	Band điểm
Achilles’ heel	điểm yếu chết người	Physics was my Achilles’ heel throughout secondary school.	8-9
barely scratch the surface	mới chỉ chạm đến bề mặt, hiểu rất hời hợt	Even after studying for hours, I felt I was barely scratching the surface.	8-9
a game-changer	yếu tố thay đổi cuộc chơi hoàn toàn	Technology has been a game-changer in modern education.	7.5-8
a far cry from	hoàn toàn khác xa so với	The engaging documentaries were a far cry from our boring textbooks.	8-9
bring something to life	làm cái gì đó trở nên sống động	The teacher’s storytelling really brought history to life.	7.5-8
spark interest in	khơi dậy sự quan tâm đến	The podcast series sparked my interest in Vietnamese history.	7.5-8
draw someone to something	thu hút ai đó đến cái gì	What drew me to Literature was the depth of the stories.	7.5-8
delve into	đào sâu, tìm hiểu kỹ càng	I started to delve into economic theories after starting work.	7.5-8
strip away	lấy đi, tước bỏ	Rote learning strips away any enjoyment from education.	7.5-8
ward off	ngăn chặn, phòng tránh	Lifelong learning helps ward off cognitive decline.	8-9
foster a sense of	nuôi dưỡng cảm giác về	Learning new things fosters a sense of accomplishment.	7.5-8
combat feelings of	chống lại cảm giác	Continuous learning can combat feelings of stagnation.	8-9

Discourse Markers (Từ Nối Ý Trong Speaking)

Để bắt đầu câu trả lời:

• 📝 Well,… – Dùng khi cần một chút thời gian suy nghĩ hoặc để câu trả lời nghe tự nhiên hơn
• 📝 Actually,… – Khi đưa ra góc nhìn hoặc thông tin khác với mong đợi
• 📝 To be honest,… – Khi muốn nói thật và thẳng thắn về ý kiến cá nhân
• 📝 I’d say that… – Cách mềm mại để đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân
• 📝 In my view,… – Giới thiệu ý kiến cá nhân một cách formal hơn

Để bổ sung ý:

• 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, ngoài ra
• 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, thêm vào đó
• 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, không nói đến
• 📝 Moreover,… – Hơn nữa (formal)
• 📝 Additionally,… – Ngoài ra, thêm vào 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… – Mặc dù đúng là… chúng ta cũng cần xem xét
• 📝 That said,… – Dù vậy, mặc dù thế
• 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó
• 📝 However,… – Tuy nhiên

Để kết luận:

• 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nhìn chung
• 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì, khi mọi thứ được xem xét
• 📝 Looking back,… – Nhìn lại
• 📝 In conclusion,… – Kết luận lại (ít dùng trong speaking, phù hợp hơn với writing)

Để giải thích và làm rõ:

• 📝 What I mean is… – Ý tôi là
• 📝 In other words,… – Nói cách khác
• 📝 To put it simply,… – Nói một cách đơn giản
• 📝 Essentially,… – Về bản chất, cơ bản là

Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng

1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):

• Mixed conditional: If I had understood the practical applications at school, I would be more interested in Physics now.
• Inversion for emphasis: Had I known how useful Economics would be, I would have paid more attention in class.
• Third conditional: If teachers had used more engaging methods, many students wouldn’t have developed such an aversion to certain subjects.

2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):

• Non-defining: History, which I used to find incredibly boring, has become one of my favorite subjects to explore.
• Reduced relative clauses: The teaching methods used at my school were quite outdated. → The teaching methods used at my school being quite outdated, I struggled to engage with the content.

3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):

• It is thought/believed/said that…: It is widely believed that hands-on learning is more effective than rote memorization.
• For emphasis: The subject was taught in such a dry manner that students were left with no choice but to memorize facts.
• Academic tone: Research has been conducted showing that adult learners retain information better when it’s connected to practical applications.

4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):

• What I find most fascinating is… What I find most fascinating about my renewed interest in History is how it connects to current events.
• The thing that changed my perspective was… The thing that changed my perspective was discovering how Economics applies to everyday decisions.
• It was… that…: It was the practical relevance that really drew me to the subject, not the theoretical concepts.

5. Participle Clauses:

• Present participle: Having worked in the business world for several years, I now understand why we studied Economics at school.
• Past participle: Taught in a more engaging way, the subject could have captured students’ attention much earlier.
• Being + adjective: Being naturally curious, I’ve always enjoyed exploring new topics outside formal education.

6. Inversion for Emphasis:

• Not only… but also…: Not only does lifelong learning keep the mind active, but it also provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• Never have I…: Never have I felt more engaged with a subject than when I discovered its real-world applications.
• Rarely do we…: Rarely do we appreciate the value of certain subjects until we encounter them in practical contexts.

7. Wish and Regret Structures:

• I wish I had…: I wish I had paid more attention in History class when I had the chance.
• If only…: If only the teaching methods had been more interactive, I might have developed an interest earlier.
• I regret not…: I regret not taking Economics more seriously at school, given how useful it is now.

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Bài viết này đã cung cấp cho bạn một hướng dẫn toàn diện về cách trả lời chủ đề “Describe a subject you didn’t like at school but are interested in now” trong IELTS Speaking. Từ các câu hỏi thực tế trong cả 3 Part, bài mẫu chi tiết theo nhiều band điểm khác nhau, đến kho từ vựng phong phú và các cấu trúc ngữ pháp ấn tượng.

Hãy nhớ rằng, chìa khóa để đạt điểm cao không chỉ nằm ở việc học thuộc các mẫu câu mà ở khả năng sử dụng ngôn ngữ một cách tự nhiên, linh hoạt và thể hiện được tư duy phản biện của bạn. Thực hành thường xuyên với các chủ đề đa dạng, ghi âm lại câu trả lời của mình để tự đánh giá, và không ngừng mở rộng vốn từ vựng theo ngữ cảnh thực tế.

Chúc bạn thành công trong kỳ thi IELTS Speaking sắp tới!