Chủ đề “Describe A Situation When You Had To Wait For Something” là một trong những đề bài phổ biến và thực tế nhất trong IELTS Speaking. Với tư cách là một IELTS Examiner với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm chấm thi, tôi nhận thấy đây là chủ đề xuất hiện khá thường xuyên trong các kỳ thi từ 2020 đến nay, với tần suất trung bình khoảng 3-4 lần mỗi năm tại các test center trên toàn cầu.
Chủ đề này quan trọng vì nó liên quan trực tiếp đến kinh nghiệm đời sống hàng ngày của mọi người. Examiner có thể hỏi về việc chờ đợi trong nhiều bối cảnh khác nhau: chờ kết quả thi, chờ phương tiện công cộng, chờ một sự kiện đặc biệt, hoặc chờ một quyết định quan trọng. Dự đoán khả năng xuất hiện trong tương lai: Cao, đặc biệt trong Part 2 và Part 3.
Trong bài viết này, bạn sẽ học được:
- Các câu hỏi thường gặp trong cả 3 Part liên quan đến chủ đề “waiting”
- Bài mẫu chi tiết theo nhiều band điểm (6-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9) với phân tích cụ thể
- Từ vựng và cụm từ ăn điểm giúp nâng band score
- Chiến lược trả lời hiệu quả từ góc nhìn của Examiner
- Những lỗi phổ biến của học viên Việt Nam và cách khắc phục
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Tổng Quan Về Part 1
Part 1 của IELTS Speaking kéo dài 4-5 phút với các câu hỏi ngắn về đời sống hàng ngày. Đây là phần “warm-up” để bạn làm quen với examiner và môi trường thi. Đặc điểm chính của Part 1:
- Thời gian: 4-5 phút
- Đặc điểm: Câu hỏi ngắn, đời sống hàng ngày, personal experiences
- Chiến lược: Trả lời tự nhiên, mở rộng ý với 2-3 câu, không cần quá formal
- Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn chỉ “Yes” hoặc “No” không giải thích
- Dùng từ vựng quá đơn giản như “good”, “bad”, “nice”
- Thiếu ví dụ cụ thể từ kinh nghiệm bản thân
- Nói quá nhanh vì lo lắng, dẫn đến phát âm không rõ
- Sử dụng các cụm từ học thuộc nghe không tự nhiên
Các Câu Hỏi Thường Gặp
Dựa trên nghiên cứu từ các đề thi thực tế, dưới đây là các câu hỏi Part 1 thường gặp về chủ đề “waiting”:
Question 1: Do you think you are a patient person?
Question 2: What do you usually do while waiting for someone or something?
Question 3: Do you like waiting for things?
Question 4: Have you ever been late for something important?
Question 5: What makes you impatient?
Question 6: Do people in your country like waiting in queues?
Question 7: How do you feel when someone keeps you waiting?
Question 8: Are you good at waiting for long periods?
Question 9: What’s the longest time you’ve ever had to wait for something?
Question 10: Do you think patience is an important quality?
Phân Tích và Gợi Ý Trả Lời Chi Tiết
Question: Do you think you are a patient person?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Trả lời trực tiếp có hay không (hoặc “it depends”)
- Đưa ra lý do hoặc tình huống cụ thể
- Thêm ví dụ từ kinh nghiệm bản thân để minh họa
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I think I’m quite patient. I can wait for things without getting too upset. For example, when I go shopping, I don’t mind waiting in line. However, sometimes I get impatient if I have to wait too long, especially when I’m in a hurry.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Trả lời rõ ràng, có ví dụ đơn giản, structure cơ bản tốt
- Hạn chế: Từ vựng khá basic (upset, don’t mind, in a hurry), thiếu depth trong giải thích
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Vocabulary và grammar đơn giản nhưng adequate, ý tưởng chưa được phát triển đầy đủ, thiếu complexity trong cách diễn đạt
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Well, I’d say I’m fairly patient in most circumstances, particularly when it comes to long-term goals like studying or waiting for exam results. I’ve learned to keep myself occupied with productive activities rather than just sitting around twiddling my thumbs. That said, I must admit I can get a bit antsy when dealing with inefficient services, like when the internet connection is sluggish or when customer service keeps me on hold for ages.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary đa dạng và natural (antsy, sluggish, on hold, twiddling my thumbs)
- Grammar phức tạp với clause structures (particularly when…, rather than…)
- Balanced view (patient in some situations, impatient in others)
- Specific examples tăng tính thuyết phục
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Flow tự nhiên với discourse markers (Well, That said, I must admit)
- Vocabulary: Idiomatic expressions sử dụng chính xác
- Grammar: Mix of tenses, conditional structures
- Coherence: Ý tưởng được liên kết mạch lạc
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- fairly patient: khá kiên nhẫn
- keep myself occupied: giữ bản thân bận rộn
- sitting around twiddling my thumbs: ngồi không làm gì
- antsy: bồn chồn, không kiên nhẫn
- sluggish: chậm chạp
- keeps me on hold: giữ máy chờ (trong cuộc gọi)
Question: What do you usually do while waiting for someone or something?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Nói về thói quen thực tế của bạn
- Đưa ra 2-3 hoạt động cụ thể
- Giải thích tại sao bạn chọn những hoạt động đó
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“When I have to wait, I usually use my phone. I check social media or play games on it. Sometimes I also listen to music or read news. These things help me pass the time and make waiting less boring.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Clear answer với activities cụ thể, structure logic
- Hạn chế: Vocabulary repetitive và basic (use my phone, play games, less boring), thiếu variety trong grammar
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Communicate được ý nhưng thiếu sophistication, limited range of structures
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“It really depends on how long I’m expecting to wait. For brief waits, I tend to scroll through social media or catch up on messages. If I know I’ll be killing time for a while, I usually dive into a podcast or an audiobook – I find it’s a great way to turn dead time into productive time. Occasionally, if I’m in a pleasant environment, I just people-watch and let my mind wander, which can be surprisingly refreshing.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary sophisticated (scroll through, catch up on, dive into, dead time)
- Grammar varied (conditional structure, complex sentences)
- Ideas well-developed với explanation của choices
- Natural expressions (It really depends, can be surprisingly refreshing)
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Smooth transitions giữa các ý
- Lexical Resource: Collocations tự nhiên (brief waits, kill time, mind wander)
- Grammar: Complex structures sử dụng accurately
- Pronunciation: Likely clear với natural rhythm
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- brief waits: thời gian chờ ngắn
- scroll through: lướt qua (mạng xã hội)
- catch up on messages: đọc tin nhắn đã bỏ lỡ
- killing time: giết thời gian
- dive into: đắm mình vào
- dead time: thời gian chết, không làm gì
- people-watch: quan sát người qua lại
- let my mind wander: để tâm trí lang thang
Question: How do you feel when someone keeps you waiting?
🎯 Cách tiếp cận:
- Mô tả cảm xúc trung thực
- Phân biệt các tình huống khác nhau (có lý do chính đáng hay không)
- Đưa ra cách bạn phản ứng trong tình huống đó
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I don’t like it when people make me wait. It makes me feel annoyed and disrespected. If someone is late without a good reason, I think it’s rude. But if they have a valid excuse, I can understand and I won’t be angry.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh: Clear expression of feelings, có distinction giữa các situations
- Hạn chế: Vocabulary basic (annoyed, disrespected, rude, angry), sentence structures đơn giản
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Adequate communication nhưng limited range, thiếu nuance trong expression
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Honestly, it gets under my skin when someone keeps me waiting without any advance notice or valid explanation. I feel like my time isn’t being valued, which can be quite frustrating. However, I try to give people the benefit of the doubt – life happens, and unexpected things come up. If someone genuinely apologizes and has a legitimate reason, I’m usually quite understanding. What really irks me is when it becomes a recurring pattern, as that suggests a lack of consideration rather than just bad luck.”
Phân tích:
- Điểm mạnh:
- Vocabulary rich and precise (gets under my skin, irks me, recurring pattern, legitimate reason)
- Grammar sophisticated (conditional clauses, relative clauses)
- Ideas nuanced với balanced perspective
- Natural idiomatic language
- Shows emotional intelligence và maturity
- Tại sao Band 8-9:
- Fluency: Natural flow với appropriate hesitation markers (Honestly, However)
- Vocabulary: Wide range với precise word choice
- Grammar: Complex sentences handled accurately
- Coherence: Well-organized thoughts với clear progression
💡 Key Vocabulary & Expressions:
- gets under my skin: làm tôi khó chịu
- advance notice: thông báo trước
- valid explanation: lời giải thích hợp lý
- give people the benefit of the doubt: cho người khác cơ hội được nghi ngờ (nghĩ tích cực)
- genuinely apologizes: xin lỗi chân thành
- legitimate reason: lý do chính đáng
- irks me: làm tôi khó chịu
- recurring pattern: mô típ lặp lại
- lack of consideration: thiếu sự quan tâm
Tương tự như describe a skill you recently acquired, việc phát triển khả năng kiên nhẫn cũng là một kỹ năng quan trọng mà nhiều người học được qua thời gian và kinh nghiệm sống.
Học viên đang luyện tập trả lời câu hỏi IELTS Speaking Part 1 về chủ đề kiên nhẫn và chờ đợi
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Tổng Quan Về Part 2
Part 2 là phần thử thách nhất đối với nhiều thí sinh vì bạn phải nói liên tục trong 2 phút về một chủ đề cụ thể. Đây là những điểm quan trọng:
- Thời gian chuẩn bị: 1 phút (rất quan trọng – phải tận dụng tối đa)
- Thời gian nói: 2-3 phút (không bị ngắt, examiner sẽ để bạn nói hết)
- Đặc điểm: Độc thoại, kể chi tiết về một chủ đề cụ thể với các bullet points hướng dẫn
- Chiến lược:
- Sử dụng hết 1 phút để ghi chú keywords (KHÔNG viết câu đầy đủ)
- Nói đủ 2 phút tối thiểu, tốt nhất là 2-2.5 phút
- Phải trả lời đầy đủ TẤT CẢ các bullet points
- Sử dụng thì quá khứ khi kể về một sự kiện đã xảy ra
- Organize ideas theo thứ tự logic: When → Where → Who → What → Why/How you felt
- Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Không sử dụng hết thời gian chuẩn bị hoặc viết quá nhiều
- Nói dưới 1.5 phút (quá ngắn)
- Bỏ sót một hoặc nhiều bullet points
- Chỉ tập trung vào narrative mà quên phần “explain” (phần quan trọng nhất)
- Sử dụng nhiều filler words (uhm, ah, you know)
Cue Card
Describe a situation when you had to wait for something
You should say:
- When and where it happened
- What you were waiting for
- How long you waited
- And explain how you felt about waiting
Phân Tích Đề Bài
- Dạng câu hỏi: Describe an experience/event (kể về một trải nghiệm cụ thể)
- Thì động từ: Quá khứ (past simple, past continuous, past perfect) vì đây là việc đã xảy ra
- Bullet points phải cover:
- When and where: Context về thời gian và địa điểm cụ thể
- What you were waiting for: Đối tượng/sự việc bạn chờ đợi
- How long you waited: Duration – thời gian chờ cụ thể
- Explain feelings: Đây là phần QUAN TRỌNG NHẤT – giải thích cảm xúc, suy nghĩ, và tại sao bạn cảm thấy như vậy
- Câu “explain” quan trọng: Đây là phần ghi điểm cao nhất. Không chỉ nói “I felt nervous” mà phải explain WHY, give reasons, describe the impact. Phần này chiếm khoảng 30-40% thời gian nói của bạn.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7
Thời lượng: Khoảng 1.5-2 phút
“I’d like to talk about a time when I had to wait for my exam results last year. It happened in July, after I finished my final university exams. I was at home during this time.
I was waiting for the results of my graduation exams. These exams were very important because they would decide if I could graduate or not. The university said they would release the results in two weeks, but actually, I had to wait for almost one month.
During this waiting period, I checked my email many times every day. I also visited the university website frequently to see if the results were posted. I talked to my friends about it a lot because they were also waiting.
I felt very nervous and anxious during this time. Every day felt very long because I kept thinking about the results. I couldn’t focus on other things properly. I was worried because I wasn’t sure if I had done well enough. Sometimes I couldn’t sleep well at night because of the stress. When the results finally came out and I saw that I passed, I felt very happy and relieved. The waiting was difficult, but it taught me to be more patient.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 6-7 | Flow tương đối smooth với basic connectors (during this time, actually, finally). Có một số hesitation nhưng không ảnh hưởng nhiều. Structure logic nhưng chưa sophisticated. |
| Lexical Resource | 6 | Vocabulary adequate nhưng khá basic và repetitive (very nervous, very important, very happy). Có một số collocations đơn giản (exam results, waiting period, focus on). Thiếu less common vocabulary. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 6-7 | Mix of simple and complex sentences. Sử dụng đúng past tenses. Có một số attempts at complex structures (because they would decide, if I had done well). Minor errors nhưng không ảnh hưởng communication. |
| Pronunciation | 6-7 | Likely clear và understandable. Có thể có một số L1 features nhưng không gây khó hiểu. Sentence stress và intonation cơ bản acceptable. |
Điểm mạnh:
- ✅ Trả lời đầy đủ tất cả bullet points
- ✅ Structure rõ ràng, dễ follow
- ✅ Có explain về feelings
- ✅ Length adequate (gần 2 phút)
Hạn chế:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary quá basic và repetitive (very, very, very)
- ⚠️ Thiếu descriptive details và emotional depth
- ⚠️ Grammar structures khá simple, thiếu variety
- ⚠️ Phần explain feelings chưa đủ sâu và chi tiết
📝 Sample Answer – Band 7.5-8
Thời lượng: Khoảng 2-2.5 phút
“I’d like to share an experience from about six months ago when I had to wait for the outcome of a job interview. This happened in September, right after I’d completed my final interview round for a marketing position at a multinational company in Ho Chi Minh City.
The position I’d applied for was my dream job – it offered excellent career prospects and the chance to work with an international team. After three rounds of interviews, the HR manager told me they would get back to me within a week with their decision. However, as the days went by, I heard nothing, and that one week stretched into nearly three weeks of agonizing waiting.
During this period, I was constantly on edge. I’d refresh my email inbox compulsively – probably dozens of times a day – hoping to see that message. I tried to keep myself busy with other activities, like meeting friends and working on personal projects, but I found it hard to fully concentrate on anything else. My phone was always within reach because I was afraid I might miss their call. I even rehearsed in my mind how I would react to both positive and negative news.
The waiting felt particularly difficult because I’d invested so much time and energy in the application process, and this job meant a lot to my career development. I experienced a real emotional rollercoaster – one moment feeling optimistic and confident about my interview performance, the next moment doubting myself and imagining worst-case scenarios. The uncertainty was probably the hardest part to deal with.
When I finally received the call offering me the position, I was absolutely thrilled and relieved. Looking back, that waiting period, though stressful, taught me a valuable lesson about patience and not putting all my emotional energy into things beyond my control.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 7.5-8 | Very smooth flow với sophisticated connectors (However, During this period, Looking back). Ideas well-organized và logically sequenced. Minimal hesitation. Good use of discourse markers. |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5-8 | Wide range of vocabulary với precise word choice (compulsively, agonizing, rehearsed, emotional rollercoaster). Good collocations (career prospects, international team, worst-case scenarios). Some less common items used naturally. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 7.5-8 | Wide range of complex structures (conditional, relative clauses, participle clauses). Mix of tenses used accurately (past perfect, past continuous). Mostly error-free. Flexible use of grammar. |
| Pronunciation | 7.5-8 | Likely very clear với consistent control. Natural intonation patterns. Word stress và sentence stress well-managed. Easy to understand. |
So Sánh Với Band 6-7
| Khía cạnh | Band 6-7 | Band 7.5-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | “very nervous”, “very important” | “constantly on edge”, “agonizing waiting”, “emotional rollercoaster” |
| Grammar | “I checked my email many times” | “I’d refresh my email inbox compulsively” |
| Ideas | “I felt nervous because I wasn’t sure” | “I experienced a real emotional rollercoaster – one moment feeling optimistic, the next moment doubting myself” |
| Details | Basic information | Rich, specific details về context và emotions |
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8.5-9
Thời lượng: 2.5-3 phút đầy đủ
“I’d like to tell you about a particularly nerve-wracking experience I had last spring when I was waiting for the results of my medical examination for a scholarship application to study abroad. This took place in April, and I was back in my hometown of Da Nang at the time, having just completed all the required tests at a specialist medical center.
The scholarship I’d applied for was to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Science at a university in Australia – something I’d been working towards for years. The medical clearance was the final hurdle in what had been an arduous application process. The doctor had mentioned that the results would be ready within five working days, but due to some administrative delays, I ended up waiting for nearly two weeks, which felt like an eternity.
What made this waiting period particularly challenging was the high stakes involved. I’d already invested significant time and resources into the application – preparing documents, taking English tests, and even turning down a job offer to keep this window open. Every aspect of my near future hinged on this outcome. I found myself caught in a cycle of hope and anxiety, oscillating between confidence that everything would be fine and gnawing doubts about potential health issues that might derail my plans.
During those two weeks, I tried various coping mechanisms. Initially, I attempted to distract myself by visiting old friends and exploring my hometown, but I found that the waiting was like a constant background noise I couldn’t escape. I’d be in the middle of a conversation, and suddenly my mind would drift back to checking my phone. The unpredictability of when the results might arrive made it impossible to truly relax – I was always in a state of alert, dreading the possibility of bad news while simultaneously longing for closure.
What struck me most about this experience was how it revealed the psychological toll that waiting can take. I noticed I was more irritable than usual, snapping at family members over trivial matters. My sleep patterns were disrupted, and I found myself waking up in the middle of the night, immediately reaching for my phone. It made me realize how much we take for granted the certainty and instant gratification we’ve become accustomed to in modern life.
When the email finally arrived with a clean bill of health, I experienced an almost euphoric sense of relief – it was as though a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders. But perhaps more significantly, this experience taught me something valuable about resilience and the importance of developing patience in an increasingly fast-paced world. It also gave me a newfound appreciation for how uncertainty affects our mental well-being and why managing expectations is such a crucial life skill.”
Phân Tích Band Điểm
| Tiêu chí | Band | Nhận xét |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 9 | Completely natural flow với sophisticated progression of ideas. Effortless use of cohesive devices. Ideas beautifully sequenced với clear narrative arc. No apparent effort in producing speech. |
| Lexical Resource | 9 | Sophisticated control với precise và natural word choice (gnawing doubts, oscillating between, derail my plans, euphoric sense of relief). Idiomatic language used naturally (lift off shoulders, take for granted). Wide-ranging vocabulary với consistent flexibility. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 9 | Full range of structures used naturally và accurately. Complex sentences handled với ease. Perfect control of tenses và aspects. Sophisticated use of participles, conditionals, và relative clauses. Error-free throughout. |
| Pronunciation | 9 | Likely completely natural với native-like features. Subtle use of intonation to convey meaning. Perfect word và sentence stress. Completely effortless to understand. |
Tại Sao Bài Này Xuất Sắc
🎯 Fluency Hoàn Hảo:
- Không có hesitation, speech flows như một câu chuyện được kể tự nhiên
- Sophisticated connectors tạo cohesion hoàn hảo (Initially, What struck me most, But perhaps more significantly)
- Natural narrative structure với clear beginning, development, và reflection
📚 Vocabulary Tinh Vi:
- “nerve-wracking experience” thay vì “nervous experience” – demonstrating precise word choice
- “oscillating between confidence and gnawing doubts” – poetic và descriptive
- “the psychological toll that waiting can take” – abstract và sophisticated expression
- “instant gratification” – showing awareness of modern societal concepts
- “euphoric sense of relief” thay vì simply “very happy”
📝 Grammar Đa Dạng:
- Complex participle clause: “having just completed all the required tests”
- Perfect conditional: “I’d already invested significant time”
- Sophisticated relative clause: “something I’d been working towards for years”
- Parallel structure: “dreading the possibility… while simultaneously longing for closure”
💡 Ideas Sâu Sắc:
- Không chỉ kể chuyện mà còn reflect on psychological aspects
- Shows self-awareness: “It made me realize how much we take for granted”
- Demonstrates emotional intelligence trong mô tả feelings
- Connects personal experience to broader life lessons
- Ending với thoughtful conclusion về resilience và life skills
Khi nói về việc chờ đợi một sự kiện quan trọng, điều này có điểm tương đồng với describe a time when you had to make a tough decision quickly khi cả hai đều yêu cầu khả năng quản lý cảm xúc và áp lực trong những tình huống căng thẳng.
Thí sinh tự tin trình bày bài nói IELTS Speaking Part 2 về trải nghiệm chờ đợi với giám khảo
Follow-up Questions (Rounding Off Questions)
Examiner thường hỏi 1-2 câu ngắn sau khi bạn hoàn thành Part 2 để chuyển sang Part 3. Đây là câu hỏi “bridge” nên câu trả lời không cần quá dài.
Question 1: Do you often have to wait for things in your daily life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, quite often. I have to wait for the bus every morning, and sometimes I wait in queues at supermarkets or restaurants. It’s a normal part of daily life.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Well, it’s pretty much unavoidable in modern life, isn’t it? I find myself waiting for various things daily – whether it’s commuting on public transport, queuing up for coffee, or even just waiting for my computer to boot up. I guess waiting has become such an integral part of our routine that we barely notice it most of the time.”
Question 2: Has the experience changed how you deal with waiting now?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, it has. Now I try to be more patient when I have to wait. I also try to use the waiting time to do something useful, like reading or planning my day.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. That experience was actually quite transformative in terms of my mindset. Now I’m much more conscious about reframing waiting time as an opportunity rather than just dead time. I’ve developed better coping strategies, like always having a podcast queue ready or using those moments for mindfulness practice. It’s helped me become more adaptable and less prone to frustration when things don’t happen on my expected timeline.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Tổng Quan Về Part 3
Part 3 là phần abstract và challenging nhất trong IELTS Speaking Test. Examiner sẽ đặt các câu hỏi sâu hơn, yêu cầu bạn phân tích, đánh giá và thảo luận về các vấn đề xã hội rộng hơn liên quan đến chủ đề Part 2.
- Thời gian: 4-5 phút
- Đặc điểm: Thảo luận trừu tượng, sâu sắc hơn về chủ đề Part 2, often about society, trends, future
- Yêu cầu:
- Phân tích (analyze), so sánh (compare), đánh giá (evaluate)
- Đưa ra quan điểm cá nhân có lý lẽ (reasoned opinion)
- Xem xét nhiều góc độ của vấn đề (multiple perspectives)
- Sử dụng examples từ xã hội, không chỉ personal experience
- Chiến lược:
- Mở rộng câu trả lời (3-5 câu tối thiểu)
- Sử dụng discourse markers (Well, Actually, I think, From my perspective)
- Structure rõ ràng: Direct answer → Reason 1 + example → Reason 2 + example → Conclusion/balanced view
- Thừa nhận complexity của vấn đề (It’s not black and white, It depends on…)
- Avoid absolute statements (always, never, everyone) – use tentative language instead
- Lỗi thường gặp của học viên Việt Nam:
- Trả lời quá ngắn, thiếu phân tích sâu
- Không đưa ra lý lẽ rõ ràng để support opinion
- Thiếu từ vựng trừu tượng (abstract nouns)
- Chỉ đưa personal examples thay vì societal perspectives
- Không thừa nhận các góc nhìn khác nhau
Các Câu Hỏi Thảo Luận Sâu
Dưới đây là các câu hỏi Part 3 typical, được phân loại theo theme để bạn dễ chuẩn bị.
Theme 1: Patience in Modern Society
Question 1: Do you think people are less patient nowadays compared to the past?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare past vs present + Opinion
- Key words: less patient, nowadays, compared to the past
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Give direct answer (Yes/No/To some extent)
- Explain reasons for this change
- Provide examples từ modern life
- Consider counterarguments hoặc exceptions
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think yes, people today are less patient than before. This is because of technology and modern life. Everything is very fast now – we have fast internet, fast food, and quick delivery services. People expect things to happen immediately. In the past, people had to wait more for everything, so they learned to be patient. Young people especially are not very patient because they grow up with smartphones and instant communication.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Direct answer → Main reason (technology) → Example → Contrast with past → Specific group mention
- Vocabulary: Basic nhưng adequate (fast internet, instant communication, grow up with)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear communication với relevant ideas, nhưng vocabulary và grammar structures khá simple. Thiếu depth trong analysis và examples còn general.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Well, I’d say there’s definitely some truth to that observation, though it’s perhaps more nuanced than it first appears. I think we’re living in what could be called an ‘instant gratification culture’ where technology has conditioned us to expect immediate results. Think about it – we can order food and have it delivered within minutes, stream any movie instantly, or communicate with someone on the other side of the world in real-time. This constant accessibility has somewhat eroded our capacity for patience because we’re simply not required to wait as much as previous generations were.
However, I’d argue it’s not that people have fundamentally changed, but rather the context has shifted. Our grandparents’ generation didn’t have a choice but to be patient – waiting was simply built into the fabric of daily life. They’d wait days for letters, weeks for news, months for products to arrive. In contrast, we’ve been conditioned by technology to expect speed and efficiency, so when we do encounter delays, they feel more jarring and frustrating.
That said, I don’t think it’s entirely negative. This decreased tolerance for waiting has driven innovation and improved efficiency across many sectors. But it does raise concerns about our mental resilience and ability to cope with unavoidable delays. Perhaps what we need is a more balanced approach – embracing efficiency while also cultivating patience where it matters.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Tentative agreement → Main argument với explanation → Historical comparison → Counterpoint (balanced view) → Nuanced conclusion
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (instant gratification culture, conditioned, eroded our capacity, jarring, mental resilience)
- Grammar: Complex structures (relative clauses, conditional forms, passive voice) used naturally
- Critical Thinking: Balanced view, acknowledges complexity, considers multiple perspectives, avoids oversimplification
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers: “Well, I’d say…”, “Think about it…”, “However, I’d argue…”, “That said…”
- Tentative language: “perhaps more nuanced”, “somewhat eroded”, “I don’t think it’s entirely”
- Abstract nouns: “instant gratification culture”, “constant accessibility”, “mental resilience”, “context”
- Sophisticated verbs: “conditioned”, “eroded”, “cultivating”
Question 2: Why is patience considered an important quality?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Why question – yêu cầu reasons và explanation
- Key words: patience, important quality
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Identify multiple reasons (2-3 main points)
- Explain each với examples hoặc consequences
- Consider different contexts (personal, professional, social)
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Patience is important for many reasons. First, it helps us make better decisions. When we are patient, we don’t rush and we think more carefully. Second, patient people are better at relationships because they can understand others and don’t get angry easily. Also, in work, patience is necessary because good results take time. Without patience, people might give up too quickly and not achieve their goals.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Multiple reasons listed với brief explanation cho mỗi point
- Vocabulary: Functional vocabulary (make better decisions, think carefully, understand others)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear organization và relevant points, nhưng explanation lacks depth. Examples are general rather than specific.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Patience is valued as a crucial character trait for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, from a psychological perspective, patience is essentially about delayed gratification – the ability to resist immediate impulses in favor of longer-term rewards. Research has consistently shown that people who can exercise patience tend to achieve better outcomes in various aspects of life, from academic success to financial stability. They’re better equipped to persist through challenges without becoming discouraged by temporary setbacks.
Beyond personal development, patience plays a vital role in interpersonal relationships. It allows us to give others the benefit of the doubt, to listen actively rather than rushing to judgment, and to work through conflicts constructively. In our increasingly polarized society, the ability to patiently consider different viewpoints has become more crucial than ever. Without patience, we tend to react impulsively, which often leads to regrettable decisions and damaged relationships.
From a broader societal standpoint, patience is also linked to sustainable thinking. Many of the world’s most pressing issues – climate change, poverty, inequality – require long-term commitment and sustained effort rather than quick fixes. A society that values patience is more likely to make strategic investments in the future rather than prioritizing short-term gains. So in essence, patience isn’t just a personal virtue; it’s a foundational quality for both individual well-being and collective progress.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Multi-layered explanation: Personal/psychological → Interpersonal → Societal levels
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và academic register (interconnected reasons, delayed gratification, sustainable thinking, foundational quality)
- Grammar: Complex structures with perfect control (relative clauses, participles, conditionals)
- Critical Thinking: Demonstrates deep understanding với connections giữa individual và society
💡 Key Language Features:
- Discourse markers for structure: “Firstly”, “Beyond personal development”, “From a broader societal standpoint”, “So in essence”
- Academic phrases: “from a psychological perspective”, “research has consistently shown”, “linked to”
- Cause-effect language: “allows us to”, “leads to”, “tend to achieve”
- Abstract concepts: “delayed gratification”, “interpersonal relationships”, “collective progress”, “sustainable thinking”
Để hiểu rõ hơn về việc phát triển một phẩm chất quan trọng như kiên nhẫn, bạn có thể tham khảo thêm describe a subject you didn’t like at school but are interested in now, vì quá trình học cách đánh giá cao điều gì đó cũng đòi hỏi sự kiên nhẫn và trưởng thành.
Theme 2: Technology and Waiting
Question 3: How has technology changed the way people wait for things?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: How question – describe changes và their impact
- Key words: technology, changed, way people wait
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Identify specific technological changes
- Explain impact on waiting behavior
- Provide concrete examples
- Consider both positive và negative aspects
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Technology has changed waiting in many ways. Now people can use their phones while waiting, so they don’t feel bored. They can check social media, play games, or watch videos. Also, technology makes some waiting shorter. For example, we can track delivery or see when the bus will arrive. This makes waiting less stressful because we know how long we need to wait. However, technology also makes people less patient because they expect everything to be fast.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Main change stated → Examples → Positive effect → Negative effect
- Vocabulary: Basic technology-related terms (phones, social media, track delivery)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Relevant ideas với clear examples, but analysis remains superficial. Limited range of vocabulary và grammar.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Technology has fundamentally transformed not just the duration of waiting but, more importantly, the actual experience of it. The most obvious change is that smartphones have essentially eliminated ’empty’ waiting time. When people are stuck in a queue or waiting for an appointment, they’re no longer simply killing time – they’re engaged in various activities, from catching up on news to managing their work emails. This has made waiting feel less tedious and more productive, though one could argue it’s also made us more addicted to constant stimulation.
More significantly, technology has introduced a new dimension of control through real-time tracking and updates. Whether it’s monitoring a food delivery, checking flight status, or seeing exactly where your taxi is on a map, we now have unprecedented visibility into things we’re waiting for. This transparency has a profound psychological effect – research suggests that informed waiting feels much shorter than uninformed waiting, even when the actual duration is identical. It’s the uncertainty that makes waiting painful, and technology has largely addressed that aspect.
However, there’s an interesting paradox here. While technology has made many types of waiting shorter or more bearable, it’s also heightened our expectations and lowered our tolerance for delays. We’ve become accustomed to on-demand services and instant responses, so when we encounter old-fashioned waiting – like being put on hold for customer service or waiting weeks for a product – it feels disproportionately frustrating. In a sense, technology has raised the bar for what we consider acceptable waiting time, which means even minor delays can feel intolerable in ways they wouldn’t have a generation ago.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Three-part analysis: Changed experience → Added control/transparency → Paradoxical effects
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated với precise word choice (unprecedented visibility, profound psychological effect, interesting paradox, disproportionately frustrating)
- Grammar: Complex structures handled perfectly (whether…or, though one could argue, research suggests that)
- Critical Thinking: Nuanced understanding với both sides considered, reference to research, explores paradox
💡 Key Language Features:
- Signposting complex ideas: “The most obvious change”, “More significantly”, “However, there’s an interesting paradox”
- Academic register: “fundamentally transformed”, “unprecedented visibility”, “profound psychological effect”
- Contrast language: “not just…but more importantly”, “while…it’s also”
- Tentative/hedging language: “one could argue”, “research suggests”, “in a sense”
Question 4: Do you think instant services have made life better or worse?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Opinion with evaluation – requires balanced assessment
- Key words: instant services, better or worse
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Acknowledge complexity (it’s not simply one or the other)
- Discuss benefits với specific examples
- Discuss drawbacks với specific examples
- Provide balanced conclusion hoặc conditional answer
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“I think instant services have both good and bad effects. On the good side, they save us a lot of time. We can order food, book tickets, or buy things very quickly without going out. This is very convenient, especially for busy people. On the bad side, instant services make people lazy and impatient. People don’t want to wait for anything anymore. Also, some people spend too much money because it’s too easy to buy things online. So I think we need to use instant services carefully and not depend on them too much.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Balanced view stated → Benefits → Drawbacks → Balanced conclusion
- Vocabulary: Simple evaluative language (good side, bad side, convenient, lazy)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear position với relevant points, but lacks sophistication in analysis. Examples are general. Limited vocabulary range.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“This is quite a loaded question because the answer really depends on which aspects of life we’re considering and which demographic we’re looking at. On balance, I’d say instant services have been largely beneficial, but they’ve come with some unintended consequences that we’re only now beginning to fully understand.
From a practical standpoint, the benefits are undeniable. Instant services have democratized access to resources that were previously limited by geography or time constraints. Someone living in a remote area can now access the same products, entertainment, and services as someone in a major city. For people with mobility issues or demanding schedules, the ability to have groceries delivered or complete banking transactions instantly has been genuinely life-enhancing. These services have also fostered economic opportunities, creating entire new industries and employment sectors around delivery, digital platforms, and logistics.
However, there are legitimate concerns about the psychological and social costs. The expectation of immediacy has, in many ways, eroded our capacity for patience and may be contributing to rising anxiety levels, particularly among younger generations. There’s something to be said for the anticipation that comes with waiting – it actually makes us appreciate things more when they finally arrive. Additionally, the convenience of instant services often comes at the expense of sustainable practices – think of the environmental impact of same-day deliveries or the exploitation of gig economy workers who make these services possible.
What I find most concerning is how instant services can create a sort of bubble of convenience that insulates us from reality. When we can solve most problems with a few taps on our phones, we might be losing important skills like planning ahead, delaying gratification, or dealing with inconvenience. These are actually valuable life skills that build resilience and adaptability.
So to sum up, I believe instant services have net positive effects when used judiciously, but we need to be mindful of their broader implications and perhaps deliberately cultivate patience and offline experiences as a counterbalance.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Acknowledge complexity → Benefits with examples → Concerns with examples → Deeper analysis → Nuanced conclusion
- Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (loaded question, unintended consequences, democratized access, legitimate concerns, net positive effects)
- Grammar: Full range of complex structures used accurately and naturally
- Critical Thinking: Multi-dimensional analysis considering practical, psychological, social, and environmental aspects. Shows awareness of nuance and complexity.
💡 Key Language Features:
- Sophisticated opening: “This is quite a loaded question because…”
- Balanced discourse markers: “On balance”, “However”, “Additionally”, “What I find most concerning”
- Academic language: “unintended consequences”, “legitimate concerns”, “broader implications”
- Nuanced evaluation: “net positive effects when used judiciously”, “deliberately cultivate as a counterbalance”
Giám khảo IELTS và thí sinh thảo luận sâu về chủ đề xã hội trong Speaking Part 3
Theme 3: Cultural Differences in Waiting
Question 5: Are there any differences in how people from different cultures deal with waiting?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: Compare và contrast different cultures
- Key words: differences, different cultures, deal with waiting
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Acknowledge diversity của cultural attitudes
- Provide specific cultural examples (avoid stereotyping)
- Explain underlying cultural values
- Show awareness of generalizations vs individual differences
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“Yes, I think different cultures have different attitudes about waiting. In some Asian countries, people are more patient and they accept waiting as normal. For example, in Japan, people wait in line very quietly and politely. But in Western countries, people value efficiency more, so they don’t like waiting and often complain. In some cultures, being on time is very important, but in other cultures, being a little late is acceptable. These differences come from different cultural values and history.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Yes + general statement → Example 1 → Contrast example → Additional point about punctuality → Reason
- Vocabulary: Basic cultural terms (Asian countries, Western countries, cultural values)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Shows awareness of cultural differences với relevant examples, but analysis lacks depth và nuance. Risk of oversimplification và stereotyping.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“Absolutely, and it’s a fascinating area where we can see how deeply culture influences even seemingly mundane behaviors. However, I should preface this by saying we need to be careful about overgeneralizing – within any culture, there’s enormous individual variation.
That said, there are some observable patterns. In many cultures with Confucian influences, such as Japan, South Korea, or Singapore, there tends to be a greater emphasis on social harmony and collective patience. You’ll often see people waiting in remarkably orderly queues without overt displays of frustration. This isn’t necessarily because they’re inherently more patient, but rather because cultural norms place high value on not disturbing others or causing scenes. The concept of ‘saving face’ and maintaining social cohesion often supersedes individual convenience.
In contrast, in cultures that place higher value on individualism and directness – like in parts of North America or Northern Europe – people might be more vocal about their frustration with waiting. This doesn’t mean they’re less patient, but rather that the cultural script for expressing dissatisfaction is different. In these contexts, efficiency and time management are often prized values, so unnecessary delays are seen as a legitimate grievance worth voicing.
Interestingly, attitudes toward time and waiting also vary along what anthropologists call the ‘monochronic versus polychronic’ spectrum. In monochronic cultures – typical of Northern Europe and North America – time is viewed as linear and segmented. Punctuality is sacred, and making someone wait is considered disrespectful. Polychronic cultures, more common in Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, have a more fluid relationship with time. Social interactions and relationships often take precedence over strict schedules, so waiting is more readily accepted as part of life.
However, I think it’s crucial to recognize that these patterns are rapidly evolving due to globalization and technological influence. Urban areas worldwide are increasingly adopting similar attitudes toward waiting, particularly among younger generations who’ve grown up with on-demand services. So while cultural differences persist, they may be becoming less pronounced over time.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Acknowledge question → Caveat about generalizations → Cultural pattern 1 with explanation → Cultural pattern 2 as contrast → Additional anthropological perspective → Evolution and nuance
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated và precise (Confucian influences, overt displays, cultural script, monochronic versus polychronic spectrum, fluid relationship)
- Grammar: Full range including complex relative clauses, passive voice, participles
- Critical Thinking: Nuanced understanding với awareness of complexity, academic reference (anthropologists), avoidance of stereotypes, consideration of change over time
💡 Key Language Features:
- Hedging và caution: “I should preface this by saying”, “there tends to be”, “often supersedes”
- Academic references: “what anthropologists call”, “observable patterns”, “cultural script”
- Sophisticated comparisons: “In contrast”, “Interestingly”, “However, I think it’s crucial to recognize”
- Abstract concepts: “social cohesion”, “collective patience”, “legitimate grievance”, “fluid relationship with time”
Question 6: What can people learn from cultures that are more patient?
🎯 Phân tích câu hỏi:
- Dạng: What can be learned – requires reflection và application
- Key words: learn from, cultures, more patient
- Cách tiếp cận:
- Identify specific lessons hoặc practices
- Explain how these could be beneficial
- Consider practical application
- Show critical thinking về transferability across cultures
📝 Sample Answer – Band 6-7:
“We can learn many useful things from patient cultures. First, we can learn to be calmer and less stressed about waiting. This is better for our health and happiness. Second, we can learn to use waiting time better, maybe for thinking or relaxing instead of always being busy. Also, patient cultures teach us to respect other people’s time and not just think about ourselves. If we learn these things, our society can be more peaceful and people can have better relationships.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Introduction → Lesson 1 → Lesson 2 → Lesson 3 → Benefit statement
- Vocabulary: Functional vocabulary (be calmer, less stressed, respect other people’s time)
- Tại sao Band 6-7: Clear message với relevant points, but lacks sophistication. Examples are general rather than specific. Limited depth of analysis.
📝 Sample Answer – Band 8-9:
“I think there are some profoundly valuable lessons we can draw from cultures where patience is more deeply ingrained, though we should be thoughtful about how we adapt these lessons to our own contexts.
Perhaps the most important insight is the idea of finding contentment in the present moment rather than constantly fixating on the next thing. In many cultures with Buddhist influences, for example, there’s a strong emphasis on mindfulness and acceptance of what is. When waiting is seen as an opportunity for brief meditation or quiet reflection rather than ‘wasted time,’ it becomes less of a burden. This reframing could be incredibly beneficial for our stress levels and overall well-being in fast-paced modern societies.
Another valuable lesson relates to the concept of ‘hurry sickness’ that’s prevalent in many developed nations. Observing how some cultures prioritize relationships and experiences over strict adherence to schedules can remind us that efficiency isn’t always the ultimate goal. Sometimes, the most meaningful interactions happen during those unscheduled moments when we’re not rushing from one thing to the next. This doesn’t mean abandoning punctuality, but rather being more intentional about when speed matters and when it doesn’t.
From a practical standpoint, we might also learn better queue discipline and collective patience. In places like Japan, the orderly queuing system isn’t just about individual patience – it’s about recognizing that everyone’s time has value and creating systems that are fair and efficient for all. This communal approach to waiting actually minimizes frustration for everyone involved, rather than the chaotic free-for-all you sometimes see in cultures where queue-jumping is tolerated.
However, I think the most sustainable approach isn’t simply to transplant practices from one culture to another, but to thoughtfully integrate patience-cultivating practices into our existing frameworks. This might mean incorporating mindfulness into education systems, redesigning urban spaces to make waiting more pleasant, or simply consciously modeling patience for younger generations. The goal should be striking a balance between the efficiency we value and the peace of mind that comes from patience.”
Phân tích:
- Structure: Introduction with caveat → Lesson 1 (mindfulness) → Lesson 2 (priorities) → Lesson 3 (practical systems) → Nuanced conclusion about application
- Vocabulary: Highly sophisticated (profoundly valuable lessons, deeply ingrained, fixating on, hurry sickness, chaotic free-for-all)
- Grammar: Full range including participle clauses, complex conditionals, abstract noun phrases
- Critical Thinking: Multiple dimensions considered, awareness of cultural context, practical application discussed, balanced and nuanced conclusion
💡 Key Language Features:
- Academic framing: “draw from”, “adapt these lessons”, “reframing”, “sustainable approach”
- Sophisticated transitions: “Perhaps the most important insight”, “Another valuable lesson”, “From a practical standpoint”, “However”
- Abstract concepts: “finding contentment in the present moment”, “hurry sickness”, “communal approach”, “striking a balance”
- Conditional và hypothetical language: “could be incredibly beneficial”, “might mean”, “should be”
Đối với những ai quan tâm đến how to describe a time you helped a stranger in IELTS Speaking, việc phát triển sự kiên nhẫn cũng rất quan trọng vì giúp đỡ người khác thường đòi hỏi thời gian và khả năng đồng cảm, những yếu tố gắn liền với phẩm chất kiên nhẫn.
Từ vựng và cụm từ quan trọng
Topic-Specific Vocabulary
| Từ vựng/Cụm từ | Loại từ | Phiên âm | Nghĩa tiếng Việt | Ví dụ | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| patience | n | /ˈpeɪʃəns/ | sự kiên nhẫn | Patience is a virtue that not everyone possesses. | exercise patience, test someone’s patience, require patience, show patience |
| impatient | adj | /ɪmˈpeɪʃənt/ | thiếu kiên nhẫn, nóng vội | I became increasingly impatient as the delay continued. | grow impatient, feel impatient, impatient with, impatient for |
| nerve-wracking | adj | /ˈnɜːv rækɪŋ/ | căng thẳng thần kinh | Waiting for exam results is always a nerve-wracking experience. | nerve-wracking experience, nerve-wracking wait, nerve-wracking situation |
| agonizing | adj | /ˈæɡənaɪzɪŋ/ | đau đớn, khó chịu | The agonizing wait seemed to last forever. | agonizing wait, agonizing delay, agonizing uncertainty |
| on edge | idiom | /ɒn edʒ/ | căng thẳng, bồn chồn | I was constantly on edge during the waiting period. | be on edge, feel on edge, keep someone on edge |
| twiddling my thumbs | idiom | /ˈtwɪdlɪŋ maɪ θʌmz/ | ngồi không, không làm gì | I spent the afternoon just twiddling my thumbs. | sit twiddling thumbs, spend time twiddling thumbs |
| kill time | phrasal verb | /kɪl taɪm/ | giết thời gian | I read a magazine to kill time while waiting. | kill time doing something, ways to kill time |
| pass the time | idiom | /pɑːs ðə taɪm/ | làm gì đó cho thời gian trôi qua | I passed the time by people-watching. | pass the time doing, pleasant way to pass the time |
| instant gratification | n | /ˈɪnstənt ˌɡrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ | sự thỏa mãn tức thì | Modern society is obsessed with instant gratification. | seek instant gratification, culture of instant gratification, delayed gratification |
| delayed gratification | n | /dɪˈleɪd ˌɡrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ | sự thỏa mãn trì hoãn | Delayed gratification is key to long-term success. | practice delayed gratification, ability for delayed gratification |
| emotional rollercoaster | n | /ɪˈməʊʃənəl ˈrəʊləˌkəʊstə/ | cảm xúc thất thường | The waiting period was an emotional rollercoaster. | on an emotional rollercoaster, emotional rollercoaster ride |
| get under my skin | idiom | /ɡet ˈʌndə maɪ skɪn/ | làm tôi khó chịu | The constant delays really got under my skin. | get under someone’s skin, let it get under your skin |
| keep someone on hold | phrasal verb | /kiːp ˈsʌmwʌn ɒn həʊld/ | giữ ai đó chờ máy | Customer service kept me on hold for twenty minutes. | be kept on hold, put someone on hold, wait on hold |
| anticipation | n | /ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃən/ | sự mong đợi, dự đoán | The anticipation was almost as exciting as the event itself. | in anticipation of, growing anticipation, sense of anticipation, anticipation builds |
| uncertainty | n | /ʌnˈsɜːtənti/ | sự không chắc chắn | The uncertainty about the outcome made me anxious. | face uncertainty, deal with uncertainty, period of uncertainty, cope with uncertainty |
| tolerance | n | /ˈtɒlərəns/ | sự chịu đựng, khả năng dung nạp | My tolerance for waiting has decreased over time. | low tolerance, high tolerance, tolerance for, build tolerance |
| resilience | n | /rɪˈzɪliəns/ | khả năng phục hồi, sức bền | Building resilience helps us cope with waiting and uncertainty. | develop resilience, emotional resilience, build resilience, show resilience |
| compulsively | adv | /kəmˈpʌlsɪvli/ | một cách ám ảnh, không kiểm soát được | I compulsively checked my email every few minutes. | compulsively check, act compulsively, behave compulsively |
| anxiety | n | /æŋˈzaɪəti/ | sự lo lắng | Waiting for important news filled me with anxiety. | cause anxiety, reduce anxiety, anxiety levels, cope with anxiety |
Idiomatic Expressions & Advanced Phrases
| Cụm từ | Nghĩa | Ví dụ sử dụng | Band điểm |
|---|---|---|---|
| on tenterhooks | rất lo lắng, căng thẳng chờ đợi | I was on tenterhooks waiting for the interview results. | 8-9 |
| the waiting game | tình trạng phải chờ đợi kiên nhẫn | Sometimes in life, you just have to play the waiting game. | 7-8 |
| at the end of my rope | hết kiên nhẫn, không chịu đựng được nữa | After three hours of delays, I was at the end of my rope. | 7.5-8.5 |
| watch the clock | liên tục xem đồng hồ (vì chờ đợi) | I spent the whole afternoon watching the clock, waiting for news. | 7-8 |
| a watched pot never boils | chờ đợi làm thời gian trôi qua chậm hơn | They say a watched pot never boils – that’s exactly how I felt. | 8-9 |
| give someone the benefit of the doubt | cho ai đó cơ hội được nghi ngờ | I gave them the benefit of the doubt when they were late. | 7.5-8.5 |
| worth the wait | đáng để chờ đợi | The final result was definitely worth the wait. | 7-8 |
| a test of patience | thử thách sự kiên nhẫn | Dealing with bureaucracy is always a test of patience. | 7-8 |
| hang in there | kiên nhẫn, bền bỉ | My friends told me to hang in there during the difficult waiting period. | 7-8 |
| sit tight | kiên nhẫn chờ đợi | All I could do was sit tight and hope for the best. | 7-8 |
| take its toll | gây ảnh hưởng xấu, tác động tiêu cực | The long wait really took its toll on my mental health. | 8-9 |
| lift a weight off one’s shoulders | giải tỏa gánh nặng | Getting the good news lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. | 7.5-8.5 |
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,… – Dùng khi đưa ra góc nhìn khác hoặc thông tin bất ngờ
- 📝 To be honest,… – Dùng khi nói thật về cảm nhận cá nhân
- 📝 I’d say that… – Dùng khi đưa ra quan điểm có phần tentative
- 📝 From my perspective,… – Dùng để nhấn mạnh đây là góc nhìn cá nhân
- 📝 In my experience,… – Dùng khi dựa vào kinh nghiệm bản thân
Để bổ sung ý:
- 📝 On top of that,… – Thêm vào đó, hơn nữa
- 📝 What’s more,… – Hơn nữa, không chỉ thế
- 📝 Not to mention… – Chưa kể đến, chưa nói đến
- 📝 Additionally,… – Thêm vào đó (formal hơn)
- 📝 Beyond that,… – Ngoài ra, hơn thế nữa
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… nhưng ta cũng cần xem xét…
- 📝 That said,… – Tuy nhiên, dù vậy
- 📝 Having said that,… – Sau khi nói điều đó, tuy nhiên
- 📝 However,… – Tuy nhiên
Để đưa ra ví dụ:
- 📝 For instance,… – Ví dụ như
- 📝 Take… for example – Lấy… làm ví dụ
- 📝 A good example of this would be… – Một ví dụ tốt cho điều này là…
- 📝 To illustrate this,… – Để minh họa điều này…
Để kết luận:
- 📝 All in all,… – Tóm lại, nhìn chung
- 📝 At the end of the day,… – Cuối cùng thì
- 📝 In conclusion,… – Kết luận là
- 📝 To sum up,… – Tóm lại
- 📝 Overall,… – Nhìn chung, tổng thể
Để thừa nhận sự phức tạp:
- 📝 It’s not black and white… – Không phải đơn giản đen trắng
- 📝 It’s more nuanced than that… – Phức tạp hơn thế
- 📝 It depends on… – Tùy thuộc vào…
- 📝 There are multiple factors at play… – Có nhiều yếu tố tác động
Grammatical Structures Ấn Tượng
1. Conditional Sentences (Câu điều kiện):
Mixed conditional:
- Formula: If + past perfect, would + infinitive (mixing time frames)
- Ví dụ: “If I had known the wait would be so long, I would bring a book now.” (Nếu tôi biết việc chờ đợi sẽ lâu như vậy, bây giờ tôi sẽ mang theo sách.)
Inversion for emphasis:
- Formula: Had/Were/Should + subject + verb
- Ví dụ: “Had I known about the delay, I would have made different arrangements.” (Nếu tôi biết về sự chậm trễ, tôi đã sắp xếp khác.)
2. Relative Clauses (Mệnh đề quan hệ):
Non-defining relative clauses:
- Formula: , which/who/where + clause,
- Ví dụ: “The waiting room, which was cramped and uncomfortable, made the experience even worse.” (Phòng chờ, vốn chật chội và không thoải mái, khiến trải nghiệm còn tệ hơn.)
Reduced relative clauses:
- Ví dụ: “People waiting in line often use their phones.” (Người chờ đợi trong hàng thường dùng điện thoại.)
3. Passive Voice (Câu bị động):
Impersonal passive:
- It is thought/believed/said that…
- Ví dụ: “It is believed that patience is a learnable skill.” (Người ta tin rằng kiên nhẫn là một kỹ năng có thể học được.)
Passive with reporting verbs:
- Ví dụ: “The results were expected to arrive within a week.” (Kết quả được kỳ vọng sẽ đến trong vòng một tuần.)
4. Cleft Sentences (Câu chẻ):
What-cleft:
- Formula: What + clause + is/was…
- Ví dụ: “What I find most frustrating about waiting is the uncertainty.” (Điều tôi thấy khó chịu nhất về việc chờ đợi là sự không chắc chắn.)
It-cleft:
- Formula: It + is/was + focus + that/who…
- Ví dụ: “It was the uncertainty that bothered me most, not the duration.” (Chính sự không chắc chắn làm tôi phiền nhất, không phải thời lượng.)
5. Participle Clauses:
Present participle:
- Ví dụ: “Waiting for the results, I couldn’t focus on anything else.” (Đang chờ kết quả, tôi không thể tập trung vào bất cứ điều gì khác.)
Past participle:
- Ví dụ: “Exhausted by the long wait, I decided to go home.” (Kiệt sức vì chờ đợi lâu, tôi quyết định về nhà.)
6. Inversion for Emphasis:
- Ví dụ: “Never before had I experienced such a long wait.” (Chưa bao giờ tôi trải qua một cuộc chờ đợi dài như vậy.)
- Ví dụ: “Only after the results came did I realize how stressed I had been.” (Chỉ sau khi kết quả đến tôi mới nhận ra mình đã căng thẳng như thế nào.)
Một ví dụ chi tiết về cách kiên nhẫn chờ đợi một cơ hội quan trọng có thể liên quan đến describe a time when you were very curious about something, bởi sự tò mò thường đòi hỏi sự kiên trì và kiên nhẫn để tìm kiếm câu trả lời.
Bảng từ vựng quan trọng về chủ đề chờ đợi và kiên nhẫn cho IELTS Speaking
Chiến Lược Tổng Thể Để Đạt Band Cao
Để kết thúc bài viết này, tôi muốn chia sẻ một số chiến lược tổng thể từ góc nhìn của một Examiner để giúp bạn đạt band điểm cao trong IELTS Speaking, đặc biệt với chủ đề “waiting”:
1. Personalize Your Answers (Cá nhân hóa câu trả lời)
Đừng đưa ra những câu trả lời generic mà bất kỳ ai cũng có thể nói. Thêm chi tiết cụ thể từ trải nghiệm của chính bạn. Thay vì nói “I felt nervous”, hãy nói “My palms were sweaty and I kept refreshing my email every few minutes.” Những chi tiết này làm câu trả lời của bạn authentic và memorable.
2. Show Range and Flexibility
Examiner đang tìm kiếm variety trong vocabulary và grammar. Không nên lặp lại cùng một từ hoặc cấu trúc. Nếu bạn đã dùng “patient” một lần, lần sau hãy dùng “tolerant of delays” hoặc “able to wait calmly”. Điều này cho thấy bạn có rich lexical resource.
3. Develop Your Ideas Fully
Đặc biệt trong Part 3, đừng chỉ trả lời “Yes” hoặc “No”. Hãy explain why, give reasons, và provide examples. Một câu trả lời tốt có structure:
- Direct answer
- Reason 1 + example
- Reason 2 + example
- Conclusion/Balanced view
4. Use Natural Spoken English
IELTS Speaking không phải là essay. Đừng cố nói như một textbook. Sử dụng contractions (I’m, don’t, it’s), discourse markers (Well, Actually, You know), và fillers một cách tự nhiên (though not excessively). Điều này làm speech của bạn nghe natural và fluent.
5. Practice Active Listening
Nghe kỹ câu hỏi của examiner. Đừng chỉ nghe keyword rồi đưa ra prepared answer. Trả lời chính xác những gì được hỏi. Nếu câu hỏi là “How has technology changed…”, đừng chỉ mô tả technology mà phải nói về the change.
6. Manage Your Time in Part 2
Trong Part 2, hãy allocate time hợp lý:
- Bullet point 1-2: 30-40 giây
- Bullet point 3: 30-40 giây
- “Explain” part: 60-80 giây
Phần “explain” là quan trọng nhất nên đừng rush qua nó.
7. Show Critical Thinking in Part 3
Examiner muốn thấy bạn có thể analyze, evaluate, và synthesize ideas. Đừng chỉ agree hoặc disagree đơn giản. Hãy:
- Acknowledge complexity: “It’s not straightforward because…”
- Consider different perspectives: “On one hand… on the other hand…”
- Qualify your statements: “To some extent…”, “It depends on…”
8. Work on Pronunciation Features
Beyond individual sounds, focus on:
- Sentence stress: Emphasize content words
- Intonation: Use rising và falling tones appropriately
- Linking: Connect words smoothly
- Rhythm: Natural pace với appropriate pausing
9. Build Topic-Specific Vocabulary
Cho mỗi common topic (như waiting, patience), prepare:
- 10-15 topic-specific words
- 5-7 idiomatic expressions
- 3-4 advanced phrases
- Collocations that go với những từ này
10. Record and Reflect
Record yourself practicing. Listen back và identify:
- Repetitive vocabulary
- Grammar errors
- Awkward pauses
- Areas where you rushed
Self-reflection là một trong những most effective ways to improve.
Lỗi Phổ Biến Của Học Viên Việt Nam
Với kinh nghiệm chấm thi, tôi nhận thấy học viên Việt Nam thường mắc những lỗi sau:
1. Over-reliance on Memorized Answers
Nhiều học viên học thuộc câu trả lời và cố deliver chúng word-for-word. Điều này rất obvious với examiner và sẽ bị penalized. Hãy học ideas và vocabulary, không phải whole sentences.
2. Translating Directly from Vietnamese
Tránh dịch trực tiếp từ tiếng Việt sang tiếng Anh. Ví dụ, “I feel comfortable” không phải lúc nào cũng equivalent với “tôi cảm thấy thoải mái” trong mọi context.
3. Using Overly Complex Vocabulary Incorrectly
Đừng cố nhồi nhét từ vựng khó nếu bạn không chắc cách dùng. Một từ simple được dùng correctly tốt hơn một từ sophisticated được dùng inappropriately.
4. Speaking Too Fast
Lo lắng làm nhiều học viên nói quá nhanh, dẫn đến unclear pronunciation và grammar errors. Slow down, breathe, và speak at a natural pace.
5. Giving Short Answers in Part 1 and 3
Part 1 và 3 cần extended answers (2-4 câu). Một câu là không đủ. Always explain, give reasons, hoặc add examples.
6. Neglecting the “Explain” Bullet in Part 2
Đây là phần most important nhưng nhiều học viên chỉ dành 20-30 giây cho nó. Allocate ít nhất 1 phút để explain feelings và reasons.
7. Using “Very” Too Much
“Very” là một weak intensifier. Thay vì “very happy”, dùng “thrilled”, “delighted”, hoặc “over the moon”. Thay vì “very tired”, dùng “exhausted” hoặc “drained”.
Lời Khuyên Cuối Cùng
IELTS Speaking không phải là về việc perfect English. Ngay cả native speakers cũng make mistakes và hesitate. Điều quan trọng là bạn có thể communicate effectively, express complex ideas, và engage in meaningful conversation.
Đối với chủ đề “waiting,” remember rằng examiner muốn nghe về your personal experience và your thoughts. Đừng tạo ra elaborate stories. Hãy be honest, be specific, và be natural.
Practice regularly, nhưng đừng just practice speaking. Practice thinking in English, practice organizing your thoughts quickly, và practice expressing uncertainty và nuance. Đây là những skills sẽ serve you well không chỉ trong IELTS mà trong real-life English communication.
Good luck với IELTS Speaking preparation của bạn! Remember, patience – the very topic we’ve discussed – is also key to your success in learning. Every practice session, every mistake corrected, every new word learned is a step forward. Worth the wait, as they say!
